Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16th and it’s the perfect time to get your dad the outdoor gear he’s been dreaming of (or didn’t even know he needed). If a special guy in your life loves hiking, backpacking, or camping, we’ve got you covered with plenty of outdoor-inspired gift ideas the old man will dig.
We came up with some themed bundle ideas as well if you want to put together a super cool gift basket to blow his socks off.
If you want even more great gift ideas for outdoorsy dads (or really anyone who loves adventuring), check out our Gift Guide – it has over 100 tried-and-true options that are guaranteed to please!
Gifts Under $25
Darn Tough Socks
Darn Tough Socks are super comfy, durable, and amazingly stink-free! Get Dad a pair of Darn Tough socks, and he can replace them for life when they wear out! Check out our list of the Best Hiking Socks to see why we dig the Light Hiker Micro Crews so much.
Fotopro Lightweight Tripod
Encourage your pops to take more pictures of his adventures! The Fotopro Lightweight Phone Tripod is one of the few tripods we’ve found that weighs under a pound and has full-size legs that are easy to balance on uneven terrain. This tripod is super affordable. If you’ve got a few more bucks to spend scroll down to see our photography gift bundle ideas.
Rite in the Rain Notepads
Grab one of these nifty Rite in the Rain All-Weather Notepads with waterproof paper, so your dad can journal, draw, or take notes while he’s out on trips without worrying about smudges. Throw in a Fisher Space Pen to complete the set.
Swiss Army Classic Keychain Multitool
The Swiss Army Classic is an excellent multitool equipped with all the essentials for light-duty tasks such as package opening and personal grooming. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a great keyring addition. The Classic stands out as our preferred compact multitool on our list of the Best Multitools.
Dirty Girl Gaiters
Dirty Girl Gaiters are an ideal present for dads who take hiking and trail-running seriously. They’re highly effective at preventing debris from getting into low-cut shoes without weighing him down or limiting his mobility. What’s more, they offer a plethora of vibrant colors and patterns from subtle to bold to suit every taste and style preference.
Buff CoolNet UV Neckwear
Buff Neckwear is super versatile – it works as a hat, scarf, headband, sun protection, and bandana. It’s a must-have for active folks, and it comes in lots of cool colors and styles.
Yellowbird Hot Sauce Kit
Add some spice to Dad’s life with these travel-size bottles of tasty Yellowbird Hot Sauce. They’re awesome for travel, backcountry meals, or lunch on the go.
Fire Starters
Fire starters make a great small gift for dads who have wood a stove, are into grilling, or love a good campfire. We like these pods from Superior Trading because they’re natural, so you can use them indoors and out. The bucket makes them easy to store and no gift wrap necessary.
REI Gift Card
Every nature-loving dad would appreciate a new pair of shoes, a stylish jacket, or some upgraded gear.
Let dad choose his perfect size and color with an REI gift card.
Gifts Under $50
FlowFold Recycled Sailcloth Wallet
This FlowFold Wallet is the ultimate adventure wallet because it’s super lightweight, durable, and slim. It’s a big step up from the typical Ziploc bag backpackers and bikers often resort to!
YETI Rambler Water Bottle
Help the dad in your life stay hydrated! If he’s due for a drinking vessel upgrade, grab a sleek, new YETI Rambler Water Bottle. This bottle is incredibly durable, and it insulates hot and cold beverages all day long! We also love the chug cap, which makes it easy to drink on the move. Check out the Rambler on our list of the Best Water Bottles.
Cotopaxi Bataan Fanny Pack
Hip packs are incredibly handy for carrying essentials while you’re out and about. Grab a Cotopaxi Bataan Fanny Pack for your dad so he can shed those cumbersome cargo pants and stop sitting on his wallet (it’s terrible for your back!). The Bataan is cool because each one is unique since it’s made from scrap fabric! It also has a large capacity for how light it is, and a great low price. Check it out on our list of the Best Fanny Packs.
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 First Aid Kit
Occasionally, the greatest gifts are those practical essentials we overlook for ourselves. Equip Dad for his upcoming escapades with the AMK Ultralight/Watertight .7, ensuring he’s prepared to handle minor mishaps and ailments while trekking. Renowned among hikers and backpackers, this kit is popular for its compact size, lightweight build, and affordability.
YETI Rambler Tumbler
For a gift that’s guaranteed to see daily use, consider the YETI Rambler. Crafted from durable stainless steel, it promises longevity, while its insulation ensures your dad’s drinks stay hot or cold for an impressively long period.
