Father’s Day is close at hand. How about getting the old man something a little different this year? Something he can use—that might even help him survive the unexpected.
Here are 10 survival gift ideas for Father’s Day that I think any man would relish. Whether Dad is a camper, fisherman, hunter, hiker, prepper, DIYer, homesteader, or even a traveling businessman, there’s something in this list for him. And I bet he doesn’t already have everything on it.
Full disclosure: Most of these links are Amazon affiliate links. But the products are simply examples, not meant as specific recommendations. Short on time? Sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime, and you can get many of these gifts within a couple of days.
Tourniquet
If Dad can’t pass up a good chainsaw, loves hiking where wild animals roam, or is a dedicated prepper, get him a tourniquet! Israeli bandages, such as this one, are popular because they’re pretty easy to use, and they tend to work. You can use one as a tourniquet or a compression bandage. Combat Application Tourniquets—also easy to use—are especially popular among first responders.
SAM Splint
I love these things. They’re light, and you can store or pack them virtually anywhere. Cut to size, and your father can make about any type of splint he needs. Direct him to this video to see a demonstration. The Survival Doctor’s Emergencies Training Course (another great gift idea!) even shows how to make a neck brace with a SAM Splint.
Goggles
I can’t count the number of times I’ve treated someone who’s had their day ruined by being in their yard, or with machinery, and getting a speck in their eye that they can’t get out. Everyone needs a good pair of goggles. This is a pretty cool-looking pair. If Dad wears glasses, consider an over-the-glasses kind.
Emergency Radio
Everyone needs a radio in case the electricity goes off. Here’s one you can charge by hand crank or its solar panel. It can charge your cellphone too. Dad will need one for home, and if he travels, maybe a second one. Here’s one that’s smaller and could easily fit into a bag. It even includes a paracord bracelet.
Yaktrax or ICEtrekkers
If Dad has any winter weather at all, consider some snow/ice chains for the shoes. They can save him from a bad fall. And the beauty is, they’re small enough that he could put a pair in his pocket or briefcase and slip them on only when he needs them. There are different types of “chains” designed for different lifestyles. Yaktrax Pros and ICEtrekkers Spikes are pretty versatile. If Dad’s a hardcore winter outdoorsman, he might like the ICEtrekkers Diamond Grips. There are even STREAMtrekkers for summertime fishermen.
The Survival Doctor’s Complete Handbook
My newest book is a best seller and the perfect gift for any father. The Survival Doctor’s Complete Handbook covers a large variety of medical problems, but it’s easy to read, interesting and packed with illustrations. If Dad is an outdoorsman or traveler, consider my more compact Living Ready Pocket Manual: First Aid as a lightweight, portable guide to complement the Handbook.
Duct Tape + Duct Tape 911
For the DIY dad with a sense of humor, my book Duct Tape 911: The Many Amazing Medical Things You Can Do to Tape Yourself Together is (surprisingly?) quite practical. Dad will learn how to make real medical supplies—all with duct tape. Toss in a roll of duct tape, and you have a fun gift package.
LifeStraw
Hikers, campers, hunters, and fishermen will appreciate a LifeStraw for emergency water backup. If they get stranded in the woods and didn’t carry enough extra water to get them through, something like this has the potential to help save their life. A LifeStraw is a large straw with a filter inside. According to the company, the filter will remove almost all bacteria and parasites. It’s so small and light that it’s a must for backpacks and travel bags.
Sports Bottle With Water Filter
The LifeStraw is great. If Dad has room in his bag, a bottle with a reliable filter is a convenient alternative.
The Survival Doctor’s Emergencies Training Course
Preppers, homesteaders, outdoorsman, DIYers, and adventure travelers love my online, video-based training course. Dad will learn learn essential first-aid techniques and much more to help him survive emergencies and help his family survive too.
What’s your favorite survival gift idea for Father’s Day? If you’re a dad, what survival gift would you really like to receive?
Note: A previous version of this post was originally published June 9, 2014.
