15 Father's Day gifts for the outdoorsy dad that are sure to stoke his adventurous side

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail
july7th / iStock

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  • With Father's Day fast approaching, we've got you covered with a selection of thoughtful and useful outdoor gear that'll make any dad swoon. 
  • Whether they're into day hiking, getting out on the water, biking around town, or exploring the backcountry, we've included something for every kind of outdoor-savvy dad.
  • Check out our other Father's Day guides for more gift inspiration.

Father's Day is nearly here, meaning it's time to launch our annual search for the perfect gift. If your dad just so happens to be the outdoorsy type, we can help you find something he'll truly appreciate this year. 

From hiking and camping to fishing and traveling, we have a few suggestions that are sure to make him extremely happy, while scoring you some serious points with dear old dad in the process. We've rounded up gear from brands like Duer, Orvis, BioLite, and so many others, to make sure you find the absolute best. 

For more gift ideas, check out our round-up of the best gifts for new dads, as well as our guide on what to get him if he's not dropped any hints. And for the tech-savvy dad, take a look at our favorite tech gifts, some budget picks under $100, and the best gifts for those just getting into tech. Maybe he's into subscription boxes? We have a few suggestions on those, too. 

Here are the best outdoor gear gifts for Father's Day:

Duer Performance Denim Jeans

duer performance jeans
REI

Buy the Duer Performance Denim Jeans, available at Backcountry, $96.71

Not your typical blue jeans, the Performance Denim line from Duer were designed specifically with hikers, climbers, and active travelers in mind. These jeans offer a surprising amount of stretch, making them far easier to move in as compared to traditional denim. 

They're also more breathable and durable, with antimicrobial properties that help minimize odor. Available in slim and relaxed cuts, these are likely to be your dad's favorite pair of blue jeans he's ever owned.

Danner Skyridge Hiking Shoe

danner skyridge
Amazon

Buy the Danner Skyridge hiking shoe, available at Amazon, $159.95

Built for adventures both on and off the trail, the Danner Skyridge is a light hiking shoe that's comfortable and supportive. Designed to fit more like a trail runner than a boot, the Skyridge is completely waterproof, highly breathable, and extremely stable, even on rough terrain. 

It also happens to look great, allowing dad to transition from the backcountry to a night out with friends without missing a beat.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Cushion Hiking Socks

darn tough hiking socks
REI

Buy the Darn Tough Light Hiker Cushion hiking socks, available at Backcountry, $15.71

Forget the old adage that buying socks for dad on Father's Day is a bad idea — at least when those socks are from Darn Tough. The company's Light Hiker model is made for outdoor adventures, keeping your dad's feet cool, dry, and comfortable no matter where he wanders.

Osprey Archon 25 Daypack

osprey archon 25 pack
REI

Buy the Osprey Archon 25 Backpack, available at Backcountry, $159.95

Made from recycled materials, the Osprey Archon 25 daypack is both stylish and functional. With its roll-top closure and clean lines, this is a pack that's just as useful on your dad's daily commute as it is accompanying him on the trail. 

With plenty of pockets and carrying capacity, the Archon can haul everything he needs for a busy day. Simple in its design yet built with Osprey's trademark durability and versatility, this backpack is not only hydration ready, but includes a removable raincover.

BioLite 200 Headlamp

biolite headlamp 200
REI

Buy the BioLite HeadLamp 200, available at Backcountry, $33.71

Lightweight, comfortable to wear, and extremely bright, the BioLite HeadLamp 200 is a gift your dad will find endless uses for. Whether he's lounging around the campsite after dark, going for a run at night, or just working in the garage, this headlamp proves itself useful over and over again. 

Its rechargeable battery runs for up to 40 hours on a single charge, while the Headlamp 200's incredibly comfortable headband holds the lamp firmly in place, even when dad gets extremely active.

Orvis River Guide Shirt

orvis river guide shirt
Amazon

Buy the Orvis River Guide Shirt, available at Amazon, $80

Designed specifically with anglers in mind, the Orvis River Guide Shirt has all the features a fisherman could ask for, with a styling that looks good away from the water, too. Using a cotton-nylon-spandex blend, the shirt keeps dad comfortable, cool, and dry without inhibiting his movement in any way. 

Available in classic colors as well as a few gingham patterns, the River Guide shirt features dual chest pockets, a hidden zip-pocket, and a built-in sunglasses cleaner, making it good looking and functional.

VSSL Camp Supplies Adventure Kit

vssl camp supplies kit
Amazon

Buy the VSSL Camp Supplies kit, available at Amazon, $129

VSSL packs an eye-popping amount of useful stuff into one of its compact and highly useful adventure kits. For example, the Camp Supplies model comes with 72 essential items for use around the campsite. Those items include a flashlight, rope, a fire-starting kit, fishing tackle, a compass, and plenty more. 

