Fjällräven’s hiking pants—er, sorry, trousers—are legendary, and having now spent most of spring in a pair of these Abisko Trail trousers, I understand why. If Dad is a hiker, or spends any time at all outdoors, these are a great gift.
They’re light but surprisingly warm and especially good at blocking the wind. The G-1000 Lite Stretch recycled fabric gives you nice, stretchy freedom of movement, and having had Lyme disease already, the ability to cinch down the leg cuffs and keep things out is invaluable. (I’ve also put a good bit of repellent on the fabric with no staining or other damage.) I also like that the G-1000 can be waxed to refurbish the waterproofness (though I haven’t had to do this yet).
If you want to go the shorts route, try these Kuhl Silencr Kargo Shorts ($79). They’re “stealth” cargo shorts in that they have a lot of pockets, but they don’t look like it. No need to make Dad back into the ’90s grunge rocker he once was if you don’t have to. —Scott Gilbertson