Who doesn’t love summer time? Barbecues, vacations, swimming, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re hiking, trail running, going off grid, or simply planning a summer picnic, here are some gear upgrades you can make this summer to make it the best one yet.

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YETI Trailhead Camp Chair

I’m a sucker for a good camp chair. (I’ve even been known to use them in the backyard and not just around the campfire.) YETI’s Trailhead Camp Chair is well engineered to be easy to fold/unfold and very comfortable to sit in. Even though it’s not the lightest option on the market, I choose to bring this chair to t-ball games, because it’s such a comfy seat.

YETI has designed this chair to stand up to your best adventures. The flexible and supportive fabric is UV resistant, and it has a durable frame that folds up and into a carry bag in under a minute. I appreciate the breathable seat fabric and the built-in cupholder.

NOCO AX65 Portable Jump Starter + Air Compressor

For off-grid adventures this summer, pick yourself up a NOCO AX65 Jump Starter + Air Compressor to ensure you don’t get stuck somewhere with a dead battery or low tire pressure. This compact, dual-purpose piece of gear is both a 2,000-amp lithium jump starter and a high-speed air compressor (67 SLPM). The AX65 is also a power bank (and a flashlight), making it an indispensable summer road-trip accessory.

I appreciate the AX65’s safety features, like spark-proof technology and reverse polarity protection. I also appreciate that it’s easy to use, even if you don’t feel super comfortable working on cars. My family recently took a long camping road trip across several states, and it gave us peace of mind knowing we had the AX65 along for the ride. Since we also had mountain bikes in tow, we didn’t have to bring a separate air pump for the tires.

Rocky Endeavor Point Waterproof Hiking Boots (Men and Women)

This is the summer I found my favorite hiking boots. Maybe it’s the summer you find yours, too. Rocky Boots’ Endeavor Point hiking boots are wonderfully comfortable, waterproof, and durable. Mine were comfortable from day one; no break-in needed (although this is different for everyone).

The Endeavor Point boots feature a full-grain leather upper, a flexible dual-density outsole, and rock-crawling lugs, which came in handy for scrambling on my recent hike through the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park. Not too high or too low around the ankle, these hiking boots offer support without feeling stiff and heavy. In fact, they’re quite lightweight. They’re also waterproof without feeling hot and suffocating.

Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boots (Kids)

Bringing kids along for your summer adventures? Same. Keen’s Targhee IV hiking boots are an excellent choice to upgrade your little ones’ hiking footwear. These boots are durable, waterproof, and comfortable. They also provide the traction kids need while hiking, running, and scrambling outdoors.

Features include waterproof leather and a perforated mesh upper, a removable foam insole with arch support, midsole cushioning (helpful on those long hikes), and a round toe box with a bumper. My favorite feature is the pull-on design with adjustable bungee lacing. This means my littlest hiker can pull on his boots by himself, saving us one task while prepping for our day.

Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Cooler

Stanley recently launched its 7.4-quart All Day Julienne Mini Cooler in three new, adorable colors—Rose Quartz Rattan, Mist Picnic Stripe, and my personal favorite, Cream Picnic Stripe (pictured). This mini cooler is the epitome of summer; it’ll keep your picnic spread cool for 12 hours and look so good while doing it.

I love that the All Day Julienne Mini Cooler is made from recycled materials, that it has a unique hinge top that makes it easy to get things in and out of the bag, and that it has a zippered pocket, so you don’t have to carry an additional bag.

The cooler can hold up to 10 cans, but it does not come with ice packs.

GoalZero Basecamp 4 Wireless Charging Pad

GoalZero’s Basecamp 4 is a camping game changer in that it allows you to charge up to four devices at the same time. It does require a power source, but imagine the freedom of only needing one cord per four devices!

I love this thing. It’s so handy to connect it to a power bank and then easily and quickly charge phones, headphones, and other wireless charging-enabled devices without having to dig out a bunch of cords. Another huge benefit of the Basecamp 4 is its ability to fold in half for easy storage and transport. We’re never going camping without it again.

KAVU Clothes for Women (Horizon Sandals, Montanita Romper, and Tepic Shorts)

KAVU clothes for men and women are perfect for a summer full of outdoor adventures. From sunny hikes to backyard barbecues, KAVU offers tees, knits, hats, bags, and more for all occasions.

Some of my favorite pieces for summer include KAVU’s Horizon sandals, Montanita romper, and Tepic shorts. The Horizon sandals are comfortable and classy, the romper is the most comfortable thing you’ll ever wear, and the shorts will go with you from day hike to summer party on the patio.

