8 Best Summer Time Outdoors Products Our Editors Loved

Jun 05, 2025

Soaking up the sun doesn't have to be expensive. These expert-recommended and editor-loved products start at just $13 and provide practical solutions for picnics at the park, sunburn-free scalps and more.

No matter if you want to swing between trees with an editor-approved, under-$30 hammock, or are in need of a first-aid kit to pack and use in a pinch, many of the items below are made with materials that are meant to be used outdoors.

From UPF fabrics to waterproof nylon, they'll keep you both protected from the sun and dry, should you happen to be splashed by water.

Health and wellness expert Liz Plosser stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to highlight these products, that promise to make getting outside easier and more enjoyable.

Repel mosquitoes without having to wear bug spray thanks to this tabletop device.

If you’re not a fan of the smell and stickiness that comes with applying bug spray, rely on these lanterns instead. They use essential oils to keep bugs at bay, and last up to four hours on a single charge.

The flame effect turns on automatically at dusk, and the essential oils create a 15ft. bubble, surrounding and protecting you during family dinners, bonfires and more.

Skinned knees, blisters and scraped elbows all come with playing outside. Be prepared with this portable first aid kit, that comes in a travel-friendly case.

I [Hoeger] have been using Welly since college — their kits are easy to stash in the glovebox, diaper bag or suitcase for access to first aid care no matter where you are.

Their bandages are durable and withstand the elements, including water and dirt. Plus, it comes perfectly organized in this portable tin, so you can spend time patching up wounds rather than digging around for what you need.

Similarly, the women's version of these shoes promise to keep feet dry while doing water activities.

The women’s version of these shoes feature a similar silhouette and materials — to keep multiple members of the family feeling comfortable and dry.

These water shoes feature a breathable mesh fabric so feet don't remain wet for long, and a durable rubber outsole.

Plosser says these shoes are chic enough to be worn to the family barbecue after spending the day on the water — especially when paired with linen shorts.

They have a breathable mesh fabric up top to ensure feet dry faster, and a durable rubber outsole for traction to avoid slips on slick terrain.

This sunscreen stick applies similarly to deodorant, simply swipe on your face, neck and other spots to remain protected from the sun.

Experts say you’re more likely to reapply sunscreen when it comes in the form of a stick rather than a lotion or spray. This small pick is TSA-approved — which proves perfect to toss in a bag for your next beach vacation or bachelorette party.

It’s made with key ingredients like aloe vera and green tea leaf extract, that help it to soothe skin while providing SPF 50 protection.

This running cap promises to stay in place, and has built-in UPF 50 protection.

Your ears are just as prone to sunburns as the rest of your body — keep them protected with this cap that features ear flaps to fold over. It's made with the brand's Active Athlon fabric, which has UPF 50 protection and promises to remain breathable.

Similarly, this hat offers UPF 50 protection and promises to stay in place no matter the activity — running, hiking or relaxing at the beach.

This ball cap is perfect for any activity — golf, running, water sports and more, thanks to its sweat-wicking band that will keep your forehead free from sweat beads.

It even has a designated spot for a ponytail, bun or braid — so you don't have to sacrifice a cute hairstyle when sporting this cap.

This 4-in-1 hammock allows you to lounge between trees, act as a poncho in a pinch, be laid out on the ground as a makeshift blanket or be set up as a miniature tent for shade.

This affordable and travel-friendly 4-in-1 hammock is Amazon's #1 bestseller in the hammocks category — and it's under $30. It's made out of durable nylon material that easily stretches between trees and promises to dry quickly should you get caught in the rain.

I [Hoeger] have owned one of these since high school — and it's proven to be a comparable choice to name-brand options.

This portable picnic blanket folds into itself, in order to conserve space in any bag you want to pack it in.

If you're anything like my friend group, park days are often on the itinerary any time the weather rises above 70 degrees.

However, we're often without a blanket or something to sit on. This portable picnic blanket hopes to resolve that, by packing into itself and remaining lightweight enough to toss into any bag.

Beat the heat with a fan that you can take virtually anywhere.

"It’s a fan, portable charger and flashlight that all fits in the palm of your hand," says associate editor, Kamari Stewart. "The fan is surprisingly powerful and has several speeds. I find it most helpful when I’m waiting for the subway because it’s so hot down there.”

Repel bugs off of clothing, outdoor furniture and more with this simple spray.

This fragrance-free bug repellant can be spritzed onto outdoor furniture, gear and even clothing to offer protection from pests, without damaging or staining them.

The brand says it lasts for up to six weeks or through six washes, keeping you and your items covered for the majority of the summer.

This bestselling portable charger can charge a phone 50% in just 30 minutes.

This portable charger has both wireless and corded charging options, to juice multiple devices at once — earbuds, smartphones, watches and more.

It's made out of waterproof silicone and flame-retardant materials to help it withstand the elements.

These shorts are designed with UPF 30 protection and an adjustable elastic waist.

Made entirely out of a moisture-wicking and quick-drying nylon material, Columbia says these shorts were made for water activities, no matter if you're sitting lakeside or jet skiing.

Reviewers say they run small and recommend sizing up for a more preferred and comfortable fit.

This portable game is perfect for the campground, tailgate or any backyard big or small.

Complaints of "I'm bored" will be quickly settled with this portable cornhole game, that easily folds to fit in a carrying case that can be stowed in any backseat or bag.

Players aim and toss the included beanbags into the holes, trying to see who can sink the most without going over 21 points.

Keep essentials within reach while running or hiking with this belt.

Sometimes bulky baggage can weigh you down — this belt has 360-degree storage, meaning you can store a cell phone, granola bar, headphones, cards and more within.

The brand says it won't budge either, because the last thing you want to deal with on a run or hike is holding it in place.

Fill this bucket with ice to keep drinks, juice boxes, snacks or even bait cold for hours on end.

Post-soccer practice juice boxes, pre-game six-packs, fishing bait and more will remain chilled in this ice bucket, that's crafted with double-wall insulation.

It also has a lid and an easy-to-grip handle to make transporting it even easier.

The Shop TODAY editors and writers searched Amazon to find the best products. We comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. The products featured in this article were chosen by Liz Plosser and members of the Shop TODAY editorial team.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.

Sierra is an associate editor for Shop TODAY.