Dads can be a lot of things: Our coaches, our teachers, our discipliners, our rock, our comic relief, sometimes even our best friends. And that's why dad's day gifts mean more than you might think to the old man: It reminds pops that you appreciate all he's done for you in the past.
Whether your dad likes to hunt, fish, bird watch, landscape, or just nap in the backyard hammock in the afternoon sunshine, often it's the small things that make him most happy. Which is why our list of the father's day gifts worth giving are mostly focused on the small things—except, of course, for the big moments like renting him a fishing boat for a day on the water (it's surprisingly cheaper than you think).
READ MORE: 7 Top-of-the-Line Fishing Rods Worthy Of Every Angler's Dreams
If your dad enjoys being outdoors, he'll definitely like something on this list. Here, 16 thoughtful father's day gifts he'll love adventuring with.
A day fishing on the water in a swanky boat
Getty Images, Robert Daly
Boatsetter allows you to rent a fishing boat by the hour, at the average price of $100 per hour, whether you want to take it out on the ocean, lake, river, or pond. They have over 1,400 fishing boats to choose from, everywhere from the Florida coast to the Great Lakes to the middle of Missouri and Texas. You can also do add-ons for some trips for items like fishing gear, fish cleaning, and coolers.
Bonus: Use the discount code "WOSPACES23" for 5% off your first rental.
A pair of fog-proof, water-proof binoculars
Courtesy of Nocs
A quality pair of binoculars are perfect for bird watching, star gazing, or wildlife spotting. The Nocs Provisions Field Issue 8X32 binoculars have a 387-foot field of view and give a stable image while holding it in your hand. The overall magnification is like a 400mm lens.
Coming in three different colors coral, Corsican, and deep slate, the easy-to-adjust binocular is waterproof and fog proof. Plus, these binoculars have a grippy coating and a no-matter-what lifetime warranty to withstand every adventure ahead.
A rugged "do-it-all" watch
Courtesy of Garmin
A watch as rugged as our fathers, the Garmin Instinct GPS Smart Watch is something all outdoor enthusiasts should own. This watch is constructed to the standard of the U.S. Military 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance. It works off of multiple global satellite systems, has a monitoring system that can track crucial health levels, and features a tracback system that will guide your dad back to his exact starting point whenever he is outdoors.
We've gifted this to our own dads and provides serious peace of mind when they're out hunting. For only $190, this watch is worth every penny.
Buy the Garmin Instinct GPS Smart Watch
A waterproof, rugged, carry-anything gearbox
Courtesy of Yeti
There's not a person in the outdoors who wouldn't love a Yeti GoBox. Built to be nearly indestructible but also ultra-portable, this gearbox keeps your supplies organized and protected. It's ideal as a tackle box, toolbox, or anything-but-basic storage container for any equipment you need to keep safe. As it's not only waterproof but also completely submersible, making it ideal to load into the back of the truck on long drives or bring along on the boat.
The GoBox comes in three sizes, 15L (more of a personal storage box), the 60L (which can hold a full camp kitchen or a rolled-up tent), and, our favorite, the Goldilocks of 30L.
A collapsible fly rod for backpacking or road trips
courtesy of Tenkara
Whether he loves fishing high-alpine lakes on backpacking trips or he'd love to keep a fly rod stashed in the glove box, the packable Beartooth fly rod collapses down to just 14 inches. Made by beloved Tenkara Rod Co, this rod extends to 10 feet, weighs just 2.3 ounces, and has a well-balanced 6:4 flex to keep control of big and small fish alike.
This collapsible fly rod kit also comes with a rod tube and rod sock for protection, as well as 10.5 feet of line, 3 Tenkara flies—and a lifetime warranty.
A versatile belt, durable enough for any adventure
Courtesy of Arcade
No matter if you're out fishing for the day, hitting the trails, or kayaking along the river, you'll never be comfortable if your belt isn't. Arcade x Marsh wear belts are crafted to stay unnoticeable at max movement for any sport. They come in four different patterns from fishing inspired to a light-leaf camo. The flexible belts are made of recycled yarn that is eco-friendly without compromising the integrity of the belt. And the metal-free belt buckle makes it airport-friendly.
A packable outdoor blanket
Courtesy of Pendleton
Pendleton is known for their quality and versatility and their outdoor packable blanket doesn't disappoint. It's the perfect accessory for any outdoor outing where you may need to sit, but might not have room for a chair.