Both the shorts and the romper are made from quick-dry, lightweight fabric, keeping things light and flowy for the warmer months of the year. KAVU’s designs are both functional and fashionable for those who make the outdoors a lifestyle.

BioLite Dash 450 Rechargeable Running Headlamp

Runners, rejoice. BioLite has designed a headlamp just for trail and road runners. The Dash 450 is innovative in its no-bounce fit (!), its focused beam optimized for runners, and a rear red light with reflective band for extra safety from all angles.

This rechargeable headlamp is easy to use and has a 90-meter beam distance. It weighs just 78 grams and features moisture-wicking fabric. It’s so lightweight and comfortable that you’ll forget you even have it on.

BioLite made sure its Dash 450 will light your way through rainstorms; it’s IPX4 Storm Safe but not submersible. It’s also quite adjustable, so you can wear it over a beanie on chilly nights.

Stanley Adventure Fast Flow Water Jug 2G

You know what’ll make your summer camping trip even better? Cold water. Stanley’s 2-gallon Adventure Fast Flow Water Jug will keep ice water iced for up to two days, which makes a big difference when you’re hiking and recreating in the summer heat.

This portable water cooler offers a carrying handle and a leak-proof design, in addition to double-wall foam insulation and a removable high-flow spigot, which makes it easy to clean. It’s not just for camping, either. It works great for summer parties and sports tournaments, as well.

What’s your favorite piece of summer gear for outdoor adventures?

Header Stock image by Patchareeporn Sakoolchai/Getty Images

The post Outdoor Gear to Turn up the Heat (and the Fun) This Summer appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

We’re nearly halfway through the summer season, and, for some parts of the U.S., the second half is the hottest. But, don’t sweat, you just need some apparel you can sweat in while you squeeze every last outdoor activity out of this warm weather.

We’ve rounded up some fantastic apparel, including shoes and accessories for both men and women—all tested and outdoor-activity approved. I hope you find your next favorite piece!

This post contains affiliate links. Outdoors.com may earn a commission when you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support.  

Apparel

KUHL Women’s Shirt and Shorts

I recently started wearing KUHL clothes, and I’m impressed. Two items I particularly like for warm weather are the SHILO Short Sleeve and the KULTIVATR Short. The SHILO Short Sleeve is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. It’s soft and breathable, and it has a slightly elevated style compared to your typical cotton tee shirt, thanks to the cute flutter sleeves. The SHILO comes in three colors.

KUHL’s KULTIVATR shorts are so comfortable that I could live in them. The fabric is stretchy and soft (not like your typical denim), and it has built-in UPF 50+ sun protection. Plus, there are pockets you can actually put stuff in, and they come in six different colors.

KUHL Men’s Shirt and Shorts

The PERSUADR shirt from KUHL is designed to keep you cool, thanks to its high-performance fabric. This shirt is lightweight, soft, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and stretchy. It comes in an array of different colors and patterns and, notably, it also comes in tall! You’ll love the look, feel, and fit of the PERSUADR.

Meanwhile, KUHL’s RESISTOR Lite Chino Short is just as great. These shorts are classic and go with everything. They’re water resistant, stretchy, and up for whatever you can throw at them this summer. KUHL says the RESISTOR shorts are “soft as cotton yet tough as nails,” and that sounds about right.

Both of these items have built-in UPF 50+ sun protection.

Ibex Springbok Collection (Men and Women)

Earlier this summer, Ibex launched its Springbok Collection, a line of ultralight merino running gear designed for warm weather. I tested the Women’s Springbok Sport Tee and the Women’s Springbok Short and loved them both. This brand specializes in using a breathable and quick-drying merino-wool blend that’s perfect for active people (particularly runners).

The Springbok Collection includes not only the shorts and sport tees for both men and women but also a lightweight sun hoodie. All items in the collection offer UPF 35+ sun protection and will help ward off odor—no matter how hot it gets.

Tasc Recess Lightweight Hoodie + Odyssey Rec Short (Women)

Tasc is a new brand to me, and I’ve enjoyed testing a couple of their products for summer. I have the Recess Lightweight Hoodie, which I recommend for times you’re out in the sun and want to protect your skin, and the Odyssey Rec Shorts, which are great multi-purpose shorts for all kinds of outdoor activities.

The Recess hoodie is breathable and cute in its simplicity. Made from bamboo viscose and organic cotton, it helps regulate your body temperature and wicks moisture away. I wore this to my kids’ swim practices and meets where I’d be in the direct sunlight.

The Odyssey shorts are made from 92% recycled materials. They have multiple pockets, including a zippered pocket, and they’re very lightweight. My only note here is that this item runs large, so I recommend sizing down.

