If you are heading to the beach or an amusement park, or even just around town this summer, having items that can help you keep cool and comfortable is essential to help you survive summer heat! Here’s our favorites!
I have lived in Florida my entire life – I know heat. I also know how to stay cool as much as possible. Thought I would put together a list of my favorite products to stay cool in summer.
When preparing for a trip in hot weather, especially in extreme heat, it’s important to pack items that will help you stay cool and safe. I found this out while visiting Universal Studios in August – yes it was HOT! If you have some trips coming up here are some things to help.
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Personal Cooling Gear
There are quite a few items out there to help you stay cool in summer heat. Here’s our favorites…
Cooling Towels:
These are made from sustainable materials designed to retain water and provide a cooling effect when draped around your neck or other areas.
The cooling towel is designed with super absorbent fiber weave technology that regulates water retention, similar to an air-conditioner, providing an instant cool-down effect within seconds.
They can be a game-changer in extreme heat!
SHOP Cooling Towels
Portable Fans:
Small, battery-operated or USB-rechargeable fans can provide a breeze on the go. These little guys are awesome for amusement parks!
For a more eco-friendly option, consider fans with rechargeable batteries or those made from sustainable materials.
SHOP Portable Fans
Arctic Air Hat
Stay cool & protected with The Arctic Air Hat. This evaporative cooling sports cap has a built-in barrier that reflects the sun’s heat & harmful UV rays. Wet first for the ultimate cooling effect.
Perfect for the beach, travel & vacation. The Arctic Hat will help you keep cool for hours while hiking, boating, golfing, fishing, walking & camping.
SHOP the Arctic Air Hat
Misting Fans:
Misting FANS are a combination of a fan and a water mister for an extra cooling effect, perfect for keeping cool heads in extreme heat. Generate a cool wind and refreshing mist at the same time to help keep you comfortable in hot temperatures!
Small and lightweight design for taking water spray fan into the bag and some pocket easily, and gives you a refresh and cooling anywhere! It’s the perfect way to cool your face at the home, office, beach, park, at a game, camping, theme parks or travel.
Get a larger one to keep your patio cool too!
SHOP Misting Fans
Hydration and Refreshment
Keeping hydrated is essential in summer heat. By using a few of these tools you can help yourself and your family properly hydrated!
Insulated Water Bottles:
Insulated water bottles are a must have during summer. There are quite a few options available and with more and more places offering free water refill options they can save you money too!
SHOP Insulated Water Bottles
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Here are our top picks for the best money-making apps out there:
- Swagbucks (free $5 welcome bonus) – great for making money by playing games, watching videos and more
- Ibotta (free $20 welcome bonus) – our favorite cashback app to get money back on things you’d be buying anyway, like groceries
- MyPoints (includes a free $5 welcome bonus) – an app with a huge range of money making opportunities
- SurveyJunkie – our pick for the highest paying survey app, including options for earning $150 per hour with focus groups
Hydration Packs:
Backpacks with built-in water bladders that help you stay hydrated while on the move. Look for models made from sustainable materials.
SHOP Hydration Backpacks
Electrolyte Tablets:
These help replenish salts lost through sweat, which is crucial in maintaining your body’s electrolyte balance and preventing heat stroke.
SHOP ELECTROLYTE TABLETS
Cold Snacks:
Frozen grapes or other chilled snacks stored in a cooler can be refreshing. Using coolers made from sustainable materials is a bonus.
Clothing and Accessories
Finding the right clothes can definitely help you keep cool. Look for lightweight, light colored clothes that dry quick. Find the right hats too – I am a big fan of visors! Easy to take off and put on and keep you shady in summer heat! Here are some other things to look for…
Moisture-Wicking Clothing:
Helps to keep sweat away from your skin, promoting cooling and helping to regulate your core temperature.
Wide-Brimmed Hats:
Provides shade and keeps your head cool, reducing the risk of heat stroke.
UV-Protective Clothing:
Blocks harmful rays and helps to prevent overheating. Opt for clothing made from sustainable materials.
Cooling Bandanas:
Similar to cooling towels, these are designed to keep your neck cool.
Tech and Gadgets
There are some cool devices to help you stay cool!
Small Portable Air Conditioners:
Small, battery-operated units that can provide a cool breeze. Ensure they are energy-efficient to avoid straining power grids. Small ones can easily go with you on trips. Perfect for patios and other outdoor areas!
Cooling Phone Cases:
Keeps your devices from overheating, important for maintaining clear communication. Inexpensive case could save your thousand dollar phone!
Cooling Seat Cushions:
Designed for use in cars or outdoor seating to keep you comfortable.
Miscellaneous
Shade Structures:
Portable canopies or beach umbrellas to create a cool, shaded area. Look for those made from sustainable materials.
Reflective Sun Shades:
For cars or windows to keep the interior cooler, reducing the risk of heat stroke. The new umbrella ones are super cool and easy to store and use!
Evaporative Coolers:
Devices that use water evaporation to cool the air, suitable for dry climates and more eco-friendly compared to traditional air conditioners.
Tips for Staying Cool
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of cold water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration can happen quickly in hot weather, leading to heat stroke and other heat risks.
- Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day to reduce the risk of heat stroke.
- Take a Cold Shower: Whenever possible, take cool showers to lower your core temperature. If you are overheating jump in the shower the cooler temperatures of the water can help reduce you body temp fast!
- Use Cold Compresses: Applying cold packs to pulse points like wrists, neck, and temples can help cool you down quickly and maintain a clear brain.
- Monitor for Heat Risks: Be aware of the signs of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. Rapid dehydration, dizziness, and confusion are warning signs.
Climate Considerations
As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, understanding and preparing for extreme heat is more important than ever. Using sustainable materials and energy-efficient cooling methods can help mitigate the impact on power grids and the environment, making your efforts not only beneficial for your immediate comfort but also for long-term environmental health.
By packing these items and following these tips, you can better manage the heat and enjoy your trip even in the hottest conditions, keeping a cool head and clear brain throughout.