The comfortable blanket folds easily into its water-resistant shell and can be carried over the shoulder or by its handles. A front pocket is available for stowing away a phone or a wallet, and it can be stored just about anywhere due to its compact design.
A full-scope rifle cleaning kit to care for his arsenal
Getty Images, FOTOGRAFIA INC.
Not only is cleaning your gun crucial to its longevity, but it's also a relaxing activity a lot of us do with our dads. It can be hard to find exactly the right tools and lubricant needed to get the job done, but Hoppe's Rifle Cleaning Kit provides everything your father will need to keep his firearms looking brand new, while also providing him with a fun activity that he can enjoy anytime.
A solar-powered charger for off-grid adventures
Getty Images, Ivan Balvan
If you find yourself adventuring into remote locations only to have a dead phone battery, the Riapow solar charger power bank is a must-have. It uses a solar charger so you'll always have juice (as long as you remember to put it out). Plus, it has two bright flashlights on it with an SOS mode and strobe setting if you ever find yourself in trouble. This charging bank is compatible with every device type from iPhones to Androids, and will even power headphones and tablets. The solar panel is waterproof and shockproof and has a hook and a compass.
A set of pickleball paddles for a new outdoor hobby
Getty Images, LPETTET
Whether pickleball is a new hobby or he's been playing for a while, there's nothing quite like a new set of paddles. The Niupipo set comes with two paddles, four balls, and a carrying bag. They are lightweight, balanced, and easy to play with.
While they may not be as expensive as other brands, these ones hold up to constant play and come in a fun design. If Dad plans on playing in any tournaments, they are also USAPA-approved.
A fancy new all-season flannel
Courtesy of Filson
Nothing beats a new flannel. This lightweight version of Filson's classic Alaskan Guide Shirt is made with lightweight cotton flannel to provide comfort and functionality in the field, year-round. It has a relaxed fit with a rear-shoulder box pleat that keeps it comfortable whether he's working on his truck, casting a line, or throwing hay bails.
A new, sleek fishing pack
Courtesy of Fishpond
Keep Dad organized while he's in the water with this submersible lumbar pack from Fishpond, the cream of the crop for functional and sleek fishing gear. The Thunderhead Lumbar Pack sits in the small of his back so it's comfortable and less cumbersome than a backpack.
It's also fully submersible with waterproof zippers; features daisy chains on the front to hook reels, bear spray, or other quick-access items onto; and even has an integrated net slot. Plus, it's made from ultra-tough 900D fabric so it'll hold up.
A cooler for ice-cold drinks no matter where you are
Courtesy of Bote
From working in the yard to fishing in the lake, Dad needs a cold beverage. The KULA Cooler 2.5 is lightweight and easy to hold by the handle, and its round shape makes it versatile: Fill it with ice to keep drinks and snacks cold, or fill it to the top with your favorite beverage and use the tap to fill your cup. The cooler even doubles as a seat with its comfort lid. Dad can strap it to his kayak or paddle board so he'll never have to be without it.
A pair of waterproof boots great for hunting to gardening
Courtesy Chene Gear
Whether Dad enjoys spending his Sundays landscaping in the yard, fly fishing a local stream, or going hunting, he'll be in love with the Zippered Knee High Boots by Chene Gear.
From the heritage hunting brand, these waterproof boots have a full-length YKK zipper, 7mm innersoles, and insulating neoprene. They're by far the most comfortable and well-made boots that we've tested as outdoors people ourselves, and your old man will think so too.
A versatile knife he can carry everywhere
Courtesy Havalon Knives
Every outdoorsman ascribes to the importance of always "carrying a big stick," as Roosevelt might say. Knives have a tendency to be brittle, dull easily, and lack any sort of character.
But the Talon by Havalon Knives has truly set the standard for what a knife should be: It features a Quick-Change II locking mechanism which allows you to switch blades seamlessly and also has a removable back panel, making it a breeze to clean off.
A durable fishing net for days on the water
Courtesy of Orvis
Whether it's largemouth bass on the lake or brown trout in a freshwater stream, having a quality net to protect dad's catch is absolutely essential—and Orvis' Eco-Clear net is the leader of its class.
This net comes in three different sizes, 22", 24," and 30", depending on what species Dad targets. These nets are built to last and use PVC-free netting, so you'll know that you are protecting our wildlife while enjoying the great outdoors.
