What outdoor gear should I gift my dad this Christmas?

Introduction

You’ve decided—dad’s getting outdoor gear for Christmas. But now comes the hard part: which gear? Dads are notoriously picky, especially when it comes to stuff they’ll take into the wild. Too cheap, and it breaks. Too fancy, and he’ll say, “I didn’t need this.” The sweet spot? Useful, durable, and maybe just a bit fun. Before you scroll endlessly, brush up with fall hiking hazards so you don’t accidentally buy gear that solves the wrong problem. He’ll appreciate a thoughtful pick—becuase dads secretly love practical presents more than novelty ones.

Essential Gear Gifts

Start with gear he’ll actually use. Think insulated jackets, technical base layers, or reliable headlamps. These are the kinds of things that make or break a trip. When in doubt, refer back to the Ten Essentials for hiking—if it’s on that list, you can’t go wrong. Upgrade his gloves, replace a worn-out water bottle, or snag him a new multitool that keeps his camp setup smooth.

A Practical Yet Fun Pick

Consider the Bear Forest Camping Mug—equal parts practical and fun. He’ll use it every trip, whether it’s for coffee by the campfire or hot cocoa at the cabin. Durable, lightweight, and with outdoorsy charm, it’s the kind of gift that sneaks into daily life too.

“Sturdy, fun design, and my go-to for morning camp coffee.” — Jim, camper dad

Top Outdoor Bestsellers

Sweater BUY NOW
Sweater
Sweater BUY NOW
Sweater
T-Shirt BUY NOW
T-Shirt
Sweater BUY NOW
Sweater

Budget vs Splurge Choices

Not every gift needs to cost a fortune. Save the splurges for boots, backpacks, or jackets where quality = safety. But mugs, accessories, or gadgets? Budget picks work just fine. For more gift balance ideas, check our Christmas outdoor gift list. Because sometimes the perfect gift isn’t the most expensive—it’s the one that hits the sweet spot between function and fun. TraiLs prove that every little upgrade counts.

Conclusion

When choosing outdoor gear for dad this Christmas, think useful, durable, and maybe a little sentimental. Whether it’s a cozy layer, a new tool, or a fun mug, the right pick shows you know his style. It doesn’t need to be expensive—it just needs to be practical and thoughtful. That’s how you win Christmas without overthinking it.

Back to blog