True Classic Crew Tees – 6-Pack (Men)

Guys, do you ever struggle to find the perfect basic tee shirt? True Classic offers a six pack of its Classic Crew Tees that’ll be an excellent refresh for your summer wardrobe. True Classic tees are soft and built to fit just right.

Made from a thoughtful blend of 60% combed ringspun cotton and 40% polyester jersey, these shirts are simple, comfortable, and stylish. Plus, they’re available in tall, which is a huge bonus for men who struggle to find shirts long enough (like my husband).

There are tons of colors, but I recommend picking up a seasonal-color six pack to keep it simple!

Icebreaker Merino Blend 200 Crush Shorts (Women)

Having a go-to pair of comfortable, cute shorts just makes life in warm weather better. I love these bright-colored merino-blend Crush 200 shorts by Icebreaker. They’re made from soft Eucaform fabric, which is a blend of natural merino wool and TENCEL terry fabric. Pair them with a pair of white sneakers, and you’ll look and feel sporty, no matter what you’re doing.

These shorts fit true to size. One note on the bright-yellow color is that they’re a bit see-through, so plan to wear neutral-colored underwear. These shorts also come in black.

Smartwool Merino Short Sleeve Tee (Men and Women)

Looking for a basic merino-wool tee to become a summer staple? (Preferably one that’ll transition seamlessly into fall when you start layering?) Look no further. Smartwool is a great brand for stocking up on merino staples.

The Merino Short Sleeve shirt, which comes in versions for men and women, features the company’s Core Spun technology. Core Spun refers to Smartwool’s tech that wraps merino around a nylon core. This adds durability without sacrificing comfort.

This basic tee shirt comes in many color options and has a “slim” fit, so size up if you don’t want that. The men’s version isn’t long, even in size large, so tall men may need to look elsewhere.

Shoes

XERO Shoes D-Trail Hiking Sandals (Men and Women)

These D-Trail hiking sandals from XERO Shoes have come with me on multiple hiking and camping trips already this summer. They’re uniquely custom fitting, thanks to not one or two but THREE adjustable straps. I love that they offer that barefoot feel while also providing the tiniest bit of squishy comfort—like flip-flops, but better.

The women’s version comes in a few different fun color combinations. I have the Irish cream/lake blue. Though the light-colored soles do get dirty easily, I find they’re easy to clean. If you come across any water, you’ll be glad to know that these sandals dry in a jiffy (and we all know that some hiking sandals do not).

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 (Men and Women)

For hiking and trail running, the new Xodus Ultra 4 shoe from Saucony is an excellent choice. Saucony calls them a “max-cushioned powerhouse” for good reason, and I can attest that these trail runners are super comfortable for miles and miles. Basically, if you like, want, or need cushion, these are for you.

I also appreciate that these shoes are rugged enough to withstand outdoor adventure. The Vibram MegaGrip outsole is especially grippy, even on slick rocks. Both the men’s and women’s versions come in three stylish colorways, and it’s hard to choose a favorite.

Rocky Boots NOWAKE Outdoor Shoe (Men)

For those days you’re being active outdoors but still want to look put together, Rocky Boots’ NOWAKE Outdoor Shoe fits the bill nicely. The NOWAKE line offers a unique perforated, drainable footbed. This feature allows water to flow through freely, speeding up dry times and ensuring you don’t have soggy feet all day.

The NOWAKE Outdoor Shoe is lightweight, thanks to a knit upper, and it’s easy to slip on and off thanks to bungee laces. Whether you’re boating, kayaking, or just heading out to a summer barbecue, these shoes will take you there in style.

XtraTuf Kiata Waterproof Sneaker (Women)

Cute, but make it waterproof—Xtratuf’s Kiata sneaker answers this call. The ultimate summertime casual sneaker, the Kiata manages to be 100% waterproof and have a lightweight, breathable knit upper. And, by the way, the stretchiness of this unique upper feels more like putting on a comfy sock than a rigid sneaker.

You’ll love this sneaker’s outsole, too, which offers traction for all your outdoor adventures. There’s just enough cushion inside to make these shoes an easy all-day wear. Available in three colors, the Kiata waterproof sneaker is my favorite footwear this season.

Accessories

AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Classic Chronograph Watch

AVI-8’s Hawker Hurricane Classic Chronograph is a stunning timepiece that’ll easily elevate your summer style. The eye-catching design harkens back to the iconic British single-seat fighter aircraft—the Hawker Hurricane from World War II. In the Dark Earth colorway, this watch features earthy neutrals that’ll enhance any outfit.

