Summer Essentials Starter Kit
Get ready to hike, beach, camp, and lounge at any given moment.
May is just about gone which means summer is here! And I have one goal in mind: to soak up every ounce of the sun, and any adventure that comes to mind. This summer, I’m saying yes, yes, yes to being outside, getting creative, and maximizing long days. I wonder if any of you can relate to the feeling that the year revolves around summer. Something about being suddenly flushed with vitamin D just brings people back to life… big surprise. This season has a way of presenting opportunities at a moment’s notice. Spontaneity must be a seasonal side effect.
Here are all of my summer must-haves. This is everything you can find in my car or my tote bag at any given time during these few blissful months in the PNW. Hopefully this gets your wheels turning back into a sunny mindset, too!
Hike
In my car, you can almost always find a pair of hiking shoes, wool socks, and day-hike essentials. Right about now, I’m swapping the boots for some low-tops, a beanie for a sunhat, and gloves for sunglasses.
Hiking on hot summer days means breathable shoes. So typically I’ll grab a non-waterproof, lightweight shoe with some crew Merino wool socks. Actually, I’m currently in the market for a new pair, since my garage sale $5 used Merrell Moabs finally deteriorated past repair. So HMU if you have any suggestions.
I also like to have a pair of hiking sandals just in case those are more suitable for the trail. I like my Chacos, but there are lots of great options on the market. Some Keens with a closed toe are great if you’re trekking in and out of water.
A baseball cap and/or wide-brimmed sunhat is perfect. I’m still obsessed with this one from Cotopaxi.
To finish it off: sunglasses, SPF lip balm, a water bottle— the usuals! I like to keep these in a minimal day-pack for a quick grab if I decide to hit the trail after work on whim.
Beach
While we don’t have white sand beaches and 70 degree water in western Washington, we do have some lovely coastal gems. From warm rock slab beaches to crystal clear lakes, we’re never short on water time around here. And in the peak of summer, you won’t catch me going anywhere without at least a handful of beach essentials. I might find myself at the lake after work, paddle-boarding, jumping in, or just lounging on the beach.
In my car I’ve always got a towel and a blanket. I alternate between a heavy, woven blanket from Amazon, and a puffer blanket similar to this one. And I even like to have my microfiber camp towel on hand (it packs up nice a small) to either wrap my hair or if I’m trying to carry less things.
In my tote bag, a reef-safe, non-toxic SPF (I love anything by Sunbum). For years I’ve kept one of these face sticks in all my bags. And a matching SPF lip balm!
I’ve also got my trusty Kindle Paperwhite. It’s lightweight, easy to read in the sun, and has an astonishingly long battery life. It does well in the heat, and has a whole library to choose from. An insulated tumbler for cold drinks (I just got this one and I’m obsessed with it). Nourishing lotion or body butter— after long days in salt water, this is a must.
So is a leave-in conditioner for your locks! Over the years i’ve realized that a hearty hair oil will do the trick as a detangler, especially on coarse, frizzy waves like mine. So any natural oil-based product of your choice is great! And a soft scrunchie to keep wet hair out of the face.
A pair of snorkel-style goggles, duh (these from Honey Swim are on my wishlist). And I also try to have a bikini with me at all times, haha. I keep a trusty one in my car, and usually stuff another one in my backpack or tote for the day… juuust in case.
Pro tip: I love to bring coconut oil with me everywhere. A tiny bit on the ends of hair, and all over the body after the beach is divine. Just make sure you have a ziplock bag in case of leaks!
Camp
I’m a car camper. I actually don’t own a tent yet! Imagine that. For now it’s camping in the back of the Dream Wagon. Here are a few items I always have setup in my car for cozy nights and fun days at camp.
Battery-operated string lights line the interior of my car, and crudely homemade window covers give me some privacy at night. It’s in the back of my mind to update those soon. An inflatable sleeping pad is great since it’s easy to roll-up or out when needed. Sleeping pad, pillow— you know the drill. A battery-operated fan for extra circulation is such a must on hot nights. Maybe even tinted bug mesh window covers are in order!
It’s not camp without a s’mores kit! I love the Solo Stove for a hassle-free s’mores situation. A little hack Kirk likes to do is use to-go chopsticks as mallow skewers. At your own risk, of course, but they honestly work great.
A good book (or the Kindle)— okay, this is usually in my car anyways but extra important for camp! Otherwise, a foldable camp chair, a deck of cards, frisbee, hammock, and the like!
Anything I missed? What are your summer essentials? I find it’s usually much simpler to get outside than it seems. With just a few staple items you probably already own, you open up so many outdoor opportunities for the season.