fitness
Beauty & Skin Care
Food & Cooking
home
greatist summer gear guide
FITNESS
HOME
beauty & skin
food & cooking
PopFlex Forget Me Not Ponytail Run Cap
Summer means it's baseball cap season, bb! But who with long hair hath not experienced the pain of trying to rock a pony and struggling to tug it through the back of the cap? This hat works for ponytails of all heights and is great for workouts, brunch, or a day at the beach. You're welcome.
$
It's time for sunglasses to be better (without costing a fortune). Enter these running shades designed to eliminate bounce, reduce glare, protect your eyes from UV rays, and stay in place no matter what you're doing — whether it's, as Goodr says, "squats with a dog in your arms or sipping a nitro cold brew."
Goodr Running Sunglasses
The people (erm readers) have spoken and they love this running shoe's comfy, stable, and aesthetic AF design. The upper is actually one woven piece for modern knit vibes. It also has an 8 mm drop and plenty of cushion for runs — or grocery runs ‘cause you'll never take them off.
APL TechLoom
$$$$
You prob already know that fanny packs are back in. You prob also already know that Lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag is the "it" fanny pack. So just buy it already. We promise you won't regret it — it's the right size, v durable, and sporty as hell. It's also less than 40 bucks.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
This 13-liter daypack is a little over a pound and can fit EVERYTHING. Shoulder strap padding, a sternum strap, and a detachable hip belt keep things comfy even after stuffing it with water and snacks. Plus, its mesh-covered foam back panel means no more swampy back mid-hike.
Osprey Daylite Pack
$$
If you're hiking or running through the trees, this trail runner protects your toes from tough terrain without weighing you down. It's designed for maximum breathability, but still gives you the grip you need to run slip-free on wet or dry surfaces. Oh, and it's vegan-friendly!
MerrelL Moab Flight
$$$
If you're lucky enough to get to the beach, boogie or body boarding is a fun way to ride waves when you can’t surf. While you can find boards from $20 up to $250+, we like this mid-range for its size, durability, and quality materials. Perfect for kids and adults alike.
THURSO SURF Quill 42" Bodyboard
Even if you're a tennis newbie, you can still be tennis chic. This stylish and durable carrier has all the space you need to haul your court essentials and any other additions for your anytime match. Practicality and fashion? Serve it up!
Maxwell Sport Baseliner Tennis Bag
The sun is out and hydration is key — even if your version of outdoor fitness is takin' a stroll through the city. This water bottle sling has just enough room to carry your phone, keys, credit card, and water bottle. It's also chic as can be.
Beis The Water Bottle Sling
Cool kids know that bone conduction headphones make for excellent workouts. These lock into place thanks to a cozy headband and give you the best of both worlds: fantastic audio quality with an open-ear effect so you can still hear what's going on around you.
AfterShokz BONE COnducTION Ear Wireless Headphones
Fun in the sun shouldn't come at the expense of your phone's welfare. Why panic the next time your sibling catapults your phone into the ocean without remorse? Instead, get a really good waterproof, dirt proof, and sibling-proof case like this one.
Catalyst TOTAL PROTECTIVE Case for iPhone 12 Series
Equal parts Huck Finn and James Bond, this inflatable paddle board is the ultimate summer toy. In minutes, it goes from a large backpack to a fully functional watercraft made of military-grade PVC. Fish, lounge, or just cruise the nearest lake or river looking super cool.
Bote Inflatable Paddleboard
$$$$$
Versatile and cool, the Beaumont bike mixes old-school design with new-fangled performance. Take the charm of a beach cruiser and outfit it with 7-speed Shimano drivetrain that allows you to power pedal along country roads or city streets. And the sherbet-y colors scream summer.
Retrospec Beaumont City Bike 7-Speed Step Through
Summer brings out the kid in us and these retro skates make us want to hit the streets like it's 1977. Roller skating is great aerobic exercise — and it's F-U-N. Moxi Skates are designed and tested by skaters, and ethically made. Lace up, put on some Beach Boys and roll, baby, roll.
