18 Ways to Get Your Old Man Outside (and Loving It) on Father’s Day

Sierra’s guide to gifting dads

By Katie O'Reilly

June 14, 2018

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Photo by RossellaApostoli/iStock

Perhaps your dad’s a burly outdoorsman who scales cliffs and knows how to build a fire in a heartbeat. Or maybe he’s a sedentary indoor cat, and you’re hoping to turn him on to the wonders and benefits of the great outdoors. Whatever the case, these 18 items will get your old man psyched to get out there to explore and enjoy the planet you both call home—on Father’s Day and beyond.

Parks Project offers many a fun, budget-friendly way to remind outdoorsy dads of their favorite natural places. In addition to a range of vintage-influenced outdoor apparel, they’ve got beautifully designed National Parks Playing Cards ($14). So on his next adventure, Dad can toss 'em into his pack and enjoy a post-sunset game of hearts or go fish. Even better, every purchase helps fund vital NPS projects.

Take a cue from the Scandinavians and embrace the convenience of an all-around knife that doubles as a fire starter. The Morakniv Kansbol ($40) comes with a stainless-steel blade that’s been profile-ground for increased precision. This knife’s symmetrical handle offers exceptional grip for both righties and lefties and, if you spring for the accompanying Multi-Mount sheath ($20), Dad will be able to safely store the knife while hiking, hunting, and camping—and then detach it in seconds.

Up your old man’s style game with the gift of a comfortable, classy, cotton/linen blend. Ideal for an urban bike ride, beach trip, or some post-adventure relaxation, the Palmer shirt ($64) from Dakota Grizzly offers casual sophistication, minimalism, and most importantly, comfort.

What’s a gift fit for absolutely anyone on just about any type of adventure? A cozy lightweight blanket made from recycled wool, of course! Faribault’s new Wool Utility Blanket ($110) is durable, soft, breathable, odor-resistant, and machine-washable. It comes in five earthy colors and will keep your favorite dad cool when it’s warm and toasty when it’s cold.

For the father who’s more into experiences than material items—as well as the one who enjoys the great outdoors all the more when it comes with creature comforts—look no further than a gift card from Glamping Hub, a.k.a. the Airbnb of yurt- and treehouse-seeking campers. He’ll be able to choose from a range of one-of-a-kind experiences and book them easily. (Or, you could always book your own glamp-tastic experience and surprise Dad on Father’s Day by inviting him along!)

Every year, an estimated 640,000 tons of discarded fishing nets and gear pollute our oceans. Enter “The Ahi,” ($195), Bureo’s 27-inch cruiser skateboard made from fishing nets upcycled from the shores of Chile. Designed in collaboration with the longtime skaters behind Carver Skateboards, the Ahi allows cool dads to pump the board like a surfboard—and to get around town sans emissions.

Does your dad dig whimsy and marine life? Good news: San Diego shades-makers Knockaround partnered with the Discovery Channel to unveil 2018’s official Shark Week sunglasses ($35). This year marks the 30th anniversary of Discovery’s week-long programming block dedicated to education around the mysterious and often misunderstood marine animals—and a portion of proceeds from these limited-edition shades benefit Oceana’s science-based ocean research. The jaunty specs feature translucent blue frames with great-white jaw graphics, silver hardware, and polarized red lenses. Every pair comes with a shark-tooth microfiber protective pouch and packaging commemorating Shark Week’s big anniversary. Suffice to say, Dad will be all set for the event’s July 22nd kickoff!

Keep adventurous dads’ personal info and cash safe by giving the gift of the Eagle Creek RFID protection wallets ($25). This thin, lightweight, waterproof piece won’t take up extra room and fits into pockets comfortably and discreetly.

 

 

Seeking a gift that’ll convince Dad to tag along on your next adventure? Eddie Bauer’s very economical new Adventurer Trail Pack ($90) holds 30 liters’ worth of gear and is made from durable nylon ripstop. Its back panel cushions will cushion Dad’s load while keeping him cool, and this pack’s extended mesh pocket will handily stash water and shells while he’s on the move.

