The official marking of summer is just a few weeks away. And with the sun staying out longer and temperatures finally crawling upwards, it’s time to start soaking up the outdoors again.
Whether you’re setting up your itinerary for a trip away or staying close to home, we have you covered for all things outdoors. Fitness trainer Lacee Green stopped by TODAY to share some of the best outdoor clothing, gear and more that are sure to outfit you for any adventure this summer, from a backyard BBQ to a family fishing trip.
Keep reading to discover our favorite outdoor summer essentials to have you prepped and entertained all season long.
Outdoor summer essentials seen on TODAY
If you’re searching for “throw-on-and-go” apparel, look no further. Green says “there’s nothing better than a skort” for summer, as they feel comfortable and breathable, while still giving elevated athleisure. This Amazon pick is a win in her book for all of the above; it comes in a conservative 19-inch length, high waistband, tummy control and functional pockets.
“Water shoes are one of those things you don’t realize you need until you have them,” claims Green. So before you step onto hot sand and rocky beaches, save your feet from the outdoors with these affordable water shoes.
“They are built with a rubber sole and a toe cap to keep your feet protected, but [they] are also breathable, flexible, lightweight, slip-resistant and water-resistant, according to the brand,” chimes Green.
When rounding up the best cooling towels, this one reigned at the top of commerce writer Jannely Espinal’s list. When testing the towel on a 97-degree day, Espinal said the towel’s temperature was 20 degrees cooler, providing chilling relief during the heat wave. As another perk, the towel’s dampness didn’t transfer onto clothes, so it is easy to travel with when it is not in use.
While it’s important to wear mosquito repellent when exploring the great outdoors, bug bites are still bound to happen. This affordable tool promises to give you “instant relief” from the itch of these stings, and one of our writers agrees.
“Every time I’ve used it, my bite has never turned into a bump or irritated me in any way,” she says, further noting that this device is a “venom vacuum.”
Elevate your backyard with these vintage-inspired hanging lights, designed with an LED light source for a captivating, energy-efficient glow. According to the brand, the wires are built for year-round use, thanks to their robust insulation that shields against extreme weather (rain, wind, snow).
“Pickleball is everywhere right now — for everybody and every body,” says Green. “It’s social, beginner-friendly, and less intimidating than a lot of workouts for people.”
This set is a great starter kit for those new to the sport, which includes two pickleball paddles, outdoor balls, grip tapes, and a carrying bag for you and a playing partner to enjoy.
More outdoor products to shop
Keep your chair warm and water-free with this cozy fleece chair “blanket,” which gives you a clean and comfortable seat anytime. According to the brand, it’s designed to securely fit most outdoor chairs.
Adjust the length of these hiking pants with one quick unzip at the knee that converts them to be a more breathable short option. Or, scrunch them up to sit right above the ankles for a longer capri length.
They’re made out of durable, quick-drying, lightweight polyester fabric that has UPF 50+ protection built-in.
If your next hike has you wading through water, or you’re looking for a more durable shoe to wear while fishing, Lands’ End created a sneaker that features drainage holes.
These holes ensure that water doesn’t get trapped inside, working in tandem with the water-resistant mesh material the upper is made out of.
These slip-on shoes provide “unparalleled versatility,” according to the brand, with the neoprene fabric working to dry shoes quickly should they get wet. Plus, the interior drainage holes dispel water if it seeps inside.
Reviewers wear these on rainy days and beach vacations alike, noting that they’re “excellent” water shoes that also do a great job of keeping sand out.
No detail was neglected with this solar-powered portable charger, that the brand claims can take your phone from 0 to 65% in just 30 minutes.
It also comes complete with a flashlight that lasts up to 100 hours on a single charge, a compass should you need redirection, and it is also water, dust and shockproof.
You can carry this chair in one of two ways: like a tote bag or as a backpack when bringing it to an outdoor concert, fishing or to the kids’ soccer games.
Underneath the seat is a 20-liter insulated cooler, perfect for keeping snacks and drinks alike chilled. It also has a front zipper for essentials like a phone, wallet or keys.
This packable and portable blanket weighs less than half a pound, making it easy to toss into any beach bag, carry-on or keep stowed in a tote for impromptu picnics or park visits.
It’s made out of a nylon material that helps it to remain water- and sand-proof. Plus, pockets on each of the four corners can be stuffed with sand or rocks to weigh it down and keep it in place.
Up the ante on family game nights with this compact cornhole game, that can be set up in the backyard or on a dining room table.
It has eight bean bags (four of each color) as well as a carrying case that makes it easy to transport.
No seat? No problem! This inflatable lounger was designed for those times when your only option is to sit on the grass — like at outdoor movies, concerts, festivals, picnics and more.
Reviewers say they always get stopped and asked about this lounger, with bystanders complimenting how easy it looks to inflate, deflate and pack away.
This easy-to-use scalp can be applied to your scalp and hair for sunburn-free, protected skin. According to the brand, the formula shouldn’t weigh your hair down.
Sweltering temperatures and sweaty foreheads are no match for this portable fan that doubles as a charger for your phone, thanks to the USB-C port built within.
It has up to 19 hours of use off of a single charge, as well as multiple speed settings.
I’ve owned these leggings for almost a year and they have yet to disappoint. They’re a comparable alternative to pricier brands, and are buttery soft (as the name suggests), don’t pill and are super flattering.
Whether you’re taking a quick overnight trip, or wanting to lug a bit more during a day hike, this oversized bag is decked out with “ample” pockets on both the interior and exterior for water bottles, essentials, a laptop and more.
Made out of Yeti’s TuffSkin nylon fabric, the backpack ensures a durable material that won’t deteriorate when scratched or scuffed. Plus, it stands upright no matter what terrain you’re on, due to a structured base at the bottom.
“This Gazebo is the perfect way to turn your backyard into a mini vacation getaway,” raves associate producer Alexa Arent. “The hard roof keeps us dry even in the rain, and the curtains provide the perfect coverage on windy nights. I also love how cute it is! A total backyard upgrade!”
Meet the expert
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team, along with Lacee Green and Makho Ndlovu.
- Lacee Green is a certified personal trainer and a mindset coach.
- Makho Ndlovu is a Shop TODAY contributor and on-air expert.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. The products featured in this article were chosen by Green, Ndlovu and members of our editorial team.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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