If you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift, this week’s Emerging Gear column has several stellar options. Now I’m not saying that every dad loves camping, drinking, and fishing. But if you happen to have a father who enjoys at least one of those things — read on.
And anyway, you don’t have to be a dad to enjoy the nostalgia of Smokey Bear sunglasses or the frivolity of a fly fishing iPhone case. Find your next favorite piece of outdoor gear right here.
CAMP Smokey Bear Eyewear
Obviously, none of us could ever be as cool as Smokey Bear, but this CAMP Eyewear collaboration comes pretty close.
The collection includes five of CAMP’s bestselling sunglasses, designed with rustic, vintage-inspired colors and details reminiscent of Smokey Bear’s 1970s public service campaigns. Made from plant-based bioplastic, the sunglasses feature laser-engraved wood accents, Smokey’s hat emblem on the temple tips, and the “Only You” tagline on the lenses.
Each pair is priced at $80, blending eco-friendly materials with a nostalgic tribute to Smokey Bear’s legacy in environmental stewardship. CAMP Eyewear will contribute a portion of each sale to wildfire prevention efforts.
Stio x Taylor Guitars
Long before the collaboration launched this month, Stio’s founder had a deep appreciation for the iconic sound of Taylor Guitars.
“As we began opening our Mountain Studios, I made a dedicated spot for a Taylor guitar within each store and encouraged people to play by offering discounts of 5% off for one song, 10% off for two, and 15% off for playing a short set,” Stio founder Stephen Sullivan said. “It’s been wildly successful and I think it’s really fostered a unique community element within the store similar to a campfire hangout.”
Now, the Jackson Hole-based brand has worked with nine local artists to make a limited-edition run of custom Stio x Taylor GS Minis. The artwork draws inspiration from Wyoming landscapes, mountain town culture, and the artists’ personal styles. All nine custom-designed guitars are available for purchase at Stio.com for $700 each and can be made to order.
Skida Running Cap
Summer sun gets more potent every year, and the Skida Running Cap aims to offer extra protection to keep you outside.
This lightweight, packable Running Cap offers UPF 50+ protection and a moisture-wicking brim for ventilation during intense workouts. Its design ensures a snug fit, and the cap is made from soft, crushable polyester with stretch mesh sides, making it easy to stow in fanny packs, running vests, or pockets. An adjustable strap allows for a personalized fit.
Available in three patterns — Mulberry, Battenkill, and Honeydew — the Running Cap retails for $48.
OtterBox x Fishe iPhone Cases
OtterBox unveiled two limited-edition Symmetry Series Clear for MagSafe cases in collaboration with Fishe, a woman-fronted, fly-fishing brand out of Alaska. The OtterBox x Fishe Collection includes Steel My Heart, with a steelhead illustration, and Mt. Cutty, for those more interested in cutthroat trout.
These cases are compatible with iPhone 15/15 Pro, iPhone 14/14 Pro, and iPhone 13/13 Pro devices and are priced at $50.
The cases feature built-in magnets for seamless attachment to MagSafe chargers and accessories. They meet DROP+ standards, surviving three times as many drops as the military standard. The cases also offer tactile buttons, come with a limited lifetime warranty and hassle-free customer service, and are compatible with OtterBox screen protection.
TINCUP Bourbon Barrel Firewood
The 1984 adventure film Romancing The Stone had many classic scenes, but my personal favorite is when Michael Douglas’ character finds a crashed plane in the Colombian jungle and proceeds to make a campfire from the ganja piled inside. (“Now that’s what I call a campfire,” he says in the film.)
I imagine there’s a somewhat similar feeling with TINCUP’s limited run of Bourbon Barrel Firewood, made from the same charred oak barrels used to age the brand’s bourbon. The unique firewood will turn your campfire into a bouquet of cinnamon, pine, honey, and freshly cut grass, according to TINCUP.
The firewood costs $92, or $150 when bundled with TINCUP 10 Year Bourbon. Each bundle includes burnable, eco-friendly rope for easy and sustainable use. Proceeds from the firewood sales will support TINCUP’s annual donation to Leave No Trace.
Hyperice Normatec Elite
Wellness brand Hyperice just dropped a new version of its high-tech massager (or “dynamic air compression therapy device,” to use the brand lingo).
While it does look like a pair of fancy pants, Hyperice calls the Normatec Elite its most advanced massager so far. It comes with a control unit housed on the outer thigh of the boots, a brushless pump, longer battery life, and quieter operation compared to previous models.
Weighing 3.2 pounds per boot, the Normatec Elite offers seven levels of compression and a 4-hour battery life. It can be used while charging, ensuring the technology is always available. The device can supposedly reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and enhance mobility. It costs $1,000.
Roofnest Meadowlark XL
Roofnest introduces the Meadowlark XL, a soft-shell rooftop tent designed for adventurers who need additional roof space for gear. At 30 inches wide when closed, the Meadowlark XL occupies only half the width of a standard rooftop tent, leaving room for items like bikes, kayaks, and skis.
The Meadowlark XL is Roofnest’s lightest three-person rooftop tent, the brand said. It includes a longitudinal fold-out design, allowing campers to sleep in line with the vehicle’s length. This design frees up significant roof space for other equipment, Roofnest said. Deploying the tent requires no guylines or ground stakes, and comes with a 2.5-inch, dual-density foam mattress. The tent includes three windows, two skylights, and a dimmable LED light strip.
Weighing 100 pounds, the Meadowlark XL is easy to uninstall and store, the brand said. It’s available for $1,200.
Hamilton Khaki BeLOWZERO
The Hamilton Khaki BeLOWZERO is engineered for extreme underwater expeditions, the brand said, with water resistance up to 100 bar (1,000 m) and a helium escape valve.
Its convex sapphire crystal provides protection for deep-sea exploration. A 46mm brushed titanium case and bright yellow rubber strap aims for yellow submarine vibes.
Powered by the H-10 movement, the Khaki BeLOWZERO offers a three-hand display with optional date function and an 80-hour power reserve. The movement showcases intricate snail and pearled patterns for American Classic models and sleek surfaces for pilot watches. It’s priced at just under $1,800.
Path Projects Wadi Collection
Path Projects just unveiled the Wadi Collection. Designed for performance on hot summer days with relentless sun exposure, it offers UPF 30+ protection.
The collection was developed in partnership with Toray in Japan. As a result, the apparel is made with Fieldsensor Byokan, a multi-density knit fabric that’s meant for advanced moisture wicking. The collection includes the Wadi LS Hooded Tee priced at $98, the Wadi Tee at $68, and the Wadi Tank at $64.
CFX2 57 Electric Cooler
Dometic has unveiled the CFX2 Electric Cooler, designed to keep food and drinks fresh without ice.
One of the notable features of the CFX2 is its Ocean Blue color option, a first for Dometic’s electric coolers. The CFX2 operates quietly and efficiently, the brand said, using less power than a 60W bulb while still reaching temperatures as low as -7 degrees F. It can be controlled through the front panel or a phone app.
Available in sizes ranging from 28L to 57L, it includes reinforced corners and folding handles for easy transport. The Dometic CFX2 will cost $900.
