A Father's Day Gift Guide from the Daughter of Kryptek's Founder
By Kylee (Whiting) Mayer
Growing up, my dad wasn't just my dad. He was also building a company.
Long before Kryptek became a recognizable name in the hunting industry, it was an idea around our dinner table. It was early mornings, long nights, and countless sacrifices that most people never saw. While other kids may have known their dads through a 9-to-5 job, I knew mine through trade shows, product prototypes, hunting trips, and a relentless pursuit of building something bigger than himself.
As I've gotten older, I've realized the greatest gift my dad ever gave me wasn't a material thing. It was the example he set.
He taught me that hard work matters. That your word means something. That faith should guide your decisions. That when life gets difficult, you keep showing up anyway.
Whether he was leading Kryptek, teaching me about hunting, or simply being present for our family, he always showed up with the same level of commitment. He never missed a volleyball game. He never missed a rodeo. I still have his cheers ingrained in my mind: he would scream, "Go, Kylee, go!" every time I turned the third barrel on my horse. I always heard him.
That's why Father's Day means a little more to me.
For many of us, the dads in our lives are the ones who taught us how to shoot our first bow, cast a fishing line, read a map, build a fence, work hard, and appreciate the outdoors. They are the ones who passed down traditions that become part of who we are.
This Father's Day, I wanted to put together a gift guide inspired by the kind of dad I was fortunate enough to grow up with.
For the Dad Who Is Always Outdoors
Every dad has that one jacket he refuses to replace because it's been through everything with him. My dad doesn't go on a single hunt without his Dalibor Pro Jacket. Perfect for early season mornings, or late season afternoons, this jacket is very versatile.
Around the ranch, my dad lives in his Stalker Collection. It's a collection made to be beat up. Built for dads who are always doing something, it's the gear he reaches for whether he's working around the property, checking trail cameras, or helping someone else with a project. It's practical, dependable, and made for the kind of men who rarely sit still.
If there's one thing my dad always reaches for, it's a comfortable T-shirt and his favorite hat. Our Lifestyle Tees and Hats are perfect for the dads who proudly represent the outdoor lifestyle wherever they go. These are the everyday staples he'll wear on repeat. Comfortable, versatile, and built with the Kryptek spirit, they're an easy Father's Day gift for the dad who already has everything.
For the Dad Who Lives for Hunting Season
If your dad is already planning this fall's adventures, camouflage built for the backcountry is always a safe bet. Whether he's chasing elk, mule deer, waterfowl, or turkey, quality gear helps him stay comfortable and focused when it matters most.
If you're not sure where to start, here are a few of my recommendations:
For versatility: The Dalibor Collection is hard to beat. Built to handle a wide range of conditions and pursuits, it's a staple for hunters who need gear that can do it all.
For hot weather hunts: The Valhalla Collection is lightweight, breathable, and designed to keep you comfortable when temperatures rise.
For cold weather conditions: The Vellus Collection and Aegis Collection provide the warmth and protection needed for late-season hunts and frigid mornings in the field.
For wet weather: The Koldo Rain Set is a must-have. When the forecast turns ugly, dependable rain gear can make the difference between staying in the hunt and heading back to camp.
Recommended Patterns:
- Obskura Transitional (Early-Season/Spring)
- Highlander (Mid-Season)
- Obskura Skyfall (Late-Season)
For the Dad Who Never Asks for Anything
Let's be honest, these dads are the hardest to shop for.
When you ask what they want, the answer is usually, "I don't need anything."
The truth is, they probably don't.
But a thoughtful gift that supports something they love reminds them that they're appreciated.
Consider upgrading a piece of gear they use every season or putting together a bundle that helps them prepare for their next adventure.
More Than a Gift
As I've gotten older, I've realized Father's Day isn't really about gifts.
It's about gratitude.
It's about taking a moment to recognize the men who worked long hours, made sacrifices, taught life lessons, and showed us what it means to lead by example.
My dad built Kryptek around principles that extend far beyond hunting: perseverance, service, faith, family, and a commitment to excellence.
Those same values are reflected in dads everywhere.
So this Father's Day, whether you're shopping for your father, husband, grandfather, or another father figure in your life, remember that the best gifts aren't always measured by what's inside the box.
Sometimes the greatest gift is simply saying thank you.
From our family to yours, Happy Father's Day.
— Kylee (Whiting) Mayer
