Tag: dads

The Zero-Fluff Father’s Day Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Dads (Tested by a Dad)
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Being a dad is the greatest privilege I’ve had in life. There is no ifs, ands, or buts that could come close. But that said, it’s a hard, mostly thankless job that usually ends up being the one with all the dirty work: taking out trash, cleaning up the puke, and mastering the harmony in Moana’s “How Far I’ll Go”.

Well, aside from another octave, there is no limit to how far our love for our kids will go. And if the dad you’re shopping for is anything like me, we appreciate a little bit of thought and kindness to recognize just how much we are loved and valued through all the chaotic noisy moments.

As someone who tests gear for a living, I’ve been lucky to be able to take a look at some of the latest and greatest gear out there. A lot of it is same-old, same old, but once in a while I’m sent something that becomes part of the regular rotation. Here’s what I’ve been liking lately, and are some quality items for fathers to make the most of their time outside.
- Free Fly Seawool Flannel Shirt — for the dad who wants to look good in the woods
- Combat Flip Flops AK-47 Leather — the only flip-flops that get better with time
- OluKai Moloa Leather Shearling Slippers – Like slipping your feet into a John Coltrane album
- Victorinox Swiss Tool X Multitool — a multitool with sophistication
- Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 60 — sub-2-lb backpack that doesn’t sacrifice function
- No Reception Club Getaway Bag — the bag that organizes you
- Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio — for the dad who’d rather radio than text
- Vallon Ski Aviators — wildly impractical, perfectly cool
- Spy Rebar ANSI Polarized — More Deftones than Ace of Base
- Purist Keeper 14oz Mug — for the dad who reads the label on his water
For the Outdoorsy Dad Who Values Comfort

Even if dad likes to get after it, he still wants to look and feel good in the process.

Free Fly Seawool Flannel Shirt
Price: $118

Materials: 57% cotton / 40% recycled Seawool polyester / 3% spandex

The hook: Fabric made from upcycled oyster shells + recycled plastic bottles

Performance: Temp-regulating, quick-dry, anti-odor

Bottom Line: Comfortable, warm, more breathable than most.
I have a few flannel shirts, yet nothing is really made of pure flannel these days. A lot is polyester and it gets hot and sweaty without the comfort. Cotton flannel is good but it’s both expensive and no good when wet.

Freefly is a great apparel company that is making a foray into a new type of yarn called Seawool, which mixes polyester with oyster shells to give a bit more circular type of material to the standard outdoor fare. Add in a majority of cotton, and the result is a fabric blend that feels soft but can handle the rigours of outdoor use. It’s my go-to when I’m wanting to have a bit of warmth while camping or hiking, but still have a classy look that keeps mom whistling.

Check Price at Free Fly

Combat Flip Flops AK-47 Leather
Price: $79.99

Materials: Premium leather, tubular nylon, proprietary rubber sole

Footbed: Ergonomic, with injection-molded arch supports

Warranty: Lifetime (against manufacturing defects)

Heads-up: Metal hardware can corrode near salt water

Bottom Line: The most comfortable flip-flops I’ve worn, that only get better.
I’ve been wearing these flip-flops for two years, pretty steadily. While other flip flops wear out pretty quickly, these have held up and only get better with time. The secret to them is in the midsole and outsole; and the cushioning is a step above any other premium flip-flop I’ve tried. The only issue is the small emblem on top corrodes in salt water, so if you’re going in the ocean a lot, keep that in mind. Otherwise, it’s as solid as they come for a premium flip-flop at a more-than-reasonable price.

Check Price at Combat Flip Flops

OluKai Moloa Leather Shearling Slippers
Price: $140

Materials: Leather/shearling upper, Gum rubber outsole

The hook: It shapes to your foot, no joke

Performance: Best for Sunday mornings and long-haul flights

Bottom Line: Pricey for a pair of slippers… but totally worth it.
If you really need to give the dad in your life a gift that he will remember, this might be it. It has been hard to find anything else that has come close to the comfort my feet have when slipping the Moloa slippers by Olukai on. They really are that good.

The only downside is that the rubber on the outsole is so soft, they are best suited for indoors. If it were a bit sturdier, I’d probably take them everywhere…. but then it would lose some of the magic.

If there is anything bad to say about these it’s that the soft rubber attracts anything that it touches and for a dad of two toddlers, that’s quite a lot. So aside from scraping off thrown food and hair from the cat… I guess it’s better than stepping on it with bare feet.

