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It's hard to avoid the realities of the heat when traveling. While it's preferred to cool off in the summer by swan-diving into a hotel pool or ducking into an overly air-conditioned movie theater, the appeal of outdoor activities is everlasting. We all want to dine al fresco, meander through city streets (or national parks), and spend an afternoon at the beach. But that means time in the sun is inevitable, making products to stay cool in the heat a packing list essential.
Luckily, a childhood in South Florida has left me well-equipped to advise on the situation. From the best portable fans and moisture-wicking hats to the beauty products to keep in your beach bag, here are 28 products my colleagues and I have found helpful to use throughout the warmer months. They'll help you enjoy time in the great outdoors just a little bit more, whether you're exploring your hometown by bike, lounging in an Airbnb you rented just for the pool, or spending long days sightseeing in a new city.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Portable fans
Yes, you might feel like a tourist in Disney World toting a portable fan around, but it's worth it for a cool breeze at your fingertips whenever you need it. There are dozens available on Amazon, but after testing out a handful, Wasserstein's portable neck fan is my top option for a hands-free breeze. It has three speeds, is entirely adjustable, and sits around your neck like a pair of headphones. If you want something handheld (or to fold and place in front of you), Comlife's fan will do the trick, and the mister adds an extra layer of stay-cool technology.
Water bottle and ice cubes
Staying hydrated is key, but sipping lukewarm water after setting up camp at the beach or a park is less than ideal. And even if you have an insulated water bottle, it'll only do its job if what's inside starts off cold. For those filling up from the tap, drop an ice cube in there before you leave. W&P's water bottle ice tray is your best bet, especially if you're loyal to a bottle with a narrow mouth; each tray makes five long, thin ice spears to slide into any container. To further boost hydration, bring along a Liquid I.V. packet or Nuun tablet for some quick electrolytes when you need them most.
Read more: The Best Water Bottles for Staying Hydrated On the Go
Fanny pack
Whether you're walking through crowded museums or biking to the next town over, a backpack or hefty tote bag is likely to leave you sweaty and uncomfortable. If you don't have much to bring along, you're better off carrying a fanny pack or sling bag. Lululemon's popular Everywhere belt bag is large enough to store all the essentials (I've stuffed my phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, headphones, and even a Kindle in there). You can adjust the straps to wear it around your waist, or loosen them to sling around your chest. MZ Wallace, maker of one of our favorite tote bags, also has a great fanny pack. Despite looking fairly small from the outside, editorial assistant Meaghan Kenny says it's quite roomy, and has multiple pockets inside to keep everything organized.
Read more: The Best Fanny Packs From MZ Wallace, Lululemon, Prada, and More
Face mist
We'd love theme park-style water misters set up around every city in the summer, but in the meantime, a face mist to spritz on your skin whenever you're in need of a refresh will have to do. I prefer ones without much of a smell, so I don't get a headache from spraying it right on my face; the ones below do the trick, and are small enough to toss in your purse or backpack.
Read more: The Best Face Mists to Keep in Your Purse (and Dopp Kit)
Cooling stick
Meant to deflate the bags under your eyes after a restless night, products like Lumin's Eye Puff Deflator and Tula's Glow and Get It eye balm work well as a summer pick-me-up, too. Both stay cool even without refrigeration—though you can pop them in the fridge to keep them extra-chilled—and feel great swiped under and around your eyes on a hot day. (And when take your next red-eye, you'll know what to pack).
Moisture-wicking hat
Spend a hot afternoon outdoors in a cotton baseball hat and you'll quickly find yourself mopping up a sweaty brow and hairline. You want something that wicks sweat away, so stick with athletic brands like Under Armour, Brooks, or Adidas. For something a little more stylish, a floppy straw hat works everywhere from a brewery to the beaches of Hawaii.
Read more: The Best Sun Hats for Hot Summer Days
Cooler
When you're camping out in the sun for long stretches of time, sunscreen and a solid cooler are essential. Coleman is a perennial favorite—you can count on its thick, insulated coolers to keep drinks chilled even after hours in the sun. For trips to a nearby park or pool, go with a soft-sided bag like Business & Pleasure's Cooler bag.
Read more: The Best Coolers for Camping, Beach Days, Picnics, and More
Umbrella
Without shade, the amount of time you can comfortably spend outdoors is limited to say the least. To ensure you have a way to stay cool, pack an umbrella. For those spending a good amount of time at the beach, Serena and Lily's retro fringe umbrella may be worth investing in—it weighs nine pounds, folds down small, and comes with a carrying case and strap for easy travel. For something more budget-friendly, the Sport-Brella clamps on to beach chairs, golf bags, strollers, and even bleachers, giving you shade wherever your travels take you this summer. Even better, it weighs just under two pounds.
Lightweight clothing
During summer vacations, jeans hardly ever make the cut. Instead, lightweight trail shorts, exercise dresses, and loose, drape-y frocks from Cuyana are on rotation. Todd Snyder's linen jersey T-shirt is a made-for-summer essential, too.
Pet gear
High temperatures can be just as uncomfortable for pets. Whether you're bringing your pup along on a road trip or to a weekend vacation rental, these cooling pet beds will be a welcome addition to the packing list.