If you’re a fan of outdoor gear that looks as good as it works, you’ll appreciate this piece from AVI-8. The strap comes looking ruggedly weathered, and the 5-ATM water resistance means you don’t need to take it off for many water activities, like boating, paddleboarding, and fishing. Plus, the company’s two-year warranty ensures that if anything goes awry, your bases are covered.

Melin Trenches Realtree Hydro Hat

For all you camo fans out there, enter Melin’s collab with Realtree. The Trenches Realtree Hydro hat is outdoorsy by default, and its forest design appeals to both the typical-camo dudes and the dudes who typically don’t do camo.

Since it’s Melin, you know this hat is high quality. It’s sturdy but comfortable to wear, and it’s going to withstand a lot of wear. The Trenches Hydro line is water friendly (this hat floats), it has antimicrobial lining, and it’s breathable—perfect for summer weather.

Tifosi Optics Sanctum XL Sport Sunglasses

Summer sports demand broader coverage when it comes to eyewear. Tifosi Optics offers Sanctum XL, which has 25% more lens area compared to the regular Sanctum sunglasses. This means your eyes are protected not only from harmful UV rays but also from wind and debris. Whether you’re cycling, golfing, hiking, boating, playing tennis, or doing a host of other sports this summer, your eyes will thank you later, if you’re wearing these.

I like the oversized, sporty look of these sunglasses, and I’m impressed by how lightweight they are. They don’t hurt the bridge of my nose or the tops of my ears, even after wearing them all day. The lenses have a glare guard, and there’s a special hydrophilic rubber nose piece, which actually increases grippiness when you sweat.

The Sanctum XLs come in six different colors that appeal to both men and women. For less than $50, these are the perfect summer accessory.

Pistil Designs Goldie Sun Hat

Pistil Design’s Goldie sun hat is the easiest way to make a summer outfit stand out. This gorgeous hat is very well made, with breathable raffia, threaded colorful beads, and a soft interior band. With an 8-inch brim length, it’ll shade your face while you play or relax in the sunshine.

The Goldie sun hat comes in two colors—natural and brown. You can wear the edges of the brim flat, or you can roll them up to channel your inner cowgirl. This hat has become a summer staple for me. I throw it in my YETI Camino bag for all kinds of outings and adventures!

Ibex Light Cushion Performance 1/4 Sock

Finally, don’t forget to take care of your feet. Ibex’s merino quarter socks won’t slip or bunch as you hike or run, preventing blisters before they even start. As Ibex says: “Merino is the best thing for your feet.”

These socks come in three retro-inspired striped patterns, and Ibex uses unisex sizing.

What’s your favorite piece of warm-weather, outdoor-approved apparel?

The post Embrace Warm Weather With These Top Outdoor Apparel Picks appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

There’s still plenty of time to seize the summer and all the outdoor adventures that go along with it. From hiking and camping to relaxing after an active day of fun, you’ll need the right gear to keep your summer kicking until the leaves start to fall. We’ve compiled some awesome gear—all tested and approved—to get you going (or to keep you going) on these long summer days.

This post contains affiliate links. Outdoors.com may earn a commission when you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support.  

White Duck Sunshade Tarp

Here’s a sure-fire way to upgrade your campsite this summer: White Duck’s Sunshade tarp. This tarp is water-repellent, weather-resistant, configurable into three different shapes, and just plain good looking. It goes up more or less like a tent—loosely stake down the guy lines, position the poles, and then tighten the guy lines to achieve the desired shape.

Since it’s White Duck, you know this tarp is made of high-performance DYNATEK canvas. It also comes with everything you need in a nifty carrying bag, which includes a mallet, stakes, ropes, poles, and the canvas itself.

This shade works great with a matching White Duck tent (like the Rover Scout) or on its own. My family recently used it to cover our dining area at our campsite, and it worked like a charm.

Kelty Lowdown Couch

The search for the perfect camping chair is definitely over. Kelty now makes a three-person folding camp couch, and it’s fantastic. (As if they could do better than their Kelty Low Loveseat, am I right?) For families and groups, this camp couch is perfect for lounging at the campsite. Three of you can share the same chair as you chat, read, roast marshmallows, or drink a beer.

Like Kelty’s Low Loveseat, the Kelty Lowdown Couch has a low base and a relaxed design. It folds up easily and stores in its own carry bag. It has adjustable cup holders and even adjustable arm rests.

Klean Kanteen Tumblers – 20 oz (Adult) and 12 oz (Kids)

Hydration is key all summer long, so why not upgrade your water vessel? I really like Klean Kanteen’s 20-ounce TKWide insulated water bottle for keeping water cold and accessible during warm days. The unique Twist Cap is leak proof and tucks the straw away when you’re not using it, so it stays clean even if you’re kicking up dust. I appreciate that this tumbler comes with a reusable steel straw inside.

