12 National Geographic Gifts for Adventurous Dads

Take Father’s Day further this year with one of these unique gift ideas that fit every budget.

Looking for a Father’s Day gift for a dad who loves to explore? Consider one of these bold offerings from National Geographic. From a Peruvian expedition to a DNA journey, here are a few ideas for every kind of daring dad.

DIVE DEEP

Help dad explore family history from 200,000 years ago to today with the help of this cutting-edge DNA kit, courtesy of National Geographic’s Genographic project. After submitting a saliva sample, dad will get a full report on the deepest branches of the family tree.

THE PERFECT PACK

Perfect for heavy trekking or weekend hikes, this durable Guide Series Backpack, featuring self-repairing zippers, high-tech, water-resistant fabric (and reflective material designed for white-out conditions) will be dad’s mobile base camp, suitable for mud, snow, gravel, or the overhead compartment.

GIVE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Planning a getaway to the Shenandoah mountains or a week in Washington’s Olympic National Forest? This beautifully illustrated Complete National Parks book will be his gateway to more than 400 U.S. National Parks, battlefields, historic sites, scenic trails, recreation areas, and seashores, packed with helpful tips and advice for getting the most out of every adventure.

TAKE AN EPIC JOURNEY

Give dad the adventure of a lifetime with an expedition to Peru, where he can watch the sun rise over the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, join a National Geographic archaeologist for an exclusive tour, trek the sacred Urubamba valley, and witness a performance of Peruvian Paso horses.

RAISE A GLASS

Dad will love toasting to this ultimate beer-lover’s guide to the world, filled with more than 400 varieties from a dazzling range of cultures. With recommendations including beer made from Atacama desert fog; dream destinations, such as a 500-year-old Belgian brewery with a beer pipeline under the city streets; a guide to hundreds of festivals, pubs, breweries around the world; and tasting tips from acclaimed brewmaster Garret Oliver, this book offers a bubbly adventure that dad will enjoy taking again and again.

GET UP CLOSE

Help dad check trail conditions or bring birds and wildlife eight times closer with these powerful mini-binoculars featuring individually focusing eyepieces and multicoated lenses that increase contrast and resolution. At only 6 ½ ounces, and coated with water-resistant rubber, they’re perfect for tossing in his pack.

HIT THE ROAD

From Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway, road-warrior dads will love this photo-packed travel planning companion, perfect for discovering the beauty of each of America’s 50 states (and 10 Canadian provinces).

CAPTURE WHAT MATTERS

Whether he’s on the T-ball field or the trail, dad can learn to take better pictures with the help of this popular course, taught by beloved National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore. With 24 lessons covering topics like using the power of your camera's settings; capturing the right lighting and angles; and handling difficult situations like poor lighting or fast-moving subjects (like children), here is everything dad needs to know about the art and craft of great photography.

<p>The tripod, lens, microphone, and other accessories pictured here are some of the best in the industry. Learn more about how each of them can improve your smartphone photography and videos. Explore some of our favorites.</p>

The tripod, lens, microphone, and other accessories pictured here are some of the best in the industry. Learn more about how each of them can improve your smartphone photography and videos. Explore some of our favorites.

Photograph by Mark Thiessen, National Geographic

GIVE HIM THE WORLD

From the Alps to the Australian outback, this stunning, oversized atlas showcases thousands of alluring places for dad to explore. With more than 350 four-color photos and 200 cutting edge maps, every page offers new adventures for enterprising and armchair travelers alike.

HIT THE TRAIL

For dads who love cartography, this collector’s set of trail maps features 12 of the “greatest” U.S. national parks. Printed on water-resistant and tear-proof paper and packaged in a special-edition wooden box, the series includes Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Zion, Glacier and Waterton, Olympic, Mount Rainier, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Grand Canyon.

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TURN BACK TIME

Whether it’s Yosemite’s El Capitan or dad’s college town, turn his favorite U.S. destination into a treasured timepiece with this unique desk clock. Screen-printed by artisans in New England on tumbled marble, it's a perfect way to remind him of a timeless memory.

PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE

Six times a year, National Geographic Traveler magazine showcases a world waiting to be explored, from epic Antarctic adventures to great escapes in America’s great small towns. This yearlong subscription will show dad the way to new adventures!

Lisa Thomas is Senior Vice President and Editorial Director of adult books at National Geographic.

Purchase with Purpose: Your purchase through National Geographic helps fund groundbreaking exploration for many years to come. To learn more visit, natgeo.com/info and browse our store and expeditions.
The following article was originally published on June 5, 2018, and updated from the previous version on June 8, 2018.

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