After 10 years of traveling to ecotourism destinations all around the world, Mary and I have developed quite a few travel packing tips that make our trip preparation a breeze.
She’s the organized one: For our trip to Sanibel Island, Florida she printed out a beach vacation packing list weeks in advance. Every time we thought of a new item we wanted to bring along, we added it to the list.
This was our first real beach vacation (i.e. no work obligations!!) in years. And since Sanibel is just a 9-hour drive from our home in Atlanta, we took a road trip down. This allows us to pack much more liberally than when we fly (which we always do carryon-only).
So our beach vacation checklist is a little different from our usual, including things like floats, beach vacation packing list, beach canopies, and even my daughter’s inflatable stand-up paddle board!
Here’s a look at some of the new items we’ll be taking along on our next beach vacation, from swimwear and sunglasses to snorkeling/Scuba gear and various kinds of sun protection.
READ MORE: The Best Travel Clothes For Every Travel Style
- Beach Swimwear
- Beach Clothing
- Water/Beach Shoes
- Cabanas/Chairs/Hammocks for the Beach
- Sun/Skin Protection
- Swim/Snorkel/Dive Gear for the Beach
- Bags & Coolers for a Beach Vacation
- Beach Friendly Tech
- Miscellaneous Cool Beach Gear
- Other items to Pack
BEACH SWIMWEAR
Patagonia Nanogrip Nireta Bikini
Mary loves this form-flattering, Fair Trade Certified, athletic-inspired swimsuit from Patagonia. It’s made of super-soft 83% recycled polyester/17% spandex jersey fabric, with a blended microfiber “stay-put” lining that keeps everything where it’s supposed to be.
Designed for long days in the water and on the beach, the full-coverage top offers a high neckline that provides sun protection and impressive support for her girls. It also has unique back straps that remove some of the strain other bikinis put on her neck and shoulders.
The banded waist and moderate coverage of the matching bikini bottoms give them a look that’s both sporty and sassy. Mary loves the Solar Paradise design, but there are four other patterns (including the adorable Fireside Folk) to choose from.
READ MORE: Top 20 Things To Do in Jamaica for Nature Lovers (Ecotourism Guide)
Smerelda Dark Florals & Botanic Bikinis
Finding bikinis that perfectly balance sweet and sexy can sometimes be a challenge. But Smerelda, an artsy bohemian brand influenced by colorful Caribbean and Latin American cultures, treads that line beautifully.
Take their Dark Florals bikini, which features a vivid array of flowers on a black background. The Meadow top features off-the-shoulder straps and a sweetheart neckline that gives it a romantic appeal. But the ruffled Waist Flounce bottoms, which offer medium coverage, are just cheeky enough to give the ensemble a look of flirtatious fun.
The bright reds and oranges of the mid-rise Botanic Hipster Bikini Bottom evoke images of tropical paradise, while showing just enough skin to flatter the cheeks. Pair it with the matching Euphoria Top– which offers structured, push-up support and ties at the neck and back– for a distinctive look you won’t see on anyone else at the beach!
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Red Dolly Swimwear
Everyone’s beach trip packing list starts with swimsuits. Both Mary and my 16-year-old daughter are huge fans of the Red Dolly’s retro pinup style.
Mary likes it because the cuts flatter her curvy figure, while my daughter likes the fact that they usually cover a bit more skin than today’s barely-there bikinis.
Red Dolly specializes in vintage clothing for “classy dolls,” offering more than a dozen retro-style swimsuits for women and girls.
From the classic Polka Dot High Waist Bikini and the playful Pink & Green Cactus One-Piece pictured above to tropical and anchor-print swimsuits, all of their clothes are utterly adorable.
Many of them are also available in matching styles for girls and babies, making them a great choice for fun moms who want to flaunt their retro fashion flair.
Curvy Kate Aloha Tankini & Freya Rumble Tropic Swimsuit
Most off-the-rack bikinis don’t provide enough support for Mary, or don’t give enough coverage for her voluptuous figure. She loves the Aloha Tankini from Curvy Kate because it’s flirty, fun, and flattering.
The top supports her ample assets via a padded underwire bra designed to support cup sizes ranging from D to K.
It also offers a slimming shape, with gathering at the sides that allows you to control how much skin you show.
Freya’s Rumble Tropic Swimsuit is also underwired, with padded cups for extra plunge and support.
We’re wild about the tropical paradise design, which features colorful pink flowers all around and a Leopard right in front.
Kavu Go Big Boardshorts
Most guys can probably agree that finding a decent pair of swimming trunks that do the simple job of being comfortable, long-lasting, and looking cool can be a bit tricky.
Kavu has made it easy with their new Go Big board shorts. Depicting a tranquil setting, featuring evergreen trees and blue sky reflected on the water of a placid lake, the design couldn’t be more perfect for our style.