You can read more about the moloa slippers in my in-depth review, or if those aren’t his style, I tested a whole lot more when searching for the best slippers for camping, travel, and home.

Check Price at Backcountry

For the Dad Who Gets ‘er Done

This will be used at least once per day. Multitools are saviours, and this one is sleek as well as functional.

Victorinox Swiss Tool X Multitool
Price: ~$155

Functions: 26, all lockable + outside-accessible

Build: Swiss-made stainless steel

Size / weight: 115mm · 290g

Includes: Leather storage pouch

Bottom Line: It looks good, performs well, and stands the test of time.
Every dad should have a multitool. This one is a step up in detail, quality, and looks compared to your average Leatherman or Home Depot special. The swiss know how to do things right and Dad will feel the sophistication, whether or not he earns it. The bowed shape makes for extra leverage and all the knives are a premium quality. It also comes in a snazzy leather case.

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price at Backcountry

For the Dad Who Needs to Escape

We all need to get away. When I do, everyone benefits. Help make the quick escapes a bit easier with some of these items.

Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 60
Price: $275 (Carbon model)

Capacity: 60L (49L main + 15L external)

Weight: 31.5 oz (size M) — under 2 lbs

Max carry: 40 lbs

Build: Spectra/Robic ripstop nylon · CARBONFLEX suspension

Bottom Line: Lightweight, yet durable, and functional.
Ultralight gear is rad, but sometimes sacrifices functionality. This is the first pack that I’ve tried that is less than 2 lbs that actually feels like a normal pack. The carbon stays help keep the frame solid while not weighing you down.

While we may not be crushing major thru-hikes at this point in life, it’s still important to maximise the time you do have to get away, so getting lighter gear will help you go a bit deeper before needing to turn around. This pack checks so many boxes in convenience, ease, and well-thought out engineering to make it a great getaway pack. I wrote a deeper review on another site I write for, Alpine Islands, check it out if you’d like to learn more.

Check Price at Outdoor Vitals

Easy access is the name of the game with this pack.

And if that escape needs kids, then don’t let that stop you.

No Reception Club Getaway Bag
Price: $235

Capacity: 24L

Dimensions: 19.7″ H × 10.2″ W × 6.5″ D

Weight: 2.7 lbs empty

Features: Customizable shelves, water-resistant/odor-proof compartment, luggage pass-through, stroller straps

Bottom Line: The bag that makes anyone automatically become more organized.
I’m a throw-it-in-a-duffel type of guy, and that came at odds when having kids. When a kid’s snack from last week’s ends up sitting with an emergency change of clothes, you learn fast that bags like the No Reception Club Getaway Bag are worth their weight in gold. My life is significantly easier when this bag is well-packed for spontaneous road trips and missions to the beach or park.

The bag evolves with kid’s ages, and we’ve had this since the infant stage with no end in sight. The sidekick fanny pack fits into one of the side pockets and is used even more often due to how small it is. But the backpack makes any travel situation from road trips to overseas flights remarkably easier with enough compartmentalization to endure several days of chaos.

Check Price at No Reception Club

It’s not the prettiest photo, but hey, its proof that we actually use the bag to help us keep things neat while flying.

For the Dad Who Hates Texting But Loves Playing Spy Games

If you’re like me and want to leave the phone in your pocket whenever possible, communicating by radio when on adventures adds a whole other element of family fun.

Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio
Price: $110 USD each / $220 per pair

Service: FRS — license-free, ready out of the box

Range: 35+ mi line-of-sight; 1–5 mi in mountains; ~1 mi in town

Battery: 3–5 days, USB-C rechargeable, cold-tolerant to −20°F

Waterproofing: IP56 (splash and snow, not submersible)

Heads-up: IP56 handles snow and splashes, not whitewater — if you’re packrafting or kayaking hard, the 5-Watt Expedition ($180) is the one

Bottom Line: These radios are reliable, can take a beating, and are some of the best performing 2-watt radios I tested over the years.

It’s endless fun with the kids while hiking or at the campsite, and they are fun to take on adult missions into the backcountry as well. You don’t get many useful tools that can work in both worlds very often.
Check Price at Rocky Talkie

I like to stash the Rocky Talkie on the outside of our YETI beach bag for easy access.

For the Dad Who Is Cooler Than He Looks

These sunglasses will give him a few style points if/when it’s needed most.

