Picking the right gift for Father’s Day can be a daunting task, and while taking the easy road with a tie or coffee mug is tempting, can we come together and agree to avoid the cliché purchases this year?
For all those games of catch in the backyard and his encouraging (and okay, maybe a little embarrassing) chants from the sidelines, this is your chance to show how much you truly appreciate him. Act quickly and everything on this list can arrive at his door ahead of Father’s Day. Here’s hoping you can be there to watch him unwrap it in person.
Field Company Cast Iron Skillet
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better Father’s Day gift than a cast-iron skillet. From the kitchen to the campsite, once he’s familiar with the glory of cooking on cast iron, he’ll never go back to Teflon again. This piece of kitchen equipment is unmatched in terms of versatility, durability, and functionality.
The purpose of cast iron goes way beyond simple cornbread to make delectable appetizers, desserts, steaks and much more. It’s the reason every seasoned (no pun intended) home cook knows the value of keeping at least one trusty cast-iron skillet in their cook–and bake–ware arsenal. Our recommendation: The Field Skillet. The lightest, smoothest cast iron skillet on the market, this is the new cast iron that cooks just like an old one. More than a pan, the Field Skillet is investment in sustainability, American manufacturing, and a way better dinner. Give it to dad this year, and we promise it will eventually come back around to you.
fieldcompany.com; MSRP $135 and $100
KEEN: Westward Boots
Riding the border between style and function, the Westward from KEEN offers classic mountain vibes that feel right at home in Dad’s everyday urban lifestyle. These new kicks ensure alps-to-avenue versatility in distinctive European craftsmanship with traditional KEEN attitude (for those keeping score that’s a win-win-win).
Depending on Dad’s style you can go with the premium leather option or the stylish suede and canvas upper – either way you get clean aesthetics, lasting durability, and traditional KEEN comfort. All the while a KEEN.DRY membrane blocks precipitation from sneaking in, and also manages to pull sweaty funk away from Dad’s feet so everyone can enjoy family dinner after a day exploring. For the Dad who’s commitments lie in the city but lives for weekend escapes, the Westward is set to become his new best friend (well, next to you of course).
keenfootwear.com; MSRP $195 (all leather), $185 (canvas, suede)
Osprey: Hikelite Daypacks
For the dad that loves getting in his steps outdoors, this one is an absolute no-brainer. If you’re looking for a unassuming technical pack that provides excellent comfort, incredible ventilation, all without breaking the bank, then Osprey‘s Hikelite is the way to go. The Hikelite Series is technical, retails for just $85 and like all Osprey products, is backed by the brand’s All Mighty Guarantee, forever.
Fine-tuned for hiking, these packs are ready for day-long adventures in mountains, deserts, canyons and mean city streets. The Hikelite 26 offers generous storage for a lot of food, layers, and more. Whether you go with the 26 or Hikelite 18, you get Osprey’s incredibly ventilated AirSpeed™ backpanel which means dad won’t have to deal with the discomfort of hoisting a sweaty pack onto his back. And because it’s Osprey, dad get’s the benefit of added features like an integrated raincover for those days he forgets to check the weather.
osprey.com; MSRP $100 (Hikelite 26), $85 (Hikelite 18)
Kicker Audio: Bullfrog Bluetooth Speakers
You think you’ve seen a party? Just wait until Pops invites all the country club folks over to the pool on a Saturday night. (Melissa and Steve always bring Fireball. A lot of Fireball.) So do the old man a favor and Baby Boomer-proof the sound system with the a Bullfrog Bluetooth speaker from Kicker Audio. These wireless speaker systems float, they are waterproof, and (most importantly) they crank out “Mambo No. 5” with a crisp and clear audio no matter how many times Melissa knocks it into the deep end.
Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and those who enjoy indulging in sonic hedonism, the Bullfrog family of speakers deliver intense Bluetooth audio in a rugged design that’s impervious to the elements. Each speaker in the family offers a unique design that provides audio on both sides of the unit, for 360° of musical goodness. If dad needs a little more kick to his backyard barbecue sessions or pool party’s then roll with the BF200. Equipped with four speakers – two drivers and two passive radiators – its a definitive party amplifier. And if pops ever decides to grow his Bullfrog collection, he will always have the option of wirelessly connecting them together courtesy of Kicker’s DoubleKICK Connect giving him twice the kick for twice the fun!
kicker.com; MSRP $299.95 (BF200), $174.95 (BF100)
Wyoming Whiskey
Late at night, when dinner’s been put away and it’s just you and your father, nothing fires up some conversation like a bottle of whisky. And what’s more perfect for Father’s Day than a classic bottle of American whiskey from an independent, family-owned distillery?
