Tag: gift guide

  • The Zero-Fluff Father’s Day Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Dads (Tested by a Dad)

    The Zero-Fluff Father’s Day Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Dads (Tested by a Dad)

    We care about the recommendations we make. We sometimes (not all the time) use affiliate links to help keep the site running. Every item here has been hand-tested through years of professional outdoor work and surviving weekend trips with my own toddlers.
    Learn more about our Gear Review Policy here.

    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.

    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.

    seawool flannel shirt by freefly

    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.

    Combat Flip Flops AK-47 leather sandals

    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.

    a studio image of the olukai moloa leather slipper

    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.

    the swiss tool spirit x by victorinox

    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.

    Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight 60 Carbon ultralight backpack

    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
    a man opens up the contents of his outdoor vitals shadowlight backpack
    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.

    No Reception Club Getaway Bag travel backpack

    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
    a child plays on airport seats while waiting for a flight
    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.

    Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio walkie talkie

    Check Price at Rocky Talkie
    a rocky talkie handheld radio on the outside of a yeti bag
    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.

    vallon ski aviators sunglasses

    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

    Spy Rebar ANSI polarized sunglasses

    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
    holding a purist coffee mug in the hand with a thumbs up
    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.

  • Outdoorsy Mother’s Day Gift/Un-Gift Guide

    Outdoorsy Mother’s Day Gift/Un-Gift Guide

    I may not be the best mom to ask here, as I’d take breakfast in bed, handmade cards, foot rubs and hugs over material prezzies any day. But if receiving gifts is the mumma in your life’s love language, than here is a little curation from one outdoorsy ma to another. 

    Real-life mom connections

    First off, I am slightly obsessed with the ethos and call to community of this outdoorsy, quirky n’ cool ma’s creation of The Mothership Collective. Her merch is on point, and something I’ll personally be asking for this mother’s day. ‘Rally the Village’ is a month-long, community-led series of events happening all May—designed to help women connect in real life, a chance to find your own outdoorsy mom crew. Local meetups are happening worldwide, including one from, ahem, yours truly, on May 24th in the Sea to Sky. Check here to see if there’s anything happening near you. 

    Mothership merch 👽

    Next up, 🌞 sunshine stuff..

    The turning of seasons calls for summer sandals, shorts and sunnies. Here are some that I sport and can 100% recommend. 

    Sandals

    I’ve been wearing these since the temps have started to rise, and can whole heartedly recommend them for short hikes, park visits, kid pickups, gardening, errand running, beach going, all the things. Lem’s Women’s Switchback Sandal Knit have a breathable knit upper that provides serious immediate comfort, no break-in time required for these bad boys. The barefoot inspired footbed, made to mimic the contours of your feet are also full on comfort, and the wide, more natural toe box works well for my yogi surf toes.

    Sunnies

    I can’t praise Ombraz armless sunglasses enough. These have revolutionized my sunny days, they have changed my life. For real.

    The strap in place of arms is ingenious for 2 main reasons.

    1. Headaches be-gone! I often find I get temple pain/headaches when wearing sunglasses, and these completely eliminate that feeling. They feel so light, my head feels zero pressure whatsoever.

    2. The convenience. When dusk hits, or you go inside, or you’re in the deep dark woods, you can just let the sunglasses hang from your neck rather than having to stop and put them away, or wear them on top of your head and forget where you put them. I’ve golfed, hiked, snowboarded, toddled with toddlers, and have simply frolicked around town with these, without ever misplacing them or having to slow what I’m doing.

    The lens are also amazing, mine in particular are polarized brown, the colours pop and I feel the brown tint makes the world extra cheery rather than dulling it out. The also have non-polarized, photochromic, low light and prescription lenses.

    strike a pose

    Side note: I was fortunate enough to receive my pair as a hand-me-down from my partner, as he, unfortunate for him, was blessed with uber long eyelashes that reach the lens when he blinks. Not a bad problem to have I suppose, but if you find yourself with the same blessing, head’s up. 

    Shorts

    Okay, well these aren’t shorts, cus shorts won’t cut it in the garden. These are something I’ve coveted for quite some time, so I decided to snatch them up when they went on sale. Made with 100% Regenerative Organic Certified® cotton canvas, Patagonia’s Women’s Point Reyes Canvas Overalls hold up. The blackberry brambles that usually stab me through anything I’m wearing stand no chance wearing these puppies. I’ll be wearing these all summer tending to our garden, I may even sport them in my pottery classes.

    Time to get sentimental

    To help dad’s and kiddos that want to invoke their own creativity, and are wanting the mama in their life feel seen and loved for who she truly is, a little thought goes a long way.

    If you don’t already know, figure out her love language(s). Get to know her and understand her more deeply. This will be what truly gets to her heart this mother’s day and for all the mother’s day’s to come.  

    Love languages. Here they are. 

    Physical touch: Gift her a massage, rub her feet, play with her hair. And/or give her some space, she may just be touched out, read your mama.

    Acts of service: Do the breakfast in bed thing, then maybe lunch, then the dinner. Make things easy for her so she doesn’t have to think or make any decisions today. Clean the house, organize the toys, wash the car. Plan the hike or the adventure.

    Receiving gifts: As mentioned above, but the gifts can also be homemade – art, crafts, cards, you name it! Flowers picked from the garden. I’d be happy with dandelions and grass if it came from my kids, get them involved, it’ll be fun! Perhaps an outting, she may like to go out for a nice mother’s day brunch? A picnic at the beach?

    Words of affirmation: Tell her what makes her such a great mom. Recognize the work she puts in everyday, and let her know how much you appreciate it. Like really tell her. Write this in your homemade card, send it in a text, tell her as you massage her tight shoulders, doesn’t matter how, just make sure she knows the depth of your appreciation and love. And she may already know this, but it never hurts to hear it again and again for this love language queen.

    Quality time: The bottom line of our little outdoor adventure blog. If we could see time as our most precious resource, we would be more meaningful in all our decisions and what we do with our remaining days. Spend real quality time together. Turn off your phones and get outside. Go for a hike, rain or shine. Do what she loves, maybe it’s climbing, swimming, running? And you know what she may really love? Not only quality time together, but quality time on her own. Give her the gift of time to herself, time to fill up her cup, then gather around afterwards with family quality time once she’s had her moment.

    From one mom to another, I hope you/she has a wonderful day celebrating all that you do in raising the next generation to help make this world a more loving and accepting place.

    xoxo

    Hand picked flowers
    Love me my handpicked flowers from the garden 💐

    Looking for the best gifts for dad? Check out our Father’s Day Gift Guide as well!

  • Christmas Gift Ideas For Outdoorsy Dads

    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

    the exped megapump for inflating and deflating air mattresses at campsites

    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

    a product shot of the victorinox swiss tool spirit x as gift ideas for outdoorsy dads

    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

    The Mud Mat by Born Outdoor

    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

    a ski strap by voile for a gift guide for dads

    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

    the anker 737 power bank for our outdoorsy dads gift guide

    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

    The Duer fleece lined denim pants for our outdoorsy dads gift guide

    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

    the axeman jacket by roark, a great gift idea for an outdoorsy dad

    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

    The arcade stretch belt product shot for our outdoorsy dads gift guide

    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

    the oboz bangtail mid winter hiking boot in a gift guide for outdoorsy dads

    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”

    the glerups boot slipper for our gift guide for dads

    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

    the sanuk puffy chiller mid is a top recommendation for shoes in our christmas gift guide for outdoorsy dads

    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!