Gear Shed: Picks for Active Dads

We’ve curated our favourite outdoor and lifestyle products, in alpha order, for the adventurous father in your life. Give dad everything he needs to make the most of any pursuit this summer and all year long.

Burton Treehopper Hat

From early morning missions to late-night escapades, the one-size-fits-all snapback Burton Treehopper Hat with embroidered graphic helps you keep a low profile with classic six-panel, curved brim style. We like the Wood Thrush colourway (below) for something a little different. Lifetime warranty. www.burton.com

CEP Run 4.0 Low Cut Compression Socks

A sock can be a secret weapon to up dad’s running game, and CEP compression socks are just that. Innovative smart technology allows the fabric to adapt to any condition ensuring a comfortable, dry foot, while medical-grade compression supports proprioception by stimulating skin receptors and adding additional support. CEP socks are also built tougher than most and to an eco-friendly OEKO-TEX standard. 

Danner Free Spirit

The retro-inspired Free Spirit hiker is reimagined from Danner’s original 1988 boot. As comfortable clocking miles on city or town pavement as it is on or beyond the trailhead, the Free Spirit offers Dad stylish protection from the elements. The unique dual-density midsole is firmer around the edges for support, while the softer compound in the middle provides extra cushioning. Vibram outsole and GORE-TEX waterproofing keep dad confident and dry to explore longer. www.danner.com

Dometic Patrol 35

Give the gift of chilled bevvies and multi-day ice this Father’s Day and beyond with the badass Patrol 35 ice chest. Featuring thick PU insulation and a robust, one-piece rotomolded polyethylene shell, this “coolbox” with a 28-can capacity is built to withstand many years of rough handling and weather. With a wraparound freezer seal, leak-proof drain and one-handed rubber latches (plus a multi-use dock with a cup holder, fishing rod holder and bottle opener—sold separately) this is a cooler for dedicated gear-heads. www.dometic.com

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Eagle Creek Pack-It Starter Set

Eagle Creek’s Pack-It Starter Set, including a garment folder and packing cubes, has started an organizational revolution. Use the larger folder to transport up to 12 wrinkle-prone items and arrive looking sharp (and leave the iron at home). Use the packing cubes to organize the rest of your clothes. These three lightweight organizers will fit in any carry-on bag. Travel’s best-kept secret is out.

Helly Hansen Verglas Tur Pant

These tough-as-nails, go-anywhere, do-anything pants can survive whatever you can throw at them in any season in any country. Designed with durable 4-way stretch and gusset at the crotch for freedom of movement, other handy features include a flexible boot lock on the hem that keeps debris out. Versatility is king with the Verglas Tur. Dad will use them for everything from climbing alpine granite and West Coast beach camping to snowshoeing and snowball fights with the kids.  www.hellyhansen.com/en_ca

Mustang Survival Khimera Dual Flotation PFD

This over-the-head PFD offers a dual flotation system that blends the security of foam with the slim profile of an inflatable for the best of all worlds. The lightweight design enhances dad’s mobility and comfort and eases re-entry into his boat or board from the water. Easily adjustable shoulder and waist straps create a snug fit. Reflective shoulder patches increase dad’s visibility in the water and in rescue situations. www.mustangsurvival.ca 

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Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Vest

This ultra-compressible synthetic-down vest delivers portable warmth for every season. The VerticalX™ SuperStrand insulation mimics 700-800 fill power down. The vest’s ripstop nylon fabric resists abrasions and shields against wind and light precip, while the discontinuous quilting pattern reduces stitching and enhances warmth flow. This is a go-to layer that will live in dad’s backpack.

Red Performance Long Sleeve Top

Even in summer it can be cool out on the ocean or the Great Lakes; dads on SUP missions need lightweight activewear that won’t overheat. Red Paddle Co’s Performance Long Sleeve Top offers Dri-release fabric technology with wicking and odour resistant properties that also help regulate body temp, keeping you feeling fresh so you can paddle, ride or run longer. Red’s Performance T-Shirt offers the same material for warmer conditions. www.red-equipment.ca

Sperry Water Strider

Sperry’s new Water Strider boasts a slip-on construction designed to stay securely on the foot through all deck activities. And its quick-drying hydrophobic materials shed water like nobody’s business. Adaptive Wave-Siping™ technology disperses water underfoot to enhance traction while cushioned EVA offers stability and comfort. If you’re doing anything that requires you to move back and forth between land and water (or between deck and water) you need this amphibious shoe. www.sperry.com

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe

At a generous 10 cm thick, the Topo Luxe is Therm-a-Rest’s thickest backpacking NeoAir ever—and it weighs just 650 grams. So dad doesn’t need to scrimp on comfort while packing light. The Topo Luxe packs down small before inflating for plush support and 3-season warmth thanks to the Triangular Core Matrix, the best warmth-to-weight construction for air pads. Like all Therm-a-Rest pads, the NeoAir Topo Luxe is made in-market (at company-owned manufacturing facilities in Seattle, WA, Reno, NV and Cork, Ireland) to ensure quality and minimize environmental impact. www.thermarest.com

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