Soaking up the sun doesn't have to be expensive. These expert-recommended and editor-loved products start at just $13 and provide practical solutions for picnics at the park, sunburn-free scalps and more.
No matter if you want to swing between trees with an editor-approved, under-$30 hammock, or are in need of a first-aid kit to pack and use in a pinch, many of the items below are made with materials that are meant to be used outdoors.
From UPF fabrics to waterproof nylon, they'll keep you both protected from the sun and dry, should you happen to be splashed by water.
Health and wellness expert Liz Plosser stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to highlight these products, that promise to make getting outside easier and more enjoyable.
Outdoor products on Amazon
If you’re not a fan of the smell and stickiness that comes with applying bug spray, rely on these rechargeable repellers instead. They're made to offer a mosquito protection zone up to 20 feet, per the brand, surrounding and protecting you during family dinners, bonfires and more.
I [Hoeger] have been using Welly since college — their kits are easy to stash in the glovebox, diaper bag or suitcase for access to first aid care no matter where you are.
Their bandages are durable and withstand the elements, including water and dirt. Plus, it comes perfectly organized in this portable tin, so you can spend time patching up wounds rather than digging around for what you need.
Why rely on your phone light to make it to your door when you can install lanterns like these to direct your way? Since they're powered by the sun, they automatically turn on at night, so you'll have an illuminated path at all times. Also, you can choose from two lighting options — warm white or flickering flame — to perfectly matching your home's aesthetic.
Plosser says these shoes are chic enough to be worn to the family barbecue after spending the day on the water — especially when paired with linen shorts.
They have a breathable mesh fabric up top to ensure feet dry faster, and a durable rubber outsole for traction to avoid slips on slick terrain.
The women’s version of these shoes feature a similar silhouette and materials — to keep multiple members of the family feeling comfortable and dry.
Experts say you’re more likely to reapply sunscreen when it comes in the form of a stick rather than a lotion or spray. This small pick is TSA-approved — which proves perfect to toss in a bag for your next beach vacation or bachelorette party.
It’s made with key ingredients like aloe vera and green tea leaf extract, that help it to soothe skin while providing SPF 50 protection.
We're over mediocre beach lounging. Step it up with your own comfy and ergonomic setup, offered by this foldable beach chair. It's low to the ground for stability and can support up to 300 pounds, per the brand. Plus, the brand says it's compact and lightweight to enhance its portability.
Your ears are just as prone to sunburns as the rest of your body — keep them protected with this cap that features ear flaps to fold over. It's made with the brand's Active Athlon fabric, which has UPF 50 protection and promises to remain breathable.
This ball cap is perfect for any activity — golf, running, water sports and more, thanks to its sweat-wicking band that will keep your forehead free from sweat beads.
It even has a designated spot for a ponytail, bun or braid — so you don't have to sacrifice a cute hairstyle when sporting this cap.
This affordable and travel-friendly 4-in-1 hammock is Amazon's #1 bestseller in the hammocks category — and it's under $30. It's made out of durable nylon material that easily stretches between trees and promises to dry quickly should you get caught in the rain.
I [Hoeger] have owned one of these since high school — and it's proven to be a comparable choice to name-brand options.
If you're anything like my friend group, park days are often on the itinerary any time the weather rises above 70 degrees.
However, we're often without a blanket or something to sit on. This portable picnic blanket hopes to resolve that, by packing into itself and remaining lightweight enough to toss into any bag.
You never want to show up to a party empty-handed, or worse, warm beverages. Use this Igloo cooler to keep your favorite beverages colder for longer! Plus, it comes in multiple colors and three sizes.
"It’s a fan, portable charger and flashlight that all fits in the palm of your hand," says associate editor, Kamari Stewart. "The fan is surprisingly powerful and has several speeds. I find it most helpful when I’m waiting for the subway because it’s so hot down there.”
This fragrance-free bug repellant can be spritzed onto outdoor furniture, gear and even clothing to offer protection from pests, without damaging or staining them.
The brand says it lasts for up to six weeks or through six washes, keeping you and your items covered for the majority of the summer.
This portable charger has both wireless and corded charging options, to juice multiple devices at once — earbuds, smartphones, watches and more.
It's made out of waterproof silicone and flame-retardant materials to help it withstand the elements.
When you plan to be outdoors for a long period of time, you'll need a reliable water bottle to keep you hydrated. This 40-ounce Takeya option is double-insulated to keep your beverage of choice perfectly chilled for up to 24 hours, according to the brand. It also has a leakproof lid and comes with two differently sized straws to easily switch from smoothies to water.
Made entirely out of a moisture-wicking and quick-drying nylon material, Columbia says these shorts were made for water activities, no matter if you're sitting lakeside or jet skiing.
Reviewers say they run small and recommend sizing up for a more preferred and comfortable fit.
Sunscreen is important to apply every day, but especially when you know you'll be outdoors in the sun. This high-performance mist from Shop TODAY Beauty Award-winning brand Vacation offers SPF 50 protection, a fine-mist formula that won't disrupt makeup and a scent we think you'll love.
Sometimes bulky baggage can weigh you down — this belt has 360-degree storage, meaning you can store a cell phone, granola bar, headphones, cards and more within.
The brand says it won't budge either, because the last thing you want to deal with on a run or hike is holding it in place.
Post-soccer practice juice boxes, pre-game six-packs, fishing bait and more will remain chilled in this ice bucket, that's crafted with double-wall insulation.
It also has a lid and an easy-to-grip handle to make transporting it even easier.
Meet the expert
- Liz Plosser is a health and wellness expert who formerly served as the editor-in-chief of Women’s Health magazine. She currently works as a brand strategist and keynote speaker.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers searched Amazon to find the best products. We 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 Liz Plosser and members of the Shop TODAY 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.
