Father’s Day is right before summer’s official arrival, so it’s a great time to get your dad some gear for the great outdoors. Whether your dad is a beach bum, hiker, aspiring pitmaster, amateur pizzaiolo or just likes to spend time outside, I’ve selected the best gear for all of those hobbies and more. A new smart grill, a high-tech food thermometer, a durable Bluetooth speaker or even a new go-to cup for summer bevies, there’s a whole range of options to enhance the time in the sand, at the park or just on the patio – and at a range of prices too.
Quick Overview
Thermacell Lighted E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
Meater 2 Plus
BrüMate Hopsulator Trio 3-in-1 Insulated Can Cooler
$30 at Amazon$30 at Ace HardwareSee more options
Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet with 2 Sockets, IP64 Weather Resistance, Compatible with Alexa, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, ETL Certified(EP40), Black
Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler
$35 at Amazon$35 at Zappos$35 at REISee more options
UE Wonderboom 3
$65 at Amazon$70 at Walmart$100 at VerizonSee more options
Solo Stove Pi Prime
Traeger Ironwood series
Weber Slate
Solo Stove fire pits
$300 at Solo Stove
Shibumi Shade
$270 at Amazon$270 at DICK’S Sporting GoodsSee more options
BioLite BaseCharge 600
$699 at BioLiteSee 7 moreThermacell
Thermacell Lighted E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
When it comes to portable mosquito repellers, Thermacell’s gear is a favorite amongst the Engadget staff. The company’s newest model, the EL55, is much like the E55 we previously selected. The main difference is the addition of a dimmable light for use after dark. The EL55 will last up to nine hours on a charge with the light off, or up to five and a half hours with it on. Like other recent Thermacell products, the EL55 uses liquid cartridges to offer scentless protection for a 20-foot radius.
$43 at Amazon
Meater 2 Plus
There are all kinds of food thermometers out there that will help your dad ensure grilled items are perfectly cooked this summer. Most of them use wired probes that can get in the way when he goes to flip a steak or wrap a brisket. Meater’s probes are wireless and the Meater 2 Plus is also more accurate and more durable than previous versions.
Specifically, the Meater 2 Plus has five internal temperature sensors that give you the true lowest reading of your food so that you don’t undercook them. There’s still an ambient temperature sensor on the other end to help you monitor grill temps, too. The Meater 2 Plus can also withstand high-heat searing and it’s waterproof. This means you can still use it to sous vide or deep fry, and when you’re done you can just toss it in the dishwasher. This model also offers up to 250 feet of Bluetooth range, so dad can venture inside and watch things from his phone for longer cooks. Meater’s app will keep him updated and provide estimated completion times along the way.
$130 at AmazonBrüMate
BrüMate Hopsulator Trio 3-in-1 Insulated Can Cooler
Every dad can use a way to keep canned beverages cold on a hot day, and Brumate’s Hopsulator Trio functions as a koozie and a travel mug. There are a few different models, but I prefer the Trio’s 3-in-1 abilities. For 16 ounce cans, it’s an insulated aluminum holder. For 12 ounce cans, the Hopsulator comes with a reusable cold puck for even more efficient cooling. And as I mentioned, it comes with a lid so you can use it as a cup if you want. I use mine year round, but it gets the most work during the warmer months when I’m out at the grill or sitting on the deck.
$30 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$30 at Ace HardwareKasa Smart
Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet with 2 Sockets, IP64 Weather Resistance, Compatible with Alexa, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, ETL Certified(EP40), Black
What do you get the dad that has seemingly everything already? Something to make his life easier. TP-Link’s Kasa line offers a range of smart home products, including smart outdoor plugs. These work well for things like patio string lights and other items you’d rather not venture outside to simply plug in. You can control the outlets via the Kasa app or with your voice via Alexa and Google Assistant. The app gives you the ability to set timers to automate things and the IP64 rating means you won’t have to worry about dust or rain.
$19 at Amazon
Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler
Stanley’s Ice Flow Tumblers are some of the most popular cups on the planet, but the company makes a number of other options that are great for dads too. The AeroLight Transit Bottle is certainly a more compact everyday travel mug, keeping beverages hot for eight hours and cold for 12. This lightweight, insulated bottle can retain ice for up to 40 hours, too, which is way more than dad will need to get through a work day. The locking, drink-through lid is leakproof and the AeroLight fits in a cup holder. Perhaps most importantly, it’s dishwasher safe, so your dad can easily clean it for the next trip to the office.
$35 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$35 at Zappos$35 at REI
UE Wonderboom 3
I’ve tested a number of small Bluetooth speakers over the years and my current go-to option is the UE Wonderboom 3. For well under $100, you’ll be giving dad the biggest sound I’ve heard in a speaker this size. Up to 14 hours of battery life will give him more than enough for a day at the beach or on the trail, with IP67- and five-foot-drop-rated durability to withstand all of those adventures. Audio quality is bright and punchy, and there’s an outdoor mode button that boosts mids and highs so they’ll travel further.
$65 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options