Father's Day gift ideas

• Posted on May 31, 2009 at 11:51 AM
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Who doesn't love fire for Father's Day.

“Father's Day gift ideas”

There is something about buying for dad's that it is extreme – either extremely easy or extremely hard. My father is easy. Scotch, outdoorsy or golf theme and he'll be happy. Me on the other hand, a father of a five year old, I'm pretty tough. But if I had to choose five Father's Day gift ideas that I would like here's what I'd pick. (Can someone pass this on to my daughter?)

Let's face it, dad's are just big boys and what kid doesn't want a kick ass lighter. None are tougher or cooler than Brunton's Helios Stormproof Lighter. At $84 a pop you can be sure you're not getting anything like a Bic. Brunton says the butane powered coil lighter withstands 120 kilometre wind gusts and will still light. We haven't had the chance to test that claim, but every time we've pressed on the gas it delivered solid flame and heat, and the satisfying sound of a mini-BBQ. Click it closed and locked and it's waterproof.

Another sweet item from Brunton is the Echo Pocket Scope, a versatile and small monocular (think telescope but smaller). It's capable of focusing a foot in front of his hairy nose to way off into the mountains. Super clear optics, a pocket sized package and descent magnification, seven times, it's a perfect companion for picking out the plumage on that Little Brown Bird or the route up the peak. It's aperture, the amount of light it gathers, is 18, too low for picking out the Andromeda Galaxy but perfect for spotting mountain goats on a rock wall. And the price is right: $31.20.

If you're feeling especially generous Black Diamond's Skylight tent, $513, is one of my favs for lightweight summer camping. It's one of several on the market that blend single wall and double wall construction into a functional, fun and light package. The rear half of the tent is made from a waterproof nylon. The front half is more your standard tent with a mesh lining and a fly, basically an extension to the rear half, that pulls down in front creating a descent sized vestibule. Roll it back and you've got a room with a view (and no bugs). Pitching is a little tougher than a fly and body tent – the three poles go inside. BD says it could sleep three, but I wouldn't. At four pounds it's a perfect tent for two or a palace for one.

Is dad still wearing cut off jean shorts or just needs a fashion make over in general? Check out Cloudveil's stuff. It's all pretty nice. One of my top picks is the water resistant Cool Board Short a casually cut, quick drying short that's equally happy grabbing coffee on Saturday morning, jumping into the river at lunch or scrambling up a climb in the evening.

Look for another blog shortly with even more ideas. Or send me a comment with a few words about your dad and I'll come up with a custom list of ideas.