Stop racking your mind for gifts - just consult our gift guide for the intrepid father
Father’s Day falls on June 21 this year, which, if we double-check the calendar, is rapidly approaching.
No need to rack your brain for a great way to thank the man who first introduced you to the great outdoors. Below you’ll find a gift guide for the active, intrepid or adventurous father, with items to satisfy all budgets.
Kammok Roo
For the dad who: enjoys primitive camping
This camping hammock is comfortable, lightweight and quick to set up. Use it for sleeping, or as a campsite chair or lounger. Fashioned from proprietary water-resistant fabric, it supports a maximum weight of 200 kilograms. At the time this was posted the Roo boasted a 5/5 star rating derived from 253 reviews. What we love: Kammock donates a percentage of their profits to various environmental initiatives.
SPOT Gen3
For the dad who: camps, hikes, hunts, fishes or boats beyond the cellular grid
SPOT Gen3 is a rugged and portable satellite GPS messenger which provides a critical, life-saving line of communication. It lets family and friends know you’re OK or sends emergency responders your GPS location, all at the push of a button. You can also send pre-programmed text messages or an email with a link to Google Maps tracking your adventure. SPOT Gen3 is essential safety gear and might be as much of a gift for mom as it is for dad! More information: findmespot.ca
Inov8 F-Lite 235
For the dad who: can’t get enough of CrossFit and the Paleo friendly lifestyle
CrossFit is an intense workout that can be hard on the body. The F-Lite 235 is a purpose-built shoe that promotes the range of motions exercised in CrossFit training. If dad is still wearing cross trainers, then he’s likely struggling against the rigidity of his runners. He’ll love this technical shoe for its cushioning and flexibility. However, the best feature just may be the sticky rubber outsole which provides better grip during maneuvers.
Sportwear from Sherpa
For the dad who: who hikes in the alpine
If dad loves nothing more than the reward of a mountain top vista following a challenging hike, performance sportswear from Sherpa will suit him just fine. (Pun intended!) Plus—this company affects social change in Nepal, where they manufacture their garments. Still reeling from earthquakes, a gift for dad will also help locals in need.
FITS Trail Socks
For the dad who: wears out his socks faster than he can replace them
It may be a bit cliché, but a good pair of socks is always a welcome gift. Made from Merino wool, FITS are snug in all the right places and won’t sag, shift or fall down at the ankle. We suggest getting dad a pair from the National Park Series (pictured above, left and centre). Each design is named for a great American park, such as Grand Teton or Yosemite. Not only are they anti-boring socks, it’s a sentimental touch if he’s visited one.
Shop: fitssock.com
Petzl Headlamp
For the dad who: camps, caves, hunts or is a night-owl outdoor athlete
You can never own enough headlamps. If dad will use one for camping or recreational use simply consider the tried-and-true classic model. If he is an avid hunter or fisherman, specialized headlamps with a “constant lighting” feature (which means the light will not dim as batteries are depleted) are a sure bet. Or maybe dad is an after-dark trail runner, mountain biker or cross-country skier. Well what do you know, there’s a performance headlamp made specifically for that too!
Fjallraven High Coast Wind Anorak
For the dad who: takes street style to the trail
At $200, you might need to go in on this gift with your siblings, but dad will love this lightweight and stylish windbreaker. The material is made from an organic cotton fabric and waxed polyamide. Translation? The wax impregnation makes the jacket water-resistant in light showers and quick drying should it get wet. Thumb holes, an elastic hem at the waist and a kangaroo pocket are great functional features.
This gift guide was sponsored by Globalstar Canada, Canadian distributor of SPOT devices. All items were personally suggested by Explore editor David Webb.
