Father’s Day can be tricky. Dads are notoriously hard to buy imaginative presents for. After all, does he really need another pair of slippers, a new power-tool, or a new bottle of plonk?
After the year we’ve had to spend mostly indoors, why not treat your father figure to something OUTDOORS? Whether he’s a seasoned veteran of the trails, or an armchair adventurer – our expertly-chosen selection of Father’s Day gifts will have him pulling on his boots and raring to go.
We’ve broken this down into sections to streamline your choice. Is he an outdoors clothes horse? A technical gear-lover, or a gadget nerd? We’ve also thrown in a few ways where you and dad can get the most out of his new gift in the outdoors!
Clothing
Clothing is a great gift option for dads! Here at GO Outdoors we have a hugely impressive range of clothing for dad, with jackets, fleeces, t-shirts and so much more for every activity your old man wants take part in!
A good fleece is the bedrock of any layering system and comfortable day in the outdoors. We offer a wide variety of fleece, with different technologies, zip-styles and every colour you could imagine! Our Father’s Day pick is the Berghaus Kedron Half Zip Fleece. This offering from Berghaus has that extra-special touch that says “cheers Dad!” It comes in plenty of colours, but we’ve picked this striking red version, with a contrasting chest pocket. It will set him up for walking all year round.
So the fleece is taken care of but what goes under it? A decent baselayer will wick sweat and dry quickly for maximum comfort, and this Montane Dart is more than decent. Again, choosing Montane means getting serious quality, and telling your dad he’s worth that little bit extra. This also comes in lots of colour options, but we like the sport royal-blue-with-orange-piping option that feels a little retro, just like him.
Shorts are a great present as they’re versatile wearing, and since Father’s Day falls at the start of summer, it’s fitting to have a decent pair of shorts. These Brasher shorts will be the perfect complement to his particular brand of ‘outdoors’. They are a classic cargo style, with plenty of pockets and made from a tough, comfortable fabric.
If you’re looking to spend a little more this Father’s Day (after all, we could all do with a treat after the year we’ve had) – then this Rab Altus Jacket is the place to put your pennies. This ‘featherless’ technology means all the warmth of down without the hassle. The Cirrus™ loft works well in the damp as well, meaning it’ll be ideal for the British weather, whether he’s hiking, fishing, or nipping to the shops.
Footwear
Any outdoor dad would appreciate a cracking pair of new footwear. We have footwear for every occasion. From walking boots to climbing shoes, we’re sure to have something up his street!
Why not go the extra mile this Father’s Day and help your old man go an extra mile by treating him to a decent pair of walking boots like these Arnside Mid Walking Boots. Fully waterproof and breathable, these boots are perfect for keeping feet shielded from the elements and keeping dad on the move.
If boots might be a bit much and you think he’d prefer something a little more low-profile, then we’ve got you sorted. A good pair of walking shoes like these Quadra II’s from Hi-Tec provide all the same perks of walking boots, like being waterproof, breathable and super comfy, except they’re a lot lighter and provide sturdier grip amongst a wider variety of terrains. They’re a great gift for dads who like a more full on approach to the outdoors!
Perhaps your dad is into something a little more specific? We stock footwear for a range of sports, one of our most popular being climbing. For climber’s we’ve picked out this Boreal Alpha Shoe as they’re super comfortable and great for newcomers and regulars alike.
If climbing isn’t your dad’s thing, then don’t worry because we stock gifts for all sorts of outdoor sports and activities. Find something your dad’s into and find him the perfect gift!
Gear & Gadgets
Maybe this year you want to leave all the clothes and all that gubbins because he’s already got plenty. So why not grab him something cool that he can use in the outdoors. We have a bunch of gear and gadgets that is sure to put a smile on his face this Father’s Day.
If your dad is a runner, cycler, hiker, or if anything else keeps him outside all day, then a daypack is the perfect gift, and the Airzone 30 is the perfect way to make sure he’s got everything he needs. It’s designed to be comfortable on the move, and it’s compatible with hydration bladders to make sure he stays well-watered. All daypacks are useful but this one looks extra clean and cool. He’ll love it.
Let’s be honest, this past year has been a LOT! Your dad is probably desperate for just a bit of time away from the family (even if he won’t admit it). Grab him a 1-man tent and unleash him on the outdoors. This OEX Phoxx is an amazingly affordable solo adventure tent that can withstand all sorts of weather and environments, for less than the price of a one-night AirBnB.
Light up your dad’s life with this extremely bright headtorch from Petzl. It takes the technology and performance of Petzl’s world-renowned industrial torches – and packs it into a sport lamp. It fires out a crazy level of illumination in a range of beam patters. Designed for ultra-runners who keep going through the nights, it will be more than enough to light the camp, the riverbank, or even the search for candles during a power cut.
Last of all, a cooler will keep your dad’s beers cool all weekend. We recommend this 28-Litre Cooler from Hi-Gear. It is compatible with mains voltage or the car battery, so it’s perfect for days out and garden relaxation alike. Buy this, fill it with beer and snacks, and tell him to enjoy his special day!
Ways to spend Father’s Day with your Outdoors Dad
So you’ve just picked up your old man some nifty new outdoors gifts, let’s get him out there using them! Here’s a few ways you can spend time with the most important man in your life on his special day with his wonderful new gifts.
Go on an adventure
If you grabbed dad some new boots or gear, then why not take the day to go out in nature and find a nice walking route to go along for the day. The Lake District is one of the most beautiful parts of the UK and we feel that everybody should experience a walk round the lakes at least once, it’s the perfect little Father’s Day trip. We’ve outlined our 10 favourite walking routes around the Lake District for you already here, so why not go find one that looks up your (and your dad’s) street and plan a trip now. If you prefer to move on two wheels rather than two legs then we’ve got 15 family friendly cycle trials for you, so the whole family can tag along!
Have a BBQ
A bit of a simpler idea, but with summer being right round the corner, and dad has some cool new outdoor garments to show off, why not have a BBQ in the garden, it’s a great way for dad to spend the day with the whole family, and you can even invite other families along to celebrate father’s day with you. And if it starts to get a bit nippy in the evening, then dad can try on his new fleece or jacket maybe?
Plus, when in doubt . . . just pick up one of our Ultimate Gift Cards that can be used in any Go Outdoors, Millets, Blacks, JD Sports, Scotts, Tessuti and Ultimate Outdoors store.