Historically, the term “Dad style” is far from a compliment. The phrase brings to mind black socks with sandals and head-to-toe khaki. This holiday season, we’re reclaiming the moniker with a vetted collection of the coolest gear for the outdoors-loving dads in your life. Whether you’re guiding him toward a trendier wardrobe or helping him hone his Everyday Carry, this lineup has plenty of holiday gift-giving inspiration.
WEARABLES
Fjallraven Anorak No. 8 M
Rugged yet refined, Fjallraven’s Anorak No. 8 M is an eye-catching addition to Dad’s wardrobe. The jacket is ready for the elements thanks to the wind- and water-resistant G-1000 Eco recycled poly/organic cotton fabric, but the leather zipper pulls add a handsome touch of style. $450 | fjallraven.com
Cotopaxi Fuego Down Vest
We love Cotopaxi because of their “Do Good” mantra, which has played out in recent months with extensive COVID-19-relief efforts. We love this vest because it blends warmth from responsibly sourced, water-resistant goose down with a sporty-yet-sophisticated aesthetic. $150 | cotopaxi.com
Tracksmith Off Roads Tee
We can’t promise that gifting Dad the Tracksmith Off Roads Tee will inspire him to retire that ratty, pit-stained, slightly odiferous race day shirt he’s been wearing for too long. But it’s definitely a step in the right direction. The Off Roads Tee is made with a combination of merino wool—beloved for its thermo-regulating, quick-drying, odor-preventing properties—and uber-soft, earth-friendly Tencel. $88 | tracksmith.com
PEARL iZUMi Rove Thermal Shirt
The Rove Thermal scores points for its laid-back look, high-quality recycled polyester make-up and durability on the trail. Discreet details like a zippered pocket for side storage and rear reflective flag for times with low-light visibility earn the shirt extra points. Reviewers say “this isn’t your dad’s flannel.” We say, au contraire. $105 (on sale!) | pearlizumi.com
prAna Men’s Tri Thermal Threads Overshirt
Cold days call for something cozy and Dad will love shrugging on the Tri Thermal Threads Overshirt anytime the temperature dips. This heavy-duty shirtjac works equally well for casual days at the office and blustery days at teh park. $129 | prana.com
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Speedgoat 4
Shopping for a trail running papa? Look no further than the Speedgoat 4. Promising a secure grip on the uphill with reliable stability on the downhill, this shoe is a versatile workhorse, er, goat. We love the assortment of stylish color ways, which range from the loud and proud Gold Fusion/Black Iris combo to the more subdued Majolica Blue/Mandarin Red, shown here. $145 | hokaoneone.com
Kodiak McKernan Chukka Boot
Kodiak’s rendition of the classic chukka styling is at home in an urban playground or sandy desert. Built with a premium leather upper, the McKernan has a slip-resistant rubber outsole and lightweight EVA heel insert for bonus cushioning. Haven’t heard of Kodiak before? The Canadian heritage brand, which started in 1910, boasts some serious street cred: outfitting the 2010 Canadian Winter Olympic athletes. $165 | kodiakboots.com
OluKai Moloā Slipper
OluKai goes ooh-la-la. The Moloā slipper features a luxurious shearling liner surrounded by a premium, heavily waxed nubuck leather. The gum rubber outsole is burly enough for taking out the trash, but won’t leave scuff marks on the floor. $120 | olukai.com
Dragon Alliance Reed LL
The Reeds offer 100 percent UV protection and color optimization thanks to Dragon’s patented Lumalens technology. We dig the flecks of amber and cobalt in the Rob Machado edition, which add a subtle funkiness to workday style. Prescription compatible. $129 | dragonalliance.com
Thousand Heritage Bike Helmet
Dad’s told us a thousand times how important wearing a bike helmet is. Make sure he follows his own advice—and looks cool doing it—with the Heritage Bike Helmet from Thousand. The low-profile silhouette was inspired by the simplicity of vintage moto helmets, but the safety features have been modernized to receive dual certifications for cycling and skateboarding in North America. $89 | explorethousand.com
Saxx Snooze Pants
These pants were made for sleepy Saturday mornings with fresh-brewed coffee and homemade pancakes. The Snoozes are made from a combo of moisture-wicking Modal and spandex, giving them a soft, stretchy fit. Choose from funky prints like the Black Banana Ramas or choose a more traditional gray or black. $65 | saxxunderwear.com
5.11 Pathfinder Watch
Taking it upon yourself to make sure Dad’s style is dialed? Slip the Pathfinder Watch into his stocking. The stainless steel case looks sharp; the mineral crystal face is scratch-resistant; and the nylon band is uber durable—all at an approachable price point. $90 | 511tactical.com
GEAR
Maven C.2 Binocular
No matter if Dad has long been an avid hunter or if he’s just taken up bird-watching in these pandemic times, the Maven C.2 is great to have on-hand. Just 4.6 inches tall and weighing in at just 12.4 ounces, it still delivers clear, bright, high-contrast views. Available in two magnification options. $200 for 7X and $225 for 10X | mavenbuilt.com
Uncharted Supply Co. The Seventy2 Survival System
For any dad who dreamed of being MacGyver … Scratch that. For dads, Uncharted Supply Co.’s line-up of survival systems are a dream product. We recommend the Seventy2, which includes everything you need and nothing you don’t. The set-up features light devices, warmth and power resources, first aid equipment, tools, air, and vision helpers, as well as food and a water filter—all in a 26-liter storage shell. $389 | unchartedsupplyco.com
Gerber Fastball Knife
Helping Dad build out his Everyday Carry kit? Check out the perfect blend of utility and beauty that is the Fastball. This knife promises quick, smooth deployment thanks to its B.O.S.S. (short for Balls of Stainless Steel) Tech and features a distinctive plain edge Wharncliffe Blade. Available in black, gray or sage green. $100-$105 depending on finish | gerbergear.com
VSSL Flask
The VSSL Flask gives Pops every reason to celebrate at the summit. This sleek, cylindrical, 9-inch-by-2-inch kit holds his favorite spirit and two stainless steel collapsible shot glasses, in addition to a four-mode LED light and a compass. Plus, it’s made from nearly indestructible military-grade aluminum, because, well, you just never know. $95 | vsslgear.com
Brunton Gentleman’s Teton Topo Pocket Compass
A compass for dad for the holidays? Insert “men don’t ask for directions” joke here. Now that the cliché is out of the way, consider why Brunton’s Gentleman’s Teton Topo Pocket Compass is a great choice. The swivel-style lid is easy to open; the pocket-watch design is classic and classy; and it’s engravable if you want to add a personalized touch. $190 | brunton.com
Solo Grill Ultimate Bundle
Dads wear many hats. When they put on their toque (that’s the official term for a chef’s hat), they’re often behind the grill. But that means they’re over in the corner, away from the crowd. Not so with the Solo Stove Grill, which is designed to be placed in the center of the action. Its patented 360-degree air flow design creates an easy-to-use convective heating environment that gets dinner on the table fast. The bundle includes the grill itself, as well as two stands, grilling tools, a carrying case, and more. $575 (on sale!) | solostove.com
Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
There are numerous ways to upgrade Dad’s car camping game, but few are as delicious as the Ooni portable pizza oven, which clocks in at just 22 pounds. He can prep his pizza in the 15 minutes it takes for the oven to heat up, and then crack open a cold one in the roughly 60 seconds it takes to cook an authentic, Neapolitan-style pizza. $249 | ooni.com
Metolius Wood Rock Ring
Ten months of quarantine has led to some creative at-home workouts—and some pretty hilarious (and cringe-worthy) home gym fail videos. With the Wood Rock Ring from Metolius, Pops gets the gain without the pain. Light, compact, and ready to hang almost anywhere that can hold bodyweight, their wood finish also looks good. Just make sure Dad reads the installation instructions. $35 | metoliusclimbing.com
Filson 24-Hour Tin Cloth Briefcase
Nothing says “boss” like a briefcase, and Filson’s take on this staple accessory puts the 123-year-old brand’s superior craftsmanship on full display. The water-repellent exterior scoffs at foul weather while his computer stays safe in a padded pocket. Bridle leather carrying handles and body tabs add a touch of Filson flair. $395 | filson.com
Osprey Savu Mountain Biking Lumbar Bottle Pack
We’re sure Dad loves getting out for all-day rides whenever he can, but often, a few local laps are all that time allows. For shorter rides, he’ll appreciate the Savu, which has enough room for water and the flat-fixing essentials without the bulk of a full-on backpack. Compression straps keep the pack comfortable and close to the body. A subtle geometric pattern earns serious style points. $55 | osprey.com
Gregory Supply Duffels
Duffels have been trending for a couple years now, but we’re particularly impressed by the way the Supply Duffel combines impressive burliness (it features a no-nonsense, Kevlar-reinforced fabric bottom) with handsome styling. Available in 40-, 60-, 90-, and 120-liter options. $90 for the 60 liter | gregorypacks.com
Hudski Doggler Bike
Hudski may be new to the bike industry (the brand launched this past September), but they’ve already managed to create a two-wheeler that maximizes the versatility of a rigid, aluminum frame—it’s available in gravel, city, and mountain versions—and they’ve made it look good too. A dropper post comes standard adding a touch of convenience and comfort for pavement rides and elevated performance when the terrain gets rowdy. All models $1,999 | hudskibikes.com
INGESTIBLES
TINCUP Rye Whiskey
Named after an old mining town on the Western Slope and made locally in Denver, TINCUP whiskey offers a taste of Colorado—a very tasty taste. Their rye promises a smooth, even spice flavor with a caramel and silky tannic mouthfeel that’s perfect for old fashioneds and hot toddies. $30 for 750 milliliters, although prices may vary slightly | tincupwhiskey.com
10 Barrel Brewing Co. Nature Calls
Dad jokes often yield a (deserved) eye roll, but the double-entendre of 10 Barrel Brewing’s Nature Calls Mountain IPA? Well played. Featuring a smooth profile with bright hints of mango, tangerine, and grapefruit, Nature Calls is a yummy addition to Dad’s trailhead celebration. $11 for a 6-pack, although prices may vary slightly | 10barrel.com
Kuju Coffee Build Your Own Bundle
Kuju Coffee’s innovative pour-over system makes it easy to bring along a single-serve packet of Fair Trade, organic, single-origin java wherever Dad likes to wander. With the Build Your Own Bundle, you can select one of three roasts (Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, West Sumatra or Papua New Guinea) and pair it with a 12-ounce enamel mug. Great coffee in the backcountry (or the backyard) has never been so convenient. $25 (on sale!) | kujucoffee.com
Juniper Ridge Botanical Teas
If Dad is more of a tea guy, consider the line-up of botanical teas from Juniper Ridge. Each of their four flavors (Douglas Fir Spring Tip, Douglas Fir + Rosehips, White Sage + Wild Mint, and Yerba Santa) is sustainably harvested and contains no additives. Plus, the brand donates an impressive 10 percent of its profits or 1 percent of its sales (whichever is greater) to organizations that fight to keep the wilderness wild. $13 for 20 bags | juniperridge.co
