Outdoor Canada’s 2026 Father’s Day gift guide: Great outdoor gear, tackle, apparel, accessories, gadgets and more

MEN’S DOWN SWEATER HOODY

I’ve had down outerwear before, but never anything like this. Patagonia’s classic Down Sweater Hoody is astonishingly lightweight and windproof, functioning as both an outer layer in mild to cool conditions and a mid layer when it’s colder. It has an adjustable hood, the center-front zipper has an interior storm flap and a zipper garage; there are two zippered handwarmer pockets, two interior drop-in pockets and a zip interior-chest pocket that converts to a stuffsack.

Despite its 800-fill-power down (or make that 100% Responsible Down Standard down, certified by Control Union), it packs down to about the size of a one-litre water bottle. As you might expect from Patagonia, the shell is also responsibly sourced, made from NetPlus 100 per cent  post-consumer recycled nylon ripstop made from recycled fishing nets. The same top is also available in jacket and vest formats. It comes in a range of sizes from double-extra small to triple-extra large, and five colours.

Learn more: www.patagonia.ca

—Scott Gardner

THE GUIDE TO URBAN FLY FISHING

Most anglers think great fly fishing means long drives, remote rivers and time they don’t always have. Written by US Army veteran and urban fly-fishing guide Marc Fryt, this book makes a compelling case that world-class fishing exists right in the heart of cities, if you know where to look. Part how-to, part ecological manifesto, it covers everything from reading urban water to finding community, with stories from anglers in Los Angeles, Denver, New York, Boston and beyond. For any dad who’s ever spent half his weekend just getting to the water, this one might change his whole approach.

Learn more: The Guide to Urban Fly Fishing 

GHG FINISHER SWIMMER DECOY

The Green Head Gear Finisher Swimmer Decoys will bring life to any floating waterfowl spread. They work well to fool birds on all water hunts, and are especially effective on calm days or late in the season when wary birds need that extra convincing.

These foam-filled decoys are highly realistic in both body shape and paint scheme, and are built to handle the rigors of waterfowl hunting. Power comes from a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (charger included) good for up to seven hours per charge. A built-in tether loop keeps them from swimming off—I find a Texas rig decoy weight and line works perfectly with it. Available in Mallard, Widgeon, Shoveler, Pintail, Gadwall and Wood Duck (drakes and hens), plus Canada and Snow Goose models.

Learn more: www.banded.com

—Mike Hungle

SLIPNOT DECK BOOTS

For dads who spend time on boats and docks, Dryshod’s Slipnot boots will help keep him upright. A micro-etched CROSSTAR tread grips and squeegees water away in any direction—ideal on wood, carpet, metal and composite docks, and equally solid on wet concrete. These 9-inch ankle boots are fully waterproof, with a WIXIT Cool-Clad wicking mesh liner and micro-dot perforations that move moisture and air better than traditional liners, keeping feet cool and dry in warm conditions.

They slip on easily and feature a ridged heel kick for effortless removal, plus a steel shank for arch support and non-marking rubber soles. A bonus for boat anglers: they help protect Dad’s feet from errant hooks and sharp fish teeth. Available in whole sizes seven to 13 in Navy/Red and Grey/Orange.

Learn more: www.dryshodcanada.ca

—Mike Hungle