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Growing up with an adventurous dad means he may be less interested in receiving a fancy tie or printed socks for Father’s Day and more hyped on the idea of a weekend spent together at his favorite National Park. While that might make him more fun than your average pops, it also tends to make him hard to shop for. What do you get for the guy who (rarely) wants anything?
The answer is any of the Father’s Day gift ideas on this list, each of which will upgrade his travel game and help him get prepared for his next adventure, from a solar-powered fitness watch to cooking gear that is perfect for breaking out on camping trips.
Our picks for the best Father’s Day gift ideas for 2024
Stanley Adventure Full Base Camp Cook Set
Buy it now at Stanley
If Dad is the chef of the family, this comprehensive 21-piece cook set by Stanley gives him a chance to show off his skills outside of the home kitchen. It’s ideal for bringing along on a camping or road trip, stocked with all of the kitchen necessities for making and serving a pro-level meal around a campfire. It includes everything from a stainless steel pot and 3-ply frying pan to plates, bowls, sporks, and even a dish drying rack. This is a great gift for Father’s Day if your pop loves camping.
(8 camping cookware sets we love)
Snowpeak Takibi Fire & Grill
Buy it now at REI
Grilling over an open flame is a beloved pastime for Dads and nature lovers alike, thanks to the easy, hands-on experience it provides, as well as the ability to cook up something delicious anywhere you go. This Takibi Fire & Grill by Japanese brand Snowpeak can make it even easier for him to fire up some burgers, shrimp or seasonal vegetables, whether he’s in the backyard, at the park, or at a campsite. The modular five-piece set includes a Grill Net, Grill Bridge, Pack & Carry Fireplace, Baseplate, and Carrying Case and is crafted from high-quality stainless steel.
Marshall Stockwell II Portable Speaker
Buy it now on Amazon
A good portable speaker is a must for any adventurer, and this timeless option by Marshall delivers both function and aesthetics. Three class D amplifiers power this compact speaker’s subwoofer, as well as its front and rear-facing tweeters, delivering clear sound that will turn wherever Dad is into a party. It’s quick-charging, reaching six hours of playtime in only 20 minutes, connects to smartphones via Bluetooth, and is water-resistant, so he can easily bring it to the lake or by a pool.
(The best camping gear, according to National Geographic staff)
Yellow Leaf Signature Hammock
Buy it now at Yellow Leaf
There are few moments more relaxing than those spent gently swinging in a hammock, which is what makes this one by Yellow Leaf a great gift for Dad. Made from a soft-feel yarn that is both quick-dry and fade resistant, it can be hung outdoors or indoors for achieving that down time he deserves. It’s available in a wide range of color options, from bold to neutral, and is handwoven by craftswomen of the Mlabri Tribe in northern Thailand, helping to empower ethical job creation.
(10 of the best hammocks for camping and backpacking)
Parks Project Yellowstone Geysers Trail High Pile Fleece
Buy it now at Parks Project
This cozy fleece sweatshirt from Parks Project is made from high-pile fleece, offering a stylish and comfortable option for Dad to throw on whether he’s relaxing at home or off on an adventure. Button snaps at the top allow him to adjust the warmth level of the fleece, and the wavy retro design, available in both blue and green, is inspired by the geysers of Yellowstone National Park. A certified B Corporation, Parks Project also contributes funding, education, advocacy and more to vital park projects in the United States.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Camera
Buy it now on Amazon
A picture says a thousand words, and using the right camera always helps to tell the story. This mirrorless DSLR by Olympus is compact and lightweight, making it ideal to bring along while traveling. Besides offering a 20.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor, it also has in-body 5-axis image stabilization, helping Dad capture crisp images even if he or the subject of his photos is in motion. It has other unique features as well, from a dedicated Selfie mode to art filters that can be employed to add a specific feel to his photos.
(The 9 best digital cameras for travelers, according to National Geographic)
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press
Buy it now at REI
Compact and portable, this brewing device was designed for coffee lovers on the move and would make for a great gift, especially paired with a nice bag of beans. Despite its small size, it’s durable, making it perfect for Dad to bring backpacking or camping or simply to brew a cup at the office. Its all-in-one design includes a mug with a lid that doubles as a carrying case, and it brews up to three cups of hot coffee in about a minute or cold brew in around two.