Vallon Ski Aviators
Price: $129

Frame: Handmade eco-friendly acetate

Lens: V52 (ABBE 52, Cat. 3 mirrored), 100% UV400

Weight: ~20% lighter than comparable lenses

Warranty: Lifetime (purchases after Nov 1, 2023)

Bottom Line: They stand out in a good way.
These glasses are so wildly impractical that it works. Designed for the retro aprés ski scene, they stand out like a radical relic in other circumstances. If the dad you’re buying for doesn’t give a damn what people think and sets their own standard of cool, these glasses are the ones to get. I love how they feel on the face, the optics, and the smiles people give me when I wear them in more square environments.

Check Price at Vallon

Spy Rebar ANSI Polarized
Price: $160 MSRP (often on sale — see note below)

Frame: Grilamid (lightweight, flexible)

Lens: ARC polycarbonate, polarized (99%+ glare block)

Rating: ANSI Z87.2+ (impact resistant)

Extras: Happy Lens tech, rubber nose/temple grips, Scoop venting

Bottom Line: Great wraparound protection for long summer days
It stays on your head, it’s polarized, and it protects you. What more do you want? These have quickly become a staple due to their reliability, good vision when it’s really bright out, and a timeless style that takes me back to before skateboarding and snowboarding went mainstream.

Spy optic just seems to give me the good nostalgia and if the father in your life grew up in the 90’s, this will be a good reminder of the counterculture part of the era in contrast to the mainstream pop. More Deftones than Ace of Base. So for that, it’s a good purchase.

Check Price on Amazon

For the Dad Who Strives to Be Their Best

You go to the trouble of choosing better water, better coffee, better everything you put in your body. Then you store it in a bottle that leaches into it. The dads I know who care about this stuff have all eventually arrived at the same conclusion: the vessel matters too.

Purist Keeper 14 oz Mug
Price: $68 USD

Lining: Silicon dioxide — a glass-like, non-porous surface fused to the interior

Body: 316 surgical-grade stainless, double-wall vacuum insulated

Insulation: 12 hr hot / 24 hr cold (lid-dependent)

Lid options: Element (carry handle, screw-off), Union or Scope (drinking lids)

Heads-up: Only the Scope lid is dishwasher safe

Bottom Line: Coffee tastes like coffee. Water tastes like water. The mug stays out of the way.
I just received this as a sample and am thoroughly impressed. I’m enjoying coffee from it right now. The spillproof lid doesn’t splash out all at once when you open it, and the external handle gives dad better ergonomics than holding the whole girth of the cylinder.

There’s a silicon dioxide coating on the inside that apparently blocks impurities from latching on, such as the dreaded coffee stain on most stainless coffee mugs. Time will tell if this is for real or just a gimmick, but they are standing behind their claim for now and even without that fact, It’s a handy upgrade from a coffee cup without a handle or spillproof lid.

Check Price at Purist

Compact, spill-proof, and easy to hold. All signs of a great coffee mug.

This list comes from spending the better part of the decade as a journalist covering outdoor gear and getting all kinds of pitches; big and small. Everything here has been tested to its full extent as a dad who needs things to hold up to abuse by both myself and my toddlers. It’s all good stuff that I use daily.

I usually take more photos, but it’s been a busy time around the household. If you’re reading this far though, just know that I wish I could have had the time to take a bit more shots in the wild, but my M.O is to enjoy my time, not doing it for likes from strangers.

And although the father in your life doesn’t need anything fancy, it’s nice to give him something that lasts and serves its purpose well. A more relaxed dad means hitting those high notes for the big solo on the sing-alongs, so really a good gift for father’s day will just make for a better singing partner in the long run.

If you want to shop for mom too, check out our Mother’s Day Gift Guide.
June 3, 2026
Christmas Gift Ideas For Outdoorsy Dads

Christmas is around the corner, and chances are that the gift ideas for the adventurous and/or outdoorsy guy in your life might be limited. This is for a couple reasons: One is that if he’s a gear snob he might already have their gear closet pretty dialed. Or, they are modest and humble and spend all their time working and doing things for their family that a Christmas list isn’t high on their priorities.

Whatever the reason is, fear not, as I have put together some of my favorite items for outdoorsy dads, and really just guys in general. I focus on dads because I’m hoping that’s what you’re searching to hit the algorithm, but also because dads in particular need a bit of extra attention sometimes. Most of us are just working hard behind the scenes doing what we can to provide for our families, and even if we aren’t making tons of money for the family, we are showing our love in other ways.