Born in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming, your dad will love the notion that Wyoming Whiskey comes from the heart of the Wild West. He’ll marvel at the fact it’s produced from the ground up, literally, using non-GMO ingredients and water that comes from a mile-deep, limestone aquifer. He will appreciate it’s rugged uniqueness and attractive bottle which make it a quality gift in it’s own right. But at the end of the day, he will respect it for a dynamic and smooth bourbon flavor which make this whiskey a burgeoning legend – just like good ol’ dad.
wyomingwhiskey.com; $39.99
Snow Peak: Ti-Double 450 Mug
Perfect Father’s Day gifts are the ones that are built to stand the test of time. The Gold Standard of camping mugs, this double-walled, insulated titanium mug from Snow Peak will keep dad’s coffee or tea warm nearly all day and is built to withstand any adventure. This stout little coffee mug weighs just four ounces so the old man will hardly notice it in his pack, and it doesn’t absorb tastes, so dad will never need to worry about his morning coffee tasting like that Wyoming Whiskey he sipped the night before.
snowpeak.com; MSRP $49.95
Orca Coolers: Pod & Podster
Every dad needs a cooler, whether it’s for backyard barbecues, tailgates, camping or fishing expeditions. But not every Dad needs a big bulky box that’s hard to manage, hard to transport and hard to store when not in use. Enter the Pod and Podsters from ORCA coolers. American made and ready to bring the cold, these adventure ready soft-sided coolers outperform many other hard-sided options. The difference starts with the SPEC- OPS 840 Denier outer material which provides a tough and dependable exterior. Integrated MOLLE webbing on the outer walls provide additional functionality through the attachment of other outdoor necessities.
When mobility is at a premium, these adventure ready gems feature padded shoulder straps and cross-chest adjustable T-strap ensuring a conveniently comfortable way for dad to get his ice-cold refreshments from one location to the next. If your dad has been particularly good this year, this is a great way to show him you’ve noticed.
orcacoolers.com; MSRP Pod $269.99, Podster $199.99
Lululemon: Active Lifestyle Shorts
Say goodbye to those crinkly and noisy nylon shorts next time you go for a hike with pops. Update his active lifestyle wardrobe with comfortable and rugged shorts from Lululemon. Yes, Lululemon, your girlfriend’s yoga pants-maker, also designs a full line of athletic inspired clothes for men. And yes, dad’s of all stripes and sizes will love this line of gear.
For the trail savvy dad, go with the Mountainside Shorts. Built with stretch and durability for on and off-trail excursions these are the perfect shorts for peak bagging dads. An 11” inseam means he won’t be rocking that old school Magnum P.I. look, while the sweat-wicking fabric and technical design allow him to hike in comfort for years to come. For that dad that likes to reward his hiking efforts with a dip in the alpine lake, go with the Commission Swim Short. This hybrid style takes him from hike to swim and back again. So, dad can actually pack less on his hike, cool off in the water on hot summer days, and look good doing it all.
shop.lululemon.com/story/men; MSRP $88 (Mountainside), $88 (Commission Swim)
OluKai Nalukai Sandals
If you can’t afford to send Dad on a Hawaiian vacation to visit white sandy beaches for Father’s Day, you can give him the next best thing with OluKai Nalukai Sandals. Premium full-grain leather evokes the rustic spirit of Hawaii’s upcountry ranches with a modern sophistication. Supple leather footbed, and anatomically molded PU midsole ensure luxurious comfort. Plus, its non-marking rubber sole has traction pads for sure-footed grip across urban environments and slippery shorelines.
Olukai.com; MSRP $110
Anson Belt: Box Sets
It’s not magic, but the way Anson Belt pulls your Dad’s wardrobe (and life) together will leave you wondering if there’s some mystic powers involved. In reality, the mysticism is nothing more than a micro-adjustable belt that offers a perfect and secure fit with no pulling, stretching or tearing. Honestly though, simply referring to the the brand as a leader in the belt revolution would be a disservice.
As a father-son run family business, Anson Belt and Buckle offers top quality products, unmatched customer service and a lifetime guarantee. So if you’re looking for that extra special Father’s day gift, treat dad by building an Anson Box Set. You’ll get a choice of 3 straps and 2 buckles or vice versa and dad gets one belt that fits like a glove every time. Trust us when we say it’s the last belt your Dad will ever own.
ansonbelt.com; MSRP $99.99
STANLEY Insulated Tumblers
One of my most prized personal possessions is a tin cup. It’s the cup that hung from the water pump at my grandfather’s farm in Missouri. It was his cup. My dad drank from it as a child, and likewise I remember taking deep drinks of ice cold water from that cup in my own childhood. Today, that simple tin cup holds not just memories, but a place of distinction in my home.
