Father’s Day on June 19 is a chance to tell your dad how much you love him—that is, if you can get him out of the woods, off the water or whatever other medium he considers his outdoor man cave. Let’s be honest, a gift card to Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops may be all you need to convey the sentiment and indulge his “kid in a toy store” impulse, but here are a few of our other favorite Father’s Day gift ideas for your outdoors-loving Pop.
A Mighty Tool for All Occasions
Like the power drill at home, any self-respecting outdoorsman needs a MacGyver-esque multitool in his pocket, tackle box or glove compartment. Oregon-based Leatherman has been doing the business out in the field for over 30 years, and the Juice CS4 is the latest in a long line of go-anywhere, do-anything multitools. Fifteen tools are packed into the latest iteration of the Juice lineup, and are sure to keep Dad at the ready whether he’s out hunting grouse, casting for trout or popping open a cold one by the campfire. Comes in granite or blue colors. $80; www.leatherman.com
These Boots Are Made for Walking… and Stalking
Give Dad’s dogs a makeover with this lightweight, breathable yet very rugged Gore-Tex boot from Under Armour. Winner of Outside magazine’s 2016 coveted “Gear of the Year” award, the Verge is a hiking boot that provides supreme comfort along with the versatility to cope with rough terrain and variable conditions. We know it’ll be a tough ask to get him out of those cherished decades-old leather hikers, but we think he’ll thank you for this pair of boots. Comes in graphite and hunter-green for use in the field. $170; www.underarmour.com
Sock It to Him
Yes, socks. If our own experience is anything to go by, Dad will balk at spending anything more than the price of a Starbucks for a new pair of socks, so give him something he really will cherish the rest of its useful working life. FITS is an American-made brand that knows its stuff, with a range of sockwear to suit all manner of active and outdoor pursuits. We recommend the Merino wool expedition sock, which will provide comfort, warmth and excellent breathability for long days out in the backcountry. $21; www.fitssock.com
Cool It, Pop
A life lived well outdoors requires a stash of gear that will stand the test of time and everything Mother Nature can throw its way. If your old man doesn’t yet have a cooler for the ages, then it’s time to treat him to one of the heavy-duty boxes from Yeti. Available in a range of sizes and styles, we rate the Tundra series for its ability to withstand the knocks and scrapes across a range of hardy outdoor pursuits. It’ll be the last cooler Dad ever needs. And while you’re at it, throw in a Rambler bottle and Yeti bottle opener to keep him happy and hydrated on his adventures! Coolers from $300-$1,300; www.yeticoolers.com
Just Call Me Doctor Grill
As with asking for directions, it’s best to let Dad to his own devices once the grill’s fired up. This new book from grill master “Meathead” Goldwyn, however, provides ideal pre-BBQing homework material, shedding light on the science behind grilling and the path to delicious scorch-marked results every time. The book explains techniques to rubs, brining, smoking and more, and comes with 100 recipes for when Dad’s ready to perfect his craft. $21; www.amazingribs.com
We Spy a Nice Piece of Performance Eyewear
Yeah, we know, Dad and cool are usually considered antonyms, but we think a pair of sunglasses from SPY Optics can break the mold—not to mention, not break the bank. Born in the ‘90s as a collaboration between outdoor athletes and designers, SPY’s glasses are crafted for people who like a little sweat, mud and spray in their lives. The line’s new Caliber glasses boast a solid, geometric shape that’s designed to stand up to some abuse in the field, including a tough Grilamid-formed frame, UV-protected polycarbonate lenses and rubberized nose pads and temple tips to keep things in place. $85; www.spyoptic.com
Bring the Outdoors to His Mailbox
Bimonthly Garden & Gun magazine focuses on the lifestyle, culture, food and people of the South, but in turn sheds a broader light on the trends, places and ideas that inspire those of us who live for a love of the land and our treasured outdoor places. This is the magazine for all those who need a tonic when at home and dreaming of that next great adventure—dad, moms, kids, you name ‘em! $20 for annual subscription, $30 for two years; www.gardenandgun.com
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