As the world begins to open up and the prospect of traveling becomes more real, we’re starting to plan out upcoming adventures. And we’re sure you and your family are too. So, with Father’s Day just around the corner, we put together a list of travel essentials that double as excellent gifts for dad. Whether you have a local road trip in the works or an international getaway lined up, we’ve got something for you.
The Garment Duffel
When a weekender bag won’t cut it, you’ve got to break out the duffel. And this garment/duffle bag hybrid from Halfday makes packing a cinch. It solves the issue of how to properly pack business wear by including space for a suit, button-down, and dress shoes as well as your casual clothes in the main compartment. The exterior is water-resistant and the interior straps will keep your clothes tidy and wrinkle-free.
$95
Zoom Tube
Even the most casual birdwatch, or birder as they’re often called, appreciates and admires the thrill of spotting a bird in its natural environment. So, for dad’s next adventure, order him the Zoom Tube from NOCS provisions. This colorful monocular offers best-in-class optics with Fully Multi Coated lens array and BaK4 prisms for clear, crisp visuals. Plus, the light body and waterproof exterior makes it portable and secure on any camping trip.
$75
Ledlenser MH5
[Partner] Even if dad isn’t a serious camper, a solid headlight can be a gamechanger. For late-night yardwork, DIY projects, or just finding that box tucked away in the attic, a headlamp is a must. Thankfully, Ledlenser has created lightweight, compact lighting solutions built to last. The MH5 compact headlamp, in particular, is a high-performance, versatile light that uses USB recharging and can easily be adjusted to a handheld light or clipped to a piece of clothing. Plus, you can adjust and focus the light with a quick turn of the bezel. And, to make Father’s Day even more special, you can engrave a personal message on any Ledlenser product.
$50
Survivor Endurance
[Partner] Perhaps the unsung hero of travel essentials is the humble phone case. With all the bumps, bruises, and inevitable falls of travel, your phone has to deal with a lot when it’s on the road. Thankfully, Survivor builds its protective cases with endurance in mind. Rugged and stylish, the Endurance line of cases can protect your phone from falls up to 14 feet. Plus, the antimicrobial exterior will keep your case clean whether your phone is in your pocket, your carry-on, or your car cupholder. With wireless charging and 5G compatibility, the Endurance phone case can bring dad’s phone to the 21st century.
$35+
Noshinku Pocket Hand Santizier
Ditch the corner store hand sanitizer and get dad a pack of Noshinku’s hydrating hand sanitizers. These discreet dispensers hold organic sanitizers made from a blend of Bergamot, Jojoba, Argan, Rosehip, and Coconut oils. Instead of drying out your hands, this pocket pack moisturizers and leaves a clean, fresh fragrance.
$25/3-pack
Reusable Aluminum Utensil Set
Swap out those disposable takeout utensils for a set of reusable, portable flatware. Whether your going on a backpacking excursion or just taking lunch in the park, a set of eco-friendly utensils always comes in handy. And this magnetic, bright orange set from Full Windsor is top-notch. Built with hard-anodized aluminum, this fork, spoon, and knife will last for years. And the magnetic strips allow the utensils to nest together for a slim, easy-to-pack set.
$35
The Collapsible Umbrella
One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to pack for rain. No matter what the weather app says, a rain shower could move in at any moment. So, especially on longer trips, it’s crucial to pack a decent rain jacket and a portable umbrella. And you can’t get much better than Weatherman’s collapsible umbrella. Available in a variety of colors, this commuter umbrella offers full coverage along with a lightweight build and vented canopies to withstand serious gusts of wind. Plus the fiberglass frame will keep the umbrella from breaking or inverting.
$59
72 Hour Merino No Show Sock
We wouldn’t necessarily recommend wearing the same pair of socks for 72-hours, but Proof has engineered their merino fabric to last for days without a wash. Balancing comfort and performance, their 72 Hour Merino crew socks make the ideal travel socks for long flights or roadtrips. The merino fabric naturally wicks moisture and regulates temperature keeping your feet clean and comfy. While a pair of socks might not be the most exciting gift, we guarantee dad will appreciate these.
$28/ 2-pack
FlatPak Waterpoof Toiletry Case
The biggest design flaw in most products is probably overthinking it. Sometimes you don’t need a million pouches and flashy bells and whistles to make a solid piece of travel gear. Matador totally understands this as is evident with its simple yet effective FlatPak Waterpoof Toiletry Case. This leakproof and waterproof toiletry bag holds all of the travel essentials (toothbrush, razor, deodorant, etc.) keeping them protected and clean. Plus, the waterproof material actually dries out your wet toiletries as the water evaporates through the bag. It’s an ingenious, rollable bag that’s perfect for dad.
$25
Dango Travel Wallet with Pen & Notebook
The Pioneer Travel Wallet packs everything you need in one, slim, self-contained unit. Store your cash, cards, IDs, and more in this hand-sewn, RFID-blocking wallet. Plus, a notebook and pen are included so you can jot down that great idea before it slips your mind. A clasp on the back secures your passport for easy access and each wallet comes with a stainless steel multitool. Packing for your next trip just got a whole lot easier.
$109
The Traveling Mixologist
Missing your favorite cocktail on your travels? Bring the bar anywhere with Whiskey Leatherworks’ Traveling Mixologist. This canvas and leather bar tool roll comes packed with all the essentials: a cocktail shaker, jigger, muddler, pairing knife, strainer, and more. The handsome set rolls up into an easy-to-transport pack perfect for car camping, backyard hangs, or a cross country roadtrip. Just don’t forget your go-to spirits.
$145
Java Handheld Coffee Grinder
There’s no replacement for freshly ground coffee. But, on a camping trip, you can’t exactly lug around your burr grinder. Thankfully VSSL has whipped up a sleek alternative: the Java Handheld Coffee Grinder. This nearly unbreakable aluminum grinder will withstand the wear and tear of backpacking and provide the perfect coffee grounds for breakfast. This is an essential piece of travel coffee gear and will get your dad through countless groggy mornings.
$145