Moxi Skates
$$-$$$$
Add a little skip to your step on your next dog jog with this hands-free leash. The extra stretch provides some give that won't yank you off your feet should your pup decide to pursue a squirrel or stop for a sniff. It's also got clips to latch onto a poop bag holster and your keys.
Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Dog Leash
$ – under $50 $$ – $50–$100 $$$ – $100–$150 $$$$ – $150–$200 $$$$$ – over $200
MEN'S SIZES
WOMEN'S SIZES
Make water filtration easy in the great outdoors. Stream nearby? Use it like a literal straw to keep nasties like bacteria, parasites, and microplastic out of your H₂O. We also love attaching a Smart Water bottle with "dirty" water and squeezing out fresh water into a reservoir.
LifeStraw Peak Series Straw
Summer's not just for yard work, it's for yard games, too. This bocce ball kit comes with four pairs of balls in blue, light blue, yellow, and red, along with a jack and a durable canvas tote bag. Best of all, this is a game you can play without having to put your drink down!
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Bocce Ball Lawn Game Set
When we asked for your fave summer fitness gear, tons of you said Bala Bangles. They can take bodyweight workouts up a notch or turn basically any activity into a workout. Choose from 7 fun colors and wear 'em while you walk, tend to your garden, or do burpees — the choice is yours.
Bala On-the-Go Kit
This weighted jump rope has the right combo of heft, versatility, and personalization. With smart technology that allows you to adjust rope weight, and an app that connects you with a motivated fitness community, this is enjoyable cardio and challenging weight training in one.
Crossrope Jumpropes
Is there a better activity than hanging outdoors with your best furry pal? The answer is no. Keep your pooch happy and hydrated with this water bottle that comes with a bowl attachment. One sip for you, one for your pup. Cheers!
Bespoke Post Barkley Lightweight Water Bottle & Dog Bowl
Sugardoh
Razor burn, ingrown hairs, and hella fast hair growth throwing off your summer groove? Toss out your razor and try sugaring — a gentler, more sustainable alternative to waxing. This kit from Sugardoh is the perf way to get started, even if you've never waxed before.
Beauty & skin
We polled the people (aka you) to find some of the best summer beauty products and this Tula eye balm was a fan fave. It features hyaluronic acid, aloe, and caffeine to hydrate and give you a glowy, refreshed lewk. It also doubles as a dewy highlighter.
TULA Glow & Get It Eye Balm
Forget looking like Casper every time you apply SPF. This broad spectrum SPF 40 is super lightweight and goes on clear. The matte finish also makes it a favorite for oily skin and habitual makeup wearers (it's a bonus primer!). Plus, it won't get chalky on beard hair or darker skin tones.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Smell like a tropical vacay (sans the actual travel part)! This cream moisturizes your entire bod with a salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla scent. Ingredients like fast-absorbing cupuaçu butter and brazil nut oil also help boost hydration to leave skin glowing and soft.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Cream
Love sun protection, but loathe bad-for-the-earth sunscreen? This lightweight and nongreasy SPF 30 sunscreen uses reef-safe zinc oxide to reflect harmful UVA and UVB rays. And, it's EWG-verified! It also includes squalane to help moisturize your skin and leave a slightly dewy finish.
Biossance Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
Calling all our middle and side part baddies. Putting a lotion sunscreen on the part of your hair turns into a greasy mess fast. Instead, use this powder sunscreen designed for your scalp that goes on like dry shampoo. The SPF 35 protection has been a total game-changer for us.
Supergoop! Poof Part Powder SPF 35
Tired of using a bucket of products to get healthy hair? Let this perfector "Marie Kondo" the eff out of your toiletries. A slow-release vegan formula conditions all day, while UV and heat protection up to 400 degrees keep locks safe from sun and hot tools. Our editors give it 10/10.
Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
You've probably seen this all over TikTok — but let us confirm that the hype is real. This hydrating tinted serum comes in 30 different shades and provides light coverage without feeling heavy. It has SPF 40 sun protection and works well for any skip type (oily included!).
