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, and more. 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. An ultra-lightweight and rugged backpack is easy to carry and the soft straps provide comfort and support. Many of Columbia's backpacks feature built-in hydration compartments. Dad will be able to carry everything he needs for a day on the trail with a stylish and comfortable pack from Columbia Sportswear.

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.

PFG shirts are lightweight and comfortable and constructed with Omni-Shade™ UPF fabric. That means Dad can be hiking, fishing, camping, or paddleboarding with an extra layer of sun protection. PFG shirts also feature Omni-Wick™ technology, which lifts sweat from the skin to evaporate it quickly so he doesn’t feel hot and sticky.

If you feel like splurging on Dad, get him a pair of high-quality hiking boots. Made for rugged trails, the ultra-durable Newton Ridge 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.

For those dads that need an extra level of sun protection a long sleeve PFG shirt offers a great alternative to its short sleeve counterpart. PFG shirts are made with Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 technology—the same fabric that was recently proven to work better than sunscreen. Designed with anglers in mind, PFG shirts feature a rod holder and several pockets to keep your hands free, while mesh vents and antimicrobial fabric also make the shirts great for other sunny-day activities like hiking or paddleboarding.

Nothing says “outdoorsy dad” better than the classic booney hat. Available in several colors, Columbia's stylish wide-brimmed booney hats showcase UPF 50 sun protection, along with a moisture-wicking headband that absorbs sweat and reduces odor. Columbia also has booney hats featuring collegiate logos and colors, so dad can show off his school spirit in style at the next football game.

The key to a good pair of outdoor shorts is a blend of durability and comfort. A pair of men's water shorts from Columbia offer tough, quick-drying material 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 styles.

Keep Dad hydrated while he’s enjoying the great outdoors with a sleek water bottle. Made with high-quality double wall vacuum sealed construction, Columbia water bottles keep 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 BPA-free plastic options for extra budget-minded folks.

Whether he’s rafting the white water or adventuring in the rain, this set of lightweight dry bags includes multiple size options 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.