Backcountryoutlet.com Newsletter Articles

We know what you’re thinking—the only Father’s Day gift more cliché than a tie is a pair of socks. But these are not a pair of I-bought-these-ten-minutes-ago-at-Sprawl-Mart black dress socks. You won’t see the Lorpen Midweight Hiker Socks at business meetings or wedding receptions—they’re meant for the trail. These soft, warm merino wool socks wick moisture and fight bacteria during long hikes (so they’re kind of gift for your mom, too). They have extra cushioning in high impact areas like the heel and ball of the foot, and they won’t rub or cause blisters.

What Dad thinks: Finally, a pair of socks I won’t use to detail my car.

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At first your dad might see this gesture of affection as a hint that he’s over the hill and needs help walking. But then he’ll realize you didn’t give him a cane, you gave him Black Diamond's Spire Trekking Poles—an incredibly useful tool for anyone (of any age) who frequents the trail. Oval-shaped Elliptic shafts make these poles stable and durable. Length adjustments are quick and easy, and the anatomically correct handles absorb shock to make your dad’s hike as comfortable as possible. Maybe you should get yourself a pair, too. Just to reassure your dad, of course.

What Dad thinks: I’ll never admit it, but I was about to buy these for myself.

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Considering all the outdoor gear you shower upon your father during the holidays, a hammock might be the perfect gift this Father’s Day. He has everything he needs for backpacking trips and several seasons of skiing. Let Dad know it’s OK to relax—tie the Byer of Maine Naturalesa Hammock between two backyard trees and surprise him. This cotton hammock comfortably fits two adults and offers excellent back support when he lies in it diagonally as Byer of Maine intends.

What Dad thinks: Where are my book and my beer?

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You’ve watched your dad lug around that big rusty toolbox for years. Give him the Gerber Multi-Plier 400 Compact Sport and he’ll have almost everything he needs—right in his pocket. This tool features stainless steel hardware and Gerber's patented one-hand plier jaws that open with a flick of the wrist. The Gerber Multi-Plier 400 Compact Sport includes: large and small screwdrivers, a crosspoint screwdriver, a drop point knife blade, a can opener, a bottle opener/medium screwdriver, and a pair of Fiskars Scissors that cut through everything from string to metal offshore fishing wire.

What Dad thinks: You mean—all those tools are inside?

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Remember that time your dad’s three-day backpacking trip turned into a weeklong test of survival? Apparently his compass skills are less than satisfactory. The Garmin eTrex Legend GPS can help your dad plan out his route and stick to it—simple as that. This GPS has a full basemap of North and South America, containing lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroad, and coastlines. It provides precise GPS positioning using correction data obtained from the Wide Area Augmentation System, a network of satellites and ground stations that provide GPS signal corrections for excellent position accuracy—within less than three meters.

What Dad thinks: Looks a lot easier than trying to follow a squirrel back to civilization.

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Your dad is famous for his backcountry banquets. This Father’s Day, replace his ridiculous hotplate-style stove with the Snowpeak GigaPower Stove. This small, lightweight canister stove has an auto ignition, which means you get your oatmeal faster. Its 3.75-ounce weight and push button ignition won this stove the Editor's Choice Award from Backpacker Magazine. It produces 10,000 BTUs (most camping stoves produce 8-9,000), and it stows super efficiently with Snow Peak’s Trek Combo Titanium Cook Set.

What Dad thinks: Now I can fit twice as many ingredients in my pack!

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Wouldn’t your dad’s adventure stories be a lot more exciting if he had visual presentations to go along with them? The waterproof, shockproof GoPro Digital Hero 3 Camera lets him create his own action sports videos with sound or take still shots in situations that would destroy other digital cameras. Pops can mount the Digital Hero on his arm, paddle, or bike handle bar. He’ll be able to document his next scuba trip since this waterproof camera works down to 100ft. This GoPro camera is Mac and PC compatible so Dad can edit away regardless of his choice of computin’ machine.

What Dad thinks: So you don’t believe me, huh? Well you will now.

