1. Omron HJ-112 Pedometer
Wendy Bumgardner © 2007
An accurate, silent pedometer can help dads stay active. The Omron HJ-112 rated high for accuracy by a consumer testing organization. Its design allows it to be worn clipped to the waistband or to be carried in a pocket. In addition to steps, miles, and calories, it tracks aerobic steps. This allows walkers to track lifestyle steps and dedicated walking or running steps. It has a 7-day memory for easier tracking. The mechanism is accurate and silent.
2. Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor
© Pricegrabber
A heart rate monitor is a great gadget for the walking dad. This one acts as a sports watch with countdown timer, stopwatch, alarm, time of day and calendar. As a heart rate monitor, he can set a target heart zone and be alerted when he is out of zone. Buy the kit version and he'll be able to upload and track all of his workout data, diet, and receive online coaching.
3. Weather Forecaster with ExactSet Clock
Is it walking weather? My dad rated this "the best present I ever got." This gizmo from Oregon Scientific displays the temperature indoors and outdoors from up to 3 remote sensors and communicates with them cable-free. The clock resets itself constantly from satellite transmissions so you always have the right time. It predicts the weather for the next few hours based on barometric pressure.
4. Kelty Oriole Lumbar Pack
Courtesy of Pricegrabber
Need to carry your stuff as well as your kids' stuff? This high-capacity lumbar pack will do the trick, allowing you to carry all 10 essentials of hiking. It has two bottle holders so you can take along enough water for a longer walk, or to share with your loved ones.
5. Garmin eTrex Handheld GPS
Want to know where you are and where you are going? How about playing around with geocaching? This entry-level handheld GPS unit is a great gadget for woodsy walks. It is waterproof and has only a few buttons to learn.
6. Smartwool Light Hiker Socks
Smartwool - Use by permission
Smartwool socks are machine-washable and machine-dryable, won't shrink, and are practically itch-free. These light hikers are designed for wearing with hiking shoes or boots. They provide superior natural moisture control and temperature control. What could be a better stocking-stuffer than socks?
7. Ms Stick Custom Hiking Stick
Tell you dad's life story on a custom hiking stick from Ms Stick. You can have it engraved with important dates, family, favorite sports teams, places visited, pets, funny incidents, everything that is special about your father. He'll walk with pride.
8. Walking Hats
Wendy Bumgardner - Cafepress.com
Don't leave home without your head covered. Keep off the sun and rain. These hats have inspiring walking slogans to remind your dad to keep on walking.
9. SIGG Aluminum or Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Wendy Bumgardner Cafepress.com
Fear of BPA in some plastic water bottles has led walkers to buy aluminum SIGG water bottles or stainless steel water bottles. We have these with walking designs.
10. "BoomerWalk"
© Wendy Bumgardner 2009
Does your dad still want to beat the competition, win medals, and set personal bests? Brent Bohlen is on a mission - to get the baby boom generation into racewalking for fitness, fun and competition. As the 75 million baby boomers reach age 50-65, they often must give up running and jogging. But racewalking, he says, results in fewer injuries and can be done as you age.