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint
This kit from Billie has everything you need for Flipper-level smooth legs. Shaving and aftercare are a breeze with the Instagram-fave 5-blade razor, magnetic holder, 4 additional shave heads, shave cream, and aftershave moisturizer. No one will know you haven't shaved since 2020.
Billie Smooth Operator Kit
Cream bronzer is currently living in the shadow of contour sticks and it's time for that to end. This buttery bronzer is easy to apply anywhere and goes on so smooth to give you the perf glow or contour in seconds. It also feels light on your skin — no heaviness or cakiness here.
Fenty Beauty Cream Bronzer
There's nothing better than a summer glow — except maybe a summer glow that comes with zero risk of sunburn or sun damage. This self-tanning water is super hydrating, easy to apply, and doesn't leave a huge mess. You can also purchase refills to reduce your carbon footprint.
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water
This body lotion from Paula's Choice contains exfoliating glycolic acid, which clears away dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. It also helps prevent ingrown hairs. We LOVE applying this between shaves to keep our legs lookin' smooth and bump-free all summer long.
Paula’s Choice Skin Lotion - 10% AHA
This water-based hair cream is deliciously scented and has legit hold without making your hair feel stiff or greasy. We love it year-round, but it's especially great for lightweight summertime hair stylin' because it's v easy to rinse out.
Layrite Natural Matte Cream
This lip gloss is poppin with sun protection. Get that wet lip shine your inner '90s kid craves in 6 shades (including clear!) and broad spectrum SPF 35. It's even waterproof if you're feeling like a wild thing.
Colorescience Lip Shine SPF 35
Guys with aggressive facial hair know finding a reliable trimmer can be tough. Imagine trying to locate a trustworthy trimmer for your pubes, too! Wireless, waterproof, and gentle on your nether regions, Manscaped comes to the rescue. Your summer down-under shave just got a whole lot smoother.
Manscaped The Lawn Mower 4.0
Bell Dream Popsicle Molds
These DIY popsicle molds are the perfect way to cool off after a long, hot summer day. Fill them with your fave smoothies, coconut milk, whole fruits, or juice. The lick-a-licious limit does not exist. The silicone set comes with a BPA-free mold with room for 10 yummy popsicles.
Food & COOKING
Indulge your inner Ben (or Jerry) with this nifty ice cream and sorbet maker. It makes up to 1.5 quarts of frozen treats in 20 minutes. The easy-lock lid and large spout make it easy to add ingredients to the mix — and the double-insulated freezer bowl removes the need for ice.
Cuisinart Ice Cream / Sorbet Maker
Pretend you’re in an episode of "Saved by the Bell" with this retro insulated cooler that comes in six bright color combos. It’s as functional as it is aesthetic. It holds up to 24 quarts and keeps your sips and snacks fresh all day long. Psst, it even doubles as a seat in a pinch!
Igloo Retro Picnic Basket 25 Qt Cooler
It wouldn’t be a summer gathering without a glorious bowl of fresh guac. With this mortar and pestle, you can make the best guac ever and grind your own spices and make a banging pesto. The bowls are hand-carved from basalt rock, so each piece has its own vibe.
Williams Sonoma Molcajete
This herb garden kit makes growing edible plants easy AF. It comes with 9 pods — including lettuce, basil, and mini tomato. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Choose from over 40 plants or experiment with your own seeds. The sleek design also adds a modern Scandi vibe to your kitchen.
Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit with Grow Light
Cold brew seems like one of those drinks that's just better when you get it from Starbucks or your local coffee shop, but it's actually amazingly easy (and cheap) to make at home — especially with the help of a cold brew coffee maker. We use this one from OXO all summer long.
OXO Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Nothing says summer like picnics in the park. Do it right with this double-sided wool blanket. It boasts a waterproof layer to prevent soggy bums (genius) and gorg tassel fringe. When you're done, it rolls up into a nifty leather carry handle. P.S. You can get it monogrammed!
