25+ Father’s Day Gear Ideas for Dads Who Love the Outdoors

We’ve teamed up with our mates at Wild Earth to brainstorm an excellent list of thought starters and off-the-shelf gift ideas for the big man (we’re no longer saying old).

 

I’m gonna do my level best here to avoid all the Father’s Day gift guide cliches (socks!! ha ha!!). We had a think about what our Dads would really like, what gear we’ve loved, and then chatted to the legends at Wild Earth, as they know their way around some outdoor kit too.

If you can’t find something on this list, your Dad’s either buying too much, or not doing enough (potentially both!).

This list features affiliate links, meaning We Are Explorers gets a small cut if you buy anything using them. It doesn’t change the price for you and it helps keep our site free!

Camping Gifts for Dads

Uquip Liberty Lightweight Folding Camp Table

 

 

Camp tables don’t need to be beasts that take up half the boot. This one from Uquip is perfect between two camp chairs at 65cm high, or as a bonus table to keep the main one clear of all your crap (why does the camp table always get so messy?)

Buy Now $90

 

Dometic Cadac 2 Cook Pro Deluxe Gas Stove

 

 

This little workhorse has featured in a bunch of articles recently, and we love it! A good stove is essential for a campout, and heaps of Dads struggle along with one that really needs to go to the knacker’s yard. Ceramic grill plates, windshields, and piezo ignition are all included.

Buy Now $290

 

A Hammock From Nakie (Plus, Maybe a Caravan?)

 

 

Aussie brand Nakie has its own Father’s Day gift guide, which is pretty neat. But even more neat is the fact that from now until Fathers Day, any Nakie purchase can put you in the draw to win an off-road caravan worth $70k. Not bad hey? They have hammocks, sand-free towels, puffy blankets, and more.

Check It Out

 

Happy Teeth Fluoride Toothpaste Tablets

 

 

I consider this a double-edged present. On one hand, it’s a super handy toothpaste that can go in the camping kit and never leave your Dad with stanky coffee breath again. Or it’s a great chance to gee him up if he’s the kind of Dad who complains about change, yearns for the good old days, or misuses the term ‘woke’.

Buy Now $23

 

Thermos Stainless King Vacuum Insulated Food Jar

 

 

Dads love saving money (not a cliche, but a fact). Imagine how chuffed he’ll be if he can pack a hot soup for the road? No Maccas kids, we’ve got stew right here! Of course, an insulated mug is always a safe bet too. Thermos makes a beast of a mug that still somehow fits into a cupholder. Chicken dinner.

Buy Now $60

 

Stratus All-Day Chair

 

 

This one comes on personal recommendation, as I have this chair and my Dad has stolen it and remarked on its supportive back and armrests. Stratus Outdoors is rad too, with its ‘Protect the Adventure’ philosophy, the team makes stuff to last.

Buy Now $259

 

LedLenser ML4 Mini Portable Rechargeable Camping Lantern

 

 

Lanterns are those things that you never spend quite enough money on, and they’re always a bit mid, even though the tech has come so far, especially at LedLenser. I love this one for its inbuilt carabiner, dual power source (so it can take AAs in a pinch) and speccy lens design. Into the camping box with you!

Buy Now $75

 

Stratus Outdoors Firepit Oven

 

 

Don’t get me wrong, this is a bougie present. But maybe it’s his 60th Father’s Day? Or maybe he fixed your car for $549 less than the mechanic would have? Jess reviewed the Firepit Oven and revealed that her Dad has built his own. Which is mad, but that’s not every Dad. I think you’d struggle to find one who likes camping and isn’t over the moon to get one of these.

Buy Now $549

 

Hiking Gifts for Dads

A Hiking Guide Book

Getting Dad a hiking guide book for his local region is an easy win and provides value for years to come. These are some of our recent faves:

• Australia’s 50 Best Multi-Day Walks (Use code WAE15 for 15% off)
• Best Walks around the Warrumbungles and Mt Kaputar (Use code WAE15 for 15% off)
• Overnight Hikes in South East Queensland
• Take A Walk in Southern NSW & ACT
• How To Navigate 3rd Edition by friend of WAE Caro Ryan
• The Backyard Adventurer by Beau Miles (more of a spiritual guide)

 

Jetboil Zip 0.8L Cooking Pot Camp Stove System

 

 

Now, normally, I’d warn you that Jack’s main criticism of this stove was the lack of a piezo ignition, but we’re talking about Dads. Dads want simple, not things that can break. Plus, it’s a chance to get him a firestarter too, so he can feel like McGuyver (this one makes magnesium kindling too).

In all other aspects, it’s an epic, fast-boiling, and lightweight hiking stove for the big man.