Goodr Polarized Sunglasses
Nothing says summer like a new pair of shades. Set dad up with a stylin’ pair of Goodr Sunglasses for his upcoming trips. We like these in particular because they’re polarized, affordable, and they come in a ton of great styles. Add a snazzy, floating sunglasses strap for bonus points.
State Park & Forest Passes
Surprise Dad with an annual recreation pass, ensuring he can breeze past pay stations on his next adventure. Every visit to his beloved park will remind him of your thoughtful gift!
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
Treat Dad to unparalleled comfort with the budget-friendly and versatile Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow. Whether he’s on a road trip, trekking through the wilderness, or jet-setting across the globe, this plush foam pillow will revolutionize his sleep experience. Explore its features on our list of the Best Camping & Backpacking Pillows.
AeroPress Go Coffee Press
The AeroPress Go makes gourmet coffee quick and easy. Whether Dad’s at home or out hunting, camping, or RVing, he’ll love having the ability to brew a cup of joe or espresso in just a few seconds more than the time it takes to boil water. The AeroPress Go is lightweight, compact, and a snap to use. Read more about it on our list of the Best Camping Coffee Makers.
Inui 20,000 Battery Bank
Power banks are becoming essential for on-to-go dads who use their phones for GPS, photo and video, music, and more. Keep electronics fully juiced with the Inui 20,000. It’s an awesome value and packs a punch of charging power for the weight. Check it out on our list of the Best Power Banks for Hiking.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
Give the gift of safe hydration anywhere, anytime with the Katadyn BeFree. This filter is super small and only weighs 2.3 ounces so it’s great for quick drinks from natural sources when Dad’s out running, hiking, fishing, or boating. See how the BeFree compares on our list of the Best Water Filters.
Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern
Your dad will find a ton of uses for the Black Diamond’s Moji R+ Lantern. It provides the perfect ambiance at the campsite and has adjustable brightness.
Stanley Classic Food Jar
This Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar from Stanley will make it easy for Dad to have hot drinks or hearty, warm meals when he’s away from home. We’ve been using our Food Jar for years to tote soups and stews to work and to the mountain on ski days, and it still looks brand new. We’re always amazed by how long this thermos keeps stuff hot!
GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20
Dial up Dad’s camp comfort with the handy and affordable GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20. He can relax in style with his book, phone, and beverage safely off of the ground and within arm’s reach. We like the Compact so much that we named it the best side table on our list of the Best Camping Tables.
Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch
A Bernzomatic Torch is the ultimate gift for fire lovers. The head screws onto propane and MAP gas bottles and can be used to quickly get wood fires rip-roaring, finish steaks, and more.
Meat Shredz – Premium Dried Pulled Pork
If your dad is a BBQ lover, introduce him to Meat Shredz. These convenient packets of dried pulled pork make excellent backcountry tacos, ramen, and more! Our favorite flavor is Sriracha because it pairs well with just about anything. We like to soak the meat with a little water to moisten it, then serve it with rehydrated refried beans and tortillas on the trail. So good!!
$50 – $100 Gifts
Lodge Dutch Oven Combo Cooker
A cast iron pan is versatile in the kitchen and excellent for cooking over a campfire. We like the Lodge Dutch Oven Combo Cooker because it covers all of our bases in camp with a deep pot for soups and stews and a frying pan that doubles as a lid. Your dad will love how it disperses heat evenly for searing and frying. See why the Combo Cooker made our list of the Best Camping Cookware.
Lodge Griddle
The Lodge Griddle is a great option for dad’s that frequently cook for a group. It has a smooth side for things like eggs and pancakes and a ribbed side for those perfect grill marks. This bad boy comes pre-seasoned, so Dad can fire it up as soon as he finishes unwrapping.
Chaco Z/1 Classic
It’s early summer, so sandals would make a timely and practical gift. The Chaco Z/1 Classic are some of our all-time favorite hiking sandals because they’re so supportive and comfortable. Your dad will get a ton of use out of them because they’re super durable, and they’re adjustable so he can dial in the perfect fit.
REI Flash Pack 22
If your pops could use a new daypack, give the Flash 22 a look. It’s light, packable, and super versatile so he can take it from town to trail. We appreciate the minimal, but smart organization features, and the Goldilocks size that’s not too big and not too small. The Flash 22 is one of the best options for light loads on our list of the Best Daypacks.
Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles
If your dad doesn’t have a pair of trekking poles yet, consider gifting him a set of the Montem Ultra Strongs. They’re wallet-friendly, so he can get a taste of the added stability poles provide. The Ultra Strongs are featured as our top budget pick on our list of the Best Trekking Poles.
REI Flexlite Air Backpacking Chair
Don’t leave him hanging in the dirt! He can take this compact, portable chair on a backpacking trip, an afternoon at the river, or just about anywhere. The Flexlite Air Chair has a great balance of weight and comfort so it’s versatile enough for the backyard to the backcountry. It takes a top spot on our list of the Best Backpacking Chairs.
BLack Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp
There’s no telling when he might need a hands-free light, whether he’s at home or out adventuring. The Black Diamond Spot 400-R is our top choice because it’s lightweight, fully waterproof, and rechargeable. It’s a little spendier than a budget headlamp, but the Spot’s balance of quality and price make it one of the best values out there. See more details on our list of the Best Headlamps.
Trail Magik Kid Carrier
Dads with little ones will love the convenience of the Trail Magik Kid Carrier. It’s super lightweight and makes cameling a toddler a lot more comfortable. The Trail Magic Kid Carrier attaches to any daypack or backpacking pack that has front upper loaders and a hipbelt.
NESCO Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator
Foodie dads will love making their own backpacking meals with the Snackmaster Food Dehydrator. He’ll be able to preserve meats, fruit, veggies – even soups and stews (with a set of Fruit Roll Sheets, not included).
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine
A FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer is essential for outdoor dads. He can use it to store fish and game, infuse meals with marinade, preserve food long-term, and more! We like to use our vacuum sealer to make our own backpacking meals.
HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides
We highly recommend the HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides for athletic dads or anyone that needs relief for achy feet and joints. Like an anti-fatigue mat, the highly-cushioned soles make prolonged periods of standing a lot more comfortable. We wear them a lot in the kitchen and for working at a standing desk, but they’re also awesome for the pool and short walks. Read more about the ORAs on our list of the Best Camp Shoes.
Nocs Provisions Binoculars
Watch your dad dive into the world of birdwatching and wildlife observation with the Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8 x 25 Waterproof Binoculars. These sleek optics are lightweight, portable, and built to last, so he can bring them along on all his outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hiking Pants
Get Dad a pair of stretchy, comfortable new hiking pants to strut the trails in. The Ferrosis are some of our favorite men’s pants because the fabric is light and airy but still has a 50+ UPF rating for strong sun protection. We dig ’em so much, they’re one of our absolute favorites on our list of the Best Men’s Hiking Pants.
Hilltop Packs Custom Food Bag
Let Dad’s personality shine and get a custom photo printed on one of these food sacks from Hilltop Packs. Your dad will get a kick out of seeing his one-of-a-kind bag every time he pulls it out of his pack. We love that these sacks are ultralight, they have a wide opening, and a convenient snap closure. Check them out on our list of the Best Stuff Sacks.
Piscifun Fishing Backpack
The Piscifun Fishing Backpack makes an awesome gift for angler dads. It will keep his tackle organized and convenient so he can be ready to roll with a few moments’ notice. The backpack design will keep your pops hands-free while he hunts down the perfect eddie. We think he’ll appreciate the sunglasses case, dry storage for his phone, and water bottle holster too.
REI Trailgate Cubes & Bins
For the camping or traveling enthusiast in your life, consider gifting a set of REI REI Trailgate Cubes and Bins. These organizational wonders simplify gear storage and transportation, granting your pops peace of mind knowing his essentials are orderly and accessible at all times.
$100+ Gifts
Tenkara USA Hane Fishing Rod
Tenkara is a simple method of fly fishing that originated in Japan. The rods are very compact since they extend, and are extremely lightweight, so they’re perfect for hikers and backpackers. Tenkara USA’s Hane Rod is fun and effective for catching mountain trout, and it only weighs 3.5 ounces!
Leatherman Wave+
The Leatherman Wave+ is perfect for problem-solving dads. It has a knife, pliers, scissors, and a screwdriver – all in a streamlined package that fits in a pocket. The Wave+ is a worldwide bestselling multitool and our top pick on our list of the best multitools because of its excellent balance of quality and cost.
