21 Products To Keep Stashed In Your Summer Go-Bag So You’re Always Ready For An Adventure

1. A roll-on blister-preventing balm if your jam-packed summer plans include a lot of walking with zero time allotted for limping around because of painful blisters.

Amazon

Promising review: "My family goes to Disney World every year, and even with rotating shoes every other day, we still get blisters. I bought this before our trip two months ago, and it was worth every penny. We rubbed it all over the top, bottom, and sides of our feet and toes each morning, and our feet did not blister! I highly recommend this product for long Disney days or any time you will be on your feet for a long period of time." —Cari Sanders

Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

2. A cute portable USB-C charger because it'll supply your phone with the juice it needs to take tons of pictures, call a ride, and pull up directions even if you're miles away from an outlet. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Here's a similar model for iPhone users, too!

Promising review: "I have used several different brands of battery backup chargers! This is by far the best one I have ever used. It charges your phone so much faster than other brands I have tried! Definitely very pleased with this purchase!! I have now purchased two of them!! Both work great!!" —Kari Walters

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in four colors).

3. A set of DEET-free mosquito-repelling bracelets that'll free yourself from the fog of stinky sprays and the itchy torture of blood-sucker bites with the power of essential oils like citronella. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a very enthusiastic review on TikTok.

Promising review: "I moved last year from Southern California to North Carolina. Bugs of all types have always been attracted to me but the amount of bites I got last summer was WILD. Someone gave me one of these types of bracelets to use one day, and it seemed to work, SOOOOOO I decided to buy myself an arsenal to prepare for this summer. I read the reviews, and about 99% of them had great results. I've only used this bracelet twice but both times I was outside and untouched. I'm not fond of the smell, I'm hypersensitive to smells, but I'd rather have the odor than being chewed alive." —Tracey Agopian

Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in more multipacks).

4. A fragrance-free Neutrogena SPF 60 face serum for a healthy dose of hydration in a travel-friendly bottle that doubles as daily sun protection without the undesirable white-cast and greasy finish. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the serum in action.

Promising review: "I have been searching for a sunscreen like this for a long time. I really dislike putting anything heavy on my face and prefer a gel-like consistency. I am a big fan of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid serum and the texture of this sunscreen feels pretty close to that. I have tried much more expensive 'serum' sunscreens and find this one my favorite and for a much better price point." —JHoch

Get it from Amazon for $14.12.

5. Plus, a tube of Burt's Bees after sun soother to help crispy skin rebound a lot quicker. Apply this hydrating formula ASAP and you may enjoy sweet relief from pain and itching.

www.amazon.com

This product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS.

Promising review: "I’ve had this bottle for over a year! It’s lasted with my family through Disney World, Destin spring break, and every time we go to the pool! I’ve had some bad sunburns. I slather this on and reapply after it’s soaked in, and I wake up with a deep tan. Whatever is in it is like magic! The smell is kinda weird to me, but as well as this lotion works, it could smell like cough syrup, and I’d still happily use it." —Natalie Smith

Get it from Amazon for $11.40.

6. A three-pack of polarized sunglasses so you can spend less time squinting and more time looking certifiably fabulous with a hearty supply of sunnies that look expensive but won't break your heart when you inevitably crush a pair in the bottom of your bag. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I’ve been buying these for years. They replaced my Ray-Bans, which look identical! Fit great, and with the price point, I don’t have to worry too much with my kids and being on the go!" —Jessica M

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 11 sets, as well as two-packs and individual pairs).

7. A reef-friendly sand removal bag if you love everything about a beach day except for the way sand lingers in every crevice. This microfiber pouch is filled with a proprietary powder that whisks sand away, so you don't have to spend your boardwalk dinner feeling like a dry, gritty mess. 

Amazon

Promising review: "This is my fourth summer using this product and only my second time replacing it, so that shows how long it lasts. I don’t do the beach a whole lot, maybe five times in the summer. However, it’s so nice to have. It’s not like regular powder. This leaves your skin so smooth. Must have beach item if you are a beachgoer!!" —Kelly Hering

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

8. E.l.f.'s new sheer tint "Squeeze Me" lip balm infused with moisturizing hyaluronic acid because a little birdie told me it's a mega-affordable alternative for the viral Summer Fridays butter balm. No pouting over prices with this pocket-size formula! 

Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Check it out on TikTok!

