Gear review: Father’s Day Gifts

With Father’s Day coming up, these products provide both fun and functional gift options. I employed my husband to chime in, since he tested the clothing.

1. Victorinox Alox Limited Edition 2026 Knife

Clad in glacial blue, this limited edition 2026 pocket knife is built to last and provides the perfect combination of Swiss craftsmanship, durability, and sleek aesthetics. Measuring 5.4 inches closed, it’s a solid-sized knife that can tackle whatever job you have with ease. It delivers silky smooth operation, from opening and closing to cutting. It includes the large, lockable blade, removable thumb stud, carry clip, lanyard hole, and paracord. As an exclusive collectible, it comes in a black gift box. $140, victorinox.com

2. Helly Hansen Guide Duffel Bag 30 L 

This durable bag is great for travel, as well as wet adventures, with its tough, waterproof 600D polyester ripstop fabric and TPU coating. Even the carry straps are constructed of seatbelt webbing, with neoprene handles for hand comfort. This duffle bag doubles as a backpack, with straps that tuck into a zippered pouch when not in use. A large, lockable zippered U-shape opening allows for easy access, as well as security. Two internal mesh pockets help keep gear organized. $125, hellyhansen.com

3. Optimus Gemini II Stove

As camping season ramps up, this super-compact, two-burner, European-manufactured stove allows you to cook all kinds of meals. With its patented Swiss design, each burner is independently controlled to dial in heat, from simmering to boiling. The low, stable frame with wind protection and the innovative pressure value ensures steady flames. It takes about 4 minutes to boil 1 liter of water. Weighing 26.8 ounces and measuring 12 inches long and 2.76 inches wide, it folds flat to fit in a pack. $199.95, katadyngroup.com

4. Lepro E1 AI-Powered Permanent Outdoor Lights

Until now, permanent outdoor lights have been built for simple rooflines; complex roofs and multiple stories mean multiple kits, multiple controllers, and sync headaches. But the new E1 fixes that. The dual-output controller provides one power source for two independent runs, without extra hardware — and it comes in up to 300 feet, the longest in Lepro’s lineup. The downlighting produces a gorgeous glow, which, again, are waterproof and use an app with voice control for customization, the timer feature, and even music sync; advanced AI generates lighting scenes from a photo, voice prompt, or text and learns your preferences over time, allowing for effects beyond traditional presets through the vibrant colors or various white hues. These waterproof lights are rated to last 50,000 hours in temperatures ranging from -4 to 140 degrees. Comes in 50-300 feet lengths; $220.40 for 150 feet (sale price; regularly $379.99), lepro.com

5. Lepro Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern

This handy, lightweight, rechargeable, and water-resistant LED lantern switches between five different lighting modes: daylight, warm white, a combination of the two, red, and flashing red, simply by holding the power button down. But the best part is you can also dim or brighten each mode, customizing the ambiance for any occasion; 220 lumen lasts seven hours, and recharge time is 6 hours (charger included). Also runs on six AA batteries. $36.99, lepro.com

6. D–Hive Unbeatable Durability SUV Air Mattress

This durable air mattress, constructed of 300-Denier Oxford waterproof fabric, is not only ultra-comfortable for sleeping, but it also holds up to my dog’s claws as she walks all over it before settling in for the night. Though it’s made to fit just about any SUV perfectly (it measures 78.74 inches) in case you want to sleep in your car, it’s also great for tents — or even as a floaty toy in pools or lakes. It’s easy and quick (2 minutes) to inflate with the included electric pump and doesn’t leak air. Two adjoining air chambers offer their own ports, so you can just blow up one side if you need — and the portioned system prevents one partner from disrupting the other while rolling over. $199.99, dhivebrand.com

7. KETL Mountain Apparel Virtue Hybrid Shorts, 12″ and Nofry Sun Hoodie 

This all-around summertime outfit just became my go-to for summertime fun. KETL nails comfort and versatility with its Virtue Hybrid 12″ Short. The fabric is quick drying for bouts of playing in the water and super stretchy, providing plenty of maneuverability and comfort, along with a rear-zip pocket. I love the ability to transition from water to casual wear in the same pair of shorts. The shorts have a no-slip waist, internal belt, and zippered pockets. Pair them with theultralight Nofry Sun Hoodie (UPF 30), and you have a perfect outfit for hanging out — on, in, or near the water. The Nofry Sun Hoodie is fast drying, stretchy, and comfy and allows ample airflow with its nearly weightless, ultra-packable fabric. It also provides UPF 30+ protection and comes with a free lifetime repair commitment. Shorts (five colors), $79; hoodie (nine colors), $69, ketlmtn.com

8. Blackstrap Men’s Utility All-Purpose Shorts and Aspect Ultralight Hoodie 

From the first time I put on the Aspect Ultralight Hoodie, I fell in love with its smoothness and comfort. The Drirelease fabric is breathable, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, regulates body temperature, and provides UPF 50+ sun protection. It’s the perfect shirt for floating down the river or paddleboarding, and it features flatlock seams (and tag-free neckline). Pair the no-cling hoodie with the lightweight and quick-drying Utility short, with adjustable webbing belt. Theyprovide great freedom of movement with their durable stretch properties and UPF 50+ protection. Hoodie (six colorways), $74.99; shorts (three colors), $79.99, blackstrap.com