Aesop Departure Kit
Buy it now at Aesop
Keeping fresh while traveling can certainly be a struggle, but the Departure Kit by Aesop offers a helpful solution for maintaining hygiene on the go, containing essential products like toothpaste and hand wash, as well as more luxurious additions that Dad can add to his routine, like a hydrating face mask and lip salve. Proper hygiene while traveling not only safeguards his health but also keeps him feeling clean and comfortable throughout his journeys. Aesop products are all unisex, with refreshing and herbaceous scents and non-toxic ingredients, making them ideal for gifting.
(The essential camping checklist for beginners)
Away The Everywhere Bag
Buy it now at Away
When it comes to weekend trips, a versatile luggage companion is key. The Everywhere Bag from Away is just that, providing a roomy but not bulky bag that Dad can bring along whether traveling across the country or just a few counties away. Crafted with water-resistant nylon, it helps ensure your belongings stay safe and dry in any weather, while minimalist leather straps make it an attractive bag. Multiple pockets and compartments can help keep his essentials organized and easily accessible, and you can pick from several classic colors depending on his style.
(The 8 best travel backpacks)
Nimble CHAMP Portable Charger
Buy it now at Best Buy
A dying cell phone can be inconvenient at best when exploring a new city and a major concern when exploring a new trail. Make sure Dad doesn’t encounter either situation by equipping him with a reliable portable charger, like this compact option by Nimble. Smaller than a deck of cards, it can fit into his pants pocket or a front backpack compartment and is able to charge two devices at once, from a phone to headphones or a portable speaker. For the eco-conscious recipient, they’ll be glad to know it's crafted from 90 percent recycled plastic.
(The hiking gear you shouldn’t leave home without)
KREWE Colton Aviator Sunglasses
Buy it now at Krewe
This pair of sunglasses by KREWE has an effortlessly cool vibe and is available in both polarized and unpolarized colors. If Dad spends a lot of time outdoors, polarized sunglasses would be a good choice to help protect his eyes from glare that he might encounter from water, snow, or roads, providing him with clear vision while he’s biking, boating or walking around. The sturdy shape of these aviator glasses is flattering on most face shapes, with a durable frame made from 12K gold-plated stainless steel.
LifeStraw Go Series Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Buy it now on Amazon
LifeStraw first launched at the turn of the century to strain Guinea worm larva out of drinking water in Africa, and since then has been innovating in the name of bringing clean water to vulnerable communities. Most recently, their unique filter has been developed into a water bottle, making it a helpful travel companion for visiting places without reliable, potable water. The membrane microfilter in their attractive water bottle, available in several colors, filters out contaminants and lasts up to one thousand gallons.
(6 of the best water bottles)
Arc'teryx Gamma AR Soft-Shell Pants
Buy it now at REI
Outdoor gear is rarely stylish, which is what makes pieces by Arc’teryx stand out. Their designs, including these soft-shell pants are both classic and durable, with a wind- and water-resistant fabric that helps keep the wearer’s legs dry. A gusseted crotch and articulated knees make them easy to move in, even when hiking or rock climbing—a great addition to Dad’s closet for his next adventure.
Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar
Buy it now on Amazon
If Dad has been using the same old watch for as long as you can remember, you might want to consider an upgrade for him this Father’s Day. Garmin is an outdoor-minded company that specializes in GPS technology and wearables, and their Instinct Crossover Solar is a rugged outdoor GPS smartwatch that harnesses solar power to extend its battery life. Its durable design is built to withstand harsh environments, making it ideal for Dad’s outdoor adventures, along with GPS functionality that offers navigation and tracking features for when he goes hiking or running. He’ll also be able to use it to track his health and fitness, from stress tracking to his sleep scores and more.
(6 of the best sleep trackers, from rings to smart watches)
Leatherman Arc Multi-tool
Buy it now at Cabela's
The right multi-tool will help Dad lighten the load of his toolbelt, like the Arc by Leatherman, which weighs less than nine ounces and features 20 different handy gadgets in one. It’s the first multi-tool with a MagnaCut steel blade and also contains everything from multiple drivers to a bottle opener, a pry tool, and even a mini saw. This is one of those simple Father’s Day gift ideas that can give a ton of value.
(Everyone needs a multi-tool. Here are 10 we love)
Austa Somvichian-Clausenis a journalist and author living in New York City whose work has appeared in numerous national print and digital publications, includingTravel + LeisureandMen’s Journal.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
