Sometimes finding gifts for outdoorsy dads can be tricky because outdoor people can be very specific on their wants and needs. They have the brands and products they love and a level of quality they are not willing to sacrifice, which we understand and respect! Here at TMM we have hand picked some of the items the TMM dads either have and love or are looking to receive this holiday season.
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Gifts to Keep Dad Warm
My husband does NOT like being cold, so making sure he has appropriate gear to keep warm is always an essential for him. The items below should help keep them warm and dry all year long.
Bogs Arcata Tall Boots
These mid-calf boots power through slush and mud while keeping feet warm and dry. Rugged soles are built for traction on many surfaces. Comfort rated to -30°F. These boots are great for playing in the snow, walking through a slushy parking lot, or getting work done when the temps drop.
Helly Hanson Verglas Down Jacket 2.0
A lightweight puffy jacket is good all year long. We love one that packs down small so it is easy to toss into a pack as a backup but it still warm enough for general winter wear. The Verglas Jacket is filled with hydrophobic down insulation that is Responsible Down Standard down. It can also pack down into its own pocket.
The Verglas is also available in a Vest or a Hooded Jacket, so really something for everyone!
Helly Hanson LIFA Merino Base Layer Pants
A good base layer is key to keeping warm in the cooler temps. We love all things Merino and these LIFA Merino bottoms are a great combination of Merino wool and LIFA fibers for breathable warmth with moisture management. These are great for general outdoor layering or high aerobic activities in cold weather.
Give’r Ol’ Faithful Midweight Pullover
If you are looking for a comfy fleece that can also handle the elements, this Ol’ Faithful Pullover might just be what you are looking for. Fuzzy soft on the inside but built with a weave that blocks wind and wicks moisture away. This quarter zip pullover also has thumbholes to help keep it in place when layering up.
Essential Gifts for Outdoorsy Dads
There are certain things you should always have with you when you are headed out on adventures. They are often labeled as the 10 essentials – navigation, shelter, water, fire, food, tools, light, first aid, extra clothing, sun protection. Below are some items that fit into the 10 essentials or are good emergency (or everyday) use items.
Petzl Swift RL Headlamp
Reactive lighting, red light, and rechargeable, this headlamp is good for any activity. This light is also bright at up to 1200 Lumens but still lightweight. From backcountry adventures to navigating a campground at night, this headlamp is a favorite.
Suunto A-10 NH Compass
This basic compass is an essential piece for any outdoors person. We can’t always rely on electronics, so a backup when you are headed out is always a good idea! If he doesn’t know how to use a compass, this basic guide will help get him started.
Bugout Drop-Point Fine-Edge Knife
A solid pocket knife is a great gift for any outdoor dad. My husband loves the lightweight and compact design of this knife for daily use and life in his pocket. The blade is great for a variety of uses.
Ridge 20W Magnetic Power Bank Battery Pack
This portable power device is MagSafe for simple wireless charging, but also has two cords built in for non-mag items. Fully charge a phone up to three times. It even has a little kickstand to support the phone while its charging.
Gifts for the Campground Dad
For the dad who loves heading out camping with his family, these are some great items to keep camp tidy and comfortable.
Freestyle Rocker Chair with Side Table
These Freestyle Rocker Chairs have been taking over campground for a few years now, and for good reason. Comfy, a little rock when you want it, and a side table for your beverage or snack. They fold up and have a carry handle for easy transport too. If you are not loving this style, GCI has many other styles as well.
Gregory Alpaca Gear Box
This gear box is great for keeping things organized. We love that it can open hinged on either long side or the top can come off completely. The clear top makes it easy to know the contents without opening. The lid also has a gasket keeping the contents dry and dust free.
Milwaukee Tool Cordless Compact Blower
The Milwaukee Tool M18 18V Lith-Ion Cordless Compact Blower is a practical gift for any dad. It can be used around the house for small, quick jobs for pack it up for the campsite! We use ours at camp for clearing leaves away from the fire pit in the fall, blowing sand off our entry mat, getting debris off the awning, or adding some airflow to get the fire roaring!
The blower can move air at 160 MPH and comes with some attachments for inflating air mattresses, floaties, or whatever you need. This lightweight blower is compatible with any of the M18 batteries.
Fireside Friend Wood Splitting Axe
This handy axe lives in our camping trailer. We use it for splitting wood, making kindling, and pounding in stakes. Comes with a sheath to protect the blade and its made in the USA!
Gifts for Backpacking Dads
For the dad’s who find the campground a little too crowded, these gifts will keep him comfy, warm, and fed at that remote campsite.
Therm-a-Rest Neo Loft
This new Neo Loft sleeping pad by Therm-a-Rest brings car camping comfort to the backcountry. This sleeping pad was designed with backpacking in mind and the pad weighs just 30oz/850g and is a little bigger than a 1L Nalgene. A 4.7 R value is good for all seasons. This is probably one of the thicker backpacking mattresses out there at 4.6 inches thick and is a great pick for side sleepers. I tested it out at my local REI, and I might be personally making a swap to this one as a side sleeper!
Therm-a-Rest Boost Sleeping Bag
This three season sleeping bag is filled with 650 hydrophobic down and comes in multiple sizes so you can have a perfect fit with the sleeping bag. This bag also has some innovative zippers to help get the shape and level of warmth you need.
The center WarmZip can be zipped up to snug the bag in and bring more insulation closer to the body in a mummy shape, or unzip and have a more rectangular shape. We also love the arm holes for sticking arms out for adjusting or just opening for ventilation.
Jet Boil Flash 1L Fast Boil System
One of the quickest and easiest ways to boil water in the backcountry. Boil 2 cups of water in under 2 minutes. This is the perfect companion to freeze dried meals. If you are also looking for a coffee press, upgrade to the Java version as a French press that fits the canister is included, but easily removed if you don’t need.
