Go-to Summer Gear for Fun Outdoors
Hot weather shouldn’t stop your adventures. As the temperature rises and even the breezes blow warm, we find ourselves in the sweltering dog days of summer. You may be dreaming of crisp air and snow, but there’s still fun to be had outside this summer with the right gear.
So plan to enjoy time by the lake, on the river or in your backyard. Whether you’re flocking to the city pool or hiking Columbia’s MKT Trail, we’ve got a list of go-to summer gear to keep you cool and protected from the sun.
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First, 6 Heat Safety Tips
The kids are off. You’re taking time for yourself. Summer can make us feel relaxed and free, but you should take precautions in hot weather. Stifling days can leave you feeling lethargic and groggy. Getting too hot too quickly or losing too much fluid can lead to heat-related illness.
If you’ll be outside for any amount of time, remember these summer heat safety tips:
- Wear: lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothes.
- Drink: plenty of water, avoiding sugary beverages.
- Apply: sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside.
- Eat: light, cool meals and replace your salts and minerals.
- Schedule: outdoor activities in the morning or evening.
- Slow down: especially if you start feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
Always check the weather, too! In the summer, storms blow in quickly. Research the weather forecast and watch the sky so you’re not out during a thunderstorm.
What to Wear: Summer Hiking Clothes
What you wear on the trail—or even mowing the backyard—matters. You want clothing that helps you feel cool and comfortable, not clothing that traps heat against your skin.
- Choose loose fits. Wear clothing that lifts off your skin or fits loosely, allowing air to get through. You want to feel the breeze!
- Pick the right material. Cotton and silk hang better than knits, which can cling tightly to your skin. However, synthetic fabrics, like polyester and nylon, help wick away moisture more effectively than cotton.
- Wear light layers only. To keep cool, choose light layers. You’ll be much warmer in thick denim than in a linen shirt and shorts.
Find These at Crane’s
Carhartt Force Relaxed Fit Tees
Your new favorite everyday tee is here! With its cotton/polyester blend (AKA Carhartt Force® tech), this tee fights summer sweat by drying more quickly than your average cotton tee. Featuring a relaxed fit and UPF 25+ sun protection, this tee will make your others jealous.
Get your Carhartt Force Relaxed Fit Tee.
Carhartt Rugged Flex Relaxed Work Shorts
In the summer, the last thing you want is to feel restricted. Enter the Carhartt Rugged Flex Relaxed Work Shorts. These canvas shorts were designed for ease of movement with a comfort-flex waistband and plenty of room to bend, squat and do your thing.
Carhartt Haslett Moc Toe Canvas Chukka
The durability you know from Carhartt meets lightweight comfort in this chukka. Wear these boots for a day of work or a long hike, and you’ll discover the support and cushion will take you far. Inside the shoe, the FastDry™ Technology Lining helps wick away sweat.
Order a pair of Carhartt Haslett Moc Toe Canvas Chukkas for your summer outside.
Be Prepared: Summer Adventure Packs
Before you head out, you’ll need to pack a bag. Depending on how long you’ll be outdoors, you may need a waist pack for smaller items or a larger pack with spare clothes, meals and extra water.
Pick Your Pack
Carhartt Classic Waist Pack
A waist pack is a good choice for a quick hike or trip to town. It can store your credit cards, keys, phone and some snacks. The Carhartt Classic Waist Pack features a zippered mesh pocket and key clip inside the main compartment. Additionally, a tricot-lined pocket leaves a spot for your phone or sunglasses. It’s also water-repellent!
Filson Traveller Stowaway Backpack
A backpack designed with country music star Chris Stapleton? We’ll take it. Chris takes Filson bags on tour, so this rip-stop cotton bag is ready for check-ins and carry-ons. You can carry it solo or inside oversized luggage to pull out when you’re ready to explore.
Find your adventure bag in the Filson Traveller Stowaway Backpack.
Nite Ize
You’re floating down the river when you realize your bag—with your wallet and keys—is in the water. Use Nite Ize pockets and bags and stop worrying about getting your essentials wet. These bags are waterproof and dust-proof. Zip them up, and nothing will get through to your belongings! They come in sizes for wallets, toiletries and packing cubes.
