Father’s Day Gear: Car
Essentials to outfit the ultimate adventuremobile
Outside's long reads email newsletter features our strongest writing, most ambitious reporting, and award-winning storytelling about the outdoors. Sign up today.
The best way to spend Father's Day? Hit the road.
Want more ideas? Check out the complete Kaenon Montecito Sunglasses ($219)
The lenses on these polarized glasses, made from a material called SR-91, marry the durability of a polycarbonate with the optical clarity of glass. The Montecito has more wrap and protection than a traditional Wayfarer, but the silhouette's casual, not techy.
Tepui Kukenam Ruggedized Car-Top Tent ($1,650)
This three-person, four-season tent is our new favorite piece of car-camping kit. The poly-cotton canvas shrugs off nicks and rain, the three-quarter-inch-thick aluminum poles will stay put even in a gale-force wind, and the whole thing unfolds and sets up in just minutes.
Yeti Hopper Two 30L ($350)
The original Hopper was one of our favorites, except for one feature: the tight opening made it difficult to clean and to fit large items inside. Yeti tweaked the Hopper Two series, moving the zipper to the side and widening the top to take it from nearly perfect to full-blown faultless. And it’s still as leakproof as a submarine.
Yakima CoreBar ($120)
A recent study found that roof racks were responsible for sucking up an extra 100 million gallons of gasoline per year due to lowered auto fuel efficiency. That’s why Yakima designed the CoreBars, which are wind-tunnel tested to boost aerodynamics. Steel construction makes the bars plenty sturdy, plus they hold a dizzying number of gear-carrying attachments.
Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel 60L ($100)
The lightweight (less than two pounds) Cargo Hauler is the ultimate weekender bag. Multiple carry options—including backpack straps and side- and top-carry handles—make it easy to schlep around, while six lash points on its abrasion-resistant body mean it can be strapped to the car roof. When the bag’s not in use, the Hauler packs into its own front-end zipper compartment.
Rand McNally 2017 Road Atlas ($8)
Every car should have an atlas. This year, Rand McNally celebrates the National Park Service’s 100th birthday with cover shots of parks from around the U.S.
Kinco Lined Grain Pigskin Leather Palm with Knit Wrist Gloves ($20)
A pair of these should live in dad’s glovebox. The pigskin palm can take a beating, while the insulated lining adds heat when temps drop. Add some waterproofing (we like Nikwax’s Glove Proof) for extra protection in the wet.
Stanley Classic Vacuum Growler ($50)
We tested all the best-insulated growlers and the Stanley was a top pick for keeping beer cold and for usability, thanks to the easy-pour handle. And damn if you don’t look cool showing up to the brewery with that classic green design.
