"Picture this: you’re finally using your well-earned PTO or taking advantage of a free weekend to spend a gorgeous summer day outdoors. Maybe you’re heading to the beach or lounging at a park with friends. You leave your house in a breezy sundress or your favorite pair of shorts, with a tote bag full of outdoor essentials thrown over one shoulder and a fold-up chair on the other. You trek outside, make yourself comfortable, breathe in the fresh air… only to remember you forgot something vital. Perhaps it’s sunscreen or your beach read of choice, and you begrudgingly debate whether to head back home to grab that thing you forgot or soldier on without it.
Speaking from experience, I know forgetting something for a day outside can be a total vibe killer. You need to be prepared with all the outdoor essentials to make the day not only fun and enjoyable but safe and comfortable, too. Let’s be real: It can get hot out there, and nothing ruins a perfect summer day quite like a sunburn, a bout of dehydration, or even a skipped meal (snacks are obvi a must). Don’t worry though—I’ve already thought of everything you might need to spend a day outdoors this summer.
20 Outdoor Essentials You Need This Summer
Read on for a definitive list of summer outdoor essentials, and feel free to refer back to this article when you’re packing so you don’t leave anything behind!
Duh! This non-aerosol spray sunscreen is my favorite—it smells good, isn’t greasy, and is reef-friendly (AKA free of toxic ingredients).
To avoid the stinging in your eyes that usually comes with slathering regular sunscreen on your face, opt for a face-specific sunscreen like this one from Supergoop. Unseen Sunscreen is popular for a reason: it is lightweight, resists water and sweat, and goes on clean—no white cast!
Believe it or not, your lips can get sunburned, too. Keep them protected with a lip balm that has SPF, like this one.
When temperatures are scorching, it’s natural to work up a bit of a sweat. Keep a spray deodorant in your bag so you can stay fresh all day long.
Nothing puts a damper on hot girl summer quite like swollen, itchy bug bites. Keep the creepy crawlies at bay with a natural bug spray that won’t have you smelling like harsh chemicals all day.
Keep from squinting by tossing your favorite sunnies in your bag. Oval sunglasses are having a moment this season, and these will add a bit of chicness to any summer look.
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A wide-brimmed hat is one of the best ways to shield the sun from your face and protect your skin from burning. Wearing a hat will also protect the top of your head, behind your ears, and other spots that may not get coated in sunscreen!
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A chic tote bag is a must for any day spent out and about. This straw tote is the only bag you’ll need to go from the farmers’ market to the park to the beach.
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Staying hydrated during the summer is key, so you’ll want to be sure you have lots of water on hand. A 40-ounce Stanley is appropriately large for a day in the sun, and it will keep your water cold, too.
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Nothing beats a sandwich and chips for a quick summer lunch. Packing food can make your day outside longer and more enjoyable, so bring lunch with these cute glass containers from W&P.
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These reusable snack and storage bags are perfect for packing sandwiches, chips, fruit, and other munchies for your outdoor activities.
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Don’t let sweltering temps cut your day outside short. Toss one of these mini portable fans in your bag for times when you desperately need to cool down.
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If you’re heading anywhere near water, having a small, waterproof pouch is great for storing things like your phone, wallet, keys, or anything else you don’t want to lose or get wet.
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A summer day wouldn’t be complete without a book to read. Summer is the time for lighthearted, easygoing reads, and if you loved Beach Read or Happy Place, toss Emily Henry’s new release Funny Story in your tote bag.
Perhaps you like a little music with your read, or you just want to relax to your favorite playlist or podcast. Remember to toss your fully charged ear buds in your bag or better yet, stash them in your waterproof pouch!
Just in case your phone or earbuds die, a portable charger will make sure you stay fully charged for the entirety of the day. Another great thing to toss into that waterproof pouch!
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For drying off, laying out, or both, be sure to have a large beach towel that’s comfy and plush.
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If you’re hanging out by the water with friends or family, having a game to play can be a fun way to pass the time between dips, and these waterproof playing cards were made for beach and pool days. They also come with a plastic storage case, so the deck is easy to toss in your bag, and you won’t risk losing any cards.
While we all crave those effortless, beachy waves come summertime, wind and water don’t have that same effect for everyone. Keep a mini brush in your bag to take care of unruly knots or tangles before they get out of control.
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An outdoor folding seat is a must-have this summer. Whether you’re picnicking with friends, tanning outdoors, or lounging beachside, this chair will keep you comfortable all season long. Your back will thank you!