Father’s Day is coming up on June 15, and if your dad is a prepper, you know he’s the guy who’s always ready for anything—storms, outages, or worse. This year, celebrate the dad who keeps your family safe with gear that matches his survivalist spirit. At IntelPrepper, we’re all about equipping dads to lead through chaos, and we’ve rounded up five gift categories for the prepper dad, each with options for every budget. Prices listed are approximate and may vary on Amazon at the time of purchase. From budget-friendly essentials to high-end gear, these picks will show him you appreciate his preparedness while giving him tools to thrive in any scenario. Let’s dive in.
1. Two-Way Radio for Staying Connected
A prepper dad needs reliable communication when the grid goes down. Whether he’s coordinating with family or monitoring emergency channels, a two-way radio or scanner is a must-have. Here are three options for every budget.
• Low-Budget: BaoFeng UV-5R ($14 and up)
The BaoFeng UV-5R is a prepper favorite, offering a 1–5 mile range on analog VHF/UHF bands (136–174 MHz, 400–520 MHz). It’s compact, with an 1800mAh battery lasting up to 18 hours—perfect for short-range comms during an emergency.
Pros: Affordable, easy to use, long battery life.
Cons: Analog-only, slow scanning (~3 channels/sec), can’t pick up digital police frequencies.
Prepper Dad Tip: Pair it with a note encouraging a family comms drill—set a channel and practice call signs. Get the BaoFeng UV-5R on Amazon.
• Mid-Range: Motorola T600 H2O Talkabout ($119.99 for a pair)
The Motorola T600 H2O is a step up, offering a 35-mile range (in ideal conditions) on FRS/GMRS bands. It’s waterproof, floats, and has a built-in flashlight, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or emergencies.
Pros: Waterproof, decent range, no license needed for FRS use.
Cons: Range drops in urban areas, GMRS use requires a license.
Prepper Dad Tip: Gift him a pair so he can stay in touch with a family member during a crisis. Find the Motorola T600 H2O on Amazon.
• High-End: Uniden SDS100 Digital Police Scanner ($649.99)
For the dad who wants to monitor police, fire, and EMS, the Uniden SDS100 is a top-tier digital scanner. It supports P25 Phase I/II, DMR, and analog frequencies, with fast scanning (100+ channels/sec) and a customizable display.
Pros: Decodes digital police frequencies, fast scanning, rugged design.
Cons: Expensive, requires learning local frequencies.
Prepper Dad Tip: Program his local emergency frequencies (check RadioReference.com) to make it ready out of the box. Get the Uniden SDS100 on Amazon.
2. Multi-Tool for Everyday Carry
A multi-tool is a prepper dad’s best friend for fixes, builds, or survival tasks. Here’s a range of options to suit any budget.
• Low-Budget: Gerber Dime ($21)
The Gerber Dime is a compact multi-tool with 12 functions, including pliers, a knife, and a bottle opener. At just 2.2 oz, it’s perfect for keychain carry.
Pros: Lightweight, affordable, great for small tasks.
Cons: Smaller tools can feel flimsy for heavy use.
Prepper Dad Tip: Attach it to his keyring for daily use. Get the Gerber Dime on Amazon.
• Mid-Range: Leatherman Wave+ ($119.95)
The Leatherman Wave+ packs 18 tools into a 4-inch frame, including pliers, a knife, and a screwdriver. It’s built to last with stainless steel construction.
Pros: Versatile, durable, one-handed access to tools.
Cons: Heavier than budget options (8.5 oz).
Prepper Dad Tip: Engrave his initials on the handle for a personal touch. Pick up the Leatherman Wave+ on Amazon.
• High-End: Victorinox SwissChamp ($125)
The Victorinox SwissChamp offers 33 functions, from a magnifying glass to a fish scaler, all in a sleek 3.6-inch package. It’s a premium choice for a dad who wants every tool imaginable.
Pros: Extensive toolset, high-quality build, lifetime warranty.
Cons: Bulkier for pocket carry (6.5 oz).
Prepper Dad Tip: Highlight its versatility with a note about its wilderness uses. Find the Victorinox SwissChamp on Amazon.
3. Tactical Backpack for Bug-Out Ready
A reliable bug-out bag is essential for any prepper dad. These options range from budget to premium.
• Low-Budget: REEBOW Gear Military Tactical Backpack ($39.99)
The REEBOW Gear backpack offers a 40L capacity with MOLLE webbing for customization. It’s made of durable 600D polyester, perfect for a budget bug-out bag.
Pros: Affordable, decent capacity, MOLLE-compatible.
Cons: Not as rugged as higher-end options.
Prepper Dad Tip: Add a small firestarter as a bonus gift. Get the REEBOW Gear Backpack on Amazon.