With black trim framing the gorgeous photo, the shorts feature a front-tie closure and a velcro fly.
There’s also a front zipper pocket with an internal elastic cord key loop for holding small valuables or pieces of gear. They’re perfect for the beach or just chilling by the pool.
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Patagonia Men’s Baggies
I’ve always been picky when it comes to swimsuits. I generally prefer a relaxed fit, board short length, and prints that aren’t too boring or too athletic or too “Hey, look at me!” loud.
With their 7” inseam and 11 prints to choose from, Patagonia’s Fair Trade Certified line of Men’s Baggies fits the bill. They’re made from 100% nylon, 92% of which is recycled material, with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that ensures quick drying. There are two vertical side pockets with drain-and-dry mesh corners, plus a rear snap pocket for added storage.
There are five plain colors for boring dudes. But I prefer colorful patterns such as the verdant green “Hexy Fish,” the navy blue “Fun Hogs,” and the copper “Solar Paradise,” which I refuse to get because it matches our next product…
READ MORE: The World’s Most Colorful Beaches (For Your World Travel Bucket List)
BEACH CLOTHING
Kenny Flowers The Aqua Dimes Kimono &
The Song Saa shirt
Find comfortable fit and the essence of beach vibes in all of Kenny Flowers clothing. They make great travel apparel for tropical, beach destinations.
Get a limited edition 100% Rayon Aqua Dimes Kimono, made in Bali. The mid-thigh length flowy cover-up is perfect for beach days and adventures in the sun. They can be worn over a bikini, with the belt or tied at the ends as a type of top.
For the guys, there is the Song Saa shirt. They are also made in Bali, 100% Rayan and are limited edition. The shirt has a relaxed fit and versatile design. They come with extra, unique features, such as coconuttons and a sunglasses loop.
Tipsy Elves Men’s Neon Piñata Shirt
If you followed our recent travels in Kenya on social media, chances are you’re already seen me rocking my favorite new shirt of the summer. We’ve always been big fans of Tipsy Elves’ Ugly Christmas Sweaters, so perhaps it’s no surprise we also dig the personality of their men’s clothing line.
From a distance, the navy blue Hawaiian-style shirt looks like something you’d see on any generic hipster. The 52% cotton, 48% rayon material is soft and casual, with a fit just snug enough to flatter. Only up close do you notice that the playful pattern features piñatas in neon pink and blue.
The colors are much more subtle than most of Tipsy Elves’ clothes, but that’s what I love about the shirt. It’s fun without crossing the line into flamboyant, and perfect for days at the beach or nights at the resort’s restaurant.
READ MORE: Things To Do On Hawaii’s Big Island
Royal Robbins Bug Barrier Sun Tunic
Depending on where you’re traveling to, bugs and insects can often be a problem at the beach. In Sanibel, no-see-ums (a.k.a. midges) can be a literal pain.
If you’re headed to the Caribbean Islands, South America, or Africa, viruses such as Malaria and West Nile are real threats. So you need to be protected.
Not only does this tunic from Royal Robbins have a built-in bug repellent system, but it’s still incredibly fashionable, not to mention comfortable to wear.
It has ventilation in order to keep you cool on warmer days and buttons up in the front for extra protection. It’s also super lightweight and compact, which easily lands it on your beach vacation checklist.
Toad & Co Debug Solaer Hoodie
As much as we love beaches (which is to say a LOT), the mosquitos and no-see-ums that come out at night can really put a damper on your sunset walk style. And dousing yourself in DEET doesn’t exactly lend itself to romantic evening cuddles.
This lightweight hoodie from Toad & Co is treated with Insect Shield technology to provide invisible, odorless protection against pests. The cotton-like fabric, partially featuring a unique polyester made from coffee grounds, is eco-friendly, moisture wicking, odor-inhibiting, and offers UPF 20+ protection from the sun.
Available in three colors, it’s a great-looking shirt that balances fashion and function amazingly well. And we love T&C’s guarantee that they’ll take it back if you don’t get a compliment within three wearings!
Nuu Muu Scoop Dress
The Mermaid Scoop Dress from Nuu Muu is that rare piece of beach clothing that could almost be considered modest.
It’s designed to be comfortable and very versatile, allowing you to wear it as a beach coverup, resort wear, or even when enjoying Stand Up Paddle boarding, running, yoga or playing tennis.
Nuu Muu have made a dress that has a beautiful design, with an aqua blue and white pattern overlaid with darker blue oceanic imagery.
But it also has a very flattering cut and style that suits almost every body type. It’s versatile, comfortable, and gorgeous to look at, showing just enough leg to qualify as sexy.
Life Is Good Beach Cover-Up
No need to use a towel as a beach cover-up anymore. With this extremely comfortable shirt from Life is Good, your cover-up just got a lot more stylish.