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You could leave a live goat in your dad’s truck as a Father’s Day surprise, but he might not appreciate your good intentions. That’s why we hand-selected the finest U.S. organic cotton to create a Father’s Day present that says, “I give a damn”: The Goat T-Shirt. This soft T-shirt keeps your dad cool and comfortable as he winds down after a hard day in the outdoors. And it has the stand-out-from-the-crowd Backcountry.com Goat logo—so your dad can show that getting outside is more than an escape, it's a way of life.

What Dad thinks: This will look great with that safari hat my kids hate.

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Now that your kids have graduated and won’t be living off the parental dime, they’ll want to stock up on toys—it’s gonna be a while before they can afford more. Whether or not they own iPods, the Freestyle Audio DMP 1GB MP3 Player takes listening to a new level. With this 1GB player, your kid can rock out while he surfs, wakeboards, or paddles. She can strap it to her arm and listen while she swims laps. The DMP 1GB Player is 100% waterproof, submersible up to 10 feet, and even floats. Freestyle Audio threw in 50 free downloads from eMusic and included a set of waterproof earbuds.

What Grad thinks: Wait, this isn’t a set of ugly dishes … What’s going on here?

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Your grad’s been wearing the same pair of Vans Slip-Ons for four years. You don’t care, but her potential boss might expect something a little more … professional. Get your kid excited for life in the work field by giving her a pair of shoes that won’t compromise her unique style, but will make her look like she’s cut out for the job. The Dansko Giselle Shoes keep your grad’s feet comfortable and fashionable. A leather sock-lining absorbs odor and wicks moisture, ever furthering that good impression. Best part: these Mary-Janes offer tons of support, cushioning, and flexibility, so your professional-to-be will definitely wear them post-interview.

What Grad thinks: Maybe adulthood doesn’t require dressing like a schoolmarm.

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Your kid should be lucky he graduated, considering his internal clock is non-existent. Help him prepare for the nine-to-five life with the Nixon All Black Bank Watch. This classy timepiece sports an all-black face and a black stainless steel band that looks dashing with a new suit. Impeccable timing and cutting-edge style will be key in your grad’s swift climb up the corporate ladder.

What Grad thinks: If being on time looks this good, I’m in.

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Don’t freak your graduate out with too much talk of job interviews and paying off student loans. Give her the Horny Toad Annie Skirt and remind her that there will still be weekends and summer vacations. This short skirt combines 50's style with modern fit, and it loves everything from roller-skating through the park to long road trips with old high school friends.

What Grad thinks: Panic attack … receding …

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Give your grad a pair of The North Face Roadhog Cargo Shorts and encourage him to keep up his regular visits to the trails and the soccer field. These cotton canvas shorts have enough pockets to store the necessities for urbaneering or a march through the woods. Their relaxed fit and casual look will remind him to balance work with fun.

What Grad thinks: Phew. Not another book of inspirational quotes.

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Remind your graduate that even though he’s moving across the country to pursue his dream career, he still has to come home and visit once in awhile. Maybe your grad’ll be more likely to do so if she has some really cool-looking luggage with which to make the trip. The Burton's Wheelie Double Deck Travel Bag has an enormous capacity and skate wheels that won't self-destruct on rough surfaces. Burton built in a removable laundry bag and shoe pocket, so your kid’s socks won't stink up the rest of his or her luggage.

What Grad thinks: This will kick ass for that snowboarding trip I have planned. Oh, and for visits home.

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Your kid, as many grads are apt to do, has decided to reward herself with a trip through Europe. She’s thoroughly planned out the cheapest way to do it, and she’s paying for it herself. Facilitate your graduate’s adventure with the Eagle Creek Grand Voyage 90L Travel Pack. With this internal-frame pack, he can hop trains and backpack to his next hostel. The Grand Voyage has a huge main compartment and a detachable daypack with a Safeguard Panel that safely stashes money and passports. The lower compartment stores a sleeping bag or muddy boots.

What Grad thinks: Maybe I will miss my parents after all…

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Everyone loves a new pair of shades. Plus, giving your graduate some killer new sunglasses like the Electric Gain or Roxy Minx will give you a chance to use that cheesy “Your future’s so bright” line in the card.

What Grad thinks: These will come in handy in Amsterdam.

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