Outfitted: Gifts for the outdoorsy dad

Father’s Day is one of my favorite gift-giving holidays of the year. Since I hit the jackpot in the dad department, I love honoring him with something new, classic, or out-of-the-box to spruce up his daily happenings. Below are a few items that I recommend for the dads in your life.

1. Smith Venture Sunglasses

Help your dad bring out his inner Edmund Hillary with Smith’s new take on the glacier glasses. For snow-filled and/or sun-intensive alpine adventures, these shades include autolock hinges for easy, one-handed maneuvering and of course include Smith’s notorious ChromaPop polarized lens technology. With the removable side shields, he can roll into town feeling like a Kennedy with their iconic round frames. Available in multiple colors and lenses. $215, SmithOptics.com.

---

---

2. Peak Design Wash Pouch

This is a dopp kit on steroids. Thoughtfully designed to balance simplicity with functionality, the Wash Pouch has a sleek, durable exterior that repels stains and easily wipes clean, as well as an impressively large internal capacity for all his toiletry needs. There are 5 interior silicone-coated mesh pockets that are great for soap/lotion bottles and 2 open storage spaces for larger items. While testing this bag on a 10-day camping trip, my favorite feature was the magnetically-sealed, easy to clean toothbrush pocket. Available in two colors and comes with a lifetime guarantee. $60, PeakDesign.com.

---

---

3. Royal Robbins Hempline Short Sleeve Shirt

Royal Robbins designed their Hempline products to have a combination of the cooling effects of linen without the wrinkles. The result is a super-soft, lightweight, breathable, and odor-resistant hemp/polyester blend. A little bit of added stretch makes this shirt move with ease and there’s even a convenient chest pocket to store his new sunnies. A standard fit and clean lines round out a great shirt that can transition from the Food and Wine tent to a concert at the Wheeler. Available in multiple colors. $88, RoyalRobbins.com.

4. Cotopaxi Allpa 65L Roller Bag

For the globe-trotting dad, the Allpa will be a hit. Featuring the split-case organization that the original Allpa pack became famous for, this bag moves all that efficiency onto two wheels. Made from durable, water-resistant polyester and strong ballistic nylon, the Allpa will take a beating. Lots of grab spots on the outside make it easy to maneuver and I appreciate the burly wheels for those European cobblestone streets and gritty Central American sidewalks. Keep in mind, this size is not carry-on friendly. Available in multiple colors. $395, Cotopaxi.com

5. Veja Dekkan Alveomesh Shoe

Another favorite from socially and ecologically conscious company Veja, the Dekkan brings burly mountain functionality to their line-up. Made from organically-sourced Amazonian rubber, the Dekkan features a Vibram sole for solid traction on mountain trails as well as Alveomesh, which is a technical fabric made exclusively from recycled polyester. This all comes together to make a shoe that is lightweight, flexible, durable and breathable. Available in multiple colorways as well as men’s and women’s sizing. $210, Veja-Store.com.

6. Pale Blue Earth Approach Solar Charger

Perfect for the dad who’s a backpacker, overlander, hunter or just tech-obsessed, the Approach charger is sure to be a new favorite toy. Made with dual-laminated construction—an industry-leading material that provides durability against abrasion, dirt, UV exposure and moisture—this charger differentiates itself by being ultra packable and lightweight. Included are grip cords that allow the panels to be securely attached to just about anything at hand. It comes with dual USB-A ports for simultaneous charging and a utility pocket or stashing those devices that are being charged. $150, PaleBlueEarth.com.

7. Backcountry Wasatch Ripstop Shorts

A good hiking short is always a welcome addition any dad’s wardrobe. My dad wears this type of short for everything from camping and hiking to working his land and tinkering in his wood shop. The burly Wasatch shorts are quick-drying, stretchy, rugged and light. The gusseted crotch increases range of motion and the integrated belt makes the fit adjustable. A perforated cargo pocket can stash a snack or a gadget and a locker loop at the back allows for easy hang-up. Available in multiple colors as well as a women’s version. $79, Backcountry.com.

8. Wyoming Whiskey Outryder Whiskey

Whether it’s Christmas, his birthday or Father’s Day, I always get my dad a new bottle of hooch to celebrate. Rugged, well-rounded, warm and a little spicy—just like he is—Outryder from western whiskey great, Wyoming Whiskey, will surely be a new favorite. As for the Outryder name, the maker compares this to the horseman term “outrider,” who stands apart and secures the herd’s flank. This whiskey attempts to do the same by being a spirit that isn’t really a bourbon or a true rye, but a singular Straight American Whiskey that is individual and corrals the wildness of the two. $85, WyomingWhiskey.com.

Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.