You can count BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord among this balm's many fans:

"I love love love this lip balm. I compare it to the $24 version from Summer Fridays, which I've been splurging on — I love that brand because it lasts so long and is so high quality, but this $4 E.l.f. version feels comparable and, more excitingly, comes in smaller versions so I can stock my totes and bathroom with them whether I'm at home or on the go. It's hydrating, lightweight, doesn't get sticky, and adds a perfect ~subtle~ gloss whether I'm using it alone or on top of a lip color. I love the vanilla flavor so much, it's got a similar vibe to the birthday cake flavor that Glossier sometimes carries."

Promising review: "I got this product because of the hype of it on TikTok. This lip balm smells SO GOOD. And hydrated my lips." —kayla

Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five flavors).

9. A fast-drying microfiber travel towel that's shockingly absorbent and will lighten the load next time the itinerary calls for an impromptu wet 'n' wild adventure at the beach or water park. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great travel size. Used while taking dips while out on long hikes. The case makes this better. Dries great and stores easily. Wiped off the sand and then flicked the sand off easily. Perfect lightweight towel for hiking. Clipped onto the pack to dry as I walked. I liked the button to hang dry the towel. Washed in the machine with no problem. Beats my old shammy from my swimming days. I hope I can keep the interior case clean." —ImBeingLazy

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in 6 sizes and 13 colors).

10. A foldable water bottle if you love proper hydration (and not paying for overpriced disposables), but hate having a clunky empty bottle eat up valuable bag space.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Plus, it's lead-, latex-, and BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and can be used for hot or cold drinks.

Promising review: "Bought this water bottle for a trip to Disney World. At home, I always have my 40-ounce water bottle nearby. I was worried about walking around the park and not having quick access to water on those hot park days. We only brought a fanny pack in and didn't have room for something big. This was perfect! It wasn't too overbearing to hold and was super easy to fold up and throw in the bag when not in use. My only regret is I didn't buy two!" —E. Alarcón

Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in 3 sizes and 13 colors/styles).

11. Plus, a bag of Liquid I.V. hydration packets loaded with 3x the electrolytes of a regular sports drink for when you do drop the ball on that whole drinking water thing. This helps you maximize the power of every glass to aid a speedy recovery after a full day out in the sun, AND it's Popsicle Firecracker flavored!!! Sweet summer nostalgia, but all grown up. 

www.amazon.com

Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $23.98.

12. A rechargeable 3-in-1 handheld fan to beat the heat no matter where it strikes. It's the perfect size to keep stashed in your bag *and* it doubles as a power bank for on-the-go charging. Did I mention the built-in flashlight? Just in case it wasn't already multifunctional enough for ya! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This gadget has been such a lifesaver during this obnoxiously hot summer. Four of my friends have already bought themselves one, too, and are also loving it.

Promising review: "Our vacation planner suggested getting something like this for when you're waiting in line at an amusement park when the sun is out. Best advice ever. I used this when we were at Disney this past year. It's lightweight and doesn't weigh you down, the fan has adjustable speeds and also includes a phone charger via USB A port and also a flashlight function. Love that it folds up nice and small, great fan that I'd recommend to anyone!" —Andrew

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in four colors).

13. A teeny tiny first aid kit so you can fulfill your role as the prepared mom friend without bogging yourself down with bulky medical supplies.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The 27-piece set includes safety pins, sting relief wipes, razor blades, butterfly bandages, spot bandages, and knuckle bandages.

Promising review: "This is a must-have for camping, hiking, or even traveling. It has all the necessities and, in such a tiny tin can, is super portable. The products are nice quality, so this is a great product." —Castillos

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

14. A pair of affordable wireless Bluetooth earbuds if you refuse to be caught out and about without a durable, cord-free way to indulge in your favorite tunes. Better yet, these come with a handy travel/charging case and are water-resistant. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I LOVE THESE SO MUCH!!! I never write reviews, but I am enjoying these earbuds so much right now that I had to share the news! I have SO many pairs of earbuds. I don't love any of them...including the Apple AirPods and Jaybird Runs. They are average and overpriced if you ask me! The TOZO T10s blow them all away in price point (obviously) but also sound quality, comfort, and look. I LOVE the wireless charging capability, which is a huge reason why I purchased them. No buyer's remorse here! Awesome product!" —Katie G.

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes and five colors).

