As vaccinations continue to roll out across the country, many of us are breathing long-held sighs of relief and making well-deserved summer travel plans. Whether you’re headed to your local beach, planning to stay cool inside your temperature-controlled apartment, or flying to an island resort, you’ll need the right gear to make sure you’re equipped for the sun, sand, and trails. Luckily, we’ve spent the past couple of years writing about everything you need to keep yourself (and your crew) comfortable and having a good time in the heat. To help you make the most of what promises to be a summer to remember, we’ve rounded up our must-have summertime essentials below.
The Best Stuff for Going Outside
This beach umbrella has been our top beach umbrella for a few years running, and for good reason: Its red-and-white stripes are timeless, and it’s so high quality and long-lasting that it’s been a beachgoer staple since the 1940s. (Plus, its over-seven-foot diameter will help enforce a safe distance from your fellow beachgoers.) If you’re looking for a more lightweight or less expensive option, there are some other picks, too. Read more here.
Amazon reviewers love this lightweight, extra-large beach towel for the way it “practically pulls the water right off you in a minute,” dries almost just as fast, and can be rolled up into the size of a newspaper. It’s also big enough to be used as a beach blanket. Read more here.
You’re also gonna want a wagon to transport all your beach gear, like this one from MacSports that’s a favorite among both Strategist readers and Amazon reviewers. While it’s not specifically designed for the beach, the collapsible wagon can easily be wheeled through the sand. Read more here.
This classic folding chair from Coleman is a favorite among Amazon reviewers because it’s not only “comfortable, supportive, sturdy, convenient, and roomy,” according to one, but also has an ingenious built-in cooler that’ll keep your drinks and ice chilled even on the hottest of days. Read more here.
The chair sports a retro look and comes in different colors, and it’s portable enough to keep in the trunk of your car at all times for an impromptu picnic. Pair with a vintage cooler, like New York City–based photographer Jennifer Trahan does, and your setup will seem effortlessly stylish. Read more here.
Whether you’re sitting outside at the drive-in, gathered around the campfire, or just lounging on your front stoop, this classic, compact, and highly adjustable chair is a summertime must. It’s been made the same way for 30 years, comes in a bunch of different colors, and from what the 14 outdoor experts we consulted said, it’s a favorite of campers and camp counselors alike. Read more here.
This soft-sided, insulated cooler from REI is a budget-friendly option for keeping your picnic food and drinks cool. Its comfortable straps are also ideal for walking around as you look for the best spot in the park. If you’ve already got the cooler you need, we also talked to four picnicking professionals about their favorite picnic essentials, including napkins, cutting boards, and even board games. Read more here.
Many people are exploring trails and parks for the first time, but going hiking is not as easy as taking a walk in the woods. If you need help finding your way, this collection of 100,000 trails nationwide — recommended by Appalachian thru-hikers and outdoor experts — will help you find the best hikes in your area, whether you’re a pro or a beginner. If you’ve already got a trail in mind, we also found the best hiking boots, backpacks, even snacks to get you started. Read more here.
If you’re one of many Americans rushing out to buy their first recreational vehicle or just spending a lot of time car-camping, this propane-powered portable firepit is a great fit for on-the-go activities, thanks to the fact it’s spark-free and can be quickly and easily turned on and off. In fact, one full-time RV family told us it’s their favorite purchase of all time (though they have lots of other recommendations for RV accessories to outfit your new summer outdoor hobby). Read more here.
The Best Things for Staying Home
If you can’t head to a pool or other body of water, inflatable pools like this one let you (and your little ones) bring the water to you. While you won’t be able to swim laps in it, you can certainly sit inside (or dip your feet) and enjoy a lemonade without too much effort. Read more here.
Hanging a hammock to get some sun and relaxation is one of the many great ways we found to turn a small outdoor or indoor space into a temporary oasis. Strategist contributor Rio Viera-Newton installed a hammock very similar to this one in her Greenpoint apartment, and she appreciates that it’s easy to take down or adjust, so her house isn’t a full-time backyard. Read more here.
This interior-designer-approved dining set from Grand Patio is budget-friendly, ideal for small spaces, and comes in a large variety of colors including black, blue, white, yellow, and mint green. Read more here.
We’ve got no judgments if your idea of a good time this summer is sitting inside and watching TV or doing a crossword puzzle. But you’ll likely want to stay cool — so we talked with hardware-store owners about the best fans, and this one from Holmes was a favorite. It functions both as a fan and a budget air conditioner, as it blows cool air, removes hot air, and shuts off at night after bringing your space down to your desired temperature. Read more here.
Other Timeless Summer Essentials
This powerhouse sunscreen is a favorite of Strategist readers and writers alike, and is the best pick if you’re acne-prone and afraid of sunscreen triggering breakouts. EltaMD UV Clear is noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores, and contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide. We talked to 12 experts who confirmed that it’s a top pick among dermatologists, making it one of the best sunscreens you can put on your face. Read more here.
We talked to dermatologists, aestheticians, and spa representatives to find the best skin-repairing and soothing après sun solutions. Though most note that aloe vera as a good option, Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Michele Green prefers this lotion from Sun Bum for its antioxidant and ceramide content, which “restore the skin’s balance.” Read more here.
If you’re trying to avoid ticks this summer, try spraying your socks, shoes, shorts, and even gardening gloves with permethrin, which is the most effective tick repellent, according to experts. It’s also great for repelling mosquitoes and most flying insects. Read more here.
When you do get bitten, this expert-recommended hydrocortisone cream will ease itchiness and also comes in a value size for a great price. (It’s good for just generally irritated or dry skin, too.) Read more here.
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