Need inspiration for the perfect gift for your outdoor or camping loving dad or your partner? Check out my list of 10 things that are sure to improve his outdoor adventures.
Last minute father’s day gift ideas for the outdoor guy
SOCKS….still a classic for dads
There is nothing better for camping and hiking than a good pair of woolen socks. My husband also uses them for work everyday. Woolen socks help prevent stinky feet, so it can be worth the investment, just saying. Look for seasonal types: thin for summer hikes, thicker for winter days.
Outdoor/water proof Bluetooth SPEAKER
A speaker that can stand up to the use and abuse of weather, kids and elements is a must-have for traveling and camping. A little travel speaker is always great for traveling as well.
You can also look into inexpensive outdoor speakers for your backyard patio. We recently installed some from Amazon ($30-60) and they work wonders.
Bluetooth cordless earbuds for running and hiking
And speaking of speakers, bluetooth earbuds are always a winner too. Gadgets are just a favorite with guys, and even the low-cost ones are great now. I recently bought these for myself and they are great. I picked them up the same day from Best Buy. The quality is great but I would probably get an enclosed case next time.
Swim Shirt/ SPF Rashguard
Your water loving dad may love a good way to protect himself from the sun while also keeping our natural water sources clean. Sunscreen lotion leaves a lot of residue in the water. A SPF shirt makes it possible to wait until after the swim to reapply.
Gaia App or OnX App Membership
If your guy hasn’t already invested the route tracking (and backcountry mapping) apps, then this might be a great gift for him. We use Caltopo (which is free) for dispersed camping planning, but OnX and Gaia are great for offline route tracking and map sharing with friends. These apps are useful for precise route planning for overland trips in the backcountry where cell service is lacking. OnX is especially good for hunting because it reveals (personal) landownership as well, as opposed to public land type alone.
Recovery Kit for off-road adventures
This is a great gift for offroading or simply dispersed camping adventures. A kit like this one works with a winch, but you can also get recovery kits for cars with no winch. Look for tow straps and tree savers, compact shovels, jump-start battery booster pack, track pads (for getting out of mud), sturdy gloves, and a bag to put it all in.
Portable grill or fire pit
Help your dad or guy be more conscious about leaving no trace when camping with a portable grill or fire pit. You can get a lot of different compact foldable ones, like this one. We have one like these and use it everywhere. We take it to the forest for a day picnic or to the beach for dinner. The best part: you don’t scorch the ground and you don’t have to worry about building a fire that leaves no trace. And it cools off quickly.
The Kelty Loveseat Camping Chair
My all-time favorite camping purchase (and Christmas gift to my husband) was the loveseat camping chair from Kelty (we have the low one, but a taller version exists as well). We can snuggle in this, our kids can easily snuggle up with us too or climb on it themselves without it tipping over, and it's more compact than two regular camping chairs. It’s by far our favorite camping item for the family.
Alternative low-cost ideas for a Father’s Day gift
We love adventures in our house. And my husband loves surprise adventures even more.
You could easily plan a day picnic to a nearby park, river, mountain etc. Or an off-roading trip with some friends. The kids will love spending the day outside with their dad - so will he.
Pack a delicious picnic with his favorite foods and play his favorite games or sports. Or go for a bike ride somewhere new or beautiful.
Explore a new hiking trail or take him to his favorite fishing spot.
Get the kids involved in the surprise. They love a good secret, although they may not be able to keep it very well.
What has been some favorite Father’s Days gifts in your household? Please share below!
Happy Father’s Days!