Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Dads don’t need to summit mountains to deserve great gear. Some of them just want to hit the trailhead by 10, grill by 5, and sneak in a backyard game before sunset. This Father’s Day, skip the novelty mugs and buttoned-up gift boxes. We’re talking about gifts that fuel real-world adventure…gear that works hard, wears well, and makes the weekend feel like a mini escape. Whether he’s heading to the lake, loading up the road trip duffle, or dominating a backyard spike match, these picks are designed for dads who know how to unwind without slowing down. This is the Father’s Day gift guide for the adventure-ready dad, the one who’s always packed and ready for whatever the day throws at him.
Path Project Basis Been There Tee – Casual Essential
Every adventure-ready dad has their favorite tee, soft, broken-in, and full of stories. The Path Projects Basis Been There Tee feels like it’s already lived a few good ones. Lightweight, breathable, and cut just right, this shirt isn’t trying too hard. It’s the ultimate “grab it and go” top that becomes the default in the rotation.
This one’s become my post-run, post-shower, pre-coffee uniform. It holds up through sweat, sun, and unexpected hardware store runs. And it never clings or loses shape, no matter how many times it gets stuffed in a gym bag.
Give Dad a tee that keeps up with his unpredictable plans. Whether he’s manning the grill or mapping out his next weekend drive, this one fits the bill and looks good doing it. Available from pathprojects.com.
Sitka Amphib Shorts 7.5″ – Premium Outdoor Lifestyle Shorts
The Sitka Amphib Shorts don’t mess around. They’re designed for movement, water, and whatever terrain Dad decides to conquer on a Saturday afternoon. The fabric is tough but not stiff, dries fast, and looks clean enough to wear to brunch without looking like he just came from a fishing trip.
I took these to a lake weekend and didn’t take them off for two days. They swam, hiked, and hauled firewood without a single snag. The 7.5″ inseam hits that perfect middle ground, not too short, not too long. Just right for mobility and style.
If your dad likes gear that performs but doesn’t scream “technical,” the Sitka Amphib is a no-brainer. They’re built to last, but they look too good to reserve for the backwoods. Available from sitkagear.com and skeels.com.
Wrangler Five Star Premium Cargo Shorts
Cargo shorts are the unofficial uniform of most dads out there (guilty), and finding a pair that nails both comfort and function is a gift in itself. Wrangler’s Five Star Premium Cargo Shorts deliver the goods…sturdy fabric, classic cut, and yes, pockets that actually fit more than loose change.
I’ve put these through the wringer, from hauling mulch in the yard to chasing down a runaway umbrella at the beach, and they haven’t missed a beat. They move well, hold up to sweat and dirt, and don’t look like they were pulled from a surplus bin.
And at their price, you might as well grab him two pairs. One for the backyard, one for the town. He’ll thank you every weekend from now through football season. Available from wrangler.com and amazon.com.
Farm to Feet Everyday Sock
Let’s talk socks. Most people overlook them. But Farm to Feet makes the kind of sock that makes you believe in socks again. Made in the USA with merino wool, these are cushy, breathable, and tough as nails.
They hug your foot without strangling it, wick moisture like a champ, and come in styles that don’t scream “novelty gift.” These are socks for dads who actually use their gear.
A small gift? Sure. But a damn smart one. He’ll feel the difference with every step. Available from farmtofeet.com and amazon.com.
Smartwool Everyday Athletic
If Dad’s logging daily miles on the pavement or just chasing the dog around the yard, Smartwool’s Everyday Athletic socks are the underdog MVPs of any gear list. They balance breathability, support, and comfort like seasoned pros.
I’ve worn these on long walks, quick errands, and lazy weekends, and they consistently deliver. Merino magic. No blisters, no bunching, no funky odors. Just clean, durable performance.
These make a great Father’s Day gift for the practical dad who still wants top-shelf performance from his basics. Available from smartwool.com, rei.com and amazon.com.
5.11 PT-R Inure Runner Shoes – Great All-Around Active Shoe
The 5.11 PT-R Inure Runners are for dads who stay moving. Whether he’s jogging, hiking, chasing kids, or mowing the lawn like it’s a sport, these shoes are built to keep pace.
I put them through a weekend of dog-walking, trail-hitting, and grocery-lugging. The sole is stable without being stiff, and the mesh upper lets your feet breathe easy. Bonus: they look sharp enough to sneak into dinner without swapping shoes.
If your dad’s active but doesn’t want to look like he lives in a CrossFit gym, these are the sweet spot. Available from 511tactical.com.
Carhartt High Dexterity Open Cuff Glove – Functional, Durable, Dad-Core
These gloves are like the leather-bound handshake of the working world. Rugged, reliable, and designed for real tasks. Carhartt’s High Dexterity Open Cuff Gloves aren’t flashy, but they’re the kind of gift that gets used and appreciated.
From chopping firewood to fixing fences to wrenching on the car, they protect without turning your hands into clumsy mitts. The grip is solid, the fit snug, and the construction built for the long haul.
For the dad who gets his hands dirty and likes it that way, these gloves hit home. Available from carhartt.com and amazon.com.
Titan 24 Can Backpack Cooler with Ice Walls – Cold Drinks on the Go
Cold drinks on demand…now that’s summer adventure done right. The Titan Backpack Cooler fits 24 cans, keeps them chilled for hours thanks to built-in Ice Walls, and slings over your shoulders like a hiking pack.
We took one to an outdoor concert, and it was the most praised piece of gear we had. Everyone else was juggling leaky coolers; we were cool, collected, and well-supplied.
It’s the ideal gift for the tailgater, camper, or dad who just likes to have a six-pack close by. Reliable, roomy, and rugged. Available from amazon.com.
RTIC Road Trip Rolling Duffle Bag – Big Weekend Trip Hauler
RTIC’s Road Trip Rolling Duffle doesn’t mess around. It’s got space for days, wheels that roll like butter, and a build tough enough to survive airport chaos or a muddy campsite.
I packed this for a 4-day road trip and still had room for a few “just in case” extras. It’s got pockets in all the right places and handles made for grabbing and going.
If Dad’s the designated road warrior or just likes to travel heavy and organized, this bag is a practical powerhouse. Available from rticoutdoors.com and amazon.com.
Premier Spike – Backyard Game Time
Looking for something fun? Premier Spike brings the energy. It’s like the lovechild of volleyball and four square. Easy to learn, hard to quit. Perfect for Father’s Day barbecues or camping weekends.
Set it up in five minutes and let the trash talk begin. It’s competitive without being brutal, making it perfect for kids, teens, and even slightly-out-of-shape adults.
If you want a gift that brings people together and burns a few burgers off in the process, this is it. Available from amazon.com.
GCI Outdoor Stadium Rock-Cliner
Now this – this is throne-level lounging. The GCI Rock-Cliner takes stadium seating to VIP levels. Durable, portable, and built to rock gently as you kick back, it’s like a camping chair with class.
I brought one to a kid’s soccer game and watched other parents look on with envy. Easy to set up, easy to carry, and ridiculously comfortable. Dad will never sit on hard bleachers again.
For the adventure-ready dad who likes his downtime dialed in, this chair is pure gold. Available from gcioutdoor.com and skeels.com.