Mark & Graham Waterproof Picnic Blanket
This double-sided stainless steel scoop is fab for fruit 'n veggie prep. Use the smaller side to scoop out seeds from tomatoes, peppers, and cukes — or the larger one to make melon balls. It has a comfy, nonslip handle so you can get through a whole watermelon with no hand cramps... sweet!
OXO Melon Scooper
This stylish backpack cooler from Corkcicle is giving us the RIGHT kind of summer school vibes. Coming in a sleek turquoise or camo design with comfortable shoulder straps, this cooler should help you pack efficiently and access what you need on your summer excursion.
Corkcicle Brantley Backpack Cooler
What’s a barbecue boss without their barbecue tools? This 9-piece wood-handled set lets you arrange your skewers in style. It comes in a canvas case with nothing but the grate essentials — a perfect housewarming gift for a friend or a welcome to summer gift for yourself.
Crate & Barrel Wood-Handled 9-PC. Barbecue Tool Set
This tumbler is legendary for a reason. It holds 40 ounces and keeps drinks hot for 7 hours and cold for 11 hours. Plus three lid settings let you drink through a straw, sip, or seal it for later. Whatever your bevvie of choice, this is THE hydration heavy hitter of the season.
Stanley Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler
Add some flair to your Taco Tuesdays this summer with this set of multicolored taco holder stands. Each stand holds up to 3 tacos at once to keep all the contents intact. And, they're microwave and dishwasher-safe. Simplicity + flavor = the right kind of summer eating.
Aichoof Colorful Taco Holder Stands
Tired of flimsy fruit containers? This durable berry basket and colander is a solid solution. With an eco-friendly, removable colander that allows you to rinse fruit without removing it and a secure lid for easy storage, this is a must-have for any fruity summer sweets prep.
Chef'n Bramble Berry Basket
If summer bbq smells are your source of wellness, these Weber cedar wood planks for the grill will have you in your element. Just lay your protein or veggie of choice over the 15 x 6 inch planks, and let it slowly soak up the savory cedar flavor. Mouth watering will soon follow.
Weber Firespice Cedar Planks
This portable gas grill comes with a wooden lid that doubles as a chopping board, heat-holding cast iron grates, and enough space to safely store your propane tank. Whether tailgating, camping, or beach lounging, this grill is a great accessory for a no-limits summer.
Cuisinart Venture Portable Gas Grill
Still skewering your shrimp?? We got news for you, peeps — a wok is where it’s at! This little nonstick wonder will legit transform your grill game — from meatballs to grilled veggies to the GOAT stir-fry! Be sure to browse the rave reviews for yummy ideas and cooking hacks.
Fox Run Stir Fry Wok/Steamer
Salad kweens, meet your new BFF. Everyone expects you to show up with some next-level creation good enough to go TikTok viral, so bring it in style. This snazzy travel bowl comes with servers and a bamboo lid that doubles as a cutting board — so you can slice, dice, and slaaaay.
Cuffie Chef Salad Bowl Set
This salty blend works on everything from salmon to salads to veggies, and brings just the right amount of flavor. It's way easier than whipping up a marinade for grilled meats and it has never let us down. A jug of olive oil and this will get you through grilling season.
Borsari Original Seasoning
Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set
TBH, we didn't really care that much about nice sheets until we tried this cotton percale set from Brooklinen. They're made from breathable cotton that has a cool, crisp feel to them. Choose from a bunch of diff colors for twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, or Cali king size beds.
If you sleep hot or don't have AC in your home, this dreamy Tempur-Pedic pillow can help turn down the heat. Seriously — it legit feels like it's been in the fridge when you first put your head down. Its cover is also machine washable so you can keep it fresh if you tend to sweat.
TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow
Traditional outdoor rugs can start to feel, well, gross after a while. Ruggable's outdoor rugs are machine washable and the brand has tons of options to choose from. Plus, once you have the Ruggable pad, you can buy multiple covers to change up your look depending on your vibe.
