Here's a collection of stuff Dad can use when he hits the trail, lake or campsite. Or anywhere else you, mom, the rest of the kids, the phone, the piles of bills, and his boss, are not.

Kelsyus Canopy Chair and Hammock

If dad’s idea of outdoor recreation doesn’t extend far past Miller High Life, a shaded spot in the backyard and a long, afternoon nap, you can’t go wrong with this gear from Kelsyus. No matter where dad wants to plop down and sip himself into deep slumber, he’ll be prepared.

The Original Canopy Chair™ is relaxation to the next level. Chances are dad already has a foldable camping chair or two, but do his chairs come with their own built-in shade? Probably not. The waterproof canopy doubles as a carrying bag, traveling anywhere dad wants to go, without any additional parts. Padded shoulder straps distribute the load comfortably. Comes in blue, red and green starting at $25.

Not comfy enough for Pop? Step up to the Portable Hammock™. Whether he’s on a nomadic voyage or kicked onto the lawn for telling mom how she really looks in that dress, he’ll thank you for this go-anywhere hammock. After you’ve planted it down, there’s no scouting out perfectly-spaced aspens or tying survival knots, simply unfold and lie down. The XL version includes an extra roomy surface, which will allow even the beefiest of dads (up to 300 pounds worth) to lounge in sheer comfort. An inflatable pillow completes the experience. Portable Hammock is available in red and blue for $99, and the XL version is available in green for $149. -- Chris Weiss


K-Light

With the K-Light solar powered lantern/flashlight dad will never be in the dark. Just leave it in the sun to recharge in the morning, and it’s good to go by dusk. It features a 1:1 charging ratio - meaning for every hour of charge it’ll give you an hour of light. And it uses LEDs so buying extra bulbs or having to worry about them burning out on you are almost nonexistent. What’s more, the stand allows the K-Light to sit upright on a table, be carried as a lantern, or use it as a flashlight. -- John Quan

$49.95
www.pisatsolar.com


A2B Electric Bike

This street legal bike is able to get your dad from couch to anywhere within a 20 mile radius on a single battery charge. Out of charge? Swap batteries out for another 20 miles. The front and rear suspension give s a smooth ride and the 7 gears will get your dad zooming to the max battery powered speed of 20mph. The A2B also has antiquated pedals for that old time feeling. But with a sweltering summer right around the corner, why bother? -- JQ

$2,699
www.ultramotor.com


Suunto Observer Watch

At this point in his life, dad may never scale Everest or battle whalers on the high seas, but there’s no reason he can’t feel like a field-tested, world-class adventurer. The Suunto Observer is the choice timepiece for the weathered, adventurous soul. Sleek and stylish on the outside and packed full of functional features on the inside, the watch is the ultimate complement to any sophisticated male.

The altimeter and compass provide detailed navigation. Barometer helps keep him informed of weather trends when planning out the perfect window of travel. The logbook tracks verticals climbed and dropped and number of mountains tackled or runs skied so the details of the excursion come back home. The watch can also track the speed of ascent and descent.

The Observer looks as good as it performs. A variety of colors and materials including stainless steel, leather and titanium ensure that the watch matches anything from worsted wool to Gore Tex.

Even if all dad battles these days is questionable “senior special” Chinese food, the Observer tells an engaging tale all its own. -- CW

Starting at $299
www.suunto.com


K3 Solar and Wind Recharger

When dad's out "communing with nature," he may be trying to get away from it all, but his cell phone or iPod are still essentials he'll want with him. But they need to be recharged. And he can't plug them into a tree to get more juice.

The K3, about the size of a flashlight, can charge dad's electronic devices on wind and solar power. A fully charged K3 can charge a cell phone over 5 times and a MP3 player over 10 times, making it ideal for emergency situations. -- Jeff Boone

$99.95.
www.kinesisindustries.com


Sylvania DOT-it

This mini, yet ridiculously powerful little circle of light, goes anywhere dad needs it. Backed with a magnet, adhesive and Velcro (they left nothing to chance), it sticks, and re-sticks, in the tent, the boat, or even in the workshop. It fits in a pocket, and the push-to-fire LEDs give off about 100 hours of light from the replaceable AAA batteries. And at about $6 each, dad can let there be light everywhere.

$6
www.sylvania.com


AutoTether

Dad ever get drunk enough on his boat that he fell overboard and ended up having to swim after it? Mine either. But it happens.

The AutoTether is a wireless device that connects directly to the engine kill switch. Dad - and up to 3 other passengers - wear the "personal sensor" which will sound an alarm if one of you hits the water. And shut off the engine if the boat operator falls into the water. (The passengers can also shut off the engine by pushing the red alert button. You know, in case the driver's busy chatting up a boat bunny, and doesn't see you slip over the side.) -- JB
$295.
www.autotether.com


Taclite Pro Pants

Being outdoors calls for being properly dressed. And on a hot day there's nothing worse than jeans. Wait, scratch that. Seeing dad wearing a loaded up fanny pack is much, much worse. That’s where the 5.11 Taclite Pro Pants come in. Made of lightweight polyester and poly cotton ripstop, they come with a multitude of pockets including cargo, rear, and external knife pocket. And in enough colors to work with whatever dad's wearing. -- John Quan

$49.99
www.511taclite.com