From the first rep to the last pour. Everything he needs.
Father’s Day falls at the exact intersection of two things dads who actually move their bodies need: gear that performs on the trail, the water, or in the weight room, and gear that makes the after hour(s) just as good as the hour before. No novelty gifts here. This is a complete setup designed to take Dad from his morning training routine to late afternoons on the deck. Get him one piece or the whole thing. Either way, he’ll be happy to know you were paying attention.
The Training Side: Earn It First
Best Father’s Day fitness gifts for active dads
Photo Credit: NoBull
NoBull Drive 2 — The Shoe That Goes Everywhere
The Drive 2 exists for one simple reason: most people don’t train in one lane. Whether lifting, running, or hiking to the car the Drive 2 is a hybrid trainer that handles the whole session without compromise. The updated EVA midsole foam offers enhanced support and stability during strength training. Meanwhile added padding in the collar and tongue supports better cardio performance. There is a reason It swept the Men’s Health, Women’s Health, and SELF Sneaker Awards. Dad doesn’t need two shoes anymore because this one does it all.
The pitch: $150. One shoe. Every session.
Photo Credit: NoBull
NoBull Protein Powder — What You Drink After You Lift
NoBull’s protein line applies the same no-nonsense philosophy to nutrition that built the footwear brand. No blends of ingredients you never heard of, no mystery fillers, no marketing mambo jumbo. What you see is what you get. Clean macros, clean label and the protein count you actually need after the workout you actually did. Your dad will have it right next to the Drive 2 on the shelf and on the recovery schedule.
The pitch: Same brand, same philosophy. Stack them together.
The Carry: What Goes With Him
Best EDC gear Father’s Day gifts outdoor dads
Photo Credit: CRKT
CRKT Provoke X — A Unique EDC Gift for Father’s Day
The Provoke X introduces a completely new and highly unique product category that Dad will love…a pocket axe. Who knew such a thing could exist? The new Provoke X combines kinematic technology with an EDC axe that can be stashed in your pocket and swiftly deployed with the flick of a wrist. The D2 blade and spike remain securely open with CRKT’s industry-leading Deadbolt lock. They also easily slide back into recesses when the handle is closed for added safety. The Provoke X is by far the most interesting thing anyone will pull out of their pocket this summer. Backcountry tool, conversation piece, and legitimately functional EDC…all in one.
The pitch: Nobody else at the campsite has one.
Benchmade Wildcoast — The Knife That Belongs at the Grill
Inspired by the untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the Wildcoast is a badass and rugged new chef knife that your dad will love. While the clip-point blade may look unorthodox for tackling meat and veggies, the body and belly of the chef’s knife make it a true kitchen blade. Constructed with CPM-154 stainless steel and a rugged stonewash finish, SelectEdge technology, and a Maple Valley Richlite handle that’s built for the elements, the Wildcoast is just as comfortable outdoors as it is in the kitchen. The Traeger (description below) deserves a knife that matches it.
The pitch: $350. Built for the fire, built for the kitchen, built for keeps.
The Wardrobe: Look Like You Mean It
Best Father’s Day outdoor apparel gifts
Photo Credit: 3 Bird
3 Bird Breakout Twill Shirt + Paniolo Shirt — Two Looks, One Brand
3 Bird Outdoors understands the transition. The Breakout Twill is designed to be the rugged, trail-ready option that is structured enough to look intentional at the bar. The Paniolo leans relaxed and island-inspired. It is the shirt you reach for when the activity is done and the afternoon is yours for the taking. Both are built for the guy who seeks to remain comfortable the moment the hard part is over.
The pitch: Trail to tavern without stopping at the car.
Huk Watershed Hoodie, Shoreside Board Shorts + Performance Flip Flops — The Deck Setup
Photo Credit: Huk
Huk builds performance fishing apparel, which means it’s made to handle exposure to the sunny, salty elements without every saying a word. The Watershed Hoodie offers up the kind of UPF sun protection that doesn’t look like you borrowed it from a dermatologist. The Shoreside Board Shorts have the structure and panache to move right from the beach to the brewery. Complete the look with the Performance Flip Flops and pivot from water to patio without a second thought.
The pitch: Everything below the waist and above the belt line, covered.
Vallon Howlin’ Sunglasses — The Pair He’ll Actually Keep
The Howlin’ feature Vallon’s proprietary V52 lens technology and provide exceptional clarity and 100% UV protection. With a stylish, retro aviator shape, polarized performance lenses, and a detachable headstrap they are ideal for sporty pursuits from hiking, to kayaking, boating and more. Then, once the activity ends, go from the trail to the deck without looking out of place at either. The pair that doesn’t get left in the car. They remain on, no matter the occasion.
The pitch: One pair for everything. Finally.
The Centerpiece: The Traeger Westwood XL
Best Father’s Day grill gift pellet smoker
Photo Credit: Traeger
This is the crown jewel that makes all of the other gifts make sense.
At around $799, the Westwood XL delivers the capacity and performance Traeger is known for at a price that’s easier to justify. 823 square inches of cooking space, a two-tier grate setup, and an 18-pound pellet hopper large enough for genuinely long cooks make this grill optimal for weekday dinners or Saturday afternoon BBQs alike. The integrated WiFIRE connectivity lets dad monitor everything from his phone. So, once it’s up and running the temperature control stays steady and there’s very little need to make adjustments.
Put the Benchmade Wildcoast next to it. Fire up the Drive 2 for the grocery run that morning. Wear the Huk on the deck while it smokes. That’s the Après setup.
The pitch: This is what the whole list is building toward.
The Full Setup
The best Father’s Day gift isn’t a single item. It’s a continuous narrative. Train hard, own the right gear, look like you give a damn, and end the day with something cooking on a grill that earns every minute in front of it. This list of father’s day gifts builds that day from start to finish.
Get him one piece or splurge and get him a few. Either way, he’ll know somebody paid attention.
About the Author
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Après All Day Podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, travel, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres