15 Must-Have Items For Your Trip to the Lake This Summer
As you prepare for a long weekend getaway to the lake or river, make sure to double-check your packing list before you leave. From bug repellent and sunscreen to all the fun toys that every kid at heart is looking forward to using this summer on the water, these are some of the viral summer finds you’re probably already hearing about everywhere. You won’t want to spend your vacation lakeside with them!
BOTE Paddleboard
There’s no better way to enjoy time by the water than with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). BOTE is a beloved SUP brand with plenty of options for every user. BOTE’s Breeze Aero is the perfect choice if you’re looking to try paddleboard yoga this summer. Its 33″ width adds stability, making it a great option for beginners.
BOTE Hangout Suites
Also from BOTE, the revolutionary new Hangout Suite is a must for get-togethers at the lake this summer. With configurations including inflatable water hammocks, floating hangout chairs, and even hangout “bars,” the options are endless for creating your dream hangout destination on the water for yourself and all your family and friends.
Coalatree Kachula Blanket
The Kachula blanket from Coalatree is so much more than just another beach blanket! This versatile option truly does it all. Made from recyclable fabric and ripstop nylon for water-resistant and stain-resistant wear, it includes a secret pocket that allows you to transform it into a travel pillow. With hidden snaps, it even transforms into a poncho to keep you dry in an unexpected rainstorm.
Sevens Crown Hat
Finally – a hat your child will actually want to wear! Made from 100% high-quality, flexible silicone, the Sevens Crown Hat doubles as a bucket for water, a mold for sand castles, a carrier for beach toys, and so much more. It’s also durable, sun-safe, and super easy to clean.
Helinox Chair Zero
Helinox makes the lightest and most packable chair on the market, hands down. The Helinox Chair Zero is made from DAC aluminum, the world’s strongest and lightest alloy, and weighs just 17 ounces, making it a staple for backcountry backpackers. However, its unmatched durability and outstanding comfort and support make it a winner even for those planning to go no further than their backyard.
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Binoculars
Add a pair of Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Binoculars to your bag this summer for plenty of practicality and lots of fun. These fully waterproof and fogproof binoculars work perfectly for everything from birding and wildlife viewing to watching boats pass by as you lounge by the lake.
Timberland Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must, whether you’re headed to the lake, beach, river, or just down the street. The newest collection of eyewear from Timberland® offers an array of bold, vibrant designs that speak both to aesthetics and the brand’s rich outdoor heritage. Choose from brand new designs in timeless, easy-to-wear shapes this season.
Adirondack Fragrance Farm Products
Any lakeside retreat or getaway to the great outdoors will require something to keep pesky mosquitos, flies, and other biting insects at bay. This summer, turn to Adirondack Fragrance Farm for an entire suite of insect solutions, from bug repellent sprays and candles to even more unique, all-natural solutions the whole family can use.
Bug Repellent Wipes
If you’re looking for a solution other than bug spray, try Adirondack Fragrance Farm’s bug-repellent wipes. These all-natural wipes are a great on-the-go solution that is safe for both kids and adults and keeps everything from mosquitos to black flies away.
Bug Repellent Balm
Or, try the brand’s bug repellent balm for a skin-friendly solution to keeping the bugs at bay. This all-natural blend of ingredients includes coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E oil to leave your skin super smooth and safe from biting insects.
doTERRA’s Sun Essentials Kit
Skincare this summer is a breeze with the new sun Travel Essentials travel-friendly set from doTERRA. This three-in-one suncare solution features a doTERRA sun Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick, doTERRA sun After Sun Restorative Body Mist (3.4 oz), and a brand-new doTERRA sun Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm to keep lips hydrated and protected with SPF 20.
Visor Skincare
Finally, a sunscreen you’ll actually want to use. Visor makes a 100% clear, alcohol- and fragrance-free sunscreen that will have you saying goodbye to unflattering white sunscreen residue for good. This impressive SPF also offers added skincare benefits like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to keep skin looking better than ever, even after a day in the sun.
NOMATIC Toiletry Bag
NOMATIC is a beloved travel gear brand with several must-have travel bags, but we particularly love its durable hanging toiletry bags. Available in multiple sizes, these bags feature water-resistant materials, zipper enclosures, a dedicated toothbrush pocket, and an optional hanging strap to help keep you organized on the road.
Wildlife Outfitters Gear
Don’t head outside without a rash guard this summer! These long-sleeve, moisture-wicking fishing shirts from Wildlife Outfitters are a perfect solution for sunny days out on the boat, long afternoons at the beach, and even snorkeling excursions. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a perfect sun solution for every member of the family.
Milmo Bag
If there’s one bag you’ll want to use all summer – no matter where your plans take you, it’s the Milmo bag. This stylish, durable, multi-use tote is perfect for carrying everything from work essentials and groceries to gear for your weekend getaway. Durable rope handles are covered in vegan leather, and wipeable, washable fabrics prevent rips and tears. A removable and waterproof main compartment liner helps protect sensitive items and helps you seamlessly go from the beach to the grocery store and beyond.
Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.