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As the saying goes, “my dad is so hard to shop for.” We’ve all been there: Father’s Day rolls around and mothers and siblings are turning to each other for advice on what to get for dear old dad. Dads tend to buy things they need for themselves, so we’re all about gifts that are both creative and useful, wedding utility with indulgence.
Related: Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Dad Who Has Everything
This year, though, we’ve compiled one of our best Father’s Day gift guides yet. No matter what sort of traveler your father is, you’ll find something on this list that will put a smile on his face. The best part? They’re all really useful. From a sturdy, insulated water bottle to elegant travel accessories like a leather passport case or one of the best digital cameras on the market, your dad will be well-equipped for his next adventure––even if it’s just in the kitchen––this year.
CAMELBAK Zephyr Vest
If you're dad is a biker, hiker, or runner, he needs this incredibly functional vest holds one liter of water via two Quick Stow flasks—especially with summer upon us. Hydration, hydration, hydration!
To buy: $150, camelbak.com
Mountain Hardware Exposure/2™ Gore-Tex Paclite Plus Jacket
Every guy needs a reliable rain jacket—especially the dad that spends a good amount of time exploring the great outdoors. This sturdy Gore-Tex jacket from the innovative team at Mountain Hardware is lightweight, packable, breathable, and completely waterproof.
To buy: $210, mountainhardwear.com
Vasque BREEZE LT GTX Hiking Boots
The Breeze LT GTX puts a spin on Vasque's classic, award-winning hiking boot. The dad who loves to hike will want to live in these super-supportive, waterproof boots that utilize VIBRAM Megagrip for incredibly sturdy grip.
To buy: $180, vasque.com
Take! Renewed Bamboo Chair
This stunning, Japanese-designed bamboo chair features a supportive canvas seat and collapsible legs, so it's perfect for outdoor use in the yard, or he can bring it camping.
To buy: $160, snowpeak.com
GARMIN Forerunner 935 Watch
Whether you're dad uses this watch while completing a triathlon or just during regular activity during the day, he'll love how much this tool can do. Not only does it evaluate your training status, it tracks sleep and features a built-in barometer; altimeter and electronic compass.
To buy: $500, garmin.com
YETI Tundra Haul
Consider this the ideal catch-all cooler for the intrepid outdoorsman. True to form, YETI has crafted perhaps the finest and sturdiest cooler on wheels where dad can stash his beer and snacks when he hits the road for his next adventure.
To buy: $400, yeti.com
Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons
Whether your dad uses these for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, or glacier walking, these strap-on crampons are top-of-the-line and will prove just as sturdy as your dad's adventurous spirit.
To buy: $130, rei.com
Santa Cruz Hightower All-Terrain Mountain Bike
We're willing to bet that your dad will freak out when you surprise him with this top-of-the-line all-terrain bike. Between the mounted shock design and adjustable geometry on this stunning aluminum bike, he'll never stop discovering bells and whistles while he explores the world on two wheels.
To buy: $2,899, santacruzbicycles.com
Barbour Classic Beaufort Waxed Jacket
This classic, weather-resistant outdoor jacket will never go out of style—and he'll look great in it, rain or shine.
To buy: $415, orvis.com
MSR Habitude 4 Tent
This four person tent clocks in at just 12 pounds—perfect for a backpacking trip (if we wants some extra room) or camping with the family. The inner vestibule is super spacious, and the sturdy material guarantees that he'll be able to use this tent for years to come.
To buy: $500, rei.com
Abercrombie & Kent Gift Card
The ultimate trip for the adventure-loving dad? That's easy: an adventure, of course! Give your dad a pre-paid gift card to Abercrombie & Kent, one of the very best travel and adventure outfitters in the entire industry. May we recommend a safari?
To buy: abercrombiekent.com
A Trip to the Resort at Paws Up
Give your dad the gift of kicking his feet up in style out in the countryside. The Resort at Paws Up is a luxury ranch resort in Montana—he'll have no shortage of things to do, from hiking and fishing to horseback riding and drinking in some of the most breathtaking views in the country.
To buy: pawsup.com
Hydro Flask Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Sports Water Bottle
Whether your dad chooses to take it to his office every day or pack it in his suitcase for his next outdoor adventure, he’ll be totally addicted to this sleek, stainless steel water bottle from Hydro Flask. The bottle holds a generous 32 ounces of liquid, and features an accessible wide mouth and TempShield Insulation.
To buy: $78, amazon.com
Patagonia Performance Better Sweater Quarter-zip Pullover
Every dad could use another layer––especially from an iconic brand like Patagonia. We’re sure that he’ll love this breathable, quarter-zip pullover made from Polyester fleece, sweater-knit warm fleece interior, and polyester/spandex Polartec® Power Stretch jersey side panels for mobility.
To buy: $99, rei.com
5-in-1 Tool Pen
Every man needs his essential tools, but imagine if they were all in one place. Enter this nifty 5-in-1 pen, featuring a screwdriver, smart device stylus, an integrated bubble level, a ruler, and pen (with clip, of course). He can pop it in his pocket or his carry-on, no muss no fuss.
To buy: $25, uncommongoods.com
Shinola Passport Wallet
Perfect for the dad who appreciates the finer things in life, this soft leather passport holder from Shinola is the epitome of functionality and elegance. Inside, you’ll find five card pockets, a passport pocket, and sleek raw cut edges.
To buy: $150, shinola.com
WONDERBOOM Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
If your dad needs a way to listen to his favorite tunes, but doesn’t want to worry about something like a splash of water from the pool out back, then he’ll be jazzed about the WONDERBOOM Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker that has a 10-hour battery life and deceivingly strong 360-degree sound, despite its compact size.
To buy: $65, amazon.com
(Malin + Goetz) Sage Candle
“Bright and earthy,” this sage-scented candle from (Malin + Goetz) is handmade in Brooklyn and burns up to 60 hours. Pro tip: Tell him that after the candle is finished, he can clean and use it as a stylish drinking class.
To buy: $55, malinandgoetz.com
Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II
A good set of headphones are incredible on their own––but these Bose Quietcomfort noise canceling headphones take it to the next level. Whether he’s at home on the couch, tuning out, or trying to catch some much-needed shut-eye on a transatlantic flight, he’ll be delighted with this thoughtful gift.
To buy: $350, bose.com
Salt Acid Fat Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking
For the dad who loves to be in the kitchen, this cookbook from Samin Nosrat explores the four main elements of good cooking, taking readers all around the world to do so. Tell him to check out the accompanying Netflix documentary series while he tries out recipes.
To buy: $21, amazon.com
PANASONIC LUMIX ZS200
Ensure that your dad gets the shot he wants on his next trip with this advanced digital camera––rated one of the best on the market––that features a powerful 15X Leica DC lens with stabilization, 20.1 megapixel, and a large one-inch low light sensor.
To buy: $598, amazon.com
