The Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Dads

Father’s can be tough to shop for, especially if you’re looking for something for a guy who’s outdoorsy. And if you don’t know much yourself about hiking, fishing, skiing, or trail running, it can be difficult to know what’s just right. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best gifts for outdoorsy dads, including great ideas like backpacks, water bottles, hiking shoes, headlamps, and coffee mugs. Scroll down to find the perfect gift for the outdoorsy dad in your life.

A backpack is a great gift for an outdoorsy dad because it’s so versatile—whether he’s into hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking, he can throw it over his shoulder and set off on his adventures. The ultra-lightweight design of the Tandem Trail 22L Backpack makes it easy to carry and the soft straps provide comfort and support. It’s equipped with a built-in hydration compartment and reflective safety accents to make him visible at night. At 22 liters, this pack is just the right size for daytime excursions, and you can choose from four colors.

For more help picking out backpacks, check out How to Choose a Backpack. If the kids will be joining dad’s hiking adventures, Columbia Sportswear can also help find the best backpacks for kids.

Not only is this sleek PFG Slack Tide Camp Shirt lightweight and comfortable, it’s constructed with Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 fabric. That means Dad can be hiking, fishing, camping, or paddleboarding with an extra layer of sun protection. This stylish shirt also features Omni-Wick™ technology that lifts sweat from the skin to evaporate it quickly so he doesn’t feel hot and sticky. It comes in 10 colors, as well as Big and Tall sizes.

If you feel like splurging on Dad, get him a pair of high-quality hiking boots. Made for rugged trails, these ultra-durable Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots are constructed with leather, suede, and mesh—an extremely tough combination, while also being lightweight and breathable. They’re waterproof on the outside, with a soft, moisture-wicking bootie inside to keep his feet cozy and dry. What’s more, the Omni-Grip™ traction gives him sure footing to navigate technical terrain.

For tips on breaking in hiking boots check out How To Break In Hiking Boots.

The PFG Tamiami II Long Sleeve Shirt is similar to the Slack Tide Camp shirt except that it has long sleeves, offering an even greater degree of sun protection. This shirt is also made with Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 technology—the same fabric that was recently proven to work better than sunscreen. Designed with anglers in mind, it has a rod holder and several pockets to keep your hands free, while mesh vents and antimicrobial fabric also make it great for other sunny-day activities like hiking or paddleboarding. It’s available in straight sizes too, and a range of color choices.

Check out a list of some of our other favorite PFG fishing shirts.

Nothing says “outdoorsy dad” better than the classic Bora Bora Booney Hat. Available in several colors, this stylish wide-brimmed booney hat showcases UPF 50 sun protection, along with a moisture-wicking headband that absorbs sweat and reduces odor. What’s more, it even has a mesh panel to keep his head cool while he’s having fun in the sun.

The key to a good pair of outdoor shorts is a blend of durability and comfort. These Backcast III Water Shorts offer tough, quick-drying nylon that can stand up to the elements while still providing a soft, lightweight feel. Plus, they have Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 sun protection, as well as an interior mesh brief that helps them perform well in the heat. They’re available in several colors and Big sizing options.

Keep Dad hydrated while he’s enjoying the great outdoors with this sleek stainless steel water bottle. The 21-ounce bottle is made with high-quality double wall vacuum sealed construction that keeps water and other beverages ice cold for hours on end. It’s an affordable gift that he can use for virtually any outdoor activity he pursues. There’s also a BPA-free plastic version for extra budget-minded folks.

Whether he’s rafting the white water or adventuring in the rain, this set of lightweight dry bags come in two sizes and will keep dad’s valuables protected with water resistant taped construction, and roll-top buckle closures. These tough, resilient bags work well for fishing, camping, rafting, paddle boarding, and a variety of other water sports.