So, here is a list of Different items that should suit the dad in your life, based on the hundreds of items I’ve tested over the past couple years. I’ve broken it down to Stocking Stuffers, Apparel, and Footwear. Hopefully this list can help you show your dad, husband, son, friend, or coworker who happens to be a dad just how much you think they are doing a great job.

Stocking Stuffers for Outdoorsy Dads

Here are a list of smaller items that produce big results outside:

Exped MegaPump

This might be a generalization, but I’ll say it anyway. Pumping up the air mattresses and sleeping pads is usually the dad’s chore in a family campout. Which is fine, and it’s gotta be done, but why not make that chore a bit faster? Exped’s MegaPump makes it all the more easy with a small electric jet pump. It charges by USB-C, and is able to inflate and deflate many times over before needing another charge. Of course, this depends on the size, but I was able to use it on Exped’s Megamat for at least five sessions of inflating and deflating on a single charge.

You don’t need an Exped mat either. The pump includes adapters to use for all different valves. It’s even small enough to take backpacking. It’ll be one of those innovations where it’ll be hard to imagine life before it.

Check Price on Exped

Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X

Every outdoorsy dad should have a multi tool. They come in handy almost every day. What I like about the Victorinox Swiss Tool, from the same people who give you the Swiss Army Knife, is that it screams quality through and through. The stainless steel is of top quality, and the blades and tools provided all have real-world practical uses. Plus, the bowed design not only has a modern look, but it also adds to strength when using the pliers.

Check Price on Victorinox

Born Outdoor Mud Mat

This item is quite unassuming, however will come in handy more and more, the more often you use it. It’s a simple mat intended for helping you change outside your car, or anywhere that the ground may not be suited for changing your clothes or shoes. It’s called the Mud Mat, and will change the way you approach the trailhead, parking lot, and anywhere else where a costume change is better suited out of the car. I use it all the time now and am surprised I didn’t have anything before this that served a similar purpose. It’s made from recycled materials and is waterproof, durable, and folds up nice and out of the way when not in use. For something so unassuming, the practicality will have whomever receives it be thanking you perhaps not initially, but certianly once they incorporate it into their routine.

Check Price on Born Outdoor

Voile Ski Strap

Ski straps started out to tie skis together, but the uses for them are virtually unlimited. I always have a few in the bag as it allows me to bundle stuff together and add tension easily, and it buckles into place in a quick pull of the strap. Thanks to the small amount of elasticity, you can pull it tight and it’ll stay tight. Voile has been in the game for a long time so they have perfected their ski strap well. The aluminum buckle is definitely a bit more long-lasting than their plastic version. I’ve used these to help split injuries, Bundle stuff together, and much more. It really is as limited as your own imagination to what you can do with these. Plus, the price is right to where you can get a few of them. They last forever and really do come in handy far beyond tying skis together.

Check Price on REI

Anker 737 Power Bank

It’s pretty much impossible to avoid technology in this day and age. Love it or hate it, it’s hard to leave home without it. Some devices can be life saving on an adventure. Having a power bank onhand will extend the life of your devices enough to get an extra charge, whether that be in an emergency or simply to stay off the grid away from a power source just a bit longer. The 737 Power bank is small enough to go onto an airplane, falling just under the max limit in watt hours for what is acceptable. I can even charge my Macbook pro laptop, and your average smartphone will usually get 4-5 charges on it.

Check Price on Anker

Outdoor Apparel For Outdoorsy Dads

Here are a few options for good outerwear that isn’t necessarily technical, but looks and feels great. This is based on my experience, and is not scientific by any means, however I feel that I’ve tested a lot and can speak to the quality in these items quite well.

Duer Tech Fleece Denim

Jeans haven’t had huge innovations over the years, except for the fact that maybe they went from working class function to hipster style in less than 100 years. But Du/er has created a line of clothing that looks great, and performs well in the outdoors. Their Tech Fleece Denim is right up there for the most comfortable jeans i’ve ever worn, and they also perform well outside. The DWR coating keeps water off, although won’t protect you from a downpour. But the secret sauce is in the fleece underlayer. It provides warmth and comfort and is a joy to put on. The dash of spandex in it makes the pants stretch just enough to allow for some activity, as well. Bottom line is that these aren’t cheap, but well worth it in comfort and warmth which many dads will love.

