Summer Survival Kit – Prep For Summer With These Outdoor Essentials

It’s time to celebrate because SUMMER IS COMING! I, as a big time hater of all things winter, couldn’t be more excited! I’m so ready to walk away from the depressing gloom of winter and welcome in the sunshine, blue skies, long days, and overall the warm, uplifting, positive energy that summer brings. To help you get ready for the outdoor adventures of the warmer seasons, here’s a summer survival kit. I’ve added handy recommendations for everything you need to help you prepare for summer adventures.

Summer Survival Kit – Prep For Summer With These Outdoor Essentials

Disclaimer

There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.

GEAR

Good hiking shoes

My favorite hiking shoes are the New Balance Minimus. They grip the ground really well, which gives me confidence when moving through rocky or slippery sections of hikes.

I appreciate this about them because I’m not as steady or confident on my feet – water baby problems! I also love them because of how lightweight and breathable they are.

If you’re doing any hikes where you’re feet might get wet, they dry quickly and don’t get bogged down with water afterward.

If I’m doing a fairly simple hike where I’m not as concerned with being stable on my feet or if it’s a dry hike, I usually wear my NIKE Revolution’s.

My Nikes look a little more trendy looking but don’t have as good a grip as the Minimus and hold in water if they get wet. So I pick the shoe depending on the hike I’m doing.

Water bottle

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, especially in summer, so a good water bottle is pretty handy.

I used to have a Hydroflask and it was good but it was pretty heavy. Since I usually pack carry on only, I didn’t use it to travel because it cut into my weight allowance too much.

Unfortunately, plastic water bottles were my go-to. Since starting my plastic free-ish challenge this year, I knew I needed to find an alternative. This is what I wanted from my water bottle:

• Lightweight enough to be practical for travel
• Hold at least 1L
• Insulated to keep my water cool

I found the Klean Kanteen brand and got the Insulated Classic 32oz (just under 1L). Finally, a bottle that was big enough to last more than a few sips and lightweight enough to be practical.

It’s an awesome product and is helping me reduce my plastic use so much!

Either way, make sure you have a good reusable water bottle for your summer adventures.

For more information: Visit the Klean Kanteen website

Dry Bag

If you plan to hit the beach or do water-based adventures, it can be a good idea to have a dry bag for your valuables. That way you can swim with them and keep your stuff safe and dry.

I wrote about this more in my post on how to keep your valuables safe at the beach as a solo traveler, so if you’d like more info check that out.

In that post, I added my other tips for going to the beach as a solo traveler so you’ll have a few ideas.

HYGIENE

Epic Wipes

I mentioned these on Instagram before, but they’re not only perfect for freshening up on long travel days, they’re also great for your summer outdoor adventures.

It only takes one look at their website to know that they’re useful for super adventurers like long term hikers.

But, even if you’re like me and not a super adventurer, but planning some camping trips, beach days or hikes where you might go for food afterward, they’re handy to have so you can freshen up on the go.

These huge body wipes, which were created by a US Army Physician, are convenient because one wipe goes a long way. Usually, the convenient products are not so good for the environment though right? That isn’t the case here.

They’re cruelty-free, anti-bacterial while being toxin-free, and are made from sustainable bamboo so all in all, a great product and brand to put your support behind.

For more information: Visit the Epic Wipes website

This is one of the awesome Epic Wipes in size XL

Face sunscreen

OK sunscreen, obvi, I know. But hear me out. Sometimes we remember to put sunscreen on our bodies when we get to the beach, but forget that we need to wear it every day.

Especially on our sweet faces!

I have Chloasma so when I get a lot of sun I get brown patches of pigmentation on my face and it’s always worse in summer. Because of this, I use sunscreen on my face every day.

But, even if you don’t have Chloasma, it’s still so important to always be wearing sunscreen on your face so you don’t have leathery, wrinkly skin when you’re old.

I use a Neutrogena sunscreen stick SPF 70 and put it on UNDER my foundation – I’ve found that it’s the key to be under the foundation, otherwise it’s the first thing to sweat off. It’s a balm stick and lasts for ages.

