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 (and put up with)!
We’ve put together this list with various types of outdoor dads in mind. From the slope shredders and trail kings to the camp chefs and cycling aficionados, we hope this guide will help you equip him for the outdoor activities he enjoys the most! We have also linked to other gift guides on our site in case you want more ideas for the outdoors dads in your life.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, if you purchase something through one of these links and use the discount codes provided, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
All products and brands recommended are hand selected by our team, so thank you for supporting us by clicking through!
Top Pick for Dad
Milk x Whisky Adventure Diaper Bag
This versatile diaper bag will help Dad be ready for whatever comes his way while out with little ones. The integrated cooler, changing pad and ground cloth let him explore all day while keeping bottles and drinks cool and kids cared for. The heavy-duty waxed canvas and ripstop nylon liner is extra durable and looks great.
Check out this full review of Milk x Whiskey’s Adventure Diaper Bag from TMM Team Member Kara.
Nordic Skiing Gift Ideas for Dad
Help the nordic skiing Dad in your life stay warm and comfortable while he skis with these versatile gifts.
Swix Star XC Men’s Gloves
These gloves are still my husband’s favorite for cold weather nordic skiing after trying many others. The leather palm allows for easily gripping poles and insulation keeps him warm on days when a mitten is too warm.
Iksplor Merino Wool Neckie
A neck warmer is the perfect versatile piece for nordic skiing and so many other winter activities. He can keep his neck warm, pull it over his cheeks when the wind is cold, or cover his ears and use it as a headband in warmer conditions.
Craft Adv XC Ski Training Jacket
This jacket is a great combo of insulation levels. The chest and shoulders have more insulation while the more breathable back and forearms help shed heat while working hard. While designed for skiing, at my house, it has been used for cool weather cycling and even a canoeing trip.
Camping Gifts for Dad
Does a Dad in your life love to camp? Help him sleep well, relax or enjoy his firewood gathering with these gifts.
NEMO Fillo Pillow
This compact yet comfortable pillow will help him sleep well and feel good in the morning regardless of where he sleeps. A good nights sleep will make it so much easier for Dad to keep up with the kids, keep up on camp chores and even relax.
Kammok Roo Double Hammock
The Kammok Double Hammock has a maximum weight of 500 lbs which lets Dad and the kids pile in to hang out, read and nap. This hammock gets rave reviews and still weighs just over 1 lb. Get Dad the Python Straps to make hanging it easy to hang it wherever he is. He no longer needs to wonder if he has the right rope packed. Hammock specific straps also make it easier for the kids to help put it up.
Silky Outback Folding Saw
This saw will help him keep the firewood coming and the campfire going on those cool fall and winter nights. Any Dad who likes building the perfect fire will find this saw is just the things he needs to help. It is loved by backcountry canoe campers and those who camp in places you can gather your own firewood.
Hiking Gifts for Dad
Any outdoor dad will tell you that hiking with kids is far different than hiking solo or with adults (at least with younger kiddos). Between carrying a little one, encouraging a child to keep moving down the trail, and witnessing a bigger kid’s first mountain summit, hiking with kids is both grueling and super rewarding. Check out these items to keep him moving down the trail (or comfortable on a break) with or without the kids in tow.
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier
This framed hiking carrier evenly distributes the load while offering a comfortable fit for both the child and the adult. At one point, we even had two of these for our family. This durable carrier can often be passed on to another family when yours is done. Check out all our child carrier reviews!
Katadyn BeFree Water Bottle
He will never run out of water when hiking with this bottle. He can filter it on the go and this collapsible water bottle takes up little space in a pack. The .1 micron filter can be cleaned in the field and is replaceable.
Helinox Chair Zero
This compact chair is the most comfortable in the smallest package. Dad can fit it his pack so he can take a break on he hiking trail. He can also take this along in the backcountry, to the soccer game or to the start of the game or race to use when he puts his cleats, race shoes or ski boots on.
Snow Play Gifts for Dad
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.
Backcountry Access Dozer 2D Shovel
While designed for backcountry use, this extendable shovel is great for fort building with the kids. He may even find his kids are grabbing it to help shovel the driveway!
L.L. Bean Snow and Sand Mold Kit
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.
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.
Snowboarding and Skiing Gifts for Dad
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.
Akova Men’s Elevated Hardshell 2.0
This hardshell jacket is the perfect addition to his winter wardrobe. It is fully waterproof and super breathable with a 20k/20k rating. It is uninsulated, making it versatile for layering depending on the mood of Mother Nature. Add a base and mid-layer for those cold days on the slopes, or wear over just a baselayer in warmer, wet conditions. Akova’s prices are great for families since they take out the middleman!