• Mid-Range: 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 2.0 ($130)
The 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 2.0 has a 37L capacity, MOLLE webbing, and a padded back panel. It’s rugged and designed for heavy use, whether evacuating or camping.
Pros: Durable, spacious, customizable.
Cons: Heavier than budget bags (4 lbs empty).
Prepper Dad Tip: Pre-pack it with essentials like a water filter for a surprise. Grab the 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 2.0 on Amazon.
• High-End: Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault Pack ($475)
The Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault Pack offers a 30L capacity with a 3-zip design for quick access. It’s built for military-grade durability with 500D Cordura fabric.
Pros: Exceptional build quality, comfortable for long hauls, versatile.
Cons: Expensive, smaller capacity than mid-range.
Prepper Dad Tip: Include a note about its military heritage to appeal to his prepper mindset. Find the Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault Pack on Amazon.
4. Solar Charger for Off-Grid Power
Power is critical in a crisis, and a solar charger keeps dad’s devices running. Here’s a range of options.
• Low-Budget: FlexSolar 20W Solar Charger ($39.99)
The FlexSolar 20W Solar Charger replaces the Nekteck 21W, offering two USB ports (USB-A and USB-C) with a max output of 3A total. It’s lightweight at 1.1 lbs, foldable (11.8 x 6.5 inches folded), and IP67 waterproof, making it ideal for rugged outdoor use. It charges a phone in about 2.5 hours under direct sunlight.
Pros: Budget-friendly, durable, dual USB ports for versatility.
Cons: Slower in low light, no battery storage.
Prepper Dad Tip: Include a list of devices it can charge (e.g., phone, small radio). Get the FlexSolar 20W Solar Charger on Amazon.
• Mid-Range: Jackery SolarSaga 100W ($299.99)
The Jackery SolarSaga 100W delivers higher output with USB-A, USB-C, and DC ports. It charges phones, radios, and laptops, weighing 10.3 lbs with a single-fold design for easy packing. It’s efficient, charging a 10,000mAh power bank in about 5 hours in direct sunlight.
Pros: High wattage, versatile ports, reliable for camping.
Cons: Larger folded size, no built-in battery.
Prepper Dad Tip: Suggest pairing it with a power bank for nighttime use. Find the Jackery SolarSaga 100W on Amazon.
• High-End: Goal Zero Nomad 200 (~$800)
The Goal Zero Nomad 200 delivers 200W of power, enough for phones, radios, or small laptops. At 22 lbs, it’s portable for its output and built for rugged use.
Pros: High output, durable, charges multiple devices.
Cons: Pricey, heavier than alternatives.
Prepper Dad Tip: Highlight its ability to charge his comms gear with a handwritten note. Get the Goal Zero Nomad 200 on Amazon.
5. Survival Book for Knowledge
A survival book helps dad sharpen his skills. Here are options for every budget.
• Low-Budget: The SAS Survival Handbook by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman ($22)
This 672-page guide covers everything from shelter-building to foraging, making it a prepper staple.
Pros: Comprehensive, affordable, practical.
Cons: Large for field carry (1.4 lbs).
Prepper Dad Tip: Add a bookmark with a note on your favorite chapter. Get The SAS Survival Handbook on Amazon.
• Mid-Range: Bushcraft 101 by Dave Canterbury ($32.99)
Bushcraft 101 focuses on wilderness skills like fire-making and trapping, in a compact 256-page format.
Pros: Focused on bushcraft, portable, well-illustrated.
Cons: Less comprehensive than larger guides.
Prepper Dad Tip: Suggest a camping trip to test the skills together. Find Bushcraft 101 on Amazon.
• High-End: The Ultimate Survival Manual by Rich Johnson ($89.99)
This 1,200-page hardcover includes 400+ skills, from urban to wilderness survival, with detailed diagrams.
Pros: Extensive, durable hardcover, covers all scenarios.
Cons: Expensive, heavy for field use (3 lbs).
Prepper Dad Tip: Note its urban survival tips for a well-rounded prepper. Get The Ultimate Survival Manual on Amazon.
Make Father’s Day Unforgettable for the Prepper Dad
This Father’s Day, give the prepper dad in your life a gift that matches his survivalist spirit. Whether you’re grabbing a budget-friendly BaoFeng UV-5R ($14 and up) or splurging on a Uniden SDS100 digital scanner ($649.99) for police monitoring, there’s something for every wallet. A multi-tool, tactical backpack, solar charger, or survival book ensures he’s ready for anything—because that’s the kind of dad he is.
At IntelPrepper, we’re here to help you honor the dads who keep us safe—gear up this Father’s Day. What are you getting your prepper dad? Drop a comment below with your Father’s Day plans, or hit us up on X (@IntelPrepper) to share your ideas. Subscribe for more Intel Briefs, and stay prepared!
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