Check Price on Du/er

Roark Axeman Jacket

There are tons of technical jackets out there, so let’s spare those for a second. The Axeman is just a simple heavy jacket that is comfortable to wear. I’m a fan of bulk when it comes to a winter jacket, and this one has a bit extra on it. It’s made from mostly polyester with just enough wool in it to have a more natural feel, yet won’t break the bank. It’s got a classic look yet still has some modern comfort like a zipper, or you can opt for just buttoning it up. It’s just a nice, cozy jacket to wear without looking pretentious. Sure it has some extra weight, but for a lot of us, feeling some weight on your shoulders in the winter months is a nice addition.

Check Price on Roark

Arcade Stretch Belt

Belts always come in handy, but are often made with a more formal intent than for outdoor adventures. Arcade has made a stretch belt that has a wide array of good looks, but also is a big win in the function department. The stretchy material means you can move all around at your heart’s content without the belt holding back any movement. I also find the seatbelt-style buckle an easy way to get the belt on and off when outside. While the plastic in the buckel doesn’t scream elegance, it makes for using in the winter possible where metal buckles will become a frost magnet. I like the Protect Our Winters version as it has some nice mountain artwork thanks to artist Joseph Toney, as well as 10% of the sales going to support the POW organization’s effort to combat anti climate change legislation.

Check Price on Arcade

Footwear Gift Ideas For Dad

There are a million kinds of footwear out there, and I’ve tested literally hundreds of pairs of both casual and active footwear the past couple years. Here are some of my favorites, based on both fit and feel, as well as function.

Oboz Bangtail Mid

A good winter boot will make adventures outside bearable in the months where people don’t want to do much outside. Even for those who do, it’s hard to find a boot that is nimble yet sturdy and warm, and not to mention truly waterproof. Oboz knocked it out of the park with the Bangtail Mid, an incredible piece of footwear that is great for hiking, snowshoeing, or simply cruising around anywhere in snow and bad weather. The high cuff lets you tromp around in the snow, and the Vibram Arctic Grip soles provide second-to-none protection. I could list all the features and sound like a marketing person, but the reality is that these are some of the most comfortable hiking boots I’ve worn in any season, and the fact that they are insulated with great traction just give so many options that it’s worth checking out.

Plus, Oboz is a B Corporation, meaning they go through a stringent selection process to make sure that they not only put sustainability at the forefront, but they treat their employees and suppliers well while also doing good with the profits they receive. All in all, it’s a great reason to invest in these boots which will make the winter months much more fun.

Check Price on Oboz

Glerups “The Boot”

Slippers are great. They allow you to have comfort at home without getting all the disgusting crap that kids leave on the floor onto your feet. Wool is one of the gold standards of comfort, and Glerups makes a wool felt slipper that is right up there with the best of them when it comes to comfort. Where these shine is in the rubber sole, allowing you to take them outside and have a little jaunt around town if necessary. But the simplicity is definitely the genius of them, and they have become a go-to for at home wear but also has been out on errands just because, why not?

Check Price on Glerups

Sanuk Puffy Chiller Mid

I’ve been a fan of Sanuk’s footwear long before reviewing gear for a living. When I got to sample their Puffy Chiller collection, I thought it was an interesting mix of both lightweight and soft, and seemed pretty unique. But when trying it on, my whole spirit lifted up. I don’t say this lightly, and it’s without hyperbole, but these are the most comfortable shoes I’ve tested. They aren’t high-peformance by any means, but they feel like walking and a cloud. They are lightweight, yet still warm. It’s like having a sleeping bag on your feet.

They will wear out if they are daily users, but for a nice jaunt around town or even to use around the house/cabin, they are excellent. Just be weary of keeping them close to the heater, as I found out when the sole delaminated. But that was my fault and I’m not using that as a strike against the shoe, more just as a caution so others don’t do it. They also have a low cut version as well for warmer climates, and a POW tribute as well, but the mid length I found to be a perfect for comfortable casual slip-on cold weather comfort.

Check Price on Sanuk

In Summary…

Hopefully this page gave you a few ideas for what to share with your outdoorsy dad. I’m also happy to share more recommendations based on my Gear Reviews from other sites, including The Inertia and GearJunkie, and more will be coming to this site as we roll out more reviews for gear, and share some tips for traveling well with families and helping people leave a better mark on the planet. If you want to stay in touch, please contact us and help make the site better through collaboration.

See you out there!

December 5, 2024