Best Father’s Day Gifts of 2023

If your dad says he doesn’t want anything for Father’s Day this year—he’s lying. Dads are notorious for brushing off gifts and claiming they don’t need anything, when in reality, they love accumulating gear. Luckily, if your dad is an outdoorsman, you can give him something he’ll use during his favorite pursuits.

Whether it’s hunting, fishing, camping, grilling, or boating—we have you covered. The editors at Field & Stream worked together to compile this mega list of gift ideas for dads who love to spend time outside. It is one of the biggest gift guides we’ve ever put together, and we’re confident you’ll find something on here your dad will love.

How We Picked the Best Father’s Day Gifts

Some of us are dads, some of us have dads—but regardless of which camp we fall into, all of us here at Field & Stream are experts on all things outdoor gear, whether it’s for deer hunting or bass fishing or something else entirely. We used our own personal experience with products along with hours of research into reviews, ratings, and trends to narrow down the best of the best for this Father’s Day gift guide.

Hunting Gifts

Best Hunting Jacket For Dad: Sitka Gradient Jacket

I picked up the Sitka Gradient Jacket for warm early season hunts, but I ended up wearing it just about everywhere. The Berber fleece lining provided just enough insulation to cut the chill, without making me sweat setting decoys or retrieving ducks. If Dad gets in on early teal, wood ducks, or resident Canada seasons, grab him this excellent layering piece this Father’s Day. —Joseph Albanese

Best Baselayers for Dad: Ibex Men’s Woolies 2 Baselayers

Sure, it’s June, and it’s way too hot for baselayers. But you can earn double the gift points on this Father’s Day gift: once when you give it to Dad on the 19th, and again, when he walks to his treestand on opening day and it’s 15 degrees outside. The Ibex Woolies 2 are my favorites, bar none. They’re the perfect weight, super comfortable, and made of not-itchy merino wool, so they can be worn for days and not stink.—Matthew Every 

Best Travel Bag for Dad: KUIU Waypoint Duffle Bag

Does your dad go on a lot of hunting trips? If so, he most likely needs a good bag to hold all his gear. I used the Waypoint 5500 Duffle last fall on a week-long duck hunting/steelhead fishing trip and it was big enough to fit all of my hunting clothes, hats, socks, accessories, and more.—Ryan Chelius

Best Gun Case for Dad: Filson Gun Case

Filson’s rugged twill cases are as good-looking as they are functional. Something dad might want to pass down when he hangs up his hunting boots (wink, wink). The abrasion-resistant twill is quieter than a hard case, and it’s capped, handled, and slung with bridle leather that will hold up over the years. If Dad’s more of a waterfowl hunter, Filson also makes a Dry Bag Case that has similarly premium detail.—Luke Guillory

Best Cold Weather Gear for Dad: Sitka Fahrenheit Jacket

The Sitka Fahrenheit Jacket served me well as both a layering piece and stand-alone jacket through some wildly variable conditions last duck season. Even when the mercury dropped way down low, I was warm and comfortable thanks to the ample Primaloft/down blend insulation and Gore-Tex wind-resistant shell. If your Dad hunts in cold late-season conditions, this jacket will quickly become his favorite. —JA

Best Backcountry Pack for Dad: Alps OutdoorZ Extreme Commander X

Give your dad a gift that keeps on giving with a sturdy pack to get his trophy out of the backcountry. The Alps OutdoorZ Extreme Commander X is built for hauling heavy loads with an intentional design to help keep the pack close to your body. It’s as comfortable as it gets, with several adjustable straps to help secure the load and prevent any shifting.–Meg Carney

Best Sun Protection Shirt for Dad: KUIU Gila Long Sleeve Crew

Show Dad you care about him—and his skin—by getting him a high-quality synthetic sun shirt like the KUIU Gila Long Sleeve Crew. It’s breathable, solidly constructed, and rated to UPF 50+, meaning it will get the job done on even the sunniest days. If your dad doesn’t hunt, the shirt comes in three solid color patterns perfect for general summer adventures. —Sage Marshall

Best Hunting Pants for Dad: Sitka Equinox Turkey Hunting System

After a week hiking around the Catskill Mountains in early May to test out the new Sitka Equinox turkey hunting system, I loved how comfortable and lightweight everything was, including the Equinox Guard Pant, which is engineered with insect shield protection and bite reduction fabric. It helps limit skin exposure with built-in leg gaiters. If your dad turkey hunts, this clothing system is for him. —RC

