Newsflash, offspring of America: Father’s Day is once again rapidly approaching, and if you don’t have anything for the big man, you’re going to need to figure it out fast! The good news is that we’re here to offer some quality assistance. First-hand experience tells us that it can be slightly intimidating trying to find the right outdoor gear for the Dad that already has everything. But there’s no need to get overwhelmed.
After putting an array of gear through the paces ourselves, we’ve got a list of gear and gadgets to adorn almost any dad that revels in the outdoor lifestyle. We’re excited to let you know that this is one of our most extensive gear guides to date! Act quickly and everything on this list can arrive at his door ahead of Father’s Day. Here’s hoping you can be there to watch him unwrap it in person.
Go Adventure
Oftentimes the best gift we have to offer is quality time with loved ones. Our increasing reliance on technology, combined with a global trend toward urban living, means many of us are spending ever less time outdoors and less time being intentional in our interactions with others. As such, spending time in nature may be the best Father’s Day gift for outdoorsy dads. From a stroll through a city park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. But none of that is better than making new memories on the trail with your father.
STANLEY Barware
Just because Dad is hitting the trail or his favorite mountain hideaway, doesn’t mean he can’t partake in a few fancy libations. After all, quality time outdoors deserves to be celebrated! And what better way to celebrate an iconic father than with one of America’s most iconic brands?
Over 100 years ago inventor William Stanley Jr. forever changed the game when he fused vacuum insulation and the strength of steel in one portable bottle. In the century since, his vacuum bottle evolved from concept to icon and has become an essential part of workdays, road trips, and outdoor adventures. The Barware line-up from STANLEY follows in that impressive lineage. It’s not only handsomely rugged like your dad, but it is also the ultimate option for serving up cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine. Whether it’s a shot of whiskey in the Lifted Spirits Prismatic Rocks Glass, a bottle of Sonoma Red in the Wine Tumbler, or just an ice-cold beer from the Easy-Pour Growler or Classic Stay Chill Beer Pitcher Set, there’s no shortage of options.
stanley1913.com/collections/barware
Wyoming Whiskey
A nice bottle of whiskey is a classic Father’s Day gift for good reason. Every bottle of bourbon tells a story, a story of ingredients, of process, of time, of land. Well-chosen, a bottle of whiskey speaks to a dad’s taste, style, grit, and sophistication. If you’re searching for the perfect Father’s Day whiskey, turn to the brand that has made whiskey a family affair.
Established in 2006 in the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming Whiskey is Wyoming’s first super-premium bourbon whiskey, utilizing the best ingredients the state has to offer. Wyoming Whiskey offers several exceptional choices, however, our crew recommends impressing Dad with one of the following two bottles. Earning a Double Gold at the National Spirits Competition, Single Barrel is a gentle giant that features a long dry finish with lingering impressions of butter crème, candied orange peel, and dark dried fruit. If Dad leans more toward the Rye side grab a bottle of Outdryer Whiskey. This Straight American Whiskey beautifully blends two distinct mash bill — an almost Rye Whiskey and a High Rye Bourbon — providing an easy drinking option that represents Wyoming Whiskey’s first use of Rye.
wyomingwhiskey.com
Wolff Ursa Series E-Bike
No segment of bicycles is growing faster than electric bikes. Designs keep improving, tech is becoming more reliable, and capabilities are expanding. From city streets to country roads, these electric-powered bicycles are making a huge impact on the way we commute, exercise, and connect with the world around us; and they might just be the perfect gift for Dad.
Whether your Dad is dedicated to clean, zero-emission transportation or just wants a little leisure riding time, the Ursa from Wolf e-bikes is the gift of legends. Why? First and foremost, Wolff e-bikes won’t require you to break the bank just to get all the performance and comfort you’re looking for. But at the end of the day, this hi-tech version of the old-school cruiser is the epitome of laid-back easy riding. Five levels of assistance and a powerful 48V, 500W rear-drive Bafang motor paired with a relaxed frame geometry make for a perfectly powered ride. Plus with three models to choose from (Ursa, Ursa Major, Ursa ST) rest assured you’ll find Dad’s ideal fit ready to provide a versatile, affordable, and highly capable ride.
wolffebikes.com/e-bikes/
Klymit Cross Canyon 6-Person Tent
As king of the castle, good ol’ Dad deserves a palatial palace for his outdoor pursuits. Towards those ends, a spacious family tent with a comfortable interior living space should be at the top of the gift-giving list. While there is no shortage of family tent options on the market, there are an array of reasons we suggest the Cross Canyon series.