Ruggable Outdoor Rugs
Bring on the begonias and basil — summer's the time to get growing! This wood rack (literally) elevates your garden game and is great for small spaces. Perf for your favorite potted plants, it holds up to 66 pounds, ensures your babies get enough light, and has drainage holes.
Costway 3-Tier Raised Garden Bed
It's patio season, but at your place. The set comes with two chairs and a small table that won't break the bank. And with sturdy metal frames and plush cushions, it won't fall apart either. Time to stock up on rosé and seltzer, you're gonna live in these chairs.
Room Essentials 3-pc Metal Mesh Small Space Set
Forget fuggly fans. This fan-airpurifier combo is sleek and looks like modern art. While it cools, it also uses 360-degree filtration to help remove allergens and pollutants with a HEPA filter. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America also certifies it's asthma- and allergy-friendly.
Dyson Pure Cool
No more sipping your rose out of wimpy plastic cups. This sophisticated wine glass is acrylic but nobody needs to know. Reviewers confirm it’s dishwasher safe and durable enough to fall from a table without cracking, making it a top-tier addition to outdoor dinner parties.
Crate and Barrel Acrylic Wine Glass
Break out the Welcome to Margaritaville sign! This set is perfect for small summer hangouts, with a 96-ounce pitcher and six 11-ounce glasses. Sleek and festive, it's also plastic so you don’t have to worry about broken glass should anyone have one sip to many (wink).
Libbey Indoors Out Margarita Entertaining Set
This dinnerware is chic enough for your next fancy-ish dinner, but also durable enough to be used outside. All the pieces are made from melamine, and you can pick from summery colors like lime, blue, and pink.
Anthropologie Poppy Bamboo Melamine Dinner Plates
No patio space is complete without a posh set of string lights. Set the mood with this waterproof, shatterproof, energy efficient set that can handle the elements and late-night hangouts.
RTTY Cafe Lights
Plant parents, look no further than these eyecatching, easy to clean cement planters guaranteed to make any flora look absolutely stunning.
CB2 Seminyak Indoor/Outdoor Cement Planter
Serving drinks at a backyard party with melted ice is NOT the move. This ice bucket from Corkcicle keeps ice cold for up to 48 hours — so you can keep drinks flowing for a full 2 DAYS if you feel like it. It's also got a modern look that'll fit seamlessly with any decor.
Corkcicle Ice Bucket
The sec we spotted this bamboo beauty it was love at first sight. After all, what is summer without chips + dip? This is replacing our chipped ceramic version stat because: 1) it’s unbreakable 2) that shape!! 3) it’ll make our Trader Joe’s tzatziki look legit homemade.
Ekobo Recycled Bamboo Chip & Dip
We love the sun. Until we don’t. This backyard essential throws shade when you need it most. The deets: It's 7.5-feet wide, tilt-able, comes in over a dozen colors of breathable polyester — and will only set you back about $50 (base is sold separately). Sayonara, sunburn!
Sunnyglade 7.5-FT Patio Umbrella
No one said watering cans have to be boring. If you want to spice up your daily hydration duties, opt for one of these stunning cans that are (almost) as pretty as your plants.
Anthropologie Nadya Ribbed Watering Can
We love double-duty gear like this tray that goes from lemonade carrier to brekkie server to candle holder. The retro style is sweet and the recycled materials (bamboo fiber and 100 percent food-grade melamine) are BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free. Our color pick: lemon yellow.
Ekobo Recycled Bamboo Serving Tray
Skip the matinee + $13 box of popcorn and hit your backyard for movies under the stars. This mini projector flexes with 2000:1 contrast ratio and supported 1080p resolution. In plain speak: sharper, brighter images (for under $90). Great summer fun that everyone can enjoy!
AuKing Mini Projector
You've got drinks, snacks, and s'mores, but what about tunes? The perfect backyard hang needs a playlist that vibes from the moment burgers hit the grill. Fortunately for you, we've got a mix that channels that midsummer golden hour feeling long after the sun goes down.
DJ Gr8ist: Summer Outdoor Hangs Playlist
Barkley Lightweight Water Bottle & Dog Bowl