How to Hydrate: Hydration Gear
Most adults should drink between 68 and 100 ounces of water daily, but that amount increases with prolonged heat exposure. Aim to drink eight ounces every 15 to 20 minutes on a hot summer day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Be proactive and drink water throughout your day.
You want to avoid caffeine and alcohol, so say no to coffee and cocktails unless you’re supplementing them with plenty of water.
Hydrating replenishes your body as it loses fluid. If you don’t drink water, you may experience dehydration and its symptoms. Even a 2% decrease in hydration within your body can cause brain fog, headaches and dizziness.
Early Signs of Dehydration
- Feeling thirsty
- Dry lips and mouth
- Not sweating
- Dark urine
- Body cramps
- Lethargy
Crane’s Hydration Station
Stanley Quencher Tumbler
Stop thirst in its tracks. The Stanley Quencher helps you stay hydrated all day, as your drink stays cold for hours. With three positions in one lid, you can chug, sip, and seal off your drink, preventing spills. Crane’s Country Store offers 30 oz, 40 oz and 64 oz Stanley tumblers with grip-friendly handles.
Stanley Quick Flip Go Bottle
You won’t find a better road trip sidekick than the Stanley Quick Flip Go Bottle. Its sleek design fits most cup holders, so you can take it everywhere. Double wall insulation keeps your hot drinks hot for up to 10 hours and your cold ones cold for up to 18 hours. With a push-button lid, you can grab and drink from this bottle one-handed.
Puffin Drinkware
You’re cool, but your beverage may be cooler with this koozie. Puffin Drinkware takes the beer jacket to another level. Dress your favorite refreshments in sports jerseys, stylish polos, life jackets and spa robes. You’ll smile with every sip. If you bring your beer’s fits to a barbeque or float trip, expect the question, “Where did you get that?”
More Adventure Accessories
With the right apparel and a sturdy tumbler, you’ll be ready to face 90-degree weather. To make your summer even better, here are a few more items for your list:
Bug Soother
Summer brings bugs: mosquitoes, gnats and other biters. Avoid pesky bites and stings with Bug Soother from Eco Lips. This natural bug repellent is DEET-free and made in the USA, so you can be proud of your purchase while knowing it’s safe for your skin. Bug Soother contains essential oils and Vitamin E. Enjoy summer evenings bite-free!
Lip Balm
When you’re active outdoors, your lips face the wind and sun, drying them out. Comfort and protect your lips with lip balm. Try Mongo Kiss Lip Balm, made of organic Mongongo oil and Fair Trade Certified cocoa butter, or Duke Cannon’s Tactical Lip Protectant with SPF 15.
Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
It wouldn’t be summer without sweat. Whether you’re working outdoors or enjoying the sun, Duke Cannon’s Anti-Perspirant Deodorant keeps sweat and odor in check. This deodorant includes aloe, Vitamin E and activated charcoal. Choose between Sawtooth, Naval Diplomacy, Superior or Midnight Swim scents.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from harsh UV rays. Duke Cannon's Every Damn Day Face Lotion SPF 30 offers daily sun defense without feely oily or smelling like the beach. Indulge in hydration and sun protection in one manly face lotion.
Cooling Hygiene Items
Don’t forget to add cooling after-shave, body scrub and field towels to your summer essentials. When you’re overheated, you don’t want to sweat through your shower. After all, a shower should leave you feeling refreshed and clean.
Try these icy goodies to feel invigorated:
- Ice-cold After-Shave Balm helps you get instant relief from razor burn. Cool your skin after a shave or long day with aloe, shea butter and allantoin.
- Cold Shower Ice-Cold Body Scrub stops post-shower sweat. Exfoliate and send a chilling blast across your hot skin. This body scrub makes showering in the summer feel like a dip in the Arctic. Brrrr!
- Cold Shower Cooling Field Towels remove grime and help you cool down. Use them camping, hiking or when you’re off the clock.
Summer Getaway Gear
From big trips to staycations, you’ll find what you need to have fun and stay comfortable this summer. Make memories with your friends and family while you beat the heat and everything that comes with it. Remember to take appropriate precautions in hot weather and always have water nearby.
Shop at Crane’s Country Store for summer gear.
Share your adventures by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram. We’d love to see where you take your Crane’s essentials!