What Heat Wave? Keep Cool During Summer Trips with These 13 Items.

The summer heat waves and extreme weather events have arrived with gusto, and they don’t show any sign of mellowing out anytime soon. No matter if you’re thinking of heading out on a hike, are traveling to a summer music festival, or simply hitting the highway for a classic California road trip in the months to come, keeping cool is imperative for your comfort and safety. Here are the essential travel items you should keep at the ready while traveling during a heat wave.

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Electrolytes

An absolute essential for both climbers and festival-goers, we’re a huge fan of electrolyte packets, especially ones like Nuun, which have no sugar added. The berry flavors are particularly good.

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Smith Embark Sunglasses

Sunscreen and hats seem like the obvious thing when it comes to sun protection, but travelers often forget about how much of an impact UV rays can make on your eyes, especially with prolonged exposure. These sunnies also have side shields, further protecting your peepers from harm.

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Portable Neck Fan

A neck fan is not only great for if you’re working outdoors during a heat wave, but for day hikes and festivals as well. Sure, they may not be the most stylish things to wear, but they really do help beat the heat.

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Camelbak

A bit of a no-brainer when it comes to being in a heat wave is making sure you stay hydrated. Always pack a water bottle or water filtration system if you plan on hiking. We’re a huge fan of the classic Camelbak to have water at the ready.

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Anti-Chafing Stick

Thick thighs save lives, but they also cause chafing. Thank goodness for chafing sticks, like the Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick, which prevents the inevitable irritation especially when clocking extra milage during the summer months.

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Hoka x Cotopaxi Breeze Low

Boasting Cotopaxi’s signature vibrant colors and Hoka’s technical but stylish design, this super-ventilated hiker is perfect for summer. This collaboration benefits True Colors United, an organization that provides support to unhoused LGBTQ youth.

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Freezable Snack Bag

We’ve been there: hungry on a hike with an energy bar melting in our hand. Packit’s cute and compact snack bag can prevent dreaded snack melt and keep your lip balm and sun-screen blissfully chilled when you’re out on the trail.

Buffs

Most folks think of these for cold weather scenarios, but buffs are actually great for keeping harmful UV rays off the back of your neck or face as well. From serving as a neck gaiter to a hair tie, they’re a functional piece that every traveler should have on hand.

Sun Hoodies

It may seem counter-intuitive to be wearing a long-sleeved shirt in the heat, but it’s the best way to protect yourself from a painful sunburn, especially if you’re out on the water. The Colombia Omni-Shade blocks UVA and UVB rays and is so light and breathable that you won’t even notice you’re fully covered up.

Lifestraw Go

Pack perfectly potable water no matter the source with the new 24-oz.stainless Lifestraw Go water bottle, tricked out with a two-stage filter that removes bacteria, microplastics, and other contaminants.

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Vacation Sunscreen

This vegan, water resistant SPF 50 product will have you craving reapplication it smells so good. They make a chardonnay sunscreen oil that gives your skin a stunning summer glow, too.

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prAna Shorts

The prAna stretch Zion short is made from a comfortable stretchy fabric that features moisture wicking properties, great breathability, as well as UPF 50+ sun protection.

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Filson Summer Packer Hat

A great hat with SPF is a must when spending time outdoors this time of year, but many options can be less than attractive. With clean lines and classic fedora style, this packable hat from one of our favorite PNW producers is durable, breathable, and doesn’t get destroyed when folded up into a pack.

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