You can also find out more about the A-Team here. great beach day Anyone who hasn’t made it without a struggle will be unable to appreciate how easy it looks. sunscreenPlanning is key. So we asked the people who do it best—those who travel constantly, pack strategically, and know how to find the best towel spot on any coast—to share their beach bag essentials. These are the essentials that super-travelers carry. totes Summer after summer, backpacks are the go-to accessory for vacationers whether they’re in a tropical destination or visiting a local beach. They include smart sun protection, space saving gear and accessories that combine function and style.
We’ve organized this list by category to make it easier to navigate (and more convenient for last-minute packing). Expert tips are included along the way. You can prepare for any trip, whether you’re going on a luxury resort getaway If you are heading to the local beach, or even if you just want to go for a walk along the shoreline, here are some items that should be in your bag.
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Sun protection staples
Supergoop
Unseen Sunscreen body SPF 40
It is invisible and goes on easily. Sarah Greaves-GabbadonThis travel writer is also an expert on air travel. This body sunscreen has an SPF of 40. Supergoop It is ideal for everyday protection and resort wear.
Colorescience
Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield
This tinted mineral sunblock offers broad spectrum protection and a matte finish. Sofia Ancira founded and designed Sanlier Swimwear“It’s not sticky or greasy. It has a matt finish. And it doesn’t have a weird sunscreen scent.”
Tizo
Ultra zinc face and body sunscreen
Amanda Gunawan, founding principal of OWIU“It has a PA of PA +++.” and is over SPF40. It also contains zinc.” The SPF-50 mineral formula contains zinc fortification, is perfect for sensitive and dry skin, won’t block pores, and is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Quitch
Geraniol-based bug repellent balm
This natural insect repellent is made from geraniol (a terpene), peppermint and citronella. Diana Bernal is a communications specialist and travel designer. She says: “Golden Hour can bring mosquitoes. I always pack a natural, lightweight Quitch repellent Balm to keep them at bay.”
Swimwear that is comfortable
Axesea
Long-sleeve rash guard
Greaves Gabbadon has tested this vibrant, fade resistant rashguard which offers UPF and also doubles as an a swimsuit top. She says, “I have had this Axesea one for several years now and it’s not faded.”
Bond-Eye
Maxam one-piece
Kate Bock, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and Chief Brand Officer at PompetteThis flattering, textured favourite was discovered by during a professional photo shoot. “I discovered Bond-Eye Swim on a professional shoot. SI She says, “I knew the swimsuit that I wore would be one that I wanted to bring home.” “I have been a fan since then.”
Shinesty offers a variety of styles and sizes of bathing suits, both for men and for women. “I have the greatest bathing suit from Shinesty—it’s a real conversation starter,” says David Schottenstein, founder and CEO of Privé Revaux Eyewear.
Beach bags
Lotuff
Leather Tote
David Pirrotta founder of Materiae The podcast host calls it his beach bag. Made from full grain leather, this bag has a stylish design. tote This bag easily transitions from the beach to the bistro, and has many interior pockets. He says, “It is my go-to bag for travel, beach and work.”
Filson
48 Hour duffle bag
River Jordan, photographer, loves how the durable canvas, which is water-resistant, ages so beautifully. It can also be used as a beach bag or carry-on. It’s a perfect carry-on, beach bag, You can also find out more about overnight bag “The longer I keep it, the more beautiful it becomes,” he said.
Hydration and snacks
Owala
FreeSip bottle, 32 oz.
Greaves-Gabbadon recommends that this also be done. reusable water bottle Owala is a completely leakproof and well insulated. “It is a very good product. It keeps the drinks cold for a long time, doesn’t leak, and it comes in bright colours,” says she.
HydraPak
Collapsible water bottles can be stored in a compact space
Diana Bernal, a communications expert and travel designer, loves this space-saving, lightweight option. When empty, it collapses to a flat surface and opens within seconds. The bottle has a flip top cap and is BPA free.
Hydro Flask
20L Day Escape soft cooler
Rani Cheema is the founder and business coach of Cheema’s Travel. She advocates this hands-free option. This solution allows you to travel hands-free. insulated cooler The 20-liter cooler keeps drinks and snacks cold on sandy terrain. It can also keep them cool for up to three days. She says, “I like having my hands free because carrying a heavy cooler across the sand can be a pain.”
Yeti
Roadie 24 Hard Cooler
Liles says “a small Yeti Cooler filled with berries water and cold-pressed coffee is standard.” The Roadie is able to hold 30 12-ounce cans and has wheels for easy transport. The Roadie even has a shoulder strap, and a drainage plug for melting ice.
Ust
FlexWare Mess Kit
Emily Cheng is a travel nurse, CEO/cofounder of MedVentureThis silicone container is airtight, and comes with a fork. She says she uses her UST Flexware mess kit to keep pretzels, hummus and fresh fruit away from sand.
Sea to Summit
Ultra-Sil dry bag
Kerry Skinner, B-Corp marketing specialist and expert in regenerative travel, says a dry bag will be a great addition to her beach activities. The bag can be used as a place to store your beach gear. wet bikinis After a beach day, you can bring your dry bag in. Sea to Summit’s dry bags feature a roll-top to prevent water from getting in or out.
Towels and blankets
Leus Towels
Enjoy the beach with this Happy Hour beach towel
Conner Coffin is a professional surfer who keeps things simple. eco-friendly These towels are printed with vivid designs. These towels have a soft texture, are absorbent, durable, and long-lasting. He always has a Leus Beach Towel with him.
Venture 4th
Microfiber beach towel
Alex Michael MayA content creator has discovered that this compact and lightweight option repels sand, so you can shake it off and pack it up without making a mess. “I now pack towels that are compact and repel sand like this Venture towel,” says he.
Serafina
Cotton Muslin Sarong
Liles recommends chic, multipurpose alternatives. They can be used as a picnic blanket or lightweight cover up. “They look stylish and take way less space,” she says.
Sport-Brella
Premiere umbrella
Cheema will never go to the beach without her canopy. It protects her from the wind and the sun. “I never regret bringing a beach umbrella She says, “that sits low on the ground.” The umbrella canopy is UPF50 and has a zippered opening for airflow.
Extras and entertainment
Amazon
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
Ploszaj finds this waterproof device with no glare essential for storing hundreds of books, without having to worry about sand or water splashes. She says, “I don’t leave the house without my waterproof Kindle Paperwhite.”
Contax
T3 Black Titan 35mm film camera
Gunawan uses this cult favorite point-and shot to capture dreamy film images. She says that she uses a Contax T3 mainly because of its image quality.
Apple
Wired EarPods with Lightning Connector
Schottenstein chooses wired reliability to keep the music coming without having to worry about battery life. “Apple EarPods. Not AirPods. Specifically EarPods,” says Schottenstein of his beach bag necessity. “I am a wires person. AirPods were great for a little while, but I kept losing the battery. I got frustrated and forgot to recharge them.
This article was updated to include new information since the original publication date.