Gifts for the Adventure Traveler: The Adventure Dad
L.L. Bean Classic Dash sled
Some things benefit from technological advances. Others, like the Dash sled, are best left undisturbed. With maple slats, stainless-steel runners, and a pivot steering system, the Dash ($140) rides pretty much like the first sleds L.L.Bean sold back in the 1940s. In other words, perfectly well.
Bush Smarts Game Kit
Every well-equipped frequent flier, backpacker, or parent needs a few tricks up their sleeve for rainy days or long layovers. Bush Smart's credit-card-size Game Kit ($35) comes with miniature cards, dice, and a scorepad.
Poler x Stumptown Coffee Kit
Good coffee is clutch cargo on just about every outing, which is why Poler x Stumptown's Camp Coffee Kit ($125) is one of our favorite collaborations of the season. It comes with everything you need to get your fix: grinder, press, enamel mugs, filters, funnel, stirrer, instructions, and a handy bag to keep it all in.
Yeti Tundra 45 cooler
The Tundra 45 ($330) is the Cadillac of coolers. Made from roto-molded polyethelyne, it's practically indestructible, with tie-down slots and marine-grade rope handles. Most important, extra-thick walls keep food and drink cold until the end of time (or very nearly, anyway). It's heavy, expensive, and awesome, all of which makes the Tundra a great gift for the guy that is serious about keeping it cool.
Crescent Moon Longboard
From the makers of award-winning snowshoes comes a series of maple longboards pretty enough for hanging. But Crescent Moon's ($330) handcrafted boards are too much fun for that. They're springy underfoot and handle deep turns with control and balance, making them perfect for cruising the boardwalk or around town.
Slopeside Maple Syrup
Handcrafted in Northern Vermont by four cousins, this is some of the best syrup ($20 for one quart) we've ever drunk, er, put on our pancakes. Maybe it's because the sap comes from sugar maple trees from Cochran's Ski Area, a tiny resort the family started over 50 years ago and is still going strong.