Buy Now $190

 

Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars

 

 

Is Dad squinting at the horizon, pretending he can see what you’re pointing at? Or is he going down the birder rabbit hole but still relying on the ol peepers? Help him out with some binoculars. These are waterproof, rugged, and properly set up to adjust to your Dad’s eyes.

Buy Now $180

 

Aarn Little Llama 20L Unisex Lightweight Daypack

 

 

Sometimes Dad just needs a nugget. Our reviewer Jack, loved the Little Llama for its comfort and balance, somewhat unique front pockets, and how much water it could carry for a 20L pack. It’s a cool, comfy brand from New Zealand that’ll get any day walk Dad stoked.

Buy Now $224

 

Arcade A2 Atlas Performance Stretch Belt

 

 

This might just be the Dads I’ve been around, but I’ve seen more than one lose their pants. Is it wearing out the elastic? Trying to keep pants going that don’t get over the gut? In any case, a stretchy belt like this with a minimal buckle to fit under the hiking pack harness is a super useful item that no one thinks to buy.

Buy Now $60

 

Black Diamond Spot 400 Lumen Head Lamp

 

 

Turns out the head lamp world is wildly confusing, but if there’s one thing we know, it’s that Black Diamond makes some of the best. This one’s only 77.5g, waterproof, and can take regular batteries if needed for an emergency. I also reckon it has some of the most intuitive buttons and comfy headstraps on the market.

Buy Now $100

 

Osprey Poco LT

 

 

This one’s for the new Dads! Hiking child carriers like this open up a world of exploration for kids and are a great counter to the Dad bod. Casey used the Poco LT and Plus, and while both are good, the LT wins out for portability. These things aren’t cheap, but I have it on good authority from my brother that they change hands regularly on Facebook Marketplace because they last.

Buy Now $530

Travel Gifts for Dads

Pacsafe Coversafe X100 RFID Blocking Security Waist Wallet

 

 

The keeper of cards, passports, and niche foreign cash will appreciate this subtle and secure waist wallet. I pity the fool who tries to scan cards illegally *BAM* or slash the strap *POW*. It ain’t safe unless it’s Pac…safe.

Buy Now $65

 

Lifeventure Digital Luggage Scales

 

 

‘Have you weighed that? I’m not paying for baggage if it’s too heavy.’ Save yourself the hassle and get Dad one of these scales that hooks around the handle of a suitcase or duffel bag.

Pro tip: You can steal it to weigh your hiking pack.

Buy Now $60

 

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel 42L

 

 

Julia loved this carry-on-friendly duffel bag with its handy travel features. Sure, you could get your Dad a regular duffel from The North Face (and if that’s his vibe, it’s an incredibly safe bet), but this one has comfy straps, handy pockets, and a nice square shape. You can even get a matching toiletry bag.

Buy Now $270

 

Big Agnes Stagecoach 45L Wheeled Duffel Bag

 

 

If you’ve got more of a suitcase Dad, this one comes direct on recommendation from the crew at Wild Earth. Called the ‘Stagecoach’ after the HUGE wheels, but still delightfully square and suitcasey, it’s tough and built to get there. It even has some backpack and shoulder straps for harder-to-reach resorts and hotels (kidding, kinda).

Buy Now $500

Running Gifts for Dads

Goodr Sunglasses

 

 

Great shape, no slip or bounce, and properly polarised for only 50 bucks, Goodrs are a great pair of sunnies for any Dad, but especially ones who run in the sun. I’ve had my most recent pair for years, so they last, too.

Buy Now from $49

 

Steigen ¾ Length Running Socks

 

 

You thought I wasn’t going to include socks? Gee, you look silly! Every runner loves the feeling of fresh socks and is dragging out the death of a few pairs that need to go. Steigens are my favourite as they don’t absorb moisture and keep blisters low. Plus, you can make Dad trendy by ditching the ankle socks.

Dad have trouble with blisters on his toes? Try some Creepers, toe socks recently worn by the Backyard Ultra World Champion for a casual 798km run.

Buy Now $22

 

Biking Gifts for Dads

Dakine Hot Laps Gripper Bike Bag

 

 

This one’s for the Dad who’s struggling to fit a few essential tools (or is always forgetting them). A small, tough and tightly-holding bike bag that can fit wherever there’s space and ensure he gets home without the walk of shame.

Buy Now $46

 

Osprey Raptor 10L Men’s Bike Hydration Backpack

 

 

Whether it’s long gravel missions, backcountry rides, bike park laps, or just very normal riding when it’s hot, this biking-specific backpack will allow Dad to carry heaps of water, tools, even his helmet and goggles. I gave one a burn at Thredbo and loved it!

Buy Now $280