Klean Kanteen also offers excellent kid-sized tumblers. The Insulated Kids’ Classic 12-ounce water bottle is made with certified 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel. It’s lightweight and easy to hang onto (even with the littlest of hands), and it keeps contents ice cold for up to 40 hours.

YETI Camino 35 Carryall Tote Bag

If I had to pick my favorite piece of summer gear for 2025, it’d be this—the new YETI Camino Carryall tote bag. I have the 35-liter version, and it’s such a wonderful solution for hauling gear around for creek days, beach days, pool parties, swim meets, and beyond.

The YETI Camino is durable and waterproof, it has deployable dividers (these are so helpful), and it includes two zippered interior pockets. The molded bottom keeps the bag upright, and the waterproof material is very easy to clean.

If, like me, you’re seeing Bogg Bags everywhere this summer, get yourself a Yeti Camino instead and thank me later.

OGERY F21 Camping Fan

Camping during the summer is better with a battery-powered outdoor-grade fan. Perfect for use inside the tent or camping trailer in the heat of the day or to cool you off as you eat lunch after a mid-day hike, OGERY’s F21 is the portable, adjustable fan every camper needs. It even doubles as a power bank to charge other devices!

The F21 comes with a foldable tripod, it oscillates up to 120 degrees, and it has a built-in LED light with three levels of brightness. The battery life on this camping fan is impressive. We once accidentally left it on all night during a camping trip, and it was still going strong in the morning. Depending on the setting you’re using, OGERY advertises its fan’s battery life as between 12 and 138 hours of cooling or lighting.

Wise Owl Double Camping Hammock + Accessories

When it’s time to relax, settle into a hammock and let your cares melt away. I love Wise Owl Outfitter’s double hammock; it’s a great value at less than $50. Wise Owl’s double camping hammock offers quick-dry, parachute-grade, breathable nylon weave, which can support up to 500 pounds without stretching or tearing.

The kit comes with everything you need to set up your hammock—9-foot tree straps, carabiners, and a stuff sack. It takes just minutes to set up and has five loop straps to help you get it exactly where you want it.

On warm summer nights, use this hammock as your bed. Accessorize with Wise Owl’s portable camping pillow and rain tarp/outdoor shade, and you’re good to go! It weighs just 24 ounces, so it’s super easy to pack.

BUG BITE THING Tick Testing Kit

According to the CDC, tick exposure is a risk year-round, but ticks are most active during the warmer months of the year, from about April to September. Add some peace of mind to your camping gear this summer with BUG BITE THING’s new Tick Testing Kit, powered by TickReport.

If you, a family member, or a pet are bitten by a tick, this Tick Testing Kit makes it truly easy to gain critical insight into the specific tick that just wreaked havoc. This insight can then help support decisionmaking for the affected person.

To use, you must first properly remove the tick (you can use the BUG BITE THING Tick Remover Tool to do this). Next, place the tick into the provided specimen bag and seal it. Then, scan the QR code inside the kit and answer a few questions. Finally, place the specimen inside the prepaid mailer and drop it in any USPS mailbox. Results come back in 1-3 days.

JMGO PicoPlay 1080P Smart Portable Projector

Whether you use it for a summer movie night in the backyard or for playing music around the campfire, JMGO’s PicoPlay smart portable projector is just pure fun. This little unit packs a punch; it offers crisp 1080P resolution and 400 ISO Lumens brightness, plus 8W Dolby Audio speakers.

The streaming experience is simple, thanks to built-in Google TV. There are also little touches that make it so nice to use, like the auto-dimming feature in case someone walks into the projected light and the auto screen alignment that adjusts the projection to the size of your screen area all by itself.

At just over two pounds, the PicoPlay is perfect for on-the-go entertainment this summer and beyond. You can even use it as an ambient light, if you want!

What summer gear are you not leaving home without?

The post Seize Those Summer Days: Outdoor Gear to Get You Going appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Got summer travel plans that include outdoor adventure? You won’t regret making some upgrades before you hit the road. From adventure-ready luggage to a universally compatible device charger to a snorkel mask that actually won’t fog (!!), I’ve tested some superb gear so that you don’t have to. Check out our 2025 essential summer travel gear that’s actually tested and approved.

This post contains affiliate links. Outdoors.com may earn a commission when you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support.  

