If there’s one thing that really encapsulates the best that summer has to offer, it’s the weekend beach trip. Being able to pack up after work on a Friday, drive with your buddies to the nearest body of water, and hang out for a couple of days–well, there’s nothing quite like it. Two or three days on the beach is the perfect amount of time to refresh, recharge, and get ready for Monday morning meetings. Driving home on Sunday may leave you with a hangover and some sand in your trunk, but the memories are worth it.
To ensure the best experience, you’l want to pack accordingly. Your packing list can’t just start and end with the perfect bathing suit, as important as that is. At the most basic, you’ll need:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Towel
- Bathing suit
- Flip-flops or slides
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Games (both outdoor games and board games)
- Camera
- First-aid kit
- Portable phone charger
- Beach blanket
- Cooler
- Speakers
If you’d like to up your beach weekend, however, go beyond the standard packing list with some stand-out gear. Here are a few items to make sure you’re prepared for the best couple of days days in the sun.
Soundcore 3 Speaker
To set the mood for the weekend, you’re definitely going to need some music. The Soundcore 3 speaker is the definition of small but mighty. With unparalleled quality sound in a compact size, this speaker boasts an enhanced bass, titanium drivers, and a 24-hour playtime so you can use a single charge for the whole weekend. And best of all? It’s waterproof, so no worrying about getting this bad boy close to the water.
Coleman Vintage Belted Steel Cooler
There may be more ergonomic coolers on the market, but there isn’t another cooler brand as sweet as Coleman’s. With vintage charm and a lot of character, this steel Coleman’s cooler is reminiscent of one you’d find in your grandparents’ garage, but updated for modern use. This cooler has an 85-can capacity, a sturdy lid you can sit on, and four-day ice retention. Plus it comes in an eye-catching red that can be spotted a mile down the beach.
Dandy Del Mar Royal Tanning Balm
If you not only want to go to the beach for the weekend but also look like you just spend two days in the sun on Monday morning, you may want to spruce up your tan a bit. Dandy Del Mar, known for its poolside leisurewear, has a tanning balm made with natural ingredients like beeswax and coconut oil to provide an all-around even tan while added vitamins increase cell repair to reduce damage.
Orlebar Brown Shoes
Less is definitely more when it comes to packing. Having one pair of shoes to do all the work (that aren’t a pair of flip-flops) just makes sense. Orlebar Brown’s shoes have the slogan “Shoes You Can Swim In,” and with their slightly retro design, it’s a great all-around shoe when you pack up for the night and want to head to the bar.
RUMPL Beer Blanket
Even the best cooler and umbrella can’t keep your cans cold for long. A beer blanket, like RUMPL’s, is a packable koozie to keep your brew cold longer. The best part is that it’s made from 100 percent recyclable materials, meaning you can feel a bit self-congratulatory while you’re on your third IPA.
ITA Leisure Chair
If you want to stand out on the beach, go for ITA’s leisure chair. The Ghanian brand’s bright colors and simple designs are the perfect accessory for a relaxing time chilling in the sand. With four colorways to choose from and the option to upgrade your chair into a set with a table, you’ll be set for staying beachside all day long.
Zürner Oceanic J3 Tote Nº113
A Zürner Oceanic tote adds a bit of Wes Anderson prep to your weekend packing. The totes are gorgeously made and show the creative capabilities that exist when one looks to giving new life to old materials. Each is made from cotton duck canvas and included a patched and repurposed sail bag bottom, a patched sailcloth side pocket with plenty of patina, and reclaimed yacht line handles. It just shows how small artisanal brands are really coming to the forefront of design.
Mediterranean Turkish Towel
Turkish towels are great for their lightweight cotton, packability, and absorbancy. While this towel takes up far less room in your bag than a traditional beach towel (as in it packs down to the size of a burrito), it doesn’t lose any of the efficiency. Huckberry’s offerings come in three colorways and toe the line between classic and contemporary, meaning they’re never going to go out of style while being put to good use summer after summer.
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