Outdoor dads hold a special place in our hearts. They are the packhorses, the piggy-back-ride givers, the child wranglers, and the trip-planning partners. They help keep us sane when our plans go awry and help us navigate through hardships (both on the trail and at home). We think they deserve some pretty epic recognition for all they do!
We’ve put together this list with various types of outdoor dads in mind. There are gifts for the dads who love the winter and want to play in the snow with the kids and get some time in on the slopes. You will find great gifts for those who want to relax in camp, spend time on the trail and for those who find a lot of adventures are everyday ones around town and at the playgrounds and soccer fields. Whatever the dad in your life, this list is full of 25 of our favorite gifts for outdoor dads.
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Gift for Dads Who Ski and Snowboard
For the dads who love shredding the slopes and skinning up the mountain, these gifts are sure to put a smile on their faces this season.
Avoka Legacy Hard Shell Jacket
This rugged Akova hard shell has a 3 layer design with good stretch. It was designed and tested with Olympian David Wise. It is uninsulated, making it versatile for layering depending on the conditions. With ski specific features like a powder skirt and Recco technology, this durable shell will last him for years. Add a base and mid-layer for those cold days on the slopes, or wear over just a base layer in warmer, wet conditions.
Looking for more info? Check out our full post on Akova gear!
Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Bibs
Bibs are great way to stay warm on an especially cold day on the snow – the extra layer on the core and lack of drafts really makes a difference. These Primaloft insulated bibs are perfect for a day of skiing. The thigh vents and 2 way stretch will keep him comfortable and two zipper pockets keep essentials secure. Helly Hansen consistently makes durable gear for the slopes.
Skida Snow Tour Neck Gaiter
A super versatile piece for winter whether he is on the slopes, shoveling, Nordic skiing or playing with the kids. It can be pulled up as an extra layer on the ears, worn under a helmet or just around the neck. Skida has so many fun patterns, you will find a design any dad would love.
For Dads Who Nordic Ski
Does a Dad in your life prefer the skinny skis? Whether he prefers a pristine track or making his own trail through the snow, these gifts are great for the cross-country skier.
Craft ADV Nordic Jacket
Wind blocking on the front, breathable on the back, the perfect combo for working hard on the snow. This jacket also is a great cycling jacket on a cold day (just has no back pocket).
Skida Alpine Hat
This hat is the new favorite in our house. It really covers the ears, the fleece lining is just right for a cold Minnesota days and it stays in place. With two size options, everyone can find a good fit. Get your favorite dad one and then get one for yourself!
Garmin Venu 4
The newest Venu 4 watch from Garmin is so much more than a watch. Does he want to track his heart rate, his sleep and do his best to stay in peak condition? This watch will do all of that and run for days without changing when just used as a watch. It even has an integrated led flashlight. This
Gifts for Winter Fun With the Kids
There’s something special about snowy and chilly weather that brings out the kid in all of us. Help him take full advantage of the snowy months with these useful and fun additions to the winter gear closet.
L.L. Bean Buckskin Chopper Mitts
When the weather is really cold (like below 0 degrees) or we are going to be moving less, these are the mittens my husband pulls out. The wool line and thick leather are a warm combo. These durable mittens will last him for years.
L.L. Bean Sonic Snow Tube
Whether he’s pulling a child along the snowy trail or speeding down the local sledding hill, this tube is the perfect addition to the family winter gear list. This tube is consistently a favorite and best rated sled.
Flexible Flyer Snow and Sand Mold
A favorite gift at our home, these snow and sand molds are perfect for the kids and dad. Made of durable plastic, these will hold up well for years of building. We
Gifts for Dad to Relax in Camp
Help Dad sit back, relax and have some fun after setting up camp with these gifts.
Helinox One Table
A rainy day spent under the tarp is a lot more fun with a table to play cards or a game at. This compact table from Helinox is lightweight and not much bigger than the chairs they makes. It is great when there isn’t a flat or dry surface around.
Just One Party Game
This game lives in our camping tub. It doesn’t require a table so you can play it sitting around the campfire or under the rain tarp. It is easy for anyone to pick up and learn and all ages can have fun together playing.
Flextail Zero Pump
Inflating sleeping pads can seem to take forever, especially when he just wants to sit back and finally relax on a camping trip. This tiny pump (only 1.2oz) has 6 different nozzles to inflate most sleeping pads quickly. It is a great gear addition for the dad who seems to have all of the gear.
Gifts for Everyday Adventures
Often times adventures are the small daily ones like trips to the local park, the farmers market, the soccer field. These gifts can help him be more comfortable and prepared for those everyday adventures.