33-Inch Gonex Rolling Duffle Bag

This spacious rolling duffle bag will make an excellent travel companion for your summer adventures. I recently used it for my checked bag on a trip to Puerto Rico, which required gear for hiking, swimming, snorkeling, caving, and more. Gonex’s 33-inch rolling duffle is lighter than my old luggage, which is a plus when you’re trying to stay under that 50-pound airline limit, and it holds more than my old bag did, too. I found that even after I packed my items (including not only clothes but also snorkel gear and several pairs of hiking shoes), I still had some extra room to store toiletries for my whole family.

Since this bag will see a LOT of use in the coming years, I appreciate that it’s made of wear-resistant material and waterproof fabric. It has plenty of compartments inside and outside, and it has straps inside, which are helpful for locking down your stuff. With a 100-liter capacity, it’ll give you space to bring what you need and leave some room for souvenirs.

16-Inch Gonex Underseat Carry-on Luggage

Believe it or not, this deceptively tiny Gonex carry-on luggage held all the clothes my son needed for a 10-day trip to Puerto Rico. I still can’t believe how much it holds! He absolutely loved having his very own suitcase to roll around in the airport, and if a young child can maneuver it around easily, so can you.

For short trips, Gonex’s 16-inch underseat carry-on luggage is a fantastic option to enhance your travel experience. It’s made from durable, waterproof fabric, it has smooth and silent spinner wheels, and it offers smart organization features, such as a large exterior pocket, an internal mesh pocket, and convenient elastic side pockets.

Boundary Supply Errant Pro Backpack + Camera Cube

For the professional and amateur photographers among us, Boundary Supply’s Errant Pro backpack paired with the MK-2 LT Camera Cube is a must-have for transporting camera equipment while traveling. The Errant Pro has an endless number of compartments and pockets that gives travelers ultimate control over their gear organization. At first, admittedly, the number of options is a bit overwhelming, but once you have a system, it’s perfect.

The Errant Pro expands to hold up to 31 liters. It has a unique magnetic buckle system for the main compartment that is very convenient once you get the hang of it. I appreciate some of the unique features that make this bag different than any other travel backpack, like the side zipper access, the full clamshell main compartment, and the removable divider. There’s also a hidden RFID pocket, a top padded pocket for things you reach for frequently (like sunglasses), and a padded laptop sleeve that’ll lock shut.

The Errant Pro is compatible with various Boundary Supply accessories, like the MK-2 LT Camera Cube. On a recent family vacation, my husband used the cube inside the Errant Pro to stash our camera, extra lens, charging cables, and more, but the cube can also store things like drones or VR equipment.

Ruko International Travel Charger Kit

Will you be packing a camera, a drone, a GoPro, a tablet, a laptop, or other tech gear on your upcoming summer vacation? If so, you’ll need to consider how you will charge these devices internationally. Thankfully, Ruko offers an international charger kit that’ll make charging multiple devices simple.

Ruko’s 65W USB C Charger Kit comes with a 4-foot USB-C to USB-C cable, two converters (UK/EU), and a compact carry bag. It provides support for universal 100-240V voltage, making global travel more seamless. Plus, it can charge up to three devices at the same time, which is great when you come home from an adventure-full day and you need to charge up multiple devices.

Takeya Sport Water Bottles – 22 oz (Adult) and 18 oz (Kid)

Leakproof, stylish, and capable of keeping your water cold for 36 hours, Takeya’s sport water bottles are the ultimate summer-travel gear. My daughter and I upgraded our water bottles to Takeya bottles before our recent summer family vacation, and we used them more than anything else. Horseback riding for hours? Had cold water. Hiking in a rainforest and swimming in a waterfall? Was perfectly hydrated. Spent all day on a boat snorkeling in the salty ocean? Sipped from fresh cold water constantly.

Don’t underestimate how crucial your water bottle is going to be on a fun vacation full of outdoor activities. If you’re not hydrated, you’re not going to have fun.

ProShot Dual-Lens Tidal Snorkel and Dive Mask

Have you ever dreamed of a snorkel/dive mask that’s truly not going to fog up on you? I certainly did. Well, I found one. ProShot’s Tidal Mask offers advanced anti-fog technology that actually works. On a recent snorkeling trip in which I spent hours snorkeling in the ocean and mangroves, I only remember clearing it once.

ProShot says the inside lens has a replaceable anti-fog film that protects against fog for up to a year. For touch ups, it comes with anti-fog spray, which I used for everyone else’s mask—because I certainly didn’t need it for mine. I appreciated the fit of the Tidal Mask, which didn’t pull or snag, making my experience as comfortable as possible. I also loved that the mask comes in a hard-sided case, perfect for travel.

ProShot Touch 2.0 Universal iPhone Case

If you’re planning some underwater fun this summer, ProShot’s Touch 2.0 Universal iPhone Case should be in your gear bag. I loved having this along during our summer vacation to Puerto Rico; it allowed me to capture wonderful moments swimming with sea turtles and eagle rays.

