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.
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Top Picks for Dad
Whether he’s shredding the slopes, preparing for an epic backpacking trip, or looking for a new daypack, these gift options are sure to put a smile on his face. They also happen to come from some of our favorite brands, so we can attest to their quality and durability outdoors.
Helly Hansen – Recco Transistor Backpack 30L
Every outdoor dad needs a quality daypack for adventuring with the family. This 30L pack is an excellent option with many of the same features as a larger pack in an easy-to-carry size. It’s compatible with hydration bladders and has various pockets and attachment sites for all those essential (and not-so-essential) gear items for the family.
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).
Helly Hansen – Odin Stretch Hood Insulator 2.0
Keep him toasty warm with this breathable, hooded insulated jacket from Helly Hansen. It makes an excellent mid-layer underneath a waterproof shell for chilly, wet adventures, or by itself on cold, dry excursions. It’s both stretchy and durable, providing both lasting protection and freedom of movement.
Deuter – Air Contact Core 65
If solo or family backpacking trips are in his future, look no further than the Air Contact Core 65 pack. It utilizes the Deuter Aircontact back system and ergonomic ActiveFit shoulder straps for superior comfort while trekking down the trail. It also distributes the load effectively thanks to the ergonomic lumbar pad, Y-shaped frame, and mobile hip fins, so he can comfortably go further. Also available at REI.
Organization Gift Ideas for Dad
Outdoor families tend to have a lot of…stuff. Between footwear, sports equipment, camping gear, etc, the garage, shed, or rec room can start looking a bit chaotic, to say the least. Here are some options to get that gear organized, so he won’t have to hear “Where is my left snow boot?” or “Did we forget the mallet for the tent poles?” on his next outdoor adventure.
Steadyrack Pivoting Bike Rack
The Steadyrack maximizes space by wall-mounting your bikes on pivoting racks to keep them off the ground and out of the way when not in use.
REI Co-Op Pack-Away Bin
Organize the family camping kit, sports equipment, or outdoor gear with this collapsible pack-away bin (pairs well with the REI co-op pack-away cubes).
Oyrel Shoe Rack
Say goodbye to the stress-inducing, jumbled heap of family shoes by the door with this lightweight shoe rack organizer (available in two sizes).
Camping Gifts for Dad
Does the dad in your life love to cook over a campfire or create culinary masterpieces on family campouts? Help him obtain “Master Camp Chef” status with these camp kitchen gear options.
Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven
From camp stew to cobbler, this pre-seasoned Dutch Oven is sure to amp up his camping culinary game while eliminating the time and effort of seasoning (it’s ready to go straight out of the box!).
Camp Chef Everest 2X High-Pressure Stove
This 2X High-Pressure Camp stove packs a lot of power in a compact size, with a 3-sided windscreen for effortless cooking in various conditions.
Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen
Keep all the camp kitchen gear organized and close at hand with this roll-top kitchen, complete with 2 side tables and a detachable 2-shelf compartment.
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 with or without the kids in tow.
Deuter Kid Comfort Framed Child Carrier
This framed hiking carrier evenly distributes the load while offering a comfortable fit for both the child and the adult. Check out all our child carrier reviews! You can also find this pack at REI.
Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
A must-have when carrying kids or navigating tricky terrain, the Black Diamond Trekking poles adjust easily and collapse small for easy storage.
Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Boots
Help him travel the trails with ease with these comfortable, waterproof, and ultra-stable hiking boots.
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.
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes
Help him stay on top of the snow with these all-terrain snowshoes, complete with the freeze-resistant technology or Paragon™ bindings and 360° Traction frames.
YakTrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip Traction System
This traction system fits over just about any hiking shoe, provides excellent stability in slippery conditions, and is compact enough to throw in a pack when not in use.
Slippery Racer Downhill Toboggan
Whether he’s pulling a child along the snowy trail or speeding down the local sledding hill, this toboggan 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.
Weston Range Splitboard
This splitboard is a great option for those snowboarding dads who want to climb up resort slopes or explore more backcountry terrain with ease.
Outdoor Research Highcamp 3-Finger Gloves
Keeping up with the kids on the slopes just got more comfortable with the superior VerticalX™ insulation technology and waterproofing of these 3-finger gloves.
Smith Squad MAG ChromaPop Snow Goggles
Whether it’s dark and stormy or bright and sunny on the slopes, these ChromaPop goggles can keep up with the ever-changing conditions of nature.
For the Dad Who Needs to Stay Warm
As parents, we tend to equip our kiddos with the layers 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, comfortable layering options.
Iksplor Long Sleeve Baselayer Top
Keep him toasty warm this winter, starting with the premium merino wool baselayer tops from Iksplor.
The North Face Freedom Insulated Snow Pants
Regardless of his snowsport of choice, these insulated, waterproof pants will keep him warm and dry on even the wettest adventures.
Darn Tough Microcrew Cushion Socks
Prevent cold feet from ruining the chilly adventure with these comfortable, medium-cushioned, wool-blend socks.
Cool Gifts for Outdoor Dads
There is something about having kids that makes many parents turn on their protective mode (along with the worry section of their brains). Help him worry less by equipping him with these tools and preparing him for anything the outdoors (and the kids) throw his way.
Ankor Power Bank Portable Charger
He’ll never have to worry about running out of power with this 140W output portable charger, which can recharge a phone (and various other devices) up to 4 times on one charge.
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.
Leatherman Signal Topo Multi-Tool
A quality multitool (like this one, equipped with 19 tools) is essential to handle anything nature (and kids) throw his way.
Cycling Dad Gifts
Calling all cycling enthusiasts! If he prefers wheels over hiking boots, check out these gear options to keep him and the kids safe on the road/trail.
Burley D’Lite X Bike Trailer
This Bike Trailer helps dad pedal further and longer while the kids root him on from the best seat in the house (did I mention it also converts to a jogging stroller and ski chariot?).
Smith Engage 2 Mips Bike Helmet
Keep dad safe and protected on the trail with this lightweight, comfortable helmet complete with Mips® Brain Protection System.
Finish Line 5-Piece Pro Brush Kit
Help him remove the mud, dirt, and grime from those family cycling adventures with this 5-piece bike brush kit.
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. We always add some practical gifts along with silly or gag gifts to put a smile on their face. Here are some useful and fun options for dads this year.
Looking for more stocking stuffer ideas? Check out our post on the Best Outdoor Stocking Stuffers for the Whole Family.
The North Face Jim Beanie
The wool/synthetic blend of this beanie will keep his head nice and toasty, whether he’s shredding on the slopes or embarking on an epic snowball fight.
Pocket Guide to Outdoor Survival
Every outdoor enthusiast could use a little reminder, like this handy pocket guide, on how to avoid life-threatening emergencies in the outdoors.
Double Snowball Maker
Make dad king of the neighborhood snow mountain with this dual-action snowball maker (as an added bonus, it comes in a pack of 4, so your whole family could rule the mountain!).
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, create culinary masterpieces while camping, 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 Gift Ideas for Outdoor Families?
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Best Outdoor Gifts for Dad
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