A Vermont Sports Father’s Day Gift Guide
Forget the tie. This father’s day, say thanks the right way. Here are a few suggestions available at the hardware store or sporting goods store near you.
Vermont Castings Grill: The grill is an essential summertime culinary tradition and a charcoal grill should last the American man a lifetime. This grill has a classic look and is essentially foolproof: Pour in the charcoal, add a squirt of lighter fluid, light it up and wait for dinner. $1,499
Ax:
An indispensable item for the Northeast. From clearing brush to chopping kindling, you’re going to need one, so make it one that’ll last a lifetime or longer. Consider the “Strike Anywhere,” from the Best Made Company in New York. Featuring a drop forged head of American-made alloy steel and a handle of Appalachian Hickory, it’ll get the job done and he’ll probably never need a replacement. $300
Socks:
Because walking around with your toes or heels poking through is embarrassing. We like Vermont’s Darn Tough’s socks best. They’re lightweight and will wear well everywhere from the office to the trailhead. As always, if Dad somehow wears through them or the dog eats them, he can send them back for a replacement — they’re 100 percent guaranteed not to wear out through normal use or your money back. $20
iPhone Case:
This case from The Task Lab case does more than hold your phone securely. Inside are a 2.5” removable knife with serrations, 1.8” saw, small and large flathead screwdrivers, medium Phillips screwdriver, pliers with integrated 3-6mm wrench, wire cutters, 6 metric Allen wrenches (bike sizes 2.5-6), spoke wrenches (0.127, 0.130), wire stripper, ruler, bottle opener and kickstand. There’s also a TSA-approved model that includes a USB drive, tweezers and LED flashlight. $20
Flannel: The flannel shirt is a standby for cooler weather in summer evenings as well as into the fall and winter. For a high quality shirt, look no further warmth and comfort of the original flannel from the Vermont Flannel Company available in a variety of attractive plaids. $48
Good Pants:
When founder of Bill’s Khakis Bill Thomas came across a pair of pants in an Army surplus store, he had an idea: well-fitting pants that could withstand just about anything, including international conflict. Founded in 1990, the company continues to make practical and reliable pants that will last long and fit great. $175 
Shaving supplies:
That blue gel in an aerosol can might do the job for now, but Dad deserves better. These supplies from the Vermont Country Store will last longer, are better for the environment and give a great shave.
- Ceramic shaving mug: $14.95
- Boar bristle shaving brush: $39.99
- Lightfoot’s Pine Shave Crème Soap $13.90
Day Hiker Guide to Vermont, by the Green Mountain Club:
This slim paperback has walks, hikes and overnights all over the state of varying difficulties with detailed descriptions of the trails and surrounding areas. For any Vermont outdoorsman, this is one book to be sure to have on your shelf. $14.95
Travel Pillow:
For dads who travel, the NapAnywhere is a portable head-support pillow developed for frequently tired travelers. This comfortable, portable device can be used effectively while traveling on planes, subways, trains, buses and cars (just don’t wear it while driving). Small and compact, it fits easily into Dad’s carry-on, backpack, briefcase or laptop bag. $59
A Really Good French Press: Just because you’re on the trail doesn’t mean you have to settle for instant coffee. Just larger than a 32 oz water bottle, the GSI Outdoors Java Press’s packable design is BPA-free, lightweight and shatter-resistant. Plus, a silicone plunger prevents grounds from sneaking into your brew. $30
Vermont Peanut Butter: For fueling trips of any length, you can’t forget peanut butter and the Vermont Peanut Butter Company’s blends pack all of the sugars and proteins he’ll need to fuel a century ride or the last runs of the day. Ingredients include flax, raisons, cranberries, chocolate and tons of other good stuff. $6.99
Vermont spirits:
From gin to rye to an increasing array of brews, for Father’s Day spirits, you can’t go wrong with Vermont fine libations. A bottle of Barr Hill Gin from Caledonia Spirits or a growler full of Hill Farmstead Brewery’s Abner Double IPA will do quite nicely. We couldn’t pick just one, but check out www.vermontbreweries.com or www.802spirits.com to find the ones nearest you. Enjoy responsibly.
