Do you have a father who loves the outdoors and traveling? This travel gift guide is filled with ideas that will inspire dad to keep exploring!
When it’s time to celebrate your dad, it’s never a bad idea to take some extra time searching for the perfect gift that shows appreciation for the guy who’s got your back year round. However, finding a gift that tells dad he’s #1—without resorting to a novelty mug—can be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, our guide has plenty of ideas for clothing, gear, and accessories for all the dads who not only go to the end of the earth for you, but also travel the earth for adventure.
If your dad loves to travel half as much as you do (didn’t you know that wanderlust is hereditary?), then he’s going to love a “dad-cation” gift even more than a set of personalized golf balls reading “World’s Best Dad”—or anything reading “World’s Best Dad,” really. Read on for a thorough list of gifts that your dad’s sure to not only love—but it’ll be the first thing he packs for his next trip!
Adventurous Dad
Got a dad who loves adventure travel but has a ton of gear? Whether he’s getting ready for a long journey or heading on an overnight camping trip, the Cargo Hauler Duffel 60L ($109) has him covered. It’s made with leading-edge Bi-Tech™ Armor Lite, meaning it’s durability will withstand whatever your travel dad’s got in mind. Plus, this durable duffel is still extremely lightweight and perfect whether your adventurous dad plans to lash it to a roof rack or use the backpack straps for a camping adventure.
Rugged Dad
Does dad need some gear for rough and tumble travel? The ORV Trunk ($379) features all terrain wheels and a 98-liter capacity, meaning dad will have space for everything he needs. With the equipment keeper feature he can hook any of his larger gear—like the recommended North Face Hyper Kazoo sleeping bag ($369) on the trunk. If your jet-setting dad prefers to carry on, the Caldera™ Travel Pack 45L ($279) has plenty of room for his destination hike necessities, and passes most carry-on requirements. This versatile travel pack is both a duffel bag and a backpack, so dad can change the function based on what he’s doing.
Then, don’t let a little rain stop your rugged dad’s travel plans—help him keep dry with the Timberland Men’s Mt. Davis Waterproof Jacket ($148) or Dryzzle Jacket ($199) from The North Face.
Beach Dad
For the dad who can’t get enough of summer sunshine and trips to the beach, no beach trip is complete without a durable pair of sandals, like the Vans Nexpa Flip Flops ($48), or the Reef Cushion Bounce Phantom LE ($45) sandals that have a cool and classic style. He also needs the perfect shirt to show just how much fun he’s having, and the Vans Houser Buttondown Shirt ($45) and matching board shorts ($55) shout, “Dad’s on vacation!” Since he’s at the beach, your dad will want a versatile yet convenient bag. That’s where the Migrate Duffel ($79) comes in: It can be carried as either a backpack or duffel, and its heavy duty construction and a water repellent coating make this a gift he’ll use for years to come.
Monday to Friday Dad
If your dad plays hard but also works hard, help him step up his business trip style with a pair of Smartwool Men's Pressure Free Chronology Crew Socks ($23). It's designed to prevent tightness on the leg and calf and uses the latest technologies for enhanced fit, support, and comfort. Pair this gift with the Timberland Bardstown Plain Toe Chukka Boots ($300) for a rugged, yet refined, style.
Disorganized Dad
Even though he can never find his keys, you gotta love dad. Help get dad organized—in his travels, at least—with Eagle Creek Pack-It Original™Starter Set ($46). With packing cubes, he’ll know just where everything is for when he needs it the most.
Frequent Flying Father
Your childhood may have been noisy, but your dad’s flights can be nice and quiet with this thoughtful gift. Make up for all the times that you may have caused him to yell, “Keep that racket down!” with Bose QuietComfort 20 headphones ($250), which are in-ear, noise-cancelling headphones. Peace and quiet doesn’t come cheap, but you probably owe him, since he endured your pots-and-pans performances over the years.
Photo-Loving Dad
Is Dad a not-so-subtle shutterbug? Then gift him a Capture Camera Clip System ($70) by Peak Design. The system allows a DSLR, Micro 4/3, or point-and-shoot camera to be secured to any strap on your body, eliminating any need for an uncomfortable neck strap or bulky camera bag. In addition, the system keeps Dad’s camera safe with an ultra-light yet strong aluminum and a redundant twist-lock, as well as an accessible quick-release lock. The system can withstand up to 150 pounds of force, so no need to worry about his camera falling and breaking.
Distinguished Dad
If GQ did a “Dad” edition, yours would grace the cover. After all, the words “vacation beard” are simply not in his vocabulary. Your well-groomed dad can continue looking sharp on the road when he loads his grooming supplies into the Pack-It™ Bi-Tech™ On Board ($46). This hanging toiletry kit even has a shatterproof mirror so he can confirm that he looks smooth wherever his adventures take him.
Whether your dad loves to pack up the car and go camping, relax on a tropical cruise, or venture on a jungle adventure, one thing is for certain: He’ll be totally psyched to receive a travel-inspired gift from you. Not simply because the right gift can make his next trip easier and more fun—but because using it will remind him of his favorite travel buddy: You.
Still need other travel gift ideas? Check out our Ultimate Gift Guide: 25 Best Gifts for Travelers .
Related Links (from the Eagle Creek blog):
Gifts for Older Parents Who Travel
