Father’s Day Gear Guide
REVO Headway ($250)
No matter what’s going on outside, it always looks better through these sunglasses. The secret is REVO’s high-quality glass lens. Sure it adds a bit of weight, but it also makes the glass more durable and I’ve never worn a clearer pair of sunglasses—there’s almost no distortion. The polarized lens cuts glare effectively and the wrap-around Headway style provides full protection for ultra-bright days on the water. For a more casual look, check out REVO’s aviator-style Windspeed.
Sugoi Gustov ($145)
For many reasons, any mountain biking dad will appreciate this two-part short. The padded, removable liner provides plenty of cush for long hours in the saddle. The outer short is made from a ripstop, lightweight nylon that resists brushes with rocks and bark, hangs nicely for a casual look, and has been carefully tailored. These shorts don’t snag awkwardly on seats or leave gaps for plumbers bum. Best of all, the waist belt is adjustable, so dad’s waistline can be too!
Primus Firehole 300 ($295)
If your dad likes cooking, he’ll love this campstove. With nice touches including a timer, a battery-powered igniter, adjustable feet, and magnetic utensils that cling to the windscreens, any camp chef would drool over this two-burner stove. The side windscreens fold down to double as prep areas and a built in fuel line ensures the stove will never be left behind.
Outdoor Research Revel Convertible Cap ($40)
Not only is this cap two hats in one, it’s also not as dorky as the one your dad is probably wearing. Most of the time, the Revel cap is used as a lightweight, highly breathable sun hat that wicks sweat away from our brow. But when the rain comes tumbling down, your melon won’t get soaked either. Hidden in a pocket on its brim is a rain cover that neatly unfolds and slips over the hat. Made of seam-taped Pertex Quantum, it’s both waterproof and breathable, keeping our mop dry in and out of the rain.
Keen Bellingham Crew Lite ($20)
This time the stereotypical Father’s Day gift will have him psyched, even if he doesn’t know it at first. One of the many perks of being a gear reviewer is that I never have to buy socks. People send me socks all the time, so I’ve seen which ones stand the abuse. Keen’s burly foot covers hang in longer than most, resisting holes and saggy spots. I’ve had one pair for at least three years. The combination of merino wool, synthetics and Lycra is durable, holds its shape and resists chaffing.
SeaLife Mini II ($170)
Compact cameras don’t get any tougher than this: The rubberized body on this point and shoot has literally been driven over. The layout and design isn’t as user friendly or intuitive as some waterproof cameras, but the Mini is far burlier, good to 130-feet below the water’s surface. The few buttons on its exterior are big and reinforced so they’re good if you’re wearing gloves or spending time underwater. It’s also compatible with underwater flashes for scuba diving. Shooting 9 megapixel images, the picture quality isn’t bad either.
LowePro Flipside Sport AW ($139)
This lightweight and compact specialized day pack has everything a photographer could want. The padded main compartment is full of adjustable dividers for organizing lenses, flashes, and camera bodies. There’s zip access through the back padding, which helps keep ground debris and snow away from the cameras and lenses. It also has a specially dedicated flap on the side for tripods and there are a couple of pockets for keeping essentials safe and easy to find. It’s also comfortable to carry with nicely padded and ventilated straps.
Mountain Khakis Approach Henley S.Cafe ($95)
Your morning java just got a second life making dad look good. Recycled coffee grounds salvaged from coffee shops are woven into yarn that is then made into clothing like this soft and stretchy Henley long sleeve, perfect for cool mornings and evenings. The coffee adds odour control (sadly, not fresh-roasted coffee aroma), UV resistance, and quick-dry properties. The S.Cafe fabric is available in other styles, too.
Cumulus Lite Line 400 ($250)
Whether I’m heading on a lightweight mission into the mountains or on a coastal backpacking route, this is the bag I bring. At 770 grams, it’s one of the lightest sleeping bags I’ve ever tested and it packs down tiny, so I can cram more into a small pack. With the hood pulled tight, it has kept me warm on windy mountain tops and with the half-zip wide open, I’ve managed to stay comfortable on warm beaches.