Here’s the point, for Father’s Day give your dad a gift that will not only serve him, but will prove to be something that lasts for generations to come. For over 100 years STANLEY has served up legendary performance and durability. Whether you go with a Classic Vacuum Insulated Bottle, Classic Vacuum Pint, or the modern Adventure Vacuum Quencher you’ll be giving a gift that your Old Man will not only enjoy, but appreciate for years to come.
Stanley-pmi.com
LL Bean: Microlight UL 2-Person Backpacking Tent
We’re guessing that your dad has been backpacking with that same ol’ tent for nigh on thirty years. Modernize his camping kit and lighten his load with the Microlight UL 2-Person Tent from LL Bean. A true ultralight tent with impressive space (full review here), this has been our go-to tent of choice for big and small trips alike. Tipping the scales at a minimum weight of 2.11 pounds and packing down to a mere 7 x 16½ inches, this tent is not only feathery light, but easy to carry no matter how many miles are ahead.
A 15-denier ripstop-nylon full-coverage fly coated with silicone and polyurethane keeps wet weather out when you’re hunkered down for the night while also creating a dry space to protect your gear. And two D-shaped doors make for convenient ins and outs if dad decides to bring you alone on his next adventure.
llbean.com; MSRP $349.00
Patagonia: 90L Black Hole Duffel
Travel has transitioned from the formality of the 1950’s into a rough-and-tumble free-for-all. Make sure dad is prepared with this burly 90L duffel from Patagonia. Burly polyester ripstop with highly weatherproof TPU laminate is ready to withstand a lifetime of abuse, and adjustable backpack straps allow for comfortable carrying on long hauls. All told, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is an indispensable way for pops to carry and protect his gear wherever the road may lead. Also available in 45L, 60L and 120L sizes.
patagonia.com; MSRP $149
Tops Knives: Tex Creek Fixed Blade
When you think back to your first knife, it’s likely that your dad was the person who gave it to you. So, to honor your dad with the same special gift he bestowed upon you, consider getting him a new knife for Father’s Day – but not just any knife – give him one that will help quench that adventurous spirit.
If you’re reading this post, then we know you’ve got the kind of dad that is more apt to spend his days outside than attending formal galas or board meetings. Designed as a rugged tribute to the men and women who hunt and fish in the Tex Creek area of southeast Idaho, the Tex Creek fixed blade is the type of knife Dad’s like yours deserve. Whether he’s hunting, fishing, or just out exploring the backcountry, this blade will serve as a trusty companion. TOPS Knives designer Leo Espinoza created a new blade finish for this knife. TOPS calls it the “black river wash.” The uncoated 1095 steel blade has a darkened finish along the edge where the blade has been heat treated. It’s a unique look that gives this knife a worn in look and ready-to-work attitude.
topsknives.com/tex-creek; MSRP $175
Mountain Khakis: Long & Short Sleeve Shirts
Whether dad likes kicking back at the campground, backyard deck or local watering hole, Mountain Khakis has got his back with a few new styles perfectly suited for that easy livin’ summertime lifestyle. Ready for work and play, Mountain Khakis comfortably bridges various climates, locales, and cultures with a style that stands out in a modern sea of plaid.
For a playful shirt that pays homage to the wild & free bison go with the Tatanka Shirt. If your old man is more the classic work-wear style, then pick up the Mountain Chambray. Got a more adventure savvy dad who values some UPF protection? The Skiff Shirt is made with quick-drying and moisture-wicking material and is designed to keep him dry and comfortable when traveling close to the equator or standing over the grill. And of course, for the Dad that prefers his beer on tap, weekend long, and workday short there’s only one option: The Rodeo Shirt.
mountainkhakis.com; MSRP $64.95-$99.95
Superfeet: Olympia Chipmunk
Your Dad has put a ton of miles on those feet through the years. Reward pops and his hard working feet with the most comfortable chukkas money can buy. The Olympia from Superfeet delivers laid-back comfort in a style that goes seamlessly from work-week to weekend. A casual take on a desert boot, with a deconstructed look and feel. Buttery soft leather combines with a bootie at the heel for an ultra-comfortable feel against the foot. Inside, Superfeet Supercork™ premium insoles deliver dynamic comfort under the whole foot. Designed from the inside out to provide unrivaled support for Dad’s feet and body.
superfeet.com; MSRP $96.95