The shirt is made of very soft and lightweight woven Modal Moss Crepe, which is perfect for hot weather.
The V-neck tee has a relaxed fit, which not only stops it from clinging and making you hot, but gives you a very flowy and loose-fitting silhouette. The neckline isn’t too deep, and the 3/4-length sleeves roll up for more casual comfort.
The deceptively simple design is navy blue, which looks gorgeous in any aquatic setting. But, on closer inspection, all of the light blue stars in the pattern are made up of dozens of smaller stars. It’s so cozy, you’ll feel like a star while wearing it.
Songa Designs
As a socially conscious business whose founders are passionate about empowering indigenous communities, we were drawn to Songa Designs founder Sarah Sternberg’s story.
She fell in love with Rwanda during her first visit to the country, and founded Songa (Swahili for “the path forward”) to help provide financial independence for local female artisans.
The beautiful Jacqueline Handbag, made from woven banana leaf with a repurposed cow horn accent, was designed by the local for whom it is named.
Measuring 15″L x 6″W x 10″H, it’s the perfect bag for a day at the beach. Mary pairs it with Songa’s new hand-dyed Unity Beach Sarong.
The vividly colored garment is part of their collaboration with Kenyan collective Mrembo Africa (which has a similar female empowerment mission), and makes a fantastic cover-up.
READ MORE: Top 10 Exotic Islands for Your World Travel Bucket List
WATER/BEACH SHOES
Hey Dude Mistral Sneakers
When the sun is out at the beach, that usually means it’s going to be hot. That means you need protection, and not just for the skin on your face and body, but your feet as well.
We’ve all experienced the scorching sand that burns like fire. But even when you reach the water, there’s often sharp rocks, coral, and– in places like Sanibel– seashells. Ask me about the time I stepped on the business end of a 6-inch Lightning Whelk and nearly had to go to the hospital!
Available for men and women, these beauties from Hey Dude should definitely be on your beach trip packing list. They’ve got double mesh to keep stuff out, dry quickly thanks to copious drainage ports, and breathe well to ensure your feet don’t get sweaty. The fact that they’re also stylish is just a bonus.
Keen Women’s Newport Retro Shoes
When you travel light as we do, every piece of clothing you pack needs to be versatile. We love anything that can be used on the beach, the trail, and/or a night on the town.
The Newport Retro shoes from Keen offer a great mixture of fashion and function. The fun tie-dye pattern captures a sense of whimsy and matches just about any beach outfit.
The sandals are made with what is called a Metatomical Footbed, which supports the arch of your foot to provide long-lasting comfort.
Best of all, Keen’s unique design ensures that your toes are completely protected. Another must for your beach trip packing list.
Sole Women’s Beach Flips
You know, by now, that we’re extremely passionate about ecotourism and wildlife conservation. So naturally we enjoy wearing eco-friendly gear whenever possible.
Available in five colors, these new beach flips from Sole are a perfect example. They’re made with a 100% recycled cork footbed, courtesy of a partner (ReCORK) that has collected over 75 million wine corks for re-use.
The cork footbed has great moisture-wicking capabilities, and the flips are super comfortable thanks to moldable orthopedic support.
The cork also offers natural shock absorption, as well as equalizing the pressure distribution on your feet, which naturally helps to improve your balance and posture.
Twisted X Women’s ECO TWX Sandal
Specializing in comfortable, handcrafted footwear, Twisted X was one of our favorite new brands we discovered earlier this year at the Outdoor Retailer winter show.
Another great pair of eco-friendly sandals, Twisted X’s Women’s Eco TWX Sandal is made from recycled water bottles, with each pair using 13. For every pair sold, the sustainability-conscious company has pledged to plant a tree!
According to Mary, these sandals are incredibly comfortable, providing great arch support and all-day comfort. They’re simple, ethically made, and eco-friendly, with a perfect casual style for the beach.
Xero Shoes Z-Trail
Billed as ‘the ultimate trail-friendly sandal,” the Z-Trail from Xero Shoes (which are available in men’s and women’s sizes) could possibly be the best sandals we’ve reviewed this year.
They’re simply designed but incredibly well-made, strong, and durable. Frankly, we haven’t found a single surface or activity that these sandals aren’t perfect for.
They offer complete protection for the bottoms of your feet, yet they’re incredibly lightweight and flexible.
You can use them on the beach, hiking trails, exploring ancient Mayan Ruins, or wandering the streets of a new city. Wherever you wear them, the Z Trail’s unique design ensures you’ll barely know they’re there.
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Cabanas/Chairs/Hammocks for the Beach
Mountainsmith Shade Dome
Though my younger self would barely believe my current self is saying this, shade is your best friend on the beach. Not only does it help prevent sunburn (and skin cancer), but it also keeps you and your food and drinks cool.
