Drive Away
Summer’s here and it’s time to hit the highway and travel beyond your usual haunts. To that end, we give you the best gear for a classic outdoor road trip.
Yeti
Hondo Beach Chair
Pulling up to the beach and kicking back should be a priority for any summer road trip, so this heavy-duty aluminum frame chair is the one piece of gear you must have when you arrive. Quick-drying mesh and a low-profile design make it ideal for surfside lounging, and a molded cup holder provides a perfect spot for your beverage—be it in a can or Yeti tumbler—to enjoy a sunset alongside you. $300; yeti.com
Akaso
Brave 7
Did a road trip even happen if you’re not constantly documenting it on socials? If your answer is yes—or even if it’s no, but you want to bring home plenty of memories—be sure to pack the Brave 7. This rugged action cam shoots 4K/30fps video and 20MP photos, delivering crisp, vibrant footage with dual screens that let you frame shots and review clips with ease. Plus, the included accessories kit means you can mount it on helmets, bikes, SUPs, and more. $170; akaso.com
Epic Water Filters x Nalgene
OG American Rivers Bottle
The classic 32-ounce wide-mouth Nalgene gets a serious upgrade here with an American-made filter that removes 99.99% of tap water contaminants (including chlorine, lead, microplastics, and PFAS). Built into a reusable straw and paired with Epic’s new Easy Sip Lid, it’s ideal for filling up at questionable rest stop taps and staying hydrated on the drive. It comes in multiple fun styles, but we like this one, which donates a portion of sales to American Rivers and features art by Phil Lewis. $45; epicwaterfilters.com
Smith
Whitney
Give yourself a bit of class behind the wheel. The women’s wraparound Whitney keeps the glare away and the good vibes rolling when you hit the open road. A selection of polarized ChromaPop lens options, self-adjusting spring hinges, and a nose pad that prevents slipping all add up to serious performance. For men, we recommend the equally stylish and high-performing Lowdown 2 ($204). $123–$205 depending on lens and frame options; smithoptics.com
Snow Peak
Takibi Fire and Grill
Here’s the campfire you can take anywhere. Ready for wood or charcoal, this modular stainless steel fire pit packs flat to fit in the back of your vehicle and unfolds when you’re ready to party. Even better, an adjustable grill lets you cook everything from Impossible burgers to fresh-caught trout. It’s also a powerful Leave No Trace tool, thanks to a base plate that protects the ground and lets you have a fire where one otherwise wouldn’t be possible. $320; snowpeak.com
Snow Peak
Floga Set
This add-on for the Takibi Fire and Grill solves a classic campfire problem: smoke. The Floga channels airflow to boost combustion and reduce that pesky, ever-shifting plume. Made of stainless steel, it packs flat and nests perfectly with the Takibi pit. Sold on its own, the set also includes a nifty carrying case. $202; snowpeak.com
Jory
Carter Hat
What road trip is complete without the perfect hat? Crafted from breathable cotton corduroy and coated with Repellium for water resistance, this baby holds its shape even when crushed deep in a duffel. It looks damn good and keeps the sun at bay. $49; joryhats.com
Yeti
Rambler 64 oz.
The big boy of the Yeti bottle lineup, this one’s perfect for long, hot drives or camp hydration. Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps things cold—or hot if you’re hauling soup—and the wide-mouth design makes it easy to clean or fill with ice. Plus, it’s rugged enough for bouncing around in the backseat or at camp. $52; yeti.com
BioLite
Charge 100 Max
With 25,000mAh, this charger packs enough juice for your laptop, phone, or tablet. Multiple USB-C and USB-A ports handle all the cords, but the best feature is the wireless charging pad—just drop your phone on top and go. A rugged, rubberized exterior shrugs off rain and snow, so you can use it in camp or at the office. $180; bioliteenergy.com
Flylow
Anderson Shirt
Made from quick-drying polyester with a touch of spandex, this relaxed-fit shirt is a minimalist’s dream: comfy behind the wheel, durable and stretchy for hikes, and classy enough for a brewpub stop. $80; flylowgear.com
KAVU
Chilli Lite Pant
A throwback to 1997, when grunge was all the rage and outdoor gear had an edge, these road trip-ready pants sport a relaxed, workwear-inspired fit. Made from tough cotton canvas, they’re up for anything—be it a hike, hammock nap, or stretch in the passenger seat. $95; kavu.com
Paka
Ultralight CoolPlus Crew
Wait… are we recommending a sweater for a summer road trip? Absolutely. This featherweight crewneck blends temperature-adaptive alpaca wool with CoolPlus moisture-wicking fabric to dry fast and fight odor. The perfect not-sure-what-to-pack layer, it’s cozy without overheating and easy to throw on when temps drop. $135; paka.com
Patagonia
Black Hole Duffel 70L
Practically indestructible, this classic duffel is made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop and a weather-resistant TPU-film laminate. It swallows all your road trip gear and survives a beating. Padded backpack straps make it easy to haul from the truck to camp. $199; patagonia.com
Oboz
Katabatic LT Low GTX Waterproof
The ideal road trip shoe? We think so. This lightweight (10.3 oz. women’s / 11.8 oz men’s) hiker shines on trail and is comfy behind the wheel. A Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane keeps your feet dry while a responsive, compression-molded EVA midsole adds bounce to your step. For long walks in town and spontaneous trailhead jaunts, these are ready. $170; obozfootwear.com
Brooke Williams
Encountering Dragonfly: Notes on the Practice of Re-enchantment
Need one good read for the summer? Written by conservationist and environmental thinker Brooke Williams, Encountering Dragonfly blends memoir and science writing to explore how we can reconnect with nature in a commodified world. It’s a road trip book too, chronicling Williams’ travels to see dragonflies—and learn what they can teach us. $18; uphill-books.com