Peak Designs Everyday Sling
This sling bag is perfect for keeping band aids, hand sanitizer, snacks and more. It is easy to keep in front of your body when traveling to a place where you want to keep your wallet close. It was the pack of choice recently for a friend who was traveling internationally. Everything important was always right at hand.
Naked Advent Calendar
Parenting through the holidays can be draining, help him stay at his peak so he can enjoy the season and his outdoor adventures. This advent calendar offer 12 days of clean nutrition. Each day delivers a pure, high-quality supplement made with simple transparent ingredients. It’s an easy way to incorporate consistent, reliable nourishment into his routine. Give him the gift of spending 12 days with a straightforward approach to maintaining his wellness without any unnecessary additives or fillers.
REI Backpack Cooler
Our backpack cooler gets used every week especially during the warm months. It is an easy way to take drinks to the beach, a picnic to the park, or juice boxes to the kids game when it is your turn to bring treats. The small profile also means it comes along on grocery trips on hot days so the milk and yogurt can go in it and he can make another stop or two.
Gifts for Dad’s to Use on the Trail
Katadyn Filter Water Bottle
When a day hike takes longer than planned or a bottle of water is spilled, this lightweight bottle quickly filters .5 L of water. Especially when tripping with kids, it seems the water goes quickly and waiting to get back to the car or to camp where the big filter is just too long.
Fenix Rechargable Headlamp
This headlamp/flashlight combo is a fun, innovative design. You can slide it out of the headlamp strap (in which it can be rotated up and down) and use it as a handheld flashlight. It comes with a built in clip to attach it onto a hat brim or belt. It has multiple brightnesses and red light.
REI Everyday Boxers
Wicking underwear that stretch and move nicely, really does make a difference on the trail and for every day adventures. This style from REI is a new favorite. It is washing, drying and wearing well. The dad in your life may not think these are necessary but a couple of pairs will change his mind.
Gifts for On the Water
Whether he paddles a canoe, kayak or SUP, these useful gifts are sure to make him happy or help him focus on what he really want to be doing instead of not losing his phone, a lure or more.
Patagonia Stealth Switch 3L Fishing Pack
Is he tired of trying to hold onto his poles, a kid’s pole or two, a beverage and a tackle box? A small pack that keeps the fishing essentials can help. This pack can go on a belt, the canoe thwart, the front of the kayak or on his waders.
Shelta Seahawks Sun Hat
This sun hat with a no flop brim keep the view ahead clear and open. It dries quickly, dirt brushes off and he can even add an additional foam insert so it stays on top of the water longer while he paddles back to get it.
JBL Clip 5 Portable Speaker
This accompanies my own dad while working in the garden and gathering firewood. He can tune into a game, the news or listen to music. This portable, waterproof speaker has a built in clip so it is easy to bring with as he works in the yard or goes on an everyday adventure.
Favorites Gifts for Dad Year After Year
While all of these gifts are ones used in my family or by friends and other TMM families, there are a few favorites in my home. These are the gifts getting regular use and consistently loved here.
Silky BigBoy 2000 Saw
This folding saw from Japan based Silky is lightweight, strong and does a great job cutting through branches quickly. My husband uses it cut firewood down when we are in the Boundary Waters and when a branch needs trimmed at home.
Hults Bruk Forester Axe
It is hard to start a fire when the wood is too large. This axe is great for splitting logs and keeping the fire going when at home or on the trail. The compact size is easier to take camping than a full size splitting axe. My husband, who loves chopping wood, loves this axe for taking logs down to kindling size.
Helinox Chair Zero
Year after year, this lightweight chair that packs down great is a favorite. We take 4 different chairs on a yearly trip and this remains the most stable while lightweight chair we take. It works great at soccer games, baseball fields, and anytime you need a portable chair.
Backcountry Access Dozer Shovel
While designed for backcountry use, this extendable shovel is great for fort building with the kids. It fits great in the back of the car just in case someone is stuck in the snow. He may even find his kids are grabbing it to help shovel the driveway!
Equip Dad With Outdoor Gear He Will Love
Dads give so much to their families. These gifts are a way to show your love and appreciation and give back to him. Whether he prefers to play in the snow, camp in the backcountry or close to the car, or just needs some new cold-weather gear, we hope this guide will point you in the direction of the perfect gifts for the dads in your life.
Looking for more outdoorsy gift ideas?
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- Outdoor Gifts for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Gifts for Outdoor Dads
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