Fishing Gifts

Best Rain Fishing Gear for Dad: Simms ProDry Fishing Jacket and Bibs

Don’t let bad weather ruin Dad’s fishing trip by getting him some of the best fishing rain gear. I’ve been using the Simms ProDry Fishing Jacket and Bibs on adventures ranging from hard water panfish to striped bass on the north Atlantic, and have remained comfortable and dry the entire time. After wearing them in sideways rain, bitter cold, and howling 50 mph winds I can say that this is the best rain gear I’ve had the privilege of using, and I’ve had quite a few sets in my lifetime.—JA

Best Fly Rod for Dad: Maine Fly Co. Custom Rod

When it comes to performance, these rods hold their own. My custom 4 weight performed well all day on the famous Magalloway River. It mends line like a charm and showed its versatility when I switched from nymphing to streamer fishing. It’s hard not to love a rod that is built specifically for you. Put Dad’s name on a rod and he’ll never leave it behind. —RC

Best Fishing Sunglasses for Dad: Costa Lido

I’ve enjoyed Costa’s line of sunglasses since I tried my first pair years ago. The excellent lenses help me pick fish out against the trickiest of backdrops, and prevent eye strain during dawn to dusk sessions. If your Dad enjoys time on the water, get him a pair of Costa’s new Lido performance sunglasses, which blend style with fishing-specific features, like top and side shields to help keep light from leaking in. —JA

Best Beer Glasses for Dad: Rep Your Water Drinkware

What Dad doesn’t like a nice glass to enjoy his drink in at the end of the night? Whether he drinks whiskey, beer, or wine—there’s something for him. My favorite design is the Hunt. Fish. Camp. Beer Can. There’s something for upland hunters, fly anglers, and big game hunters.—RC

Best Fishing Shirt for Dad: Gill XPEL Tech Hoodie

Give Dad the gift of long days on the water without sunburns with this lightweight hoodie. It’s built with the hottest days in mind, with breathable quick-drying fabric that protects you from the sun’s rays. It also features a full-coverage hood that ensures the vulnerable skin on your neck doesn’t get crispy during a full day of throwing crankbaits.—JA

Best Fishing Guide Service for Dad: Guidesly Fishing Trip Service

Plan the fishing trip of a lifetime with Dad with the Guidesly app. It allows you to connect directly with trusted fishing guides, see bodies of water, check weather reports, and find the right guide for your type of fishing whether it be saltwater, freshwater, or wading. It’s a great last-minute gift, too.—RC

Best Fishing Knife for Dad: Shun Classic 6” Boning and Fillet Knife

This Japanese-made boning and fillet knife will give Dad a touch of luxury when he’s prepping his catch for dinner. The stiffness actually makes it a more versatile knife, and the short length is countered by a wonderful shape—allowing you to make those sweeping fillet cuts. —LG

Best Waders for Dad: Simms Freestone Waders

These waders might be the one piece of gear I’ve recommended the most. I’ve been using them for over five years on hot summer days and snowstorms in the dead of winter, and (knock on wood) they have yet to spring a leak. I could tell 1,000 stories about the waders surviving sharp rocks, bad falls, and not-so-great care, but you only need to know one thing—they’ll keep Dad dry.—RC

Camping Gifts

Best Camping Gadget for Dad: Thermacell MR450 Portable Mosquito Repeller

If your dad hunts, fishes, or spends any time outdoors, mosquitos are an annoying part of his life. Using a non-toxic tincture, this portable Thermacell repellent creates a 15-foot scent-free zone of protection against biting insects for up to 12 hours. A belt clip lets Dad keep it on him while he’s on the stream, chasing gobblers, or manning the grill.—JA

Best Backpacking Meal for Dad: Good To-Go Dehydrated Meals

These dishes taste exactly like they would if I (or more accurately, someone that can cook better than I) had prepared them from scratch. Because they’re created with real ingredients, Dad can have risotto that tastes like it was whipped up at a 5-star restaurant and not with his Jet Boil in the middle of an elk hunt. Get him a variety of flavors so he can eat great wherever his next adventure takes him. —JA

Best Camping Stove for Dad: MSR Windburner Stove

Help Dad level up his outdoor cooking with one of the best camping stoves. The MSR Windburner is a compact stove perfect for backpacking that’s incredibly efficient—it will bring water to a boil in less than a minute. It comes in 1- and 1.7-liter models. —SM

Best Camping Sleep Setup for Dad: Cabela’s Camping Cot

This heavy duty PVC-backed nylon is as comfortable as you’ll get in the backcountry, and the bedside organizer will become something he can’t live without. Phone, book, toiletries, knife, even a beverage—it’s all in one place that’s not a plastic bag he’s tossed in a corner somewhere. Bonus if you get him a cozy sleeping bag for on top.—LG

Best Camping Chair for Dad: Nemo Stargaze Recliner

Everyone enjoys a comfy camping chair, and this one is hard to beat. It utilizes a suspension system that allows you to recline by simply leaning back and has an adjustable headrest that provides support exactly where you want it. The ensemble packs down small so Dad can easily take it with him on just about any adventure.—JA