The Mountainsmith Shade Dome measures 10 x 10 feet, providing you with 100 square feet of shade space. It also comes with a removable wall, allowing you to adjust the wall with the rising or dipping of the sun, ensuring shade throughout the day.
The dome is incredibly easy to set up, and the handy stash pockets can hold your sunscreen, phone, or other valuables to keep them from getting wet or sandy. It’s great for the beach, but also perfect for picnic lunches in our favorite state or national park.
Kelty Cabana
If you want shade at the beach, but prefer something a bit more semi-enclosed, the Kelty Cabana should be on your vacation packing list.
The cabana is fitted with three mesh side walls/windows, which give you a sense of privacy and also provide great ventilation. The mesh will also keep any bugs and insects out, as well as any serious sand blown by the wind.
Kelty has long been one of our favorite brands in the outdoor gear industry, and their legacy of quality shines through with this cabana. The wrapped fiberglass poles add structural integrity. And if you want to settle down for a nap, the front door toggles up for added privacy.
Crazy Creek Hammock
Is there anything better than having a midday nap in the shade of a few huge palm trees, with the sound of the ocean in the background singing you to sleep?
The Crazy Creek Hammock is one of the best hammocks we’ve tested for lazy days at the beach. And even though it looks a bit tricky, it’s actually a cinch to set-up.
The coolest thing about it is that you can combine the hammock and a tarp (which can be purchased together or separately) to give you a brilliant sleeping option while camping.
The hammock is made of strong, 70D coated nylon and has a 300-pound weight capacity. Yet this lightweight hammock weighs just 23 ounces, and fits into its own 16″L x 7″W x 2″D stuff sack.
SUN/SKIN PROTECTION
Sunski Sunglasses
Based in San Francisco, the Sunski line initially got our attention with their sustainability initiatives. Not only are their sunglasses made from recycled plastic, but the company also donates 1% of all sales proceeds to environmentally-focused NGOs.
But eco-friendly doesn’t mean diddly squat if the product is also eco-ugly. But Sunski’s sunglasses have style to spare. The Chalet, with its tortoise-shell frame and sapphire reflective lenses, has a retro sense of artistic flare. The Manresa, which is black with flecks of grey around the bottom, has a distinguished look that perfectly accentuates my silver hair.
All of their styles come with polarized polycarbonate lenses, with a case included and a lifetime warranty. And with an average price of $50 to $60, they’re as easy on your wallet as they are on the planet.
Wewood Crux Sunglasses
No beach trip packing list would be complete without sunglasses. We’ve been fans of WeWOOD watches for years, so naturally we were drawn to their handsome Crux line of sunglasses.
The unisex design is available in 10 different colors, with stylish frames made of natural cotton fiber and wood pulp. This innovative approach allows them to achieve a natural look while using sustainable materials, as opposed to chopping down more trees.
The lenses (which also come in different colors) are, unfortunately, not polarized. But they do offer 100% UV protection, ensuring your eyes stay safe in the bright sun of the tropics.
With their wood grain texture and slick metallic accents, they also make a strong fashion statement that’s equally cool whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring the local town.
Costa Pescador Sunglasses
Costa is another brand we’ve reviewed several times before.
Their new Pescador Sunglasses are also eco-friendly, made with a combination of recycled fishing net for the frames and recycled aluminium for the logo. They come with a ReFleece case, which is made from reclaimed textiles and recycled plastic bottles.
Even better, given our planet’s current plastic waste crisis, every part of these sunglasses is recyclable. Even the nose and temple pads!
Costa offers seven different lens types for different light conditions, so you choose your pair based on your preferred activity. The Pescador is also available with removable shields, which are great for protecting glare from entering your peripheral vision.
Popticals PopGear NYDEF Sunglasses
This may sound like hype, but these sunglasses from Popticals may revolutionize what you know about sunglasses.
These sunglasses are designed with a patented FL2 Micro-Rail System, which allows your sunglasses to fold up into a much more compact configuration.
Not only does this folding method make them great for travelers, but it also helps to protect your glasses from scratches and dings.
Of course the shades also block out 100% of UV rays, completely protecting your eyes against any harmful rays.
Native Eyewear
Confession time: I wear my sunglasses almost all the time when I’m not at home.
Not because I wanna look cool, but because my eyes are ultra-sensitive to sun, fluorescent, halogen… basically any intense form of light you can imagine.
Native Eyewear’s N3 lenses block up to 4X more infrared light than regular polarized lenses, dramatically reducing blue light and filtering UV rays. Perfect for your beach packing list.
The result is crisp, high contrast visuals that are easy on the ol’ baby blues. Their durable Kodiak Desert Tort and Kodiak Wood frames are my personal favorites: Both come with a SportFlex lens kit and are backed by a lifetime warranty.
