The Father’s Day Gift Guide for Backpacking Dads
Lifestyle

The Father’s Day Gift Guide for Backpacking Dads

“], “filter”: { “nextExceptions”: “img, blockquote, div”, “nextContainsExceptions”: “img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button”} }”>

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
>”,”name”:”in-content-cta”,”type”:”link”}}”>Download the app.

Dads can be hard to shop for, but the good news is that there’s one thing backpackers almost never tire of: shiny new gear. Whether its a techy mapping app, high-end GPS watch, or a headlamp you know your cheapskate father wouldn’t shell out for on his own, these picks are ideal for the dad who already has it all. Here are our top picks for Father’s Day gifts for backpacking dads.

(Photo Courtesy: Bedrock Sandals)

Bedrock Mountain Clog ($175)

The dad who rocks socks and sandals deserves an upgrade. If he’s all about pairing function and comfort, the Mountain Clog is the perfect adventure footwear. The leather upper offers more protection (and might we add, style) than an open-toed sandal, while the open back keeps things breathable. Pair ‘em with socks or without for versatility. The grippy outsole is at home chasing kiddos around a campground or relaxing in a dispersed campsite after a long day of hiking—these do-it-all slip-ons will be Dad’s new go-to for every occasion.

plants app father's day
(Photo Courtesy: Natural Atlas)

Natural Atlas App ($40 annually)

Dads can be real know-it-alls. But does he really know what type of rock you’re standing on? Natural Atlas, a naturalist-centric navigation app, will give him the tools he needs to be a better-informed armchair expert. After downloading offline data for a region, hikers can dive deep into local ecology or search for specific species, like lobster mushrooms, and get a distribution map. All that info isn’t sitting in a silo, though: it’s connected to an easy-to-use navigation function with tools for trip planning and mapping, and layers to show weather, temperature, smoke, and more. There is also a social media component, where users (dads or otherwise) can post and follow other users, many of whom add useful notes about the trail and its surroundings.

Topographic map of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Yosemite valley. father's day
Topographic map of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Yosemite valley. (Photo: Emma Veidt)

TopoTiles 3D-Printed Topographic Map (varies)

Adventure dads love two things: going on adventures, and then reminiscing about them. Give your pops something tangible to reference when he waxes poetic about how steep that climb was, how beautiful that lookout was, and incredibly tall that peak was—even if it seems to get a little taller with every retelling. These 3D-printed topographic maps are customizable and stylish and look great hanging in an office or man cave. The smaller versions also make a perfect paperweight.

petzl swift headlamp
(Photo Courtesy: Petzl)

Petzl Swift RL Headlamp ($140)

Can your dad make do with a $20 headlight from the hardware store? Sure. But will he be happier with this super techy, long-lasting, do-it-all lamp? We’re willing to bet. For starters, the Swift RL weighs just 3.5 ounces, making it a great choice for even the most weight-conscious hikers. And its “reactive lighting” mode allows it to automatically adjusts its brightness based on how far down the trail you’re looking. That means it’ll maximize output when you’re squinting far down-trail, and dim its light to reduce battery—and avoid blinding you and your hiking partners—when you’re examining something up close. Better yet, it can run for up to 70 hours on a single charge, even in reactive lighting mode.

APEX coros watch father's day
(Photo Courtesy: Coros)

Coros Apex 2 ($349)

Kitted out with a flexible nylon band and sapphire glass—a type of transparent aluminum-based mineral—this rugged GPS watch is as close to unbreakable as it gets. It also has all the offline navigation, tracking ability, and altitude sensing tools that techy backpackers need. But the Apex 2 really shines for its battery life. It lasts up to 40 hours in standard GPS mode and up to 14 days with regular everyday use. Need more battery life? The Coros Apex 2 Pro ($449) has up to 66 hours of battery life with GPS—and 24 days with daily use.

zpacks titanium flask father's day
(Photo Courtesy: Zpacks)

Zpacks Titanium Flask ($50) 

This one’s for dads who love a little tipple at the end of a long day of hiking—but don’t want to schlep around a full bottle or heavy insulated flask. Made by ultralight cottage company Zpacks, this featherlight flask weighs just 3 ounces. It’s stronger than steel, totally leakproof, and doesn’t leave a weird aftertaste like some other metal flasks do.

aeropress
(Photo Courtesy: AeroPress)

AeroPress Go Plus (Now on sale for $63) 

Some dads just need their first cup of coffee in the morning before hitting the trail. And their second. And their third. Fortunately, the new AeroPress Go Plus makes an espresso-like cup but doesn’t require the heavy gadgetry that other backcountry espresso makers involve. Instead, it relies on pressure from a pint-sized, easy-to-clean plunger. The whole thing collapses into a tiny, portable package—making it a perfect choice for backpacking dads. Bonus: It’s currently 20 percent off with code FATHERSDAY20.

camping knife and sheath
(Photo: Courtesy Morakniv)

Morakniv Bushcraft Survival Blackblade (Now on sale for $45) 

If your dad’s more of a survivalist type, his tiny folding pocket knife probably isn’t going to cut it in a real emergency. This bushcraft-capable fixed-blade knife is made by the Swedish blade experts at Morakniv and it features a built-in firestarter and knife sharpener. That means you can use it to split firewood, shave kindling, start a blaze, or whittle around the campfire—you know, dad stuff.