May 14, 2018
By Kali Parmley
To help you find the perfect Father's Day gift this year, the PETERSEN'S HUNTING staff has compiled some of the most innovative and must-have gear for Dad
onX Hunt Maps Elite
There's nothing more frustrating than being out hunting in new terrain, looking down at your phone for a map, and getting nothing because you are out of cell range. One solution comes from onX, an app made for exploring. Before you go, you can create maps with the features you want, like wilderness areas, access points and satellite imagery, and then save the map to your phone.
The app uses the GPS in your phone and then pinpoints your position over your saved map. It tracks you, no cell reception required, and lets you check out the area via topo maps, satellite imagery or any of the other 12 types of map layers you have downloaded. The app is free, but you'll want to add features (prices are free for a trial of seven days to $119.99 per year). The Elite subscription will get you access to maps of all 50 states.
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$99.99/year | Onxmaps.com
(Photo courtesy of onX Maps)
Danner High Ground Boots
This hunting boot from Danner is designed to help good ol' Pops (and you) hike longer and harder. The High Ground is built on the athletic DT4 last that makes for a tighter heel pocket and wider toe box to assist in flexibility and maintain a low weight profile. The boots are constructed of 9000-denier nylon and oiled nubuck leather, with a GORE-TEX liner. An aggressive sole provides stability over tough terrain.
MSRP: $180-$210 | Danner.com
Benchmade 15400 Mel Pardue Hunter
A sturdy fixed blade is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, and your dad deserves a sharp, new knife. The Benchmade Pardue Hunter comes in a perfectly sized package measuring just shy of 8-inches, with a 3.48-inch drop-point blade. A micarta handle with silver studs adorns the blade, which is protected by a durable leather sheath. Added bonus: the Mel Pardue is customizable. Add a lasermark engraving for a few bucks extra for a more personal touch.
MSRP: $225 | Benchmade.com
Worksharp Pocket Knife Sharpener
Pair the new hunting blade with the Pocket Knife Sharpener from the manufacturer who knows a little something about a keen edge: Work Sharp. This lightweight, packable tool is made to fit easily in a pocket or pack. The built-in guides are dummy-proof, guaranteeing you'll put a razor-sharp edge on your blade using the diamond sharpening plate and ceramic honing rod.
MSRP: $15 | Worksharptools.com
Alps Hybrid X Pack
Alps is releasing its latest big-game pack just in time for Father's Day. This kit does double duty in the field: strap the 45-liter nylon pack to the aluminum frame to haul in gear and meat out, or use the aluminum frame independently. The frame features a meat loading shelf and wing-style pockets to compress small and large loads. The top-loading pack features a front pocket for main access to the main compartment and a drop-down rifle and bow pocket, while the waist belt includes additional pockets and anti-sway straps.
MSRP: $250 | Alpsoutdoorz.com
KUIU Guide DCS Vest
A vest is a versatile piece of gear that can extend your time in the field. The KUIU Guide DSC Vest is a durable core insulation piece that can serve as a mid-layer or outer layer depending on the time of year. Weighing just 13.5 ounces, the Guide DCS features 274 grams of Toray Primeflex Softshell paired with a micro-fleece backing for warmth. Bonus: The vest is wind and water resistant. Available in Vias or Verde 2.0 camo.
MSRP: $140 | Kuiu .com
Browning Buck Mark Plus Lite Flute UFX
Spend Father's Day plinking in the back yard or plan a small game hunt this fall for you and dad with the Browning Buck Mark that comes threaded 1/2/28 for a suppressor. The barrel is fluted to keep the overall weight down when a suppressor is mounted. The high-visibility Truglo front sight is ideal for small game hunting and an optic rail makes mounting a scope or red dot sight simple. With a 6" barrel the overall weight is just 35 ounces.
MSRP: $619 | Browning.com
Benelli Ultra Light
For dad's who love long hikes chasing pheasant or sharpies, Benelli brings you this attractive semi-auto shotgun. Available in 12, 20, and 28 gauge, this gun weighs between five and six pounds depending on the chambering. The weight is kept to a minimum thanks to an alloy receiver and a carbon-fiber rib, but the satin walnut stock maintains the classic look and feel.
MSRP: $1,669 | Bennelliusa.com
Aguila .22 Super Extra High Velocity
Few things are more fun than ripping through a magazine of .22 rounds on the range. These feature nickel casings that all but eliminates feeding issues through most semi-automatic rimfire rifles, including AR-style autoloaders. The super-fast 40-grain bullet exits the muzzle at an impressive 1,255 fps and is still passing 1,000 fps at 100 yards, making it deadly effective on varmints, cottontails, squirrels and other small game. Available in 50-round boxes, so buy several for a fun day of plinking.
MSRP: $2.61 per 50, $261 per 5,000 | Aguilaammo.com
Seek Tipi and Stove
Lightweight shelters and stoves are game changers in the backcountry. For optimal living space, opt for a Seek Outside tipi. Available in 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, or 24 person sizes, the single wall, no floor design is made of an ultralight 30-denier fabric. Dual zippered doors with storm flaps allow quick in and out access, while a stove jack with rain flap make it easy to pair your tipi with a Seek Titanium Stove for warmth. Ranging from small to "Big Mama" size, the lightweight titanium stoves assemble quickly, and store nearly flat in an included carry bag.
Tipi: $660-$2,500; Stove : $240-$650 | Seekoutside.com
GSI Java Press
For a hot, strong cup o' joe in family hunt camp, nothing beats a durable French Press. The 30 ounce GSI JavaPress is shatter-resistant and is paired with an insulated sleeve and double walled lid to hold in heat while brewing. A silicone ringed plunging head keeps your coffee grounds out and your coffee strong and flavorful.
MSRP: $30 | Gsioutdoors.com