First, there are very few tents that offer this mix of space, storage, and value. Moreover, the smark kids at Klymit designed this tent with a rectangular freestanding design that allows for multiple sleeping configurations. Two large doors make entry and exit easy, and the overall design offers plenty of airflow to prevent that stuffy feeling that comes along with too many grandkids in one room. Loads of headspace ensure comfort when hanging out inside the shelter, and the durable design will keep Dad safe from rough weather, too. Equipped with internal organization, this portable home gives everything its place to increase the ease of family camp trips. Thining that a six-person tent is too big? Fear not, the Cross Canyon is also available in 2, 3, and 4-person designs.
klymit.com; MSRP $209.99 to $499
Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet
Once upon a time, every kitchen in America had an American-made cast iron pan. These days, most cast iron pans are imported from China where the metal was developed in the 5th Century. But thankfully, Stargazer is changing the cast-iron paradigm and ensuring premium American-made cast-iron pans are back in vogue. After years of designing products for other companies, professional kitchenware designer, Peter Huntley became disenchanted by the lack of quality and accountability present in modern goods manufactured overseas. And in 2015 Stargazer was born.
The beauty of a good cast-iron skillet is that it can do everything from sear steaks to bake cornbread, and when treated properly, they will last long enough to become heirlooms. Stargazer has managed to take the beauty of the cast-iron experience and reflect it in the design and performance of their 10.5″ and 12″ skillets. Each skillet undergoes a proprietary two-step surface finish treatment that yields a smooth, micro-textured cooking surface that easily releases food but holds onto seasoning and will develop a more mature, durable coating over time as you use it. Of course, because it’s cast-iron you’ll never have to worry about toxic chemicals leeching into your food. It’s one of the best cast-iron pans we’ve ever used, and a premium piece of equipment that will immediately upgrade Dad’s cooking experience.
stargazercastiron.com $115 to $180
High Society SUP
Stand-up paddle boarding has fully established itself as one of the most popular outdoor activities in the 21st century. Part of its appeal is the basic ideal blend of a physical workout with plenty of laidback relaxation. The sport’s low barriers to entry make it the fastest way to experience the joy of riding a wave, or the tranquility of paddling toward the sunset on an alpine lake. If Dad’s attempts to access the world of stand-up paddle boarding have been thwarted by excessive costs and daunting storage issues, then grab him a High Society SUP.
Building some of the industry’s most durable and versatile paddle boards has made High Society a go-to name in the industry. With multiple models available to match the size and ability of any rider, there’s a reason several of these boards are in our own garage. Not only does High Society provide an exceptional ride, but each board also comes with free shipping, a 30-day guarantee, and a 3-year limited warranty.
www.highsocietyfreeride.com
CRKT Bugsy Fixed
It’s a dad’s modus operandi to be steadfast, prepared, and reliable. So this year why not gift him a trustworthy addition to his EDC collection that’s as dependable and true as him. As long-time readers know, we’ve been carrying various CRKT knives for years and remain consistently in awe of the company’s diverse array of offerings and dedication to innovation. The CRKT Bugsy is no exception to that rule. The first CRKT blade from custom knifemaker and survivalist Kaila Cumings, the Bugsy Fixed is a premium compact fixed-blade ready and willing to respond to the different needs of any outdoor enthusiast.
This Goldilocks-sized knife features impressive ergonomics and a serious bite. Measuring in at 7.44” the Bugsy Fixed is small enough for everyday carry while substantial enough to tackle bigger tasks. Bolstered by tough 1095 carbon steel, the Bugsy offers impressive edge retention ensuring this workhorse won’t give out when the going gets tough. An ergonomic handle will rest easy in Dad’s hand day in and day out. Not only is this gem made in the USA, but it comes with a full-grained leather sheath. Choose either a stonewash plain-edge blade, Micarta handle, with a leather sheath; or a black Cerakote-coated blade with Veff Serrations™, matching black G10 handle, and Kydex sheath.
CRKT.com; MSRP $200.00
Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel
Over the years, we’ve reviewed A LOT of duffel bags. From Anaheim to Tahoe, from Boise to Peru, we’ve put thousands of miles on nearly every duffel you can find on the shelves of your local outdoor retailer. What we can tell you is that without question the Migrate Duffels from Eagle Creek are virtually unmatched in terms of durability, versatility, and environmentally friendly design. It’s why they were a no-brainer for our Editor’s Choice Award.