This housing is waterproof down to 50 feet, and, while using it, the touchscreen on your phone is still accessible! To use, download ProShot’s underwater-camera app, insert your phone into the case, and then use the two side buttons to toggle between modes—photo, video, selfie mode, etc.—and then actually take or start/stop photos and videos while underwater. (You can select which modes you want to be available beforehand.) Once you get the hang of operating the case and the app, it becomes very easy. However, I recommend doing a test in actual water before your real trip so you don’t miss an important moment fiddling with the tech.

The Touch 2.0 case wasn’t flawless in my experience, but it was definitely worth having it. I had an issue during one snorkel excursion when the app froze up on me. Eventually, I realized that if I came to the surface, used the touchscreen to close the app and then reopen it, it was good to go again.

Compared to using a GoPro, it was harder to see the screen underwater. At times, it was difficult to see exactly what I was filming. However, I prefer to look with my eyes and then just point my device in the right direction and hope for the best, because the real-life experience is more important than the video evidence.

After use, my phone came out perfectly dry every time. I used ProShot’s pink snorkeling filter (from this pack) to help color correct my underwater photos and videos in realtime. Though not perfect, if you prefer to capture underwater photos and videos with your phone, try ProShot’s Touch case!

What’s your favorite piece of summer travel gear for outdoor adventure?

The post Essential Summer Travel Gear: You Won’t Regret These Upgrades appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Back to school may be in sight, but summer’s far from over. Whether you want to upgrade evenings in your backyard, take a summer camping trip, or add another adventure to your summer bucket list, end the season on the right foot with one of these outdoor gear splurges. They’ll make your time outside that much better.

I’ll be real—I’ve tested a ton of outdoor gear this summer. Out of everything I’ve tried, these three items stand out as splurges that are worth the investment.

Top 3 Outdoor Gear Splurges for Summer

• Best Splurge for the Backyard: Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit + Live-Fire Pizza Oven
• Best Splurge for Summer Camping: Dometic CFX3 75DZ Electric Cooler
• Best Splurge for Your Summer Bucket List: Oru Kayak Haven TT

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Best Splurge for the Backyard: Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit + Live-Fire Pizza Oven

If you love to sit around a campfire, grill in the backyard, and/or eat pizza, Breeo’s smokeless fire pit and live-fire pizza oven is the summer splurge for you. My family made pizza in our Breeo pizza oven for the first time in the backyard on the 4th of July. It was hilarious and fun and messy—and also delicious. We’ve enjoyed experimenting and honing our pizza-making skills, because, let’s be honest, homemade is just better and more fun.

Breeo’s smokeless fire pit is made of stainless or corten steel, depending on the option you choose. We have the stainless steel version of the X Series 24, which has a 24-inch inside diameter. Each fire pit in Breeo’s line is made in the U.S., has Breeo’s X Airflow technology to help get your fire started quickly, and features double-wall construction and secondary combustion holes to keep it as smokeless as possible.

Best of all, Breeo’s fire pits are compatible with a whole bunch of cool live-fire cooking accessories—like the pizza oven. The pizza oven fits right on top of the X Series 24 fire pit and matches its color. It includes two pizza stones and a built-in temperature gauge. Your goal is to get into the “pizza zone” (700-900°F).

Breeo Pizza Oven Tips

We’ve learned that it’s easier to keep the oven in the pizza zone if you use Hot Wood. Plus, some wood pops too much, which creates ash in your oven that can end up on your pizza. The pizza cooks faster than you think, but don’t make your dough too thick, otherwise it’ll be really hard to cook it all the way through without burning the outside of the crust.

Also, don’t forget these accessories, which will make your experience SO much better:

• Breeo Pizza Peel
• Breeo Pizza Rocker

Best Splurge for Summer Camping: Dometic CFX3 75DZ Electric Cooler

Earlier this month, we took one of our annual summer camping trips, and we had our annual summer-camping-trip dilemma: ice. It’s hot outside, ice melts, but we need our food to stay cold. What to do? An electric cooler is pricey, but it solves the ice problem (finally). That’s why I say the best splurge for those who love summer camping is the Dometic CFX3 75DZ.

This dual-zone powered 12-volt cooler holds 75 liters, enough space for our family of four for several nights away from home. We like that you can set each side of the cooler to a different temperature, giving you a “freezer” and a “fridge” space. We were pleasantly surprised that it took just under an hour to get down to freezer temps, even while sitting in the direct sunlight. And it didn’t draw as much power from our portable power bank as we expected. When we had our solar panels up, the power bank was charging up even with the Dometic running off of it.