Valid for any order at full price (not including Outlet and Renewed items that are already heavily discounted).
Outdoor Research Arete GORE-TEX Gloves
Keeping up with the kids on the slopes just got more comfortable with these modular GORE-TEX gloves. Remove the liner on warm days and put it back in when the temps drop.
Sorel Buxton Pull On Waterproof Boots
Help him keep his feet dry, warm, and comfortable on the way to the slopes (because walking in ski boot is never fun ). Insulated and waterproof with sealed seams, these boots will be used well beyond ski days. Snow play, dog walking, shoveling; Dad will soon find these boots to be a favorite.
For the Dad Who Needs to Stay Warm
As parents, we tend to equip our kids with everything needed to stay warm in low temperatures, but do we do the same for ourselves? Not always. Help dad keep up with the kids and stay warm out there with these practical gifts that will last for many years.
Stanley Forge Thermos
Take warm drinks wherever he is going, whether to work or to the slopes with this thermos from Stanley. The lid becomes a cup so he is ready to go.
L.L. Bean Buckskin Chopper Mitts
Regardless of his snowsport of choice, these versatile mittens will serve him well. The wool liner is removable and replaceable so these classic choppers mittens will last him years. Some who find traditional mitten s too restrictive will like how supple these feel.
Stormy Kromer The Original Cap
This classic wool cap has a soft flannel lining and ear flaps that pull or fold down. It is great for outdoor play on a sunny day and lets him adjust his warmth level as the day changes. This hat is made in the USA and comes in at least 6 sizes so you will need to sneak in a head measurement if you want to surprise him.
Cool Gifts for Outdoor Dads
Help the Dads in your life stay safe, keep their technology charged and enjoy some tunes (or keep on their favorite team) with these techie gifts.
Biolite Charge 40 Power Bank
Phones are so much more than a phone these days – they are a camera, a GPS, a health monitoring device, and more. This portable power bank will keep his phone charged all day long and on back country trips.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Add peace of mind to those backcountry adventures with this compact satellite communicator, capable of 2-way communication, tracking, and SOS.
JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth Speaker
A bluetooth speaker lets him listen to the game or his favorite music while enjoying the outdoors or just working in the yard.
Cycling Dad Gifts
Calling all cycling enthusiasts! If he prefers wheels over hiking boots, check out these gear options to keep him warm and safe on the road/trail.
Nightrider Lumina 1800 Dual Beam Bike Light
A good bike light is important in the short winter day light hours. Help him fit in rides day or night with a powerful bike light.
Pearl iZUMi Amphib Lobster Cycling Gloves
Lobster styles gloves will keep his hands warm during his cold weather rides. He may love these so much that he wears them on the slopes and playing in the snow.
Craft Bike Subz Lumen Jacket
Being seen is key in the dwindling fall and winter daylight hours regardless of the climate he lives in. This cool and cold weather jacket will makes sure other riders and drivers see him well.
Outdoorsy Stocking Stuffers for Dad
Stocking stuffers are easily my favorite thing about the holidays. It forces you to get creative to see what cool finds you can stuff into a festive sock on the mantle. Here are some items Dad will get plenty of use of all year long.
Looking for more stocking stuffer ideas? Check out our post on the Best Outdoor Stocking Stuffers for the Whole Family.
Darn Tough Oxford Crew Light Socks
His daily socks should be as comfortable as his hiking socks. These wool blend socks from Darn Tough will keep his feet dry and warm whether in the office or at home.
Hydro Flask 20 oz Food Jar
Perfect for a warm lunch regardless of where he is.
Nite Ize 18″Gear Ties
The uses for these reusable, bendable gear ties are endless for the outdoor Dads in your life. Whether he ties the fishing pole to the canoe thwarts or trekking poles onto a backpack, he will find these indispensable.
Equip Dad with Outdoor Gear to Fit His Adventure Style
Outdoor dads put up with a lot. Hauling kids and gear, trip-planning, emergency prepping, etc., he deserves some recognition (and cool new gear). 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 other gift options for the outdoor dads and men in your life? Check out our Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Guys and our Gift Guide for Outdoor Men.
Looking for more outdoorsy gift ideas?
Related Articles:
Best Outdoor Gifts for Dad
© 2024, Tales of a Mountain Mama. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires a link back to this original post and permission from the author.