Jetboil Flash
Does your dad need convenient hot water in remote locations? If so, he needs the Jetboil Flash. It heats a liter of water for hot meals and beverages in mere minutes and has earned a spot on our Best Backpacking Stoves list.
Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler
The Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler has a cool, retro vibe, and is the perfect size for weekend trips. This cooler beat out a lot of the rotomolded options on our Best Coolers list because it has low-profile walls so there’s plenty of space inside for the good stuff, and it isn’t unnecessarily heavy and bulky to lug. We love the durable, metal exterior too since it works great as a seat, side table, or step stool around camp.
REI 650 Down Jacket
If your dad’s wardrobe is missing a down jacket, it’s time to fill that gap! Enter the REI 650 Down Jacket: lightweight, compressible, and highly adaptable for layering. Offering remarkable value for its quality, it has secured its position year after year on our list of the Best Down Jackets.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
Rain jackets are a staple that eventually need refreshing, and your dad might just be due for an upgrade. Introducing the Patagonia Torrentshell, blending style with robust protection, and boasting the quality of a premium jacket without the premium price tag. The Torrentshell claims the top spot on our selection of the Best Rain Jackets.
Benchmade Bugout Knife
Pocket knives are extremely useful and we’ve found that the Benchmade Bugout 535 excels in many ways. It’s exceptionally lightweight with its plastic grips and has a very sharp plain-edge blade made with premium steel. The Bugout is slim in the pocket and super handy for everything from the camp kitchen to everyday carry. We named it the best ultralight knife on our Best Pocket Knives list.
Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
If your dad’s a reader, the Kindle Paperwhite may be the perfect Father’s Day gift. It’s gentle on the eyes and will allow him to take as many books as he’d like on trips without the bulk and weight.
Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Backpack
The Cotopaxi Allpa embodies all the essential qualities we seek in a travel backpack: efficient organization, convenient pocket accessibility, comfortable carrying, and distinctive aesthetics. Securing the top spot on our roster of the Best Travel Backpacks, it’s an ideal gift choice for jet-setting fathers.
Solo Stove Bonfire
Love campfires but hate the smoke? Try the Solo Stove Bonfire. It provides a nearly smokeless campfire that’s safe, portable, and easy to clean up. The flames this fire pit creates through gasification are captivating to watch, and will quickly become the center of attention in camp. Give Dad the gift of warmth, relaxation, and many great conversations with friends and family. Check out our review of Solo Stoves here.
GPS Watch
If your dad’s active, your can’t go wrong with gifting a GPS watch to help him monitor workouts, track habits, navigate while hiking, etc. These watches are somewhat tailored to the activities you partake in so check out our list of the Best GPS Watches to make quick work of choosing the right watch for your dad.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satelite Communicator
Give Dad (and the peeps back at home) peace of mind with the Garmin inReach Mini 2. This state-of-the-art communication tool is small, lightweight, and it can communicate back and forth much like texting in the backcountry.
YETI Trailhead Camp Chair
If you really want to treat your dad this year, get him a YETI Trailhead Camp Chair. It’s supportive, yet soft and springy and holds your body in a relaxed, upright position. The Trailhead Chair is spendy, but it’s definitely worth it! We named it the most comfortable and durable camp chair on our Camping Chair Gear Guide.
Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen
If your dad’s usually the camp cook, he’ll love the Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen. It has a worktop, shelves, a side table, and even an enclosed storage area to keep things organized. The best part — the Roll Top Kitchen packs down small and is lightweight for easy transport — some of the reasons it earned a spot on our list of the Best Camping Tables.
YETI Hopper M20 2.0 Soft Backpack Cooler
Food, drinks, and the great outdoors are the great trifecta. Give Dad the YETI Hopper M20 2.0 Soft Backpack Cooler and he’ll be picnicking and enjoying chilled beverages ‘til the end of his days. This cooler is spendy, but it’s rugged, stylish, and has excellent ice retention. Compare the Hopper with other soft coolers here.
Exped MegaMat 10LXW Camping Mattress
Give Dad the gift of a comfy sprawl in his tent at then end of a long day outdoors on the Exped MegaMat 10 LXW (or double MegaMat Duo 10) camping mattress. This pad is self-inflating and four inches thick, so pops won’t feel run aground when moving about. The MegaMat is fast to inflate and has a great ratio of comfort to packability, which is why it’s our #1 pick on our list of the Best Camping Mattresses.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pads
If you’re lucky enough to have a dad that backpacks, make sure he’s comfortable at the end of a big-mile day. The latest NeoAir sleeping pads are an awesome addition to any hiker’s setup. The UberLite is the ultimate ultralight summer pad, while the XLite NXT is more well-rounded for multi-season adventures. The XTherm NXT is our top pick for cold sleepers and four-season trips. Get more details on these gems by visiting our Best Sleeping Pads list.