Of course, if you’re planning outdoor adventures you’ll also need to use sunscreen on whatever other body parts are going to be exposed.

Protection against chafing

And excessive sweating really.

I use Fresh Body and it’s pretty awesome.

It goes on like a cream and dries like a powder which is handy.

If you’re going to the beach, you might not want to use it as much because there is a little bit of a white powdery look that you might night want showing. But it’s great for hiking and just being out in the heat to prevent chafing.

Pee cloth

This is another one that I haven’t personally used, but it’s on my radar so I wanted to share.

I first heard of the Kula Cloth after Jessica from The Walking Mermaid Blog posted about it – she posts a lot of good outdoor articles so if you need more info check out her website.

Have you ever hiked or been in the outdoors and seen piles of toilet paper or wipes left behind? These cloths are basically an alternative to toilet paper to help create less waste for outdoor adventure lovers. They’re absorbent, antimicrobial, and odor-free.

Generally, on hikes, I just hold my bladder, but I think the cloths would be a good idea for camping, longer hikes, and I want to get one before my next trip to my favorite cabin in northern Norway.

I think they would also be beneficial on road trips or travel where toilet paper might not be guaranteed or they might not be the most hygienic bathrooms. If you give it a go, let me know how it is.

CAMERA GEAR

There isn’t just one camera that’s good for everyone. We all use them differently and for different reasons. If you want to document your summer with awesome photos, here are my three camera recommendations.

I have all three of these cameras and use them at different times.

Here’s my guide that goes into more detail on how to choose a camera for traveling.

GoPro

Best for underwater or action type adventures since it is so durable and they take an awesome selfie.

If you are doing a lot of beach or underwater adventures, it’s worth getting a GoPole floaty stick (I have the Evo model). For regular use, I use the GoPro Shorty Pole which is a compact selfie stick and tripod.

Sony RX100 IV

Best if you want a camera to take cool photos or videos but don’t plan to advance your photography skills. This is a compact point and shoot camera that fits in your pocket.

However, it packs enough punch to take good quality photos. I love that it has a flip screen too!

Sony Alpha a6000

Best if you want to take high-quality photos or videos and also want to learn more about photography.

With this, you have more options because you can add different lenses as you upgrade your skills. It will come with a kit lens, and if you are buying an extra lens, I recommend the 35mm lens.

BASIC STAPLES

You probably already have these, but here is a list of some of the summer staples. It’s stuff you could find at a store or market wherever you live.

Hat

I usually wear a trucker hat for most of my hikes, beach days, and other outdoor adventures.

Sunglasses

I just wear a pair of $10 cheapies. I don’t even remember where I got them from. Whatever pair you have, make sure you’re protecting your eyes while you’re out in the harsh sun.

Snorkel gear

If you enjoy snorkeling, I think it’s good to have your own gear. When you buy the mask and snorkel set, make sure to get one with a purge valve so you won’t have water coming down the tube into your mouth. The fins I use are from Da Fin Hawaii.

Here’s my beginner snorkeling guide with more tips.

Summer dress

I couldn’t get through summer without light dresses! My favorite black and white is a one size fits all that I found at a market for about $10.

Backpack

Just something to carry all your stuff for hiking and day outings. If you can find something a little water-resistant that’s a good plus.

Mosquito repellent

The onset of summer makes me think ‘brace yourselves the mosquitoes are coming’. Having some mosquito repellant on you is handy – especially for hikes near water and if you’re out in the evenings.

Snacks

Whether it’s a long hike or just a day out at the beach, pack a few snacks to help save money and keep you fueled for adventures. I like to make a trail mix with nuts, jerky, chocolate, and dried fruit or make a sandwich to take out on longer adventure days.

My go-to beach dress that I found at a market

I hope this summer survival kit can introduce you to new products to help you have awesome summer adventures.

If you have found it useful, return the favor by sharing it or following me on Instagram!