Outfitted: ​​Father’s Day gift guide

Father’s Day here in the mountains has its own rhythm. Maybe it’s the thinner air, or maybe it’s the way mountain dads show up — with grit, humor, and a toolbox that somehow includes both a wrench and a trout rod. Around here, fathers are not just flipping burgers — they are chopping wood in spring snow flurries, casting lines before sunrise, and fixing the neighbor’s deck because it “looked like it needed it.” If your dad is equal parts resourceful and rugged, with just enough refinement to appreciate good gear, this guide is for him. From trail to truck bed to fire pit, these gifts honor the dads who make mountain living look easy — and remind us how lucky we are to call them ours.

1. Uncharted Supply Co. First Aid Plus Kit

When you live in the mountains, you’re never far from an adventure — or an accident. Many times I’ve watched my dad patch up a scrape with duct tape and a bandanna. These days, I’m making sure he carries something more refined: the First Aid Plus Kit from Uncharted Supply. It’s got the basics (bandages, antiseptics) and the extras (multitool, flashlight, emergency blanket), all in a rugged waterproof case. Whether he’s out fishing, working on the cabin, or carrying out one of his epic camping trips, this kit is peace of mind in a grab-and-go pouch. $139, UnchartedSupplyCo.com.

2. Snow Peak Takibi Essentials Set

There’s something sacred about a mountain campfire, and Snow Peak nails the ritual with their Takibi Essentials Set. It includes fireside gloves, a fire tool set, and a folding torch—all beautifully crafted in Snow Peak’s renowned made-in-Japan form. My dad, a lifelong pyromaniac (in the safe, fireside sense), uses his to build the perfect bonfire in his fire ring at home. It’s part toolkit, part heirloom, and fully dialed for those slow, smoky gatherings around the fire pit. $233, SnowPeak.com.

3. Royal Robbins Men’s All In Short

Spring and summer up here mean bouncing between yard work, river walks, and post-hike lounging. The All In Short lives up to its name. They are lightweight, quick-drying, and just structured enough that Dad won’t look like he rolled out of bed. My own pair survived a paddleboard wipeout and a spontaneous hike in one weekend. With archival prints, an interior drawcord, and well-placed pockets, this river short is super comfy with its soft, lightweight recycled nylon. Bonus: the zippered pocket means his keys won’t end up in a stream. $75, RoyalRobbins.com.

4. Carl Friedrik Trunk

Does Dad still use the same duffel he’s had since Reagan was in office? Time for an upgrade. Far and away the most bougie item on this list, the Carl Friedrik Trunk is a stunner: aluminum frame, Italian leather handles, silent wheels—it’s like if a Range Rover became luggage. This heritage-inspired rolling trunk hearkens back to the Golden Age of Travel. I’ve been using mine for summer travel, and I especially love how easy it is to pack. Retractable dividers along with perfectly sized packing cubes make it quick and easy to stack and compartmentalize a load large enough for up to three weeks of travel. If your dad travels with a sense of dignity and grit, this trunk will fit the bill. $845, CarlFriedrik.com.

5. Smithey Deep Farmhouse Skillet

Does your dad love cooking in the kitchen, as well as around the fire, with cast iron? The Smithey Deep Farmhouse Skillet takes that love and deepens it—literally. With 2-inch high walls and a polished cooking surface, it’s perfect for one-pan breakfasts or searing elk steaks after a long day outside. I’ve had my eye on Smithy’s artisan-blacksmith-made products for several years and finally got this skillet several months ago. The functional beauty of its hand-forged, pre-seasoned carbon steel is sure to be a modern heirloom. Bonus: it looks great hanging on the wall when not in use, which in my house, isn’t often. $325, Smithey.com.

6. Muir Way Colorado 3D Raised Relief Map

For the dad who still reads trail maps like novels, the Muir Way Raised Relief Map is a gift he’ll actually hang up. I recently got the framed version to hang in my house, and it’s a true stunner that never fails to receive comments and compliments. It’s such a fun conversation piece to reminisce over hiking that one crazy 14er or to remember that amazing river trip from years past. The 3D design brings a tactile depth that flat maps just can’t match and will add a distinctly local pride to any office, den, or garage wall. $345 with frame, $149 without frame, Muir-Way.com

7. Carhartt Rugged Flex® Relaxed Fit Duck Jacket

There aren’t many dads I can think of who don’t have a soft spot for Carhartt. The Rugged Flex Duck Jacket is the new standard—sturdy canvas shell, just the right amount of stretch, and a snap-adjustable hem for a customized fit. Extra features include two chest pockets with snap-button closures, two lower side-entry pockets, and two interior pockets. My dad wears his for everything from splitting wood to spring clean-up in town, and I actually just gifted one to my nephew as well. You can’t go wrong with Carhartt. Available in two sizes. $100, Carhartt.com

8. Drip EZ Brisket Lite Bundle

No Father’s Day is complete without the smell of something delicious on the grill. The Drip EZ Brisket Bundle includes an XL BBQ nonstick prep tub with a built-in cutting board, BBQ grill mitts, an insulated BBQ blanket, and SuckleBusters 1836 Beef Rub. It’s all the tools Dad needs to take his barbecue game to the next level. The blanket keeps the meat juicy and tender while resting, and the collapsible tub makes cleanup and storage a breeze. We broke it out last weekend during a family trip to Lake Michigan for a brisket that will go down in history. $125, DripEZ.com

Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.

Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer, and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.