Getting gifts for Dad can be a challenge, especially when he loves to be outdoors. Thankfully, there are a lot of things that can make the outdoor experience better and make great gifts. These can be everything from clothing items to fishing gear to other useful outdoor stuff.

To keep things simple, the main focus of this gift guide will be on items that are either carried or directly used, just to keep things affordable. Which, sadly, means no ATVs or boats, but enjoying the outdoors is more about the experience, especially as Dad gets older.

Wool Socks/Clothing

It may not seem like a great gift for Dad, but wool clothing, especially wool socks, is an amazing gift for the outdoorsman. This is because of the unique properties of wool. Wool is a natural fiber that helps keep moisture away from the body while still being insulating. If a wool item gets wet, it still retains heat in cold weather, leading to better comfort.

Wool is a great renewable material that is more natural than polyester and more durable than most cotton options. A well-maintained set of wool socks will last for years and help maintain foot health, which can be the difference between a great time in nature and a horrible experience.

Other wool items like hats, gloves, or shirts are great additions to Dad’s wardrobe when he’s out exploring the great outdoors. Using wool as an insulator helps keep him warm, but it does have some nuances in caring for it. Overall, wool has more benefits and really should be integrated if he spends a lot of time out in cold temperatures.

Knife Or Multitool

Being outdoorsy generally means that Dad is going to have a knife or a multitool on hand. Not every knife is created equal, and not every multitool is made to handle every task. Getting him a new one that covers something his old one doesn’t is a great way to improve his adventures.

This doesn’t mean he’ll get rid of his current knife or multi-tool, but it does mean he’ll probably find a reason to try out the new one. Don’t get too creative with the style, try to keep it relatively similar to his current choice, that way he will be more open to adding it to his regularly used options.

If it doesn’t match, he can still stash it away as a spare just in case he loses his primary choice, no matter what it is.

Fishing Gear

While it is a stereotype, getting Dad some more fishing gear is never a bad choice if you know he loves to fish. There’s such a wide variety of fishing out there that it would take days to cover them all.

But a good set of carp fishing gear is another safe choice for Dad’s gift. Carp angling is very rewarding, produces a lot of fishing stories, and is extremely accessible. Fishing gear is kind of like jewelry; everyone has their special tastes, so make sure you get a good grasp of his preferred style. Drop a hint here or there to see if he likes what’s being picked out, just to be sure.

He is never going to look for more reasons not to fish, and having the right tools just makes the whole process more enjoyable.

Quality Backpack

Having something to carry everything he needs when he’s camping, fishing, hiking, or hunting is a big game changer for Dad. A solid backpack that isn’t going to tear easily or one that is lighter than his old one is going to help him really enjoy what he’s doing.

There’s something special about outdoor backpacks, especially when they distribute the load evenly. A lot of hiking and camping adventures can be ruined by a terrible backpack that leaves hotspots or just doesn’t fit comfortably when it’s being used. 

Whether it has a solid strap placement, a good frame, or holds everything in place during a long walk, never underestimate just how much a backpack will impact the quality of life. A good pack will make that journey more enjoyable, instead of him constantly thinking about how uncomfortable the pack is.

Thermal Cup

When the adventure means being in the cold and wet of an early morning or just being in a cold place, a hot cup of something really makes a difference. Getting Dad some thermal drinkware is a thoughtful way to increase his creature comforts.

It may not be what he heats his drink up in, but it will be a way for him to store it for longer periods instead of having to rush to drink it. Even after it has cooled down a little, a warm drink does wonders for the mood, especially after a few hours of sitting in the cold.

The best part is that most of these drinkaware options are either customizable or come in a lot of popular branding styles to fit his particular tastes.

A Good Watch

In a world dominated by smartphones, a good wristwatch is one of the means to unplug from the world. Being outside and reconnecting with nature is a lot easier to do when checking the time means a turn of the wrist instead of pulling out a phone.

On top of that, a quality watch is a great fashion accessory, but it still retains enough function for Dad to actually get some use out of it. Tracking time and knowing what time it is really helps bring extra levels of safety when spending time outdoors.

Gift Thoughtfully

No matter what the final choice will be, Dad’s gift should have some thought and care put into it, just like anyone else. Gifts need to match their recipients, which makes those gifts that much more special.