The Dometic CFX3 75DZ can hold up to 113 cans, if you happen to count by cans, and its powerful VMSO3 compressor refrigerates and freezes down to -7 °F, in case you need it that cold. There’s a display on the side of the cooler, which makes it very easy to control, and Dometic’s three-stage “dynamic battery protection system” helps prevents dead car batteries.

Dometic Electric Cooler Tips

If you’re freezing down to 0°F, give your cooler 45 minutes to an hour to do its thing before you stock it. We found that it likes to hover a degree or two above where we set it, but only at those really cold temperatures.

The CFX3 75DZ comes with organization baskets for both zones, which are handy for packing your camping meals and snacks, but you can always remove them to gain even more space.

Finally, we don’t recommend getting your hopes up about being able to control your Dometic cooler via the CFX3 app. We have not been able to get it to work, and judging by the app’s reviews, neither have many other people.

Best Splurge for Your Summer Bucket List: Oru Kayak Haven TT

If you haven’t taken a kayak out yet this summer, don’t let the season pass you by before you do. Oru Kayak’s Haven TT is a 16’1″ tandem kayak that folds down into a box, and it’s your ticket to summer fun. In fact, let this be your outdoor gear splurge that adds an item to your summer bucket list!

Our Haven TT sits up on a shelf in our garage until we’re ready to use it, then it goes in the trunk. It doesn’t take up a whole wall in the garage, and we don’t need to use a roof rack to take it out. Set up takes about 15 minutes (give yourself double that time for your first trip), and once you’re in it, you’ll love it. It’s light, responsive, and comfortable.

Oru’s foldable kayaks are made from 5-mm double-layered polypropylene with a 10-year UV treatment. This means they’re lightweight yet puncture and abrasion resistant. They also make a statement. The Black Edition of the Haven TT is particularly striking, and we always turn heads when we’re in it.

Oru Kayak Tips

Use the YouTube videos by Oru to help you navigate your first set up and break down. It’s very helpful to watch someone do it versus just reading about how to do it. Breaking the Haven TT down can be tricky—trickier than set up—but once you get it, you get it.

I highly recommend using Oru’s accessories along with their foldable kayaks:

• Oru PFDs
• Oru Gel Seats
• Oru Foldable Paddles

See my full review on this foldable tandem kayak.

What outdoor gear splurges would you add to this list?

The post Upgrade Your Summer With These Top 3 Outdoor Gear Splurges appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Here’s a surprising way to beat the summer heat wave: go skiing.

Even more surprising, you can head to California to hit the slopes. Mammoth Mountain is extending its ski season through Sunday, August 6.

California saw record snowfall this year, creating an ongoing winter wonderland at high elevations.

In an Instagram post, the ski resort says only twice in the past 69 have they stayed open until August, the summers of 1995 and 2017. 

The company wants visitors to know that it’s not business as usual. The terrain is limited, and the conditions change daily. Visitors shouldn’t expect what they see in February, but as Mammoth says in their post, “Thank you to everyone for being part of this memorable season. Let fun rule!”

The post Despite Record Summer Heat, This California Ski Resort Remains Open appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Extreme heat is bringing triple-digit temperatures across the U.S. this weekend. In some places, we could see record highs. 

Weather and government officials are warning people to avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the days in places from California to Texas. That means many will have to scrap outdoor hiking plans and more.

Record Temperatures

In Death Valley National Park, one of the world’s hottest places, the high on Saturday and Sunday could hit 126 degrees Fahrenheit. The park set records in 2020 and 2021 when it went above 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The all-time high is still debatable, but many believe these are the hottest temperatures ever recorded. This weekend, they could be approaching those temperatures again.

Death Valley is not a popular summer destination, but officials still released an extreme heat warning. It reminds everyone to:

• Drink plenty of water and carry extra fluids
• Avoid hiking and do not hike after 10 AM
• Travel prepared to survive
• In the case of a heat-related illness, get to a cool place and seek help immediately

Unfortunately, extreme temperatures have proven deadly in U.S. National Parks this summer.

Staying Safe

Even if you’re not in the desert, visitors throughout the southern and western U.S. states should keep the temperature in mind this weekend. Even hours from the desert in California’s Yosemite National Park, temperatures should hit the high 90s, if not close to 100 degrees. Anyone spending time outside should not only drink but also eat salty snacks to avoid hyponatremia. The condition results in sickness and potentially death from too much water consumption without enough sodium in your blood.

Check out these additional tips to keep safe and learn the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

The post NPS Warns Visitors About Dangerously High Temperatures appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.