Peak Refuel Meals
Many freeze dried meals have been tested by our TMM dads and the Peak Refuel meals are always a winner. Some favorites are Beef Stroganoff, Chicken and Rice, Pesto Pasta, and Goulash! Don’t forget the long handled spoon for eating right from the bag.
Check out more of the teams favorite Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals!
Gifts for the Backcountry Dads
Gifts for the dads who like to head out where the people and cell service are scarce.
Garmin inReach Mini 3
Anyone who heads out into the backcountry should have an SOS device like the Garmin inReach Mini. A subscription is required for use, but you can turn subscription on and off each month as you need. This is a great device for saftey, peace of mind, and keeping in contact with loved ones when you are off the grid.
When my husband is elk hunting in the mountains, he uses his Garmin inReach. I love that I can see his location and path from my computer at home and that we can also message through it.
TMM Team Member Jami
OnX Maps Subscription
OnX is an subscription service mapping app with options for hunting, fishing, off road, and backcountry. Use the app on the phone when you are in the field and download sections if you know cell data is limited. You can also scout out locations and routes on your computer before had.
If you have a public land hunter in your family, this is an essential resource for them for e-scouting land and knowing property boundaries in the field. OnX also has a CarPlay app so the OnX map will show up on your car’s display.
OnX Backcountry can help plan your next ski tour, mountain bike ride, hike, or rock climb with hundreds of thousands of miles of trails and routes.
Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool
19 tools packed into 7.5 oz, this tool can help you through just about any situation. I have had one for a few years and now this one is on my husbands list year! We love the carabiner attachment so you can clip it on for safety and has most of the tools you would need.
Merino Wool Half Finger Gloves
These half finger gloves are great for keeping hands warmer when you need your finger tips. Merino wool helps keeps hand warm, even when wet. The silicone palm provides grip when you need it. Light enough with a low profile to fit under another glove or mitten on cold days.
Gift for the Bike Dads
In our house, my husband is our bike mechanic and we are so thankful he keeps our fleet of bikes running smooth and problem free. These are some of the essentials he loves for bike maintenace.
Park Tool Floor Stand
This stand is great for the home mechanic, adjustable height and 360* of rotation allow you to get to the parts you need to. It can also fold up for storage.
Specialized Floor Pump
We have been loving this floor pump for a couple years now. We like the dual-stage pressure gauge with low-pressure accuracy for mountain bike tires, but still works with high-pressure road and gravel tires. Also works with both Presta and Schrader valves.
Silca Chain Waxing System
We have converted all our chains to wax now and have been very happy with it! No more greasy chains! This handy little wax pot makes the re-waxing process easier when its time for a refresh. We love that you can adjust the temp to get a precise temp for the wax you need and you can hang the chain above to dry.
THH-1 Sliding T-Handle Hex Wrench Set
This set of 8 common hex sizes is a great gift for the home bike mechanic, even comes with a storage shelf. These are used all the time in our house for our fleet of bikes.
Everyday Gifts for Dad
A little something for everyday use, especially for keeping warm in the cooler months!
Pendleton Blanket
Pendleton is a longstanding name associated with some of the best wool blankets and they are even woven in the USA. If you are looking for some cozy warmth to snuggle under, make sure to check out this wool blanket. This Glacier Park one is available in bed sizes, but the Twin size makes a great blanket on the couch (that is where ours lives!).
Smartwool Socks
These are my husbands go to socks for work all year round, his dress is business to business casual most days and the plain colors go well with whatever he is wearing. The merino keeps his feet at a comfy temp all year long!
Stormy Kromer
This legendary wool cap was originally built in 1903 to sustain midwest winters and today it is worn by people everywhere looking to keep their head (and ears) warm through different weather. There are lots of patterns and materials available, but you make to measure the head for a correct fit. These are great for cooler weather adventures.
Yeti Pour Over Coffee Maker
My husband has been searching for an easy way yo make some coffee when we go camping is a little easier to clean and leaves coffee sludge free. He recently discovered this Yeti Pour Over and it is on his wish list! Attaches to the Yeti Rambler and you can use a paper filter for quick and easy clean up! Use it at home, or wherever you may go!
Now, if you don’t have space for the Pour Over on your trip, pack these single serve pour overs, my husband approves!
Gifts for Dads on the Go
For the dad who spends a bit of time in his vehicle heading on adventures, or just schlepping the kids around.
Sprints Car Seat Cover Towel
Whether you are sweaty from the gym, dirty from a bike ride, or wet because you were caught in the rain, a car seat cover towel is a great way to protect your seats. Also works great as a normal towel if you need, or wrap around for a quick parking lot change. Microfiber is quick to dry and easy to wash.
NOCO Boost Jumpstarter
An essential for anyone who tends to travel away from town (or even those who don’t). The NOCO Boost Jumpstarter is a Lithium power bank big enough to jump start your vehicle 20 times or more! Make sure to choose the appropriate booster for the engine size! This battery pack also has a USB out to charge your devices and a flashlight for emergencies.
Yeti Rambler with MagSlider Lid
Keep your coffee or tea hot for hours and minimize spills and splashes with the mag-slider lid. These are a staple in our house and used daily.
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L Duffel Bag
The 40L is a great weekender bag. We love the backpack straps for carrying and we have always loved that that bag actually packs back down into one of the end pockets for easy storage. And don’t forget about the Eagle Creek “no matter what” guarantee!
Finding Gifts for Outdoorsy Dads
Sometimes this can be a real challenge, but we hope this list can help you find something for that special outdoor guy.
Looking for more outdoorsy gift ideas?
Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Dads
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