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Fun in the Sun Essentials

Desert Island emoji 27 items
From sun hats to towels and everything in between so you can have fun in the sun but also be prepared!
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Hats

I have so many sun hats it's a little embarrassing! I even travel with a hat box…due to chronic illness I have a lot of sensitivities when it comes to pressure on my head. These are my go to's for everything from yard work to beach vacays.

 
Christina Carter profile picture
All of their hats are amazing. SPF etc. This one is for a medium sized testa (head).
Wallaroo Hat Company
 
Christina Carter profile picture
For the petite girl.
Wallaroo Hat Company
 
Christina Carter profile picture
Everytime I turn around someone has taken this out of my closet! It is the preferred travel hat for almost everyone as the colors go with everything.
The Savannah - Packable Beach Hat -Summer Sale
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Christina Carter profile picture
This comes in so many colors and is honestly one of the most comfortable hats I own. I have photos of both daughters wearing this hat at so many different occasions. Music festivals, vacations, farmers markets etc. Super light and doesn't bother my s...
Women's Petite Size Sun Protection Hats
 
Christina Carter profile picture
These are great for the guys as well. Adjustable band. A little bit heavier than the Wallaroo but still so good.
Solar Escape Hats
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Christina Carter profile picture
RMO is a Colorado and with 300+ days of sun a year we know a thing or two about sun protection. You will see these on all the guys here whether you are on the river, at one of the many reservoirs or lakes or even at outdoor summer shows.
RMO Hats

Sunscreen


I do not need to explain to you the importance of this category!

 
Christina Carter profile picture
Do not care this isn't an affiliated link. Love it.
Tinted Zinc Sunscreen
 
Christina Carter profile picture
Trust the Australian surf goddesses. This is what they swear by and this is what I use. 4 hours between application 
(unheard of)! NECESSARY for any island, beach or open water adventure.
We Are Feel Good Inc. Body Sunscreen
 
Christina Carter profile picture
Smells yummy and easy to apply to the small humans.
Sun Bum
 
Christina Carter profile picture
If heavily scented sunscreens aren't your thing then this one's for you. Sprays on smooth. This is what we lived on when living at the equator!
Nutrogena

Towels

Turkish towels are the way to go. Buy them!

 
Christina Carter profile picture
In 2021 we lived in South America for 6 months. These are what we brought and what we travel with whenever we are headed on a beach vacation. We actually use them for the pool and the hotsprings here in CO. A must have. They dry so quick!
Suncoast Lifestyle Co.
 
Christina Carter profile picture
I love that this comes in multiple sizes and I have even seen a family dig a shallow hole, line it with this blanket and fill it with water for their toddler so she had a safe mini pool to play in.
WEKAPO Waterproof Sandproof Microfiber Beach Towel

Shade

Not everyone wants to bake in the sun. Here are some ways to stay in the shade and still enjoy the water.

 
Christina Carter profile picture
I love that this isn't difficult to set up and it is easily moved around to accomodate the moving sun.
Neso Beach Tents
 
Christina Carter profile picture
An umbrella that won't break! Blocks wind but has ventilation. This is more for a couple. 2 people max and upgrade the anchoring screws. Trust me.
Sport-Brella
 
Christina Carter profile picture
This is great if you have a baby that needs to nap or a sensitive person who can easily get overstimulated by the sun and wind (autism). They can have ventilation but a get a break from the elements.
Night Cat Pop-up Beach Tent

Bags and Totes

You have to have a bag to put all your crap in. Here's what I like and use whether it's to the beach, lake or pool.

 
Christina Carter profile picture
This is the large one but there are other sizes. A must have so you don't drag sane with you wherever you go. Holds a ton, has loops on the outside for small caribeeners and a zippered inside pocket for valuables. Go ge all the shells you want with t...
Fammart Extra Large Mesh Beach Bag
 
Christina Carter profile picture
I use one for my makeup and one for my suit. A little prciey but worth it.
ALOHA Collection
 
Christina Carter profile picture
With 30 styles to choose from you can find one you love and can find inside the beach/vacation bag! Works as both a dry bag for a central place for your valuables and a wet bag for when you change.
Wet & Dry Bag

Gear

It's not just about going to the beach but rather all the crap you need to take with you! Here are my recs from chairs, wagons and coolers.

 
Christina Carter profile picture
I got mine at costco and it's one of the best purchases. It's been used at the beach, lake, games, concerts. You name it. Love that it lays flat and has adjustable backpack straps. The cup holders actually work and the zippered pouch and phone pocket...
Beach Chairs
 
Christina Carter profile picture
A pretty high price tag on this one but my SIL, who lives on the beach in SoCal, swears by it and with 3 kids and all the gear that goes with them I trust her.
Big Wheeled Beach Wagon
 
Christina Carter profile picture
If you have littles then this is the one for you as it has cup holders! I have used mine at the farmer's market, picnics, concerts and of course sports stuff. I love how it folds up tiny and has a cover as well. We have roadtripped with ours plenty o...
Mac Sports XL Folding Wagon with Brakes
 
Christina Carter profile picture
Comes in many styles and sizes. You can pack a ton in these and if your'e using a cart then who cares how heavy it is!
Cooler Bag and Travel Backpack - Maelstrom
 
Christina Carter profile picture
A must have.
JBL Flip 5 | Portable Waterproof Speaker
 
Christina Carter profile picture
Heavy but if you want/need to keep your stuff cold for days then this is the one for you!
ARCTIC

Flip Flops

What else are you going to wear to the beach or the lake?

 
Christina Carter profile picture
These are amazingly comfy if you din't have high arches.
Sanuk
 
Christina Carter profile picture
I love TEVA's and I love that you can get these in a wedge so if you want to wear them out it's a little more of an elevated look.
TEVA Flip Flops: Wedge & Active Styles
 
Christina Carter profile picture
I know, $$. But worth every penny. Trust me on this especially if you need arch support. I even have a pair of slippers that I wear year round from this brand.
OluKai Women's Comfortable Sandals, Flip-Flops, & Slides