We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A LifeStraw water filter designed to eliminate 99.99% of waterborne bacteria (including E. coli and salmonella) and certain parasites (including Giardia and cryptosporidium). A single one of these lasts long enough to strain 1,000 gallons of water!
The straw's microfiltration membrane eliminates bacteria and parasites so you can drink from available water sources without worry. Note: If you are immunocompromised, take care when using this product.
Promising review: "I keep one of these in my pack when hiking or going anywhere remote, as well as in my fishing tackle box on the lake. I’ve had to use it several times on the lake where otherwise I would have been severely dehydrated. Filters great. Personally, I only drink from PUR water filters as I’m a bodybuilder and regulate my diet to this point. This filter does just as well and it’s direct. It is quite difficult to bring the water to the straw but I don’t mind knowing that my water is pure. A child most likely couldn’t use it...but it could save your life." —Zack Chavez
Get it from Amazon for $17.49+ (available in four styles and multiple packs).
2. A high-voltage insect zapper for placing near any space where you and your family will be hanging out. It'll help eliminate mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other bugs that have been invading your space since the start of spring. Hang one by your tent, the picnic table, or the grill so you can enjoy the outdoors without any buzzing, bites, or stings.
Promising review: "You will not be disappointed. I just moved out to the country and have been working out in the garage late at night. With the weather getting warmer, I've had the garage doors opened and mosquitos, gnats, and everything else have been finding there way into my garage, so I had to do something about it. I bought this and hung it next to my garage door opener because there's an outlet there and it is way better than expected. I have dead bees, stink bugs, gnats, mosquitoes, and other bugs that I do not know what they are. My 8-year-old son keeps asking me to remove the bottom tray so he can see all of the dead bugs that got zapped. Again, you will not be disappointed, I'm extremely happy I bought this!" —Chris & Jenny
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
3. Or an outdoor fan, because eliminating insects might be a little too much for you, but trying a method that will really ~blow~ them away just might be right up your alley.
Promising review: "Great fan at a good price! I bought this fan for my backyard to help circulate the air in hot days and to help deter mosquitoes at night around the fire pit. This fan worked perfectly. It has three speeds, the highest of which is super strong. The fan at high speed is a bit noisy, but nothing unexpected of a powerful fan. It is also 100% waterproof, which is a must. My only minor issues would be 1) it would be nice if the fan came with a cover for when it’s not used (I bought 20-inch tire storage covers to do the job), and 2) the fan is only adjustable up and down not side to side — if they could make it oscillate that would be great. Having said that, I would recommend this fan for sure and would not hesitate to buy it again." —Bigdad
Get it from Amazon for $104.97+ (available in three sizes).
4. A flexible adjustable mister that'll help you cool you off when the sun is literally slow-roasting you. Don't let the heat stop you from enjoying a tan, gardening, grilling, or playing outside this summer.
The mister will cool the surrounding area by 20 degrees, and it comes with an interchangeable flower-shaped misting head for a fun, whimsy detail.
Promising review: "Works exactly how I want it to. Provides a fine, cool mist on the patio, allowing us to enjoy the backyard until sunset without breaking a sweat. Easy to set up. It was out of the box and cooling us off within minutes." —Debra L. Kusek
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in several quantities).
5. A set of breathable microfiber towels to help you beat the sweltering heat. All you have to do is soak them in water, wring them out, and enjoy being cooled down by the instant chill. They'll come in handy any time you find yourself in a sweaty situation: running, yoga, outdoor workouts, hiking, and more!
It also keeps its chill for hours and will immediately get chilly again when you soak it in water and repeat the process.
Promising review: "These are wonderful and work! Purchased to use for Disney trip and they were perfect. They have no chemical smell. You just add water and ring them out. Each comes with its own case and clip. Stayed cool for hours. Great for heat and nausea. Just wrapped around neck and instant relief!" —Christina Hatfield
Get a set of four from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 12 color sets).
6. A glow-in-the-dark Capture the Flag set that'll have your family wanting to play outside until the sun comes up. It's a fun game for children, teens, and adults alike (ages 8 and over). If you need some effortless entertainment for a birthday or cookout, this should be your new go-to.
Promising review: "The game comes with very easy, animated directions and we were surprised at the high quality of the components. We first tried playing on a camping trip with three families and it only took a couple of minutes to learn the game and set it up before we were giggling like crazy people. It was really dark and the blinking lights and glowing orbs added a lot to the excitement. We played with adults, teens, and young children and everyone really got into it because this is something that everyone can do. My children have been asking to play it every night since." —Roy Jones
Get it from Amazon for $49.90.
7. A six-pack of reusable soda can covers to keep flies, bees, and other insects out of your sugary drink. These covers create an airtight seal, so you can leave as much or as little soda behind and trust that your drink won't go flat.
Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised with this purchase! I originally purchased because I am afraid of bees getting into my soda can while I’m outside. I didn’t know that it would also keep my soda airtight and leak proof — such an awesome bonus! I love that it came in a six-pack. I keep one in my purse for on the go!" —Carley Lesinski
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $12.55 (available in several pack quantities and in blue).
8. An insulated backpack so you can conveniently store and carry all of your picnic items in one trip. It comes with truly everything you'll need, such as flatware for four people, an insulated wine pouch, a bamboo cutting board — it even comes with a blanket?! Now you have an excuse to enjoy the outdoors way more often.
This set includes everything necessary for a two- or four-person picnic (you decide at checkout): stainless-steel flatware, napkins, plates, plastic wine glasses, a cutting board, corkscrew, cheese knife, refillable salt and pepper shakers, an insulated (and detachable) wine/bottle cooler bag, and a rolled fleece picnic blanket.
Promising review: "This thing is awesome. If you like having a picnic on a bike ride, hiking, around town, etc. this is a great little bag to have. Love the sturdy non-plastic cutlery and the ability to have dry storage, wet storage, and wine cooler. Blanket is a little small but not bad for two people. Highly recommend." —Mike A
Get it from Amazon for $67.99+ (available in two sizes and in six colors).
9. An outdoor pop-up tent designed with enclosed mesh, made for your indoor animals who aren't fans of the great outdoors. Just set up the tent and your fur babies will have the chance to explore on their terms.
Promising review: "This is a great little tent for cats. I am super pleased with it; would definitely buy and recommend. It's easy to assemble, lightweight, and it comes with everything you need to set it up. And there's virtually no spot that a cat can't see from because it's netting all the way around." —Shann/Steph
Get it from Amazon for $59.99.
10. A jumbo 4-to-score game that'll let you take your competitive nature from the living room to the backyard. Now you can brag a little harder about being the undefeatable champ everyone knows you are.
Promising review: "This is equally loved by kids and adults. Playing the table top version is boring (to me) but I love this oversized version! If you have the space for it buy it! When computer time is over this is the first thing my kids want to play. I was a reluctant buyer because I wasn't sure it would keep their interest and was afraid it would take up too much space. But we are still playing it over a month later and it easily slides out of the way. Looking forward to when we can again use it during back yard barbecues with friends." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $168.19.
11. A gazebo with curtains so you can create your own private outdoor sanctuary. If you want a heavy-duty gazebo for some much-needed time to yourself without harsh sun rays or insects attacking you, invest in one of these!
Promising review: "This gazebo went together beautifully. My husband was VERY impressed with the quality and ease of assembly. He likes things that go together smoothