Do you have an outdoorsman in your life that loves to indulge themselves in nature any chance they get? They will tell you they have everything they need for a weekend long camping trip, but we know all too well that you can never have enough camping gear!
That’s why we have put together a list of 18 awesome yet practical camping gifts for dads. Knowing everyone tries to stick to a budget, our gifts range in price but hold up to any adventure seeker’s expectations.
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Gifts Over $200
Garmin Instinct Solar GPS Watch
Engineered for endurance, the Garmin Instinct Solar is ideal for even the most rugged explorer.
A solar-powered battery, military standard toughness, and scratch-resistant Gorilla glass are just a few features that prove this watch is built to last.
Other functions include – wrist heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, trackback routing, and the ability to access multiple global navigation satellite systems.
This GPS watch is on the top of my wish list even though my current Garmin has treated me well through the years… it just lacks some of these cool new features I have been looking for. I couldn’t hold out any longer and bought my own Garmin Instinct Solar GPS watch and I have to say it is one of the coolest outdoor gadgets I own!
Rockpals 250W Portable Generator and 100W Foldable Solar Panel Charger
Portable Generator
Solar Charger
Of course, after I buy this setup, Rockpals comes out with a newer 300W version of their portable generator. But I prefer this design since the top handle drops down and takes up less packing space.
No matter which portable camping generator you choose, you will be happy to be able to power up anything from a smartphone, headlamps, USB lanterns and even laptops. The solar panel works great at recharging the generator, but it does take some time to get it back to a full charge.
It has legs that swing out so you can position it at a good angle to harness the sun’s energy! If it is cloudy or dark, you can also use ports in your vehicle to recharge the portable generator but make sure you have your car running when going that route to avoid a dead battery.
Gifts $200 or Less
Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad
Is there anything worse than sleeping on a hard, rocky surface?
Therm-a-Rest’s sleeping pad provides 3 inches of soft surface to sleep on while only weighing in at 1 lb and 13 oz, making this a great packable item.
This pad is best used in colder weather since it has an R-value of 4.4 – values range from 1.0 to 5.5, with the higher values being more insulated.
It packs down well and won’t take up much space if you go backpacking also. Comfort is vital when heading out for a big camping trip!
My Medic MyFAK Basic First Aid Kit
Our My Medic MyFAK is always with us.
Whether we are going on a scenic drive, camping overnight, or venturing out on a 10-mile hike, this sturdy do-it-all first aid kit is what every man needs!
My Medic kits are used by the US Forest Service and members of our Armed Forces, so you know it is good enough for your Dad or Husband.
The basic version of their MyFAK includes items to treat bleeding wounds, burns, sprains and more.
There is even a whistle to help alert others in case of emergencies, band-aids, medical gloves and a thermometer, to name a few specialty items.
If you upgrade to the Advanced kit, you get a tourniquet – which we hope you wouldn’t have to use – paracord, electrolyte tablets, quick clot to seal wounds and more items for those extra gnarly accidents.
Again, which we hope never actually happens! The My Medic kits are not only full of items to help treat numerous injuries, they are well made. Weather-resistant materials and a tear-away interior pouch mean there is virtually no condition it can’t handle.
We like that you can attach the MyFAK to the outside of your backpack for quick access. At the end of the day, it is about safety first and you can never be too prepared. My Medic has you covered! *Please make sure you or someone in your party is trained in first aid
Vortex Crossfire 10×42 Binoculars
I know I’m not the only one when I say that I always wish I had a pair of binoculars with me when I haven’t packed them.
Having an extra set of camping binoculars to keep with your other gear is always a great idea.
Vortex has made these lightweight and durable binoculars that are perfect to bring on all your outdoor adventures.
Helinox Swivel Chair
After a long day of exploring, nothing feels better than a nice comfortable chair to sit on at the campsite.
As an owner of this swivel chair, I can attest to its durability, ease of setup and functionality.
Since it is lightweight, compact, and easily packable, we tend to keep these in the car for spur of the moment picnics!
One thing to be cautious of is it can be a little unsteady at the base when not on a solid surface. So be careful if you happen to be a little tipsy around the campfire!
Camp Chef VersaTop Grill System
I don’t know about you, but having a gourmet breakfast while camping is a must!
Camp Chef makes it easy to do just that with this compact 14″ grill and a flat top griddle. Weighing in at 24lbs, it is an excellent option for car camping.
Another cool feature of this grill is it is compatible with other cooktops like Camp Chef’s Artisan Oven (pizza oven) and their BBQ Box (grill top).
Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler
Ok, we’ll address the elephant in the room. Yes, Yeti coolers are pricey but…
They are worth it!
And honestly, it’s a small price to pay to show your appreciation for that camping Dad in your life!
We love our Yeti Tundra Hauler, but the Roadie 24 is the ideal size for shorter camping trips in the wilderness.
If you enjoy a nice glass of wine like we do, you will appreciate the shape of the Roadie. Your wine bottles will fit, and the overall shape of the cooler will fit behind most seats.
Gifts Under $100
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray
Bear spray is always essential to keep handy on any outdoor excursion.
This can sprays up to 40 feet and empties in 8 seconds – working on all bear species to deter attacks on humans.
Did you know it typically has a four year shelf life? Expiration dates should be on all bottles.
Keep your favorite camper safe!
GRAYL Geopress Purifier 24oz Water Bottle
Please DO NOT drink straight from streams, lakes and ponds near your camp or on your hikes!
Water purifier bottles like this one from Grayl do the dirty work for you and make that water safe to consume.
In around 8 seconds – the time it takes for a legit bull ride – the Grayl Geopress removes waterborne pathogens like E. Coli, Salmonella and Dysentery.
Any Oregon Trail fans out there remember what happens when members of your wagon get dysentery? No one wants that!
Before you get sticker shock on the cost of this water bottle, keep in mind the filter lasts 350 cycles or three years from your first use. Plus, Grayl warrants the product for 10 years.
Not to mention you are helping the environment by not using plastic water bottles you buy from the store. Oh, and the added benefit of knowing you are keeping your Father/Husband safe by not allowing him to drink dirty water!
CamelBak Cloud Walker 18 Hydration Pack
Everybody needs a CamelBak hydration pack in their life.
The Cloud Walker is great for shorter day hikes when you don’t need to carry much gear but want to avoid carrying big water bottles.
There is plenty of room for snacks or even to stuff a jacket for those chillier days at the campsite and trail.
Hydration is always important and the 2.5L water reservoir should be enough to quench your thirst for hours. Another favorite feature of ours is the fact CamelBak uses recycled material to make portions of the pack.
Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool
I got my first Leatherman multi-tool over 30 years ago when I worked on my Uncle’s farm.
My next one came when I was in the US Navy.
Now I don’t go camping without one.
They are called multi-tools for a reason and have most of what you need for different situations.
Knives, pliers, screwdriver, scissors, and even a small saw to name a few. It is tough to pick the perfect Leatherman because they make plenty of versions. We picked the Wave+ because it delivers the most bang for your buck, around $100.
You get what you pay for and Leatherman stands behind their products with a 25-year warranty and yet another item on our list made in America!
Gifts $50 or Less
PEAK REFUEL Three Bean Chili Mac
I am a sucker for some mac and chili and Peak Refuel’s three bean chili mac does not disappoint!
All Peak Refuel meals are freeze-dried and packaged in the United States, Utah, to be exact.
They use 100% real meat and source non-GMO ingredients while avoiding fillers and artificial additives.
I bet you can’t just pick one… they have other recipes to choose from as well!
Yeti Rambler Lowball Tumbler – 10 oz
I know right, ANOTHER Yeti product?
This one is my favorite and the guy in your life will appreciate it as much as I do!
Coffee, wine…WHISKEY…or water, of course, the Rambler Tumbler does it all.
It is designed to keep cold things cold and warm things warm. Truly a jack of all trades.
The lid keeps your liquids in place just in case he gets a little clumsy from time to time. You should buy at least two, though, because no one likes to drink alone!
TheTentLab Ultralight Backcountry Trowel
This is one of those camping items you buy but don’t really talk about.
The Backcountry Trowel is for digging catholes for your more private bathroom breaks.
Since we are proponents of Leave No Trace, you should potty responsibly.
A sturdy trowel will make part of that job easier. The other part is up to you.
Darn Tough Merino Wool Micro Crew Socks
I don’t know anyone that likes blisters.
Whether you are camping, hiking, or both, having the right pair of socks is worth their weight in gold.
Darn Tough knows a thing or two about socks, having been in business for over 40 years and the best part…
They are Made in the USA!
The merino wool will help keep your feet dry and comfortable. I also like that they don’t move around on my feet while covering all kinds of terrain. Investing in a quality pair of hiking socks will keep the outdoorsy man happy and on his feet so he can grill up a good meal after a long day!
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp
Every camper needs a headlamp.
It is so much easier than searching for the flashlight, plus it keeps your hands free to search for those tiny tent zippers in the middle of the night.
We use our headlamps to set up our campsite when we arrive after dark, getting that pot of coffee ready before the sun rises or even hitting the trails long before the rest of the world wakes up.
The Black Diamond Storm 450 is waterproof and dustproof to handle all kinds of conditions. At the max setting of 450 lumens, this headlamp will provide plenty of light to see far and wide, along with different brightness levels and night modes.
*Uses 3 AAA batteries (included) or compatible with BD 1500 mAh rechargeable (not included)
Wrapping It Up…
No matter which camping gifts you choose for Dad, we are sure he will be a happy camper! We hope you and your entire family enjoy the great outdoors and spend some quality time together.
Are there any of your favorite gifts for campers that we missed? Share your suggestions via our contact page.