14 Father's Day Gifts That'll Get Pops Outside
Happy alfresco fathers season
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Courtesy of BioLite
If your dad is like many Sierra readers, he’d prefer to spend his big day—and perhaps every day—outdoors. Or maybe you’d like to give him more reasons to soak up some vitamin D. Whether your old man’s an intrepid outdoorsman or more of an indoor cat, the following ecofriendly presents will get the father figure(s) in your life psyched to get out and enjoy the planet you both call home.
This year, Mountain Hardwear relaunched its lineup of iconic tents, sans any toxic fire-retardant chemicals—the likes of which have long been standard in tent fabric, thanks to a range of former state laws. So if he likes camping and hates toxics, your dad will dig the company’s new Aspect 2 tent ($430). This sub-three-pound shelter is made from nylon ripstop and packable poles and provides ample space for you, your pops, and everyone’s gear. Plus, you can both breathe easy.
Traditional sleeping bags aren’t always the most natural bedfellows for aging backs and hips. The new Zenbivy Light Bed (from $159) offers an innovative, ultra-lightweight sleep solution. Based on Dad’s needs and preferences, you can choose a quilt, sheet, pillow, and mattress, and custom-assemble the ideal Light Bed. All components are zipperless and designed to regulate temperature and accommodate every sleep position, offering the utmost in versatility and comfort.
Is your old man a pretty chill guy? Consider knocking his socks off by splurging on the gift of the GoSun Chill ($579), a.k.a. the first fully functional solar-powered cooler. Drawing energy from UV rays, this 27-pound cooler is powered by an accompanying portable solar panel (though rechargeable lithium batteries also do the trick) and thus requires zero ice. It’s also got built-in wheels and a pull-out handle. Help Dad say hello to Father’s Day and a hearty sayonara to big plastic bags of ice.
The knife-makers behind Helle have been handcrafting functional works of art out of birch wood, antler, and leather since 1937. Burly papa-bear types are bound to treasure the gift of the Helle Arv ($170)—that’s the Norwegian word for heritage—a beautiful knife that’s worthy of being passed down through generations. It boasts a blade made from triple-laminated stainless steel and a contoured wooden handle to facilitate detailed carving and also comes with a stylish Nordic sheath.
Got a literary fisherman for a parent? Don’t miss Gather at the River ($17), a new Hub City Press anthology. More than fishing stories, it’s a compendium of thoughtful writing from eclectic essayists about family, friendship, love, and loss. Think Ron Rash getting candid about the Appalachia of his youth, Jill McCorkle waxing philosophical about growing up in North Carolina’s Holden Beach, and C.J. Box revealing the river where he wants his ashes spread. It’s a big, meaty catch that’ll tide Dad over long after fishing season wraps.
Fact: Fathers just love fishy presents. Enter KAVU’s loose-fit, quick-drying Big Eddy Shorts ($60). They feature a dazzling array of Pacific Ocean creatures, plus an elastic waist, nylon webbing, mesh pocket bags (with an internal wallet-stash place)—making them a jaunty addition to Dad’s biking, canoeing, hiking, and of course fishing outfits.
A forbidden fiber in the US since 1970, hemp was finally legalized for commercial purposes with the passage of last year’s farm bill. This non-resource-intensive crop can be turned into airy, durable, and sustainable fabric; hence, Patagonia’s new Hemp Collection, featuring tees, shorts, and lightweight bottoms made from hemp and organic cotton. Dad will look casual-sharp and feel comfy-cozy in the breezy Trail Harbor Pocket Tee ($59), available in a range of stripes and solids.
The brand that’s known for cool puffy camp blankets cares about your father’s beer too. Keep his suds (or La Croix) cold all summer long with the budget-friendly gift of the Rumpl Beer Blanket ($8). This handy beverage insulator comes in eight festive colors and compresses down to the size of a walnut for treks into nature.
Did you know shoes could be zero-emission? Last February, Sweden’s Icebug became the first outdoor footwear company to successfully implement the UN’s Climate Neutral Now initiative, which involves measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the manufacturing process and compensating for remaining emissions with UN-certified emission offsets (CERs). No, buying Icebugs won’t save the planet, but if Dad’s in the market for a clean, green running/hiking shoe, he’ll dig the Rover MBUGrip GTX ($160), which sports grippy outsoles, a roomy toe box, and waterproof Gore-Tex exterior.
You’ll want to keep Dad good and watered when he’s out running or hiking. Luckily, Nathan Sports just launched the VaporAir 2.0 hydration pack ($150). He’ll hardly notice he’s got seven liters’ worth of storage on him, thanks to this vest’s adjustable sizing system, which makes it easy to self-tailor for the perfect fit.
Does your hike-happy father deserve to take a load off? The Chair Zero ($120) from Helinox is a long-distance trekker’s throne. Weighing only one pound, it packs up smaller than a water bottle, offers easy setup, and comes in gray, sand, and black.
If your dad is a pragmatic outdoorsman, he’ll love the gift of the rechargeable, lightweight BioLite HeadLamp 330 ($50), available in four colors. Its uniquely slim front profile keeps this headlamp comfortably situated (no bouncing) on even the sweatiest of foreheads, and its moisture-wicking fabric will keep Dad cool and dry.
Water-excursion season is upon us. If your father’s a fisher or paddler, he’ll surely appreciate the bonafides of SealLine’s new SkyLake Dry Daypack ($100). It’ll carry and protect his essentials, and when not in use, the bag can be easily rolled and stowed. Plus, it’s got a roll-top design closure, front mesh pocket for easy access, and removable shoulder straps.
OK, so this is more of an indoor/outdoor gift, in that it would be perfect for a gazebo near a well-trafficked bird feeder. For the bird-loving father, Audubon has beautiful cork-backed ceramic coasters ($20 for four). Between sips of coffee or spirits, your dad can appreciate original bird art from John James Audubon. Plus, he’ll like that your purchase supported the National Audubon Society’s conservation work.