REI Magma Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is a big gift, but we’re willing to bet Dad deserves it! A sleeping bag like the REI Magma 15 or Magma 30 will keep him snug on trips in all seasons for years to come. These sleeping bags have an awesome combo of weight, warmth, and cost that is hard to beat, so you’ll find them at the top of our Best Sleeping Bags list.
REI Half Dome SL 2+ Tent
When it comes to upgrading your dad’s backcountry shelter, the REI’s Half Dome SL 2+ strikes the perfect equilibrium between quality, affordability, durability, and interior space. As our preferred budget-friendly crossover tent, it’s an excellent choice for adventurers seeking a versatile shelter suitable for both frontcountry and backcountry camping. Discover where it stands among the top contenders on our list of the Best Backpacking Tents.
REI Skyward Camping Tent
Among front range camping tents, the REI Skyward 4 stands out as one of our favorites. Securing a prime position on our list of the Best Camping Tents, it excels with its premium tent poles and fabrics, expansive interior, and effortless setup. Ideal for families, couples, and groups seeking ample space to stand and maneuver comfortably.
DIY Gift Basket & Bundle Ideas
Looking to make this Father’s Day extra memorable to celebrate your dad’s awesomeness? Craft a special outdoor-themed gift basket to ignite his sense of adventure. Here’s a sprinkle of inspiration to kickstart your the process of creating a gift set that’s super thoughtful and uniquely him.
Treat the Feet
Treat his hardworking feet to some well-deserved TLC with an outdoor foot care kit.
- Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks $25
- HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides $60
- Foot Peel Mask $15
- O’Keeffe’s Foot Cream $10
- Mr. Green Pedicure Set $59.90
- REI Gift Card for Shoes $120-$210 (See Best Hiking Shoes for Men)
Maintain His Lifestyle
Set the stage for countless memorable adventures by gifting Dad this indispensable kit packed with backcountry necessities.
- Permethrin & Picaridin bug repellent ($17.50 + $10) $27.50
- Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen $17.50
- SPF Lip Balm $5
- Nikwax Products
- Batteries AA & AAA pack $39
- Fuel Canister(s) $6 each
- Jetboil Crunchit Recycling Tool $11
- Fuel Canister Refill Adapter $10
The Foodie
They often say that the stomach is the gateway to the heart, so why not treat your dad to the delight of a gourmet trail feast? For the culinary-inclined, consider gifting the tools to transform home cooking into scrumptious meals, ideal for his backcountry excursions!
- Best Freeze Dried Meals $10-$15 each
- TOAKS Long Spoon $11
- The Campout Cookbook $20
- Nesco Snackmaster food dehydrator $87
- FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer $95
Hydrate, Dehydrate
Set Dad up with some grade A bevies and snacks so he can hit the trail at a moment’s notice.
The Young’n Wrangler
Hats off to the dads who juggle little ones and still find time for adventures! Here are some essential items they’re bound to get plenty of mileage out of.
The Photo Bomb
Is the special guy in your life passionate about capturing moments? Set him up with an ultralight photography kit tailored for smartphone use.
- Fotopro phone tripod $19 (full legs, under 1 lb.)
- Wireless remote shutter $9
- Stuffable microfiber lens cloth $6
- Holster: Shoulder Pocket ($49) or Fanny Pack ($60-65)
- Upgraded mount: Metal ($18) or Magnet (newer iPhones $23)
The Dog Dad
Let’s not forget the love for dog dads! They deserve appreciation too, tirelessly supporting their furry companions’ lavish lifestyles.
Sun-Loving Dad
Offer your sun-loving dad the ultimate summer safety package. Let him soak up those rays while staying hydrated and safeguarding his eyes and skin from overexposure.
Want More Gift Ideas?
There’s a special joy in giving gifts that support outdoor exploration!
For any occasion, check out our CleverHiker Gift Guide, which has over 100 unique ideas tailored for nature enthusiasts. We continuously refresh and expand our selection, so you’re sure to find something new and exciting every time you visit!