Conner Aztec Boater Recycled Hat
What sunglasses do for your eyes, a hat does for the rest of your head (i.e. protects it from the sun). Whether we’re hiking in Costa Rica, on safari watching for animals in Kenya, or visiting the world’s most beautiful beaches, we’ve learned to ALWAYS pack a hat. They should definitely be on your list of things to bring to the beach.
I’m pretty damn picky about my hats, but the Conner Aztec Boater is an excellent, eco-friendly option. It’s made of recycled bottles, and comes in completely biodegradable packaging.
But beyond environmental concerns, the Aztec Boater is stylish, with a dash of that Indiana Jones-style swagger.
The brim is wide enough to protect you from the sun, and is also brilliantly ventilated to keep you cool on even the hottest days. Best of all, it will not shrink, it won’t fade, and it even floats on water! What more can you ask for in a beach hat?
Wallaroo Hats
If the Indiana Jones look of the Conner Aztec Boater isn’t your thing, the Colorado-based, Australia-influenced Wallaroo Hats has an array of chapeaus that make for perfect beach vacation lids.
The Women’s Bianca Visor looks equally awesome on the beach, the boat, or the tennis court. With the exception of the trim, the hat is made from 100% sustainable paper braid, which gives it a distinctly tropical look. The gold-edged suede ribbon at the crown offers a dash of glam that makes it a perfect accessory for just about any resort wear.
The Men’s St. Tropez Fedora is practically dripping with Caribbean cool. The 3-color blocking gives it a unique stylistic appeal, and the 100% paper braid makes it eco-friendly as well. It comes in two sizes, both with an internal drawstring that allows you to adjust the fit. And the soft taco-style fold makes it perfectly packable for travel.
Goddess Garden Organics
With me turning 50 this year and Mary hitting 40 something next year, we’ve both become increasingly conscious of the need to take good care of our skin. Especially since we spend so much time outdoors in the garden, at the lake, on the beach, etc.
Colorado-based Goddess Garden Organics was co-founded by Nova Covington and Paul Halter, who both grew up in Oregon and have backgrounds in herbalism and nutrition science, respectively. They started the company because their daughter was allergic to the chemicals in many skincare products, so they work with pure minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
The line has an array of products to protect you from the sun, including Facial Natural Sunscreen Lotion, Sport Natural Sunscreen Stick, Aloe Vera After-Sun Gel Spray, and Face the Day Daily SPF 30 Moisturizer & Firming Primer. Not only are they all natural, but they’re also reef safe and cruelty free. So they’re as good for the planet as they are for your skin.
Beyond Coastal
There’s a long history of cancer in my immediate family (both paternal grandparents and both aunts). So the older I get, the more conscious I become of protecting myself from the sun.
So our family’s vacation packing checklist always includes a variety of sunscreens, aloe, and other skin protection products.
We love Beyond Coastal’s Natural Sunscreen and Natural Lip & Face Screen: Both use all natural ingredients, block 97% of sunburn-causing UVB rays, and were listed among the “Top Sunscreens” in the Environmental Working Group’s annual sunscreen guide.
We also adore their Mint Leaf and Vanilla Bean Active Lip Balms. They moisturize with aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin E, and were rated the #1 non-mineral lip balm by the EWG.
Thermacell Backpacker
Other than impaling your foot on a seashell (which happened to me) or getting stung by a Sea Urchin (which happened to a friend), few things ruin a day at the beach faster than bugs.
Thermacell’s Backpacker Mosquito Repeller offers beach-lovers and backpackers alike a compact, portable way to keep biting bugs at bay. Add it to your beach trip packing list if you haven’t already.
It weighs in at just 4 ounces and uses the same gas canisters used for camp stoves.
Yet provides a 15′ X 15′ area of protection, with a fuel-efficient design that can keep your evening mosquito-free on less gas than it takes to boil a pot of water. Bonus: No Zika virus for you!
READ MORE: The Top 10 Things to Do in Barbados (for Nature & History Lovers)
SWIM/SNORKEL/DIVE GEAR FOR THE BEACH
Floatation Iq Floating Oasis
We haven’t seen them at the beach yet, but the floating aqua pad appears to be the year’s most popular party accessory on our local lake, Allatoona. It seems like almost everybody has one, and it’s easy to understand the appeal.
Floatation IQ’s Floating Oasis is massive, measuring 15’ long by 6’ wide, and can support up to 1,500 pounds. It’s comprised of two layers of super-buoyant Polyethylene foam, which makes it very lightweight but ultra-durable. In fact, it’s puncture resistant, tear resistant, chemical resident, and weather resistant, so it’s guaranteed not to fade or disintegrate over time.
And since the 1.5” inch foam doesn’t weigh much and doesn’t need to be inflated, it’s relatively compact and portable. Just unroll it when it’s time to play, then roll it up and fasten with the two included nylon straps for easy stowage.
