Summer is well and truly here, and that means it’s the right weather to spend your time outside. The only thing better than basking in the sun? Basking in the sun while on vacation! If you’re planning to get out of town on an outdoor vacation, you want to make sure you’ve stocked up on all the right things before you go. Whether you’re camping, swimming, hiking, or just enjoying nature, there are a few things that are absolute must-haves to make your vacation as perfect as it should be. Our list has everything from the ideal tent to a full set of snorkel gear, with everything in between (including some all important ways to fend off mosquitoes). So if you’re getting ready to hop in the car or on a plane and spend some time in the great outdoors, do yourself a favor and scroll through to make sure you’ve got everything you need.
Stay Entertained After Sun Down
If you’re looking for a game that is incredibly easy to travel with, your best bet is to simply pack a soccer ball. But why not take it one step further and bring this glow-in-the-dark soccer ball so that you can keep playing even after the sun goes down?
Turn Any Tent into a Comfy Mattress
Any experienced camper knows that finding the right pad to go under your sleeping bag is an essential part of having a comfortable night in a tent. Good news: we’ve found the perfect one. This sleeping pad is super lightweight but inflates easily into a cushy bed.
These Swim Fins Are Perfect for a Tropical Vacation
Heading somewhere warm? These swim fins are an absolute must for any outdoor lover who wants to spend some time in the water. Whether you’re snorkeling or just playing in the waves, a pair of fins will make you feel unstoppable.
The Best Light for Any Cyclist
If your outdoor vacation involves a bike, you want to make sure that you have a good bike light on your hands for any nighttime riding. Not only does it mean you’ll be able to cycle as long as you want, but it also ensures that you’ll stay safe and visible on the road.
Keep Adventuring No Matter the Weather
If you’re planning to spend most of your vacation outdoors, you want to make sure you have a plan just in case of rain. This umbrella folds up super neatly, comes in tons of cute patterns, and protects from all kinds of weather. It’s a must for any outdoor trip.
This Pop-Up Privacy Tent is Perfect for Beach Days
Planning on heading somewhere that doesn’t have much by way of privacy? No need to worry! Just bring this pop-up privacy tent! You can set it up instantly for an easy place to change, and it even comes with a storage bag with extra space for keys, wallet, and phone.
These Are Great for Swimming and Hiking
When I’m packing for vacation, the last thing I want to include is a full sized towel for swimming. It’s way too bulky! That’s why I go for these neat little microfiber towels. They are super absorbent, so you can use them while swimming, and they also work great for hiking or other exercise if you want to wipe off sweat and grime.
Get Shade Anytime, Anywhere
When you’re headed outdoors with the whole family, you know someone is going to be complaining about the sun and the heat. Stop complainers in their tracks with this easy pop-up canopy that works great for picnics, beach days, or camping.
Keep Cycling Longer on the Comfiest Bike Seat
If you’re a big fan of cycling and you’re planning to head on a bike vacation, you want to make sure you have the ideal seat for long days of biking. This padded gel seat offers serious comfort so that you won’t end the day with sore legs.
See All the Ocean Has to Offer
If your vacation involves water of any kind, don’t miss out on the chance to use a snorkel set. Few things are as cool as checking out all the wildlife that’s living under the waves: don’t leave home without it.
Outdoor Games You Can Bring with You
Looking for some games you can bring with you when you’re camping or at the beach? This set is for Polish Horseshoes: set up the poles, stick a bottle on top, and see who can knock it down with a frisbee! You’ll laugh harder than you ever have before.
This Blanket Is Perfect for Picnics, and More!
Nature is beautiful, but it’s never fun to sit down and end up with sticks and dirty all over your pants. Keep your tush clean by bringing this lovely blanket with you. Whether you’re picnicking or camping, it’s a great addition to any outdoor activities.
Float or Play, This Inflatable Works Either Way
I love an item that can do double duty, so this pool float is just about perfect. One side is a simple floaty for all the relaxation your vacation deserves. The other side is a beer bong board for all the partying your vacation deserves.
Your Food and Drinks Will Stay Cool
Oftentimes an outdoor vacation means that you’re away from refrigerators and freezers for an extended period of time, so you want to make sure your cooler is properly stocked. This cooler shock ice pack keeps everything cold for hours and doesn’t leak no matter what.
This Water Bottle Does Double Duty
Obviously, it’s a good idea to have a water bottle on hand if you’re camping, hiking, or swimming. But why not take it a step further? This water bottle doubles up as a spray bottle so you can mist yourself with cool water whenever it gets too hot. Glorious.
A Night Vision Monocular for Late-Night Exploration
A lot of incredibly cool wildlife tends to come out at night, so if you’re camping you may find that you want to see what’s happening when the sun goes down. Use this night vision monocular to get the best view of everything, plus take pictures and videos of those night-time critters.
