With Father’s Day fast approaching many of you are no doubt still searching for the perfect gift to get dad this year. If he is the kind of man who typically carries a pocketknife or multitool with him whereever he goes, be sure to check out yesterday’s article in which we shared our top picks for the best options in that category. But if he happens to be fully stocked up in blades and tools, perhaps he could use some new hiking or camping gear instead. Here are some suggestions for gifts that any outdoorsy dad is sure to love.
Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL2 mtnGLO
If dad is in need of a new tent for is outdoor adventures, than look no further than the Rattlesnake SL2 mtnGLO from Big Agnes. This two-person, three-season shelter is lightweight (just 3.9 pounds), easy to set-up, and provides plenty of ventilation, interior access, and protection from the elements. It also happens to include built-in LED lights that illuminate the interior without the need for a headlamp. This tent is so good that it actually took top honors in our 2015 two-person tent test. ($349)
For other great suggestions for backcountry shelters be sure to check out the Gear Institute tent reviews page.
Keen Marshall WP Hiking Shoes
The key to keeping dad happy while out on a hike is to make sure that his feet are comfortable for the entire time he is on the trail. The Keen Marshall WP hiking shoes can do just that, while also keeping his feet dry at the same time. This waterproof boot features a lightweight, breathable membrane for venting moisture, a durable and protective sole that provides traction on a variety of surfaces, and a low cut design that will look and feel good on his feet. ($130)
If this doesn’t look like quite the right hiking shoe to fit your dad’s needs, we have plenty of other suggestions on our hiking boot and hiking shoes review pages.
Montane Minimus Sleeping Bag
A good sleeping bag is essential for getting a good night sleep in the backcountry, and we all know how irritable dads can be when they don’t get enough sleep. To ensure that he isn’t lacking in quality rest while camping, give him the Montane Minimus, which took top honors in our recent 2015 sleeping bag showdown. Rated for use in temperatures down to 37ºF, this bag weighs just over two pounds, features natural goose down fill, and comes with fully waterproof construction that doesn’t compromise breathability it any way. This makes it a versatile choice for backpacking and camping in a wide variety of environments. ($649)
If the Minimus is a bit out of your price range, or doesn’t quite fit your dad’s needs, be sure to check out the other sleeping bags that GI recommends.
BioLite BaseCamp Stove
There are few things better than a good meal cooked over an open fire and enjoyed outside while on a camping trip. If your dad fancies himself a backcountry grill master, than he’ll no doubt love the BioLite BaseCamp. This stove is perfect for car camping, and uses sticks and larger pieces wood for fuel, making it very eco-friendly. With a cooking surface that is 13″ in diameter, the BaseCamp has ample which space to cook an entire meal. It also has the ability to convert the heat created by its fire into energy that can be than stored for use in charging a smartphone or tablet. That same source of energy can also be used to power an onboard spotlight and a small internal fan, which greatly improves cooking efficiency. ($300)
For other suggestions on the best camp stoves available, be sure to check out our reviews page for those products as well.
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack
If your dad is long overdue for an upgrade to his backpack, than the new Osprey Atmos AG 65 will make the perfect gift. Whether he’s heading on a backpacking trip along his favorite trail, or traveling to the far side of the planet, the Atmos 65 is sure to come in handy. This pack can carry a large load with ease, distributing the weight evenly to help keep the wearer as comfortable as possible. This hydration-ready Atmos also includes an adjustable suspension system, a variety of compression straps, and ample internal storage for all the gear dad could possibly need. It also comes with Osprey’s legendary lifetime guarantee, which means if anything ever happens to the bag, they’ll fix or replace it no questions asked. ($260)
Click here to see other options for backpacks.