Decathlon Full Face Snorkeling Mask Easybreath
Snorkeling is one of the most fun activities you can do at the beach. Exploring beneath the surface and seeing what you can discover. To do this though, you need a snorkelling mask, and a full face snorkel mask is the way to go.
This mask from Decathlon, gives you the ability to see and breathe easily, using a system that draws oxygen in one tube, and expels carbon dioxide out the other, ensuring your mask never fogs up, and you are never short of breath.
Sport RX Rec Specs Shark Swim Goggles
If you’re anything like us, the most fun you have when you go to the beach is out in the water.
Whether you’re snorkeling or just swimming laps, goggles are much smaller and easier to pack than a mask. But if you wear glasses like I do, you’re going to need prescription lenses to ensure that you can actually see the marine life during your underwater adventure.
The Rec Specs Shark swim goggles from Sport RX are affordable goggles that you can order online, without having to go into a store. You just need a copy of your prescription and a measurement of the distance between your eyes.
Their custom made lenses ensure perfect clarity, while the sturdy, well-made body is designed for durability. It may take some adjustment to prevent water seeping in, but overall they’re great goggles.
Misfit Speedo Shine
Mary and I are always happiest when we’re in, on, or around the water. Last year we got serious about swimming for exercise, working our way up to doing 1.5 miles 3-4 times a week.
The Shine 2 Swimmers Edition fitness tracker by Misfit is tailor-made for swimmers, allowing you to track your laps, total swim distance, calories burned, and more.
It also features a smart button for controlling connected household devices, vibration alerts for calls and texts, movement reminders, and alarms.
It comes with two sport bands, action clip, and quick start guide. It’s easy to use, and being able to track my stats while swimming at the lake has really encouraged me to push myself further in my quest to get in shape!
Finis Swim Gear
Finis offers a broad range of products for all skill levels, from fitness swimmers like us to hardcore racing enthusiasts.
Our beach vacation packing list includes their center-mount Swimmer’s Snorkel, Edge high-velocity swim fins, and Circuit Goggles, which feature anti-fogging UV lenses and interchangeable nosepieces for a custom fit.
I’ll also be using their Duo underwater mp3 player, which clips to your goggle straps and uses Bone Conduction audio transmission to deliver remarkably clear audio through your cheekbones to the inner ear.
I’m hoping to work my way up to using the Drag+Fly adjustable swim chute, which provides variable resistance for strength and endurance training.
Freestyle Dive Watches
I’m generally not much of a collector (thankfully I did not inherit my late father’s OCD-driven hoarding). But I will admit to having more watches than any one person really needs.
Freestyle is a new brand for us this year, but I love the fact that their dive watches are all water resistant to 660 feet and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. It’s tough to choose a favorite model.
The Hammerhead XL boasts a handsome silver 48mm case, durable black polyurethane band, and luminous hands and markers that glow in the dark.
The Precision 2.0 is a unique analogue-digital hybrid offering dual time, dual alarms, chronograph, and a large wrist fit. I love the all-black look, but at $40 cheaper the Hammerhead is a better deal.
READ MORE: Snorkeling/Scuba Diving the Cancun Underwater Museum
BAGS & COOLERS FOR A BEACH VACATION
Mountain Khakis Compass Backpack Cooler Tote
The appeal of Mountain Khakis’ Compass Backpack cooler should be obvious. It allows 19.5 liters of hands-free carrying capacity, which is enough to hold 30 cold cans.
The bag is highly insulated with 15mm PE Foam, keeping the contents cool on even the hottest days. It’s also highly efficient, with the seamless, vinyl drop-in liner preventing any leaks and making it easier to clean.
The built-in zippered security pocket offers a hidden place to store your valuables, and there’s even a bottle opener lanyard inside it.
But our favorite features are the tote handle on top and the climbing rope handle on the side, which give you a variety of different carrying options.
Mountainsmith The Cooloir
Measuring just 14 x 15 x 10.5 inches, the Cooloir 24 from Mountainsmith may seem small. But the soft-sided cooler can easily hold 24 cans and ice, which is plenty for a day at the beach.
Made with heavy-duty closed-cell EVA foam insulation, the cooler is seam-sealed, with a double wall construction. In English, this means it’s guaranteed to keep the contents cool for up to 72 hours.
The interior cooler is removable for easy cleaning: When it’s taken out, the exterior lining can be used as a less-insulated cooler.
The bag also has a water-resistant external zipper, heavy-duty hardware, and adjustable padded shoulder sling and dual tote-style handles to give you carrying options.
Seabags Casco Bay Nautical Chart Tote
If you’re looking for something a bit more stylish in a beach bag, the Nautical Chart Tote from Seabags could definitely be your new favorite.
We love the artistic nautical map design, which depicts Casco Bay in Portland, Maine. Combined with the hand-spliced hemp rope handles, it gives this bag a unique appeal that seems tailor-made for seaside activities.