Keep the Mosquitos Away for Hours and Hours
Outdoors means one thing for sure: bugs. If you’re headed somewhere that tends to include biting insects, you do not want to be there without these insect repelling superbands. They keep you safe from nasty bugs for hours.
A Fanny Pack is the Perfect Bag for Adventures
Fanny packs are one of the easiest ways to carry your essentials with you if you’re hiking or away from civilization for a long while. This particular fanny pack is tailor-made for adventures and includes multiple pockets and water resistance.
Get Your Badminton On
One of my absolute favorite outdoor games is badminton, so if I’m taking a trip I make sure to bring this set with me. Even if you’re horrible at it, you’ll still have a great time watching that birdie elude you over and over.
These Binoculars Are a Bird Watcher’s Dream
Anyone who likes to spend their time outside keeping an eye out for wildlife and birds knows the importance of a good pair of binoculars. This pair gives serious magnification without any blurriness and comes with a carrying bag so you can bring it on your trip with ease.
Lightweight, Waterproof, and Durable: It Has It All
Hikers and backpackers rejoice! We’ve found the perfect backpack for you. If you’re not using it, you can fold it up into its own pocket, then easily pop it open large enough for a laptop. Plus it has plenty of pockets and compartments to keep all your essentials organized.
A Pop-up Tent for Two Is the Easiest Way to Camp
This tent has a lot of things to recommend it: first, you don’t really have to do any setup. It just pops open on its own. Second, it fits two people easily. And last, it has plenty of mesh for ultimate breathability all night long.
Bring Bowling Outside
Want to add some silliness to your outdoor vacation? This oversized inflatable bowling set is just the ticket. Pack it up while it’s empty and it takes almost no space, then inflate it when you’re ready for some good family-friendly fun.
A Hammock for Relaxing in Any Environment
Few people can deny that the ultimate in outdoor seating is the hammock: it’s comfortable, you get to swing back and forth, and it’s super portable. This hammock from Wise Owl comes with everything you need to rig it up basically anywhere, so you’ll be chilling in comfort in any setting.
Light Your Way with Easy to Set String Lights
Are you going to be camping in your tent for a long time? This set of outdoor, waterproof string lights is the perfect way to make it feel more like home. You can use them with a battery pack or plug them into your car, then hang them nearly anywhere with ease. Plus they have multiple colors and brightnesses.
Yogis Know: A Yoga Mat is Always Necessary
If you’re a yoga fan, you know how wonderful it can be to practice yoga when you’re outside. That’s why I always love to bring my yoga mat with me when I head on an outdoor vacation. This one even has poses printed on it so you always have some options for your practice.
Protect Your Hammock with This Mosquito Net
Few things are more irritating than when you’re trying to relax in your hammock and you’re just getting eaten alive by mosquitoes. But you can keep yourself safe (and fully relaxed) if you just add this mosquito net onto your hammock.
Play in the Pool…or the Lake…or the Ocean
Headed for a water-based vacation? You know you need some floating games, and this combo ring toss and cornhole is the perfect choice! Not only do you get two games in one, but you’re also sure to have hours of fun splashing your friends in the name of “playing the games”.
This Net Sets up Easily for Immediate Fun
Tons of outdoor games use nets: pickleball, badminton, volleyball…if you’re planning on playing any of those you want to make sure you have an easily portable net on your hands. That’s why this net is the right choice: it folds up neatly and sets up quickly.
These Trekking Poles Keep You Hiking Longer
Hey hikers! This one’s for you. If you have a mixed group of folks who have different stamina or skill in hiking, a pair of trekking poles is a great way to help out those who can’t quite keep up. Your whole family can enjoy the outdoors for longer.
Take Care of Any Pests with This Bug Zapper
One of my least favorite things about being outside is bugs. But it doesn’t have to be. Just bring this bug zapper with you, and you can take care of any pests with an easy swing.
Light up the Night
This camping lantern isn’t like others: it’s actually made up of LED rope lights that easily slip into a see-through bag so you can use it as a handheld lamp or string them up for ongoing light. It’s super versatile for any outdoor needs.
This Air Mattress Is Great for Comfortable Sleeping
If you’re the kind of person who takes comfort seriously, then you know how great it is to use an air mattress when you’re on an outdoor vacation. Whether you’re adding it to your tent, or using one in the back of a truck, the air mattress life is truly one of luxury.
Keep Your Gear Protected in a Dry Bag
Any time you’re planning to be on or near water, you want to make sure you have a way to keep all your belongings safe and dry. Whether you’re taking a canoe trip, going river rafting, or just hiking a little too close to the water, this dry bag will make sure everything stays perfectly dry.
A Sleeping Bag Built for Two
Want to get a little bit cozy during your outdoor trip? Try this oversized sleeping bag that fits two. It’s the perfect way to cuddle.
Any Camper Knows a Rain Tarp is Essential
When you’re setting up a campsite, you have to plan for the possibility that there will be rain. That’s why you should always have a solid rain tarp on hand, whether it’s to cover your hammock or your eating area.