Everything comes sealed in a waterproof and impact resistant metal tube that's exquisite to look at and feels incredibly solid and well made in your hand. Your dad will be amazed and delight at everything he finds inside this survival kit.

Matador SEG42 Travel Pack

matador seg42 pack
Matador

Buy the Matador SEG42 Travel Pack, available at Matador, $189.99

Part duffel bag, part backpack, the SEG42 from Matador was made specifically with adventurous travelers in mind. It comes with four built-in travel cubes that make it easy to stay organized while on the road. 

The pack's main compartment is spacious enough to accommodate enough gear for an extended journey, while a hidden laptop sleeve keeps important gadgets safe. Throw in removable shoulder straps and waterproof fabrics, and you just might have the perfect travel bag for your active dad.

Beyond Clothing Modus Jacket

beyond modus jacket
Beyond

Buy the Beyond Clothing Modus Jacket, available at Beyond, $140

Beyond Clothing has made a reputation for itself by designing outerwear made for use in some of the most extreme environments on the planet. The new Modus Jacket isn't meant for taking on Arctic conditions, but it is a great choice for keeping dad comfortable during the spring and fall, not to mention on cool summer nights. 

This coat is weather-resistant, breathable, and features four-way stretch fabrics that don't limit mobility. Made from renewable materials that are good for the planet, the Modus is available in four colors and both a medium and long version.

Saxx New Frontier 2N1 Shorts

saxx new frontier shorts
Saxx

Buy the Saxx New Frontier 2N1 shorts, available at Saxx, $95

Whether he's hiking or biking his favorite trail, heading to the climbing gym, or just running errands around town, the New Frontier shorts from Saxx will be a welcome addition to your dad's wardrobe. 

He'll love the integrated liner, which mimics Saxx's BallPark Pouch in its popular line of underwear, as well as the shorts moisture-wicking properties. Comfortable and form-fitting, these are the shorts designed for an active, on-the-go lifestyle, that are equally at home lounging in the backyard.

Thousand Heritage Bike Helmet

thousand heritage helmet
Thousand

Buy the Thousand Heritage bike helmet, available at Amazon, $89

Available in a wide variety of colors and styles, the Heritage bike helmet from Thousand helps keep your dad safer while out on a ride. Thanks to its eye-catching vintage design, this helmet really delivers in terms of looks and style. 

Modern features include an integrated low profile visor, a highly adjustable dial fit system, and a magnetic strap for securing the helmet to your dad's head. Lightweight and well ventilated, the Heritage is a comfortable helmet for use on rides of any length.

Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit

solo stove bonefire
Amazon

Buy the Solo Stove Bonfire fire pit, available at Solo Stove, $399.99

Made from high-grade stainless steel, the Solo Stove Bonfire fire pit is both functional and beautiful. Designed to be portable, this model can be used in the backyard or easily transported to a campsite. 

With its 19.5-inch opening, the Bonfire burns large pieces of firewood with surprising efficiency, while its integrated ventilation channels keep the amount of smoke that's generated to a minimum. Beautifully crafted and built to survive in the elements, this is the last fire pit your dad ever needs. 

Suunto 7 GPS Sport Smartwatch

suunto 7 watch
Amazon

Buy the Suunto 7 GPS Sport Smartwatch, available at Amazon, $440.38

Equal parts smartwatch and fitness tracker, the Suunto 7 is the company's most advanced and user-friendly watch to date. Not only does it come preloaded with more than 70 sports modes, but it features an integrated heart rate monitor, GPS tracking, and the ability to download maps for offline use. 

This watch also displays alerts and text messages, provides direct access to Google Assistant, and is compatible with both Google Fit and Google Pay. In other words, this is the rugged outdoor watch that's smart and connected enough for use in other parts of your dad's life, too. 

LifeProof Wāke Smartphone Case

lifeproof wake case
Lifeproof

Buy the LifeProof Wāke smartphone case, available at Best Buy, $39.99

The new Wāke line of phone cases from LifeProof bring all the durability and outstanding design you expect from the company, but in an eco-friendlier package. The case adds drop protection from up to 2 meters to any compatible Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phone, while still managing to remain thin and lightweight.

But what makes the Wāke line so special is that it's made from recycled fishing ropes and nets that have been recovered from the ocean. That means this highly durable case might not just save your dad's phone, it might help save the planet, as well.

Nomadik Gift Box Subscription

nomadik subscription box
The Nomadik

Sign up for a gift box subscription, available at at Nomadik, from $32.95/month

A gift box subscription from Nomadik is the gift that keeps on giving, all year long. Each month, the service sends your dad a new box containing all kinds of outdoor-focused items. The gear can include everything from a hammock or backpack, to energy bars and multitools. 

The contents are guaranteed to be worth at least $50 with gear curated to meet your dad's specific interests. The service can be purchased for 1 month, 6 months, or 12 months, with discounts offered on longer subscriptions. 

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