For you eco-friendly fashionistas, the bag is made from recycled sailcloth, with a crisp, white interior liner. It’s also machine washable, allowing you to clean any spills or stains without risking the integrity of the bag.
Matador Camera Base Layer
After investing several thousand dollars into a Canon 70D, two lenses, a 1.4 extender, and various other accessories, protecting our camera gear is an absolute necessity.
The Camera Base Layer from Matador is a great place to start. It protects your DSLR camera against the bumps and scratches that often come with outdoor adventure. And when you throw the integrated rain fly over the bag, it protects it from water as well.
The bag can fit most, if not all, DSLR cameras with ease. The Base Layer adjusts to the shape of the camera in order to ensure it is completely protected.
Best of all, with a weight of just 3 ounces, you can easily wear this bag around your neck, keeping your gear close and fully protected from the elements.
Dakine Cyclone Bags
Originally designed with surfers in mind, Dakine’s Cyclone line offers rugged, waterproof, seam-welded construction that ensures your dry stuff stays dry. It also offers storage for keeping your swimsuit or wetsuit separate from everything else.
The Women’s 27L Cyclone Tote Pack is a great example. Made of coated Cordura fabric, it’s got a front stash pocket perfect for keeping your keys, wallet, phone, and other valuables safe. The spacious main compartment has a PU slide seal zipper, and there are cinch straps for carrying an extra towel, mat, or other gear. Best of all, it quickly converts from tote to backpack with air mesh straps.
The Cyclone Duffle is also made from coated Corder Ripstop, and has removable padded backpack straps. Its 60L interior offers in more storage space: Enough to hold a wetsuit, towels, or whatever you may need for a day at the beach. Its coolest feature is a 2-way purge valve: Inflate it to make the bag float, or deflate it to compress everything inside and save space.
Sealline Gear
When you carry as much expensive camera gear and spend as much time on the water as we do, you learn the value of a solid waterproof bag very quickly. And when it comes to sheer diversity in terms of styles and sizes, few brands can match Sealine Gear in terms of scope. They’re great for kayakers, boaters, Scuba divers, or anyone else who loves water sports.
Available in 35, 70, and 115-liter sizes and a variety of vivid colors, their Black Canyon Boundary Backpack caught our eye at this year’s Outdoor Retailer show. Weighing 22 ounces (35-liter) to 40 ounces (115-liter), these PVC-free packs are 100% waterproof thanks to their DrySeal roll-top closure design. The adjustable padded shoulder straps and waist belt make for a comfortable carry, and all straps can be easily removed.
Sealline also boasts 10 different styles of packing system sacks to help protect and organize your gear. The splash-proof Blocker Cinch Sacks (available in 5 sizes) offer easy access via drawstring, while the Blocker PurgeAir Dry Sack allows you to purge trapped air to maximize packing space. The BlockerLite Compression Dry Sack offers award-winning ultralight compression, and the Blocker Zip Sack is great for toiletries and other small items.
READ MORE: The Best Carryon Luggage for Travelers
BEACH FRIENDLY TECH
PRO TREK PRG330
I’m literally the worst when it comes to getting batteries replaced, which explains why I currently have several beautiful watches just sitting in the drawer in my bathroom.
Thankfully the latest model from Casio’s Pro Trek line is solar powered, with a new engine and a 95% smaller direction sensor that reduces its power consumption by 90%. It power downs when it’s not exposed to light for an extended period, and can be charged up in low or fluorescent light.
Other features of the watch include the aforementioned digital compass, barometer, altimeter, thermometer, water resistance to a depth of 100 meters, low temperature resistance, sunrise and sunset data, and world time. In short, it’s an excellent watch for outdoor adventurers, especially kayakers, Scuba divers, and swimmers.
LightSaver Max Portable Solar Charger
A portable charger can be a lifesaver in certain circumstances, especially if you’re exploring remote places such as a secluded beach.
The LightSaver Max from Power Film Solar is one of the best portable solar chargers we’ve come across. The panel allows you to charge the device while the sun is out and you’re enjoying your day, then quickly charges your electronic devices.
The charger is fitted with a powerful 18000mAh battery and has a USB output, allowing you to charge your smartphone, tablet, camera, and even laptop. A brilliant piece of gear for your beach trip packing list.
It takes a little bit longer to fully charge using the sun (about 6 or 7 hours). But you can fully charge it from a standard wall plug in about 3 hours, which is perfect for juicing it up the night before your trip.
EcoFlow River Black Power Station
The River Black Mobile Power Station from EcoFlow is one of the most powerful portable chargers on the market, and arguably one of the best. It’s able to charge everything from your smartphone to your drone, and even a mini-fridge!
You can charge the power station via a wall outlet, solar energy, or in the car, which means you are never far away from a charging point.
