Got You An Outdoorsy Dad? These Are the Father's Day Gifts He'll Love (And Use!)

If your dad is one of those guys who loves exploring the great outdoors, you owe him a debt of gratitude. No, not just because an active lifestyle will keep him fit and healthy, or because he’s setting a good example and other sorts of feel-good reasons. It’s because an outdoorsy dad is an easy-to-shop-for dad. (Wait, did I just make Father’s Day all about you?!) But seriously, while friends may be struggling to come up with something their fathers will really use and appreciate, you have many options.

It seems like every day there are new products coming out for outdoor enthusiasts, whether they’re into fishing, hiking, running, camping, or some other activity. Items range from the super practical (like a solar panel charger) to the simply fun (pass the shot glass!). Trust us—no matter how much fun your dad is having now, the right gear always makes any experience better! So whether he’s a casual weekend warrior or a more intense adventurer, you are sure to find the perfect gift on this list.

No electricity, no problem! Goal Zero’s Nomad 7 Plus is a solar panel that charges USB devices. He can plug things like his phone, GPS, GoPro, etc. right into the panel during the day to charge directly from the sun. Or use the panel to charge a secondary charging device so you’ll have a power source after the sun goes down. The unit is very light—less than a pound—and can be attached to a backpack for charging on the go. The zipper pouch on the back can flip out to be a kickstand, and an LED indicator displays the strength of the solar conditions.

Help him toast his adventurous spirit with this rugged, portable party set. The stainless steel flask holds eight ounces of his favorite spirits and the matching carrying case holds four two-ounce stainless steel shot glasses. Comes in green or red.

No matter where he’s going, he can take his music with him thanks to JBL’s newest Bluetooth speaker. The rugged Flip 4 is waterproof—meaning not only can it handle getting splashed with water but it can even be submerged (although I recommend treating that as an insurance policy rather than a standard operating procedure!). The rechargeable battery gives up to 12 hours of play time, and you can wirelessly pair two smartphones or tablets, so he and his buddies can take turns controlling the playlist. It also works as a speakerphone for taking calls and can connect to Siri and Google Now.

A shirt with a “media port”—why didn’t I think of that? A tiny slit on the back means he can run his headphone cord under the shirt—and out of the way. Made of North Face’s “FlashDry” fabric that wicks moisture from the skin, this top will keep him dry and cool.

Outdoor pursuits often involve two things—sun and water. These glasses protect dad’s eyes from damaging ultraviolet light and if they end up in the water, no worries because they float! (Fun fact: The company says the name Rheos comes from the Greek term for a river current.) The Eddies are the newest design, offering an ultra lightweight frame, polarized polycarbonate lenses, and sport-style nose and ear pads. Chose from several frame and lens color combinations (Tip: the amber and copper lenses are favorites among fishermen since they provide clear viewing in a variety of water depths and light levels.)

Give him a gift of portable relaxation with the ENO DoubleNest Hammock. It’s hard to believe that something that packs into a compact cube (about 5x5 inches) unfolds into a hammock that can hold two people and up to 400 pounds! It comes in dozens of colors, from bright to muted, and includes carabiners and nautical-grade line. For easy attachment to trees, add the ENO Atlas Straps to your gift.

After an exhausting day of outdoor fun, many dads love nothing more than a beer and with the BottleKeeper, a cold brew is always at hand. Just unscrew the base and slide the beer bottle inside the stainless steel holder that’s lined with neoprene for insulation. The cap also seals the bottle inside—no risking of beer sloshing around. BottleKeeper comes in a variety of colors and three sizes—Standard, Stubby, and Bomber—to accommodate your pop's of the most favorite brews.

Made of high-performance racing sailcloth, this super thin wallet stands up to water and sweat—and it weighs less than half an ounce. (Backstory: Flowfold’s founder made his first wallet as a teenager working in a sail loft in Maine). Today about 40 percent of the materials the company uses in its products are recycled. The wallet can hold about eight credit cards and folded bills.

Forget about socks being the punchline in jokes about Father’s Day gifts. These newest ones from Darn Tough are a blend of nylon and merino wool, with just a touch of Lycra to hold their shape. They’ll keep his feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and they’ve got a thin layer of cushioning along the base for ultimate comfort. They sit about mid-calf, perfect with hiking boots, and come in three colors.

Many hats block the sun, but this one has added features that make it great for an active lifestyle. It’s made of lightweight fabric that’s breathable (no one likes a sweaty head!), dries quickly, and offers protection from ultraviolet rays (no one likes a burned scalp either!). It’s also just super comfortable, even with sunglasses on. 

Here’s a gift that keeps on giving! Every month he’ll receive a box filled with gear for his outdoor adventures. The company promises that the items are high-end, unique, tested on multiple trips, and given a “stamp of approval” from world-class travelers. Each box has a theme and includes three to five items, with a total value of $40 to $50. Past examples include a camping-themed box that included a hammock, bamboo utensil set, and multi-tool survival card.

Grab some of these to throw in his gift bag. Made with DEET-free insect repellant, the wipes make it easy to apply the lotion exactly where it’s needed. The product repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies, gnats, no-see-ums, and fleas. The compact, flip-top container is lightweight and packs easily.