Here’s why you should consider the Migrate Duffel for this Father’s Day. Spacious, flexible, and adaptable, the ever-versatile duffel lets Dad easily pack all of his travel, climbing, hiking, or adventure gear. Whether he’s a dedicated enviro-explorer or just a dad who has higher expectations for his luggage, the Migrate Duffel will impress him for the long haul. Made from 100% recycled materials the Migrate Duffels come in three size options (40, 60, 90) to fit any size adventure. Tuck-away backpack straps coupled with tote and haul handles add levels of versatility you didn’t even know you needed! Did we mention it’s covered by Eagle Creek’s No Matter What Warranty?
eaglecreek.com; MSRP $79.95 – $109.95
HydraPak RECON Series Outdoor Bottles
While we’re on the topic of environmentally friendly gift ideas, allow us to introduce you to the HydraPak Recon Bottle. Engineered for both outdoor and everyday adventures, the collection features 50% certified recycled content (the equivalent of 9x single-use bottles) in both the cap and bottle. Vividly clear, and virtually indestructible, the RECON bottles are topped with a new patented twist cap that provides the perfect flow rate for a glasslike drinking experience. Designed to slide easily in and out of backpacks the RECON features an indented flat finger groove for a better grip. 100% BPA, BPS, and BPF free with no residual taste, these bottles will keep your Dad’s eco-friendly heart happy and hydrated. Available in three convenient sizes 32oz, 25oz, and 17oz sizes.
hydrapak.com; MSRP $18, $17, $16 respectively
Cobra SC 400D
If Dad’s ride doesn’t already have a second set of eyes, then the Cobra SC 400D is the only way to go. Consider this the ideal option for the techie-loving dad on the go. Whether on the road or parked, making a cross-country drive, or just chauffeuring kids to never-ending practices – he’ll be covered from all angles in all situations. While most of the major reasons to own a dashcam are related to providing peace of mind, there are fun aspects to installing one as well. Think of all the fun you’ve had with your father on those long drives — the road trips, the early morning sunrises, the mountain vistas. You’ll be surprised at just how much nostalgic footage you capture between points A and B.
The Cobra SC 400D features stunning, easily-sharable 4K UHD resolution, Alexa built-in, heads-up navigation, and live police alerts. Bundle it with the Cabin-View Accessory Cam for a Full HD (1080P) view of the cabin interior.
Cobra.com; $399 and $455.92 respectively.
Hillsound BTR Stool
Listen, Mother Nature is great about offering up stumps, logs, and rocks as seating options… but doesn’t Dad deserve Better Than a Rock? Whether it’s high mileage days on the trail or just the need for a comfortable sit while fishing on the riverbank, the Hillsound BTR Stool is a great gift option for the outdoorsy Dad. Designed to set up in less than ten seconds, the ultralight materials and packable design make BTR the definition of convenience for on-the-go adventure seating. Whether you choose the 14” or 17” option, pops will get a comfy perch that packs small and weighs only 12 and 14oz respectively.
Hillsound.com; MSRP $84.95 and $89.95
Dave Canterbury Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
Before going outdoors, it’s important to know the basics. This thorough guide not only gives advice on getting along outdoors but truly reconnecting with the great outdoors. Written by survival expert Dave Canterbury, this New York Times best-seller offers important survival skills to help Dad craft resources from his surroundings and truly experience the beauty and thrill of the wilderness. Give it as a stand-alone, or pair it with some of that Wyoming Whiskey for a quality twofer.
Amazon.com; MSRP $12
HydroFlask 20L Day Escape Pack
Years of wandering long trails to secret secluded spots has taught us one thing: A quality soft-sided cooler is a virtual necessity. Why? Soft coolers offer portability and versatility that traditional hard-sided coolers can’t match. With the Day Escape 20L Pack, the good people at Hydro Flask have ensured that Dad will have the perfect cooler for day hikes, beach days, or whatever adventure is at hand.
Watertight zipper and welded seams ensure leakproof transport through slot canyons or rogue waves at the beach. Padded mesh back panel and padded shoulder straps ensure comfortable hands-free transport no matter how rough the trail. Best part? This adventure gem keeps things cold for 36 hours, and holds 36 cans without ice. What Dad wouldn’t love that?!
hydroflask.com; MSRP $149.96
Altra Lone Peak 7 Trail Runner
We’ve been in love with the Lone Peak since we first reviewed the shoe back in 2013. A lot has changed since then, but the mountain-munching soul of this shoe remains the same. Ten years since its introduction the Lone Peak now stands out as an iconic trail runner with a lightweight upper, MaxTrac™ outsole, and EGO™ midsole. One of Altra’s best sellers, these trail kicks are now equipped with a seamless, stitch-less upper that’s lightweight and durable. Whether Dad is a dedicated trail runner or just enjoys a more natural approach to trail life, the Lone Peak 7 will keep his feet happy for many miles to come.
altrarunning.com; MSRP $150