And since the 11-pound unit is portable, you’ll always have immense amounts of power (500W, with 11 outputs) to charge your devices quickly and efficiently.
The kicker? The River’s Battery Management System automatically adjusts to whatever is plugged into it, regulating the power sent and protecting both the unit and the device being charged from surges.
Outdoor Tech Turtle Shell Waterproof Speaker
This Bluetooth speaker from Outdoor Tech could possibly be the toughest and most durable speaker we’ve ever tested.
Rugged enough to be thrown or dropped, and easily surviving a few accidental swims, the Turtle Shell is the ideal speaker for any beach or water-based activity.
Not only is the speaker waterproof, but the thing also floats! So there’s no need to worry about dropping it into the water or losing it.
The speaker also has a massive 20-hour battery life and can be connected to other Turtle Shells, giving you an amazingly powerful sound system that can last for a full day of fun in the sun.
Kicker Bullfrog BF100 Speaker
The Kicker Bullfrog BF100 is another portable waterproof speaker, which can be charged via USB. The device has a Bluetooth range of about 100 feet, which is great if you want to change the song without getting up from your beach chair.
The speaker has a battery life of about 12 hours, giving you plenty of entertainment time for a day by the ocean.
The one feature we really enjoyed most was the fact that you could connect two speakers together, giving you the option of having twice the sound.
The waterproofing is solid: We discovered that it floats by accidentally knocking it into the pool. But still, it worked perfectly!
READ MORE: 125+ Best Gifts for Travelers (Arranged by Travel Style)
MISCELLANEOUS COOL BEACH GEAR
TENKARA HANE 2 FISHING ROD
I grew up spending much of my summer break fishing on Lake Hartwell, and finally learned to fly fish a few years ago. But our “travel light” ethos makes taking fishing gear along on our travels more than a little inconvenient.
So imagine my excitement to learn that Tenkara USA offers a portable fly fishing rod that quickly breaks down from an extended length of 10’10” to a closed length of just under 15”– small enough to fit in a carryon or backpack!
The Hane (pronounced “huh-nay”) is super compact, with an 8-inch handle and 12 total segments. The rod is white in order to blend in with open skies above ponds and streams, and comes with a carrying case and a lifetime guarantee. And we love that the company is partner with 1% For The Planet, donating one per cent of every purchase to conservation efforts.
CGEAR R.V. Sand-Free Mat
I hate the feeling of sand on my body. I think everyone can agree that getting your towel, clothes, and other personal items covered in sand is one of the biggest pains of spending a day at the beach.
This 8′ by 14′ mat from CGEAR makes those problems disappear. Yes, you read that right: The R.V. Sand-Free Mat will prevent sand from gathering on your stuff.
It works due to the dual-layer construction: Tiny holes in the top layer allow sand and dirt to pass through, making it great for the beach or the campsite.
The durable built-in D-rings also allow you to easily stake the mat down to keep it in place.
Podillow Face-down Pocketed Pillow
Because we always travel carry-on only, we love anything that allows us to lighten our load. The Podillow is a comfortable beach/poolside pillow that also has a secret storage option large enough to hold your passport, wallet, and other small valuables. No need for an extra bag!
The pillow comes in seven colorful patterns and is made from material similar to that of swimsuits. Inside, there are food-based microbeads for added comfort.
The storage pockets not only keep your valuables safely hidden away while you’re in the water, but also protect them from the water and sand. The included smartphone bag adds an extra layer of waterproofing.
Not only is it surprisingly comfortable, but the fragrant aroma infusion gives it a spa-like vibe that really enhanced our lakeside relaxation.
RinseKit Lux Soft Tote
Remember how I mentioned my dislike of the feeling of sand on my body? The same goes for salt water on my skin. If we’re at the beach and there are showers nearby, I hit them up soon after leaving the water.
But what about those times when you to want to wash yourself down (or at least rinse feet off), and there’s no showers to be found?
With a 3-gallon capacity, the Lux Soft Tote from Rinsekit offers a perfect, portable solution. Spraying for up to 9 minutes, it allows you to shower yourself after a day at the beach (or campground). You can also hook it up to the sink for more extended usage.
The pressurized hose works just like a garden hose. Not only can you shower, but the pressure allows you to clean your cooking gear, bicycles, camping equipment, etc. There’s also a hot water sink adaptor included, which allows you to take warm showers on chilly days. Add it to your vacation packing list and clean yourself off no matter where you might find yourself.
Other Items on Our Beach Vacation Packing List
• Floats
• Frisbee
• Medication
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Socks
• Meori Foldable Box (for groceries/picnics)
• Airweave Portable Mattress Topper (for pull-out sofa)
• Books/Magazines
• GoPro
• Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit
• Snacks. –reviews by Bret Love, Mary Gabbett, & Bryce Fisher