The father who’s already a seasoned backpacker could always use a boot upgrade. The nimble new Saga GTX ($229) from Vasque was developed to facilitate fast-moving treks across challenging terrain. Featuring proprietary outsoles for unrivaled traction (even on wet trails), a durable mesh upper for lightweight support, and breathable toe and heel counters for bonus protection and comfort, these boots are equipped to take Dad on safe, comfortable long-haul adventures.

Show an outdoor-loving dad just how much you love him with the gift of stylish UV protection for his noggin, face, and neck. More than a sturdy straw hat, the Panama Hat Quick Shade ($40) from Seirus comes equipped with a built-in bandanna with UPF 25. It’s breathable and quick-drying, with a classic adventure aesthetic that’ll beg Dad to take it out exploring.

And now, to shield the rest of your old man from UV rays, look no further than the long-sleeved Sun Defense Shirt ($49) from Waxhead. These breathable, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial shirts offer UPF 30 protection, and comfy lightweight coverage for a full day out in the sunshine. What’s more, each is made from eight upcycled plastic bottles and 100 percent recycled fabric.

While you’re at it, you’ll also want to keep Dad safe from tick-borne illnesses—the fastest-growing cause of bacterial infections in the United States. Fortunately, this suave Bug Barrier Expedition shirt ($90) from Royal Robbins is made from EPA-approved, odorless insect-repelling fabric and also keeps wearers safe from UV rays. The quick-drying adventure staple comes in three colors and features some temperature-regulating mesh, too.

Even the father who has it all is bound to make a good companion out of United by Blue’s Swim in the Sea Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($38). He can fill it up for up to 12 hours of temperature-preserving power, care of double-insulated walls and a vacuum-sealed lid. With an easy-to-clip paracord handle, this 32-ounce plastic-pollution reducer is ideal for epic adventures, and design-conscious pops will appreciate its exclusive hand-drawn graphic, too.

Green Guru’s Hauler Bike Saddle Bag ($100) will get the father who loves his bike wherever he needs to go, along with everything he needs for the day. Cutting out the need for a rack, this multicolor bag, made with unique, upcycled materials (so no two are alike!) connects directly below the seat and even doubles as a messenger bag upon arrival. It’s available through EarthHero, an online consortium of curated, ecofriendly products.

There’s nothing quite like the gift of 30 cold beverages ready to go camping, boating, and al fresco relaxing. Mountain Khaki’s waterproof Compass Backpack Cooler Tote ($150) makes it easy and even fashionable to get drinks from point A to point B. This cooler comes with comfy straps, a drop-in liner, and a bottle opener lanyard. Your dad’s in for a quality summer.

Does your father love car camping? Has he been an exceptionally good papa this year? Consider splurging on a cool new rooftop tent from the innovators behind Roofnest. These sleek, fiberglass hardshell shells are designed to be mounted atop almost any type of vehicle roof-rack. The Sparrow ($2,295) comes equipped with a full-size foam mattress and has enough space to store bedding. Once Dad gets to wherever he wants to camp, he can simply undo the front and rear straps, give a push, and voila—the tent eases up to full extension in less than a minute. At which point Dad can savor comfortable slumber atop his ride (where he’ll be closer than ever to starry night skies).

If the Great Barrier Reef tops your dad’s bucket list, read on. Coral Expeditions runs environmentally sensitive cruises into largely unseen swaths of the GBR and offers passengers exclusive access to private dive sites. The 10-day cruise experiences (which start around $2,500) include guest lectures from scientists and naturalists—so Dad can learn firsthand about environmental threats facing the Reef—and day expeditions into the pristine wilds down under. Australia’s longest established expedition cruise operator, Coral Expeditions is launching a new ship this year, making it more convenient than ever to get adventurous dads to The Kimberley, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea, and of course, the GBR.