15. A waterproof pouch because you can't resist taking your phone out on the lake for some grade-A candids. You might as well skip the low-grade panic and give yourself peace of mind that your tech is protected.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It fits any phone up to 100mm x 170mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). And you can totally use the touchscreen through the case — including the camera! People take incredible photos with it.

Promising review: "The swim-up bar was our group’s meeting point every day while on vacation in Costa Rica. I had no worries about misplacing my phone or damaging it in the pool. I caught lots of candid shots because I didn’t have to fumble with getting it out of a dry bag. I had my phone around my neck and shot through the plastic!" —Diane

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 14 styles).

16. A pack of hypoallergenic deodorant wipes that are a convenient way to freshen up from anywhere by neutralizing odors from all your stinkiest nooks and crannies — underarms, underboob, back of the knees, and, yes, even down there! 

Amazon

Promising review: "I use these wipes after long walks in summer heat when I’m not at home to shower. They get rid of the sweat and leave me clean and refreshed without the sticky feeling you get from most wipes." —sherry baker

Get a three-pack (45 wipes) from Amazon for $21.99.

17. Slip-on quick-dry water shoes with sock-like flexibility for getting that barefoot feel in the water without that barefoot vulnerability. Plus, the low profile makes them easy to fold up and stash in any bag. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love these water socks. They are comfy and cute. I have never owned a pair before, but I wanted to try them on an upcoming vacation in Belize. I have tried them out a couple of times in a swimming pool, and they are great. I love that they are so lightweight that I forget I am wearing anything on my feet at all. They give me the confidence to stand in the pool without worry of stepping on something or scratching my feet." —AJS

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in women's sizes 4–13.5, men's sizes 3–12, and 43 styles).

18. A purifying wine wand to help prevent your "it's 5 o'clock somewhere" glass of wine from becoming a pesky headache later. Give your wine a stir to naturally reduce sulfites and histamines — the frequent culprit of mysterious, "but I only had one glass" headaches.

@drinkpurewine / Via www.instagram.com

And check it out on TikTok!

Promising review: "OMG!!!! This works. I love wine, but have terrible allergies to the histamines, sulfites, and preservatives in wine. I actually use one wand for two glasses of wine. I was very skeptical, but it works like a dream! Thank you, PureWine. This is really a breakthrough for me." —Penny Froh

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in other multipacks).

19. A spacious reusable shopping bag made from recycled ripstop so you're never caught unprepared by the "Do you need a bag?" question ever again. Each bag has a massive carrying capacity but folds up tiny enough to keep stowed in a purse or backpack, so you're always ready for a surprise shopping spree or snack run. 

Baggu

I can't, and I won't shut up about my Baggu. It was sort of an impulse purchase in a situation where I needed a bag, and I have gotten SO much use out of it ever since. It folds up tiny enough that I can pack it along with my other out-and-about essentials without hogging too much space in my purse. It's massive and holds so much stuff, making it perfect for almost any impromptu shopping excursion. Because of its size, I worried getting the bag folded back into its small carrying pouch would be a struggle. It's surprisingly simple and very forgiving of a poor fold job. The fact that it wipes clean and is safe to machine wash makes it even more versatile. I've been known to lug bags of food scraps to my compost drop-off with it. If I were president, I'd make sure everyone had a Baggu!

Get it from Baggu for $14 (available in 35 colors/prints).

20. A roll-up straw sun visor if your destination calls for chic sun protection that can fold down small enough to toss in a tote without fear of it bending out of shape. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I get a lot of compliments when I wear this hat. I actually saw it on a friend, and it looked amazing, so I had to go and buy it. I also love how easily it rolls up for travel. In the past, I've had hats that were much more delicate. This hat seems to be resistant to bending out of shape, which is exactly what I needed." —Schiccatano

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 13 colors).

21. A handy bite suction tool because the great outdoors would be a lot easier to enjoy if you weren't covered in bumps. Thankfully, this gadget sucks out bug venom left behind under the skin to help reduce itchiness and swelling so things can get healed up a lot sooner.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

You can also use it to treat bites from bees, wasps, biting flies, no-see-ums, chiggers, and sea lice.

Promising review: "Everything that bites bites me. This easy-to-use gadget works like a charm. The itching stops within a few minutes." —Margaret M. Newburn

Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in three colors and multipacks).

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.