Best Axe for Dad: Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

Odds are pretty good that Dad already has an axe or two laying around, but he probably doesn’t own one this nice. The 19-inch-long handle provides enough leverage to make short work of felling and splitting tasks, but remains nimble enough to tackle limbing chores when it’s time to clear shooting lanes. And at only about 2 pounds, Dad will hardly notice it lashed to his pack.—JA

Everything Else

Best Drinkware for Dad: Yeti Custom Rambler

The only thing better than a Yeti mug is a customizable Yeti mug. Have Dad’s name or initials put on the crazy popular Rambler tumbler and he’ll never go anywhere without it.—RC

Best Booze for Dad: Pendelton Midnight Whisky

Nothing says “I love you Pop” quite like a bottle of whisky. If Dad is an outdoorsman with a few summer adventures lined up, consider Pendleton Midnight, which is 90 proof whisky made with water from Oregon’s Mount Hood and aged for over six years in American brandy bottles. It’s a sweet but smooth whiskey with a nice mellow kick.—SM

Best Meat Thermometer for Dad: Meater Plus

Overcooked meat is the worst and undercooked meat is dangerous. Dad won’t ever have to worry about his grilling skills again with this Bluetooth meat thermometer. The Meater Plus is completely wireless with a 165-foot range of accurate temperature reading. It has dual temperature sensors that monitor internal and ambient meat temperatures.

Best Pocket Knife for Dad: James Elko Knife

No matter how many pocket knives Dad has, he could always use one more. The James Elko Knife features a touch of class, but won’t look out of place in a blue collar setting. Complete with a titanium keyring and sized to disappear among your keys, the 1.75-inch Sandvik 12C27 drop-point blade easily tackles the day-to-day tasks that seem to pop up out of nowhere.—JA

Best Pellet Smoker for Dad: Traeger Pro Pellet Smoker

The feature-rich Traeger Pro won our “Best for Beginners” award in our testing of the best pellet smokers. Its control panel is incredibly easy to use, it can hit 500°F for searing, and, like all Traeger grills, it’s built to last. Still, a veteran pitmaster will love the ease of use for casual grilling, and Dad will never have an easier time smoking the perfect backstrap.—LG

Best Truck Gift for Dad: DECKED D-Box and Crossbox

I installed my DECKED drawer system in the bed of my truck years ago and haven’t looked back. The drawers allow me to separate, organize, and secure my equipment and he D-Box is a stackable storage bin that fits perfectly into the DECKED system. These accessories are perfect to help keep Dad’s truck organized. —RC

Best Portable Solar Generator for Dad: Goal Zero Yeti 200X Power Station

Whether on a road trip, out camping, or as a backup at home, having a solar generator around is handy. If your dad wants a power station that can charge small electronics, the Goal Zero Yeti 200X is an excellent choice. It is compact and easy to transport, making it a great option for RVs, car camping, and basecamp. You can charge headlamps, GPS, cell phones, and more, collecting power from the sun.–MC

Best Cooler for Dad: Yeti Hopper M30 Soft Cooler

The Hopper M30 is the best soft cooler I’ve ever used. It is versatile and big enough for most of my pursuits. The M30 is my go-to river cooler during the summer and always sits in the bed of my truck for celebratory tailgate drinks after a successful day on the water. It works just as well as a beach cooler or anything else where you need to keep things cold. YETI solved my only complaint with the updated M30, adding an extra wide mouth that stays open while you access the inside. The strong magnets help the top stay sealed and lock the cold in. I’ve used my M30 in my duck boat, fishing boat, on the river, and at the beach. It is really an all-around cooler that any outdoorsman will love. —RC

Best Hat for Dad: Duck Camp Hat

I am a hatbum—or at least that’s what I’ve been told. I have more hats than I can count and I love every one of them. But my two favorites are the mallard and pheasant from Duck Camp. I like to describe Duck Camps designs as a modern vintage look, featuring everything from ducks to brown trout. No matter what your dad loves to chase in the woods or on the water, there’s a good chance Duck Camp has a hat for him—and what dad couldn’t use another hat? —RC

Best Shorts for Dad: KUIU Switchback Short

The Switchback Short from KUIU is versatile, comfortable, and rugged. The versatile short is perfect for summer hikes or long days at the range. Made from nylon and spandex which result in a water and stain resistant fabric that has two-way stretch for plenty of freedom of movement. On the right-hand side, a reinforced patch ensures the clip on Dad’s favorite knife won’t wear out his new favorite shorts. It comes in most sizes and has a true to size design, so order his normal size. If dad also needs a new pair of pants, check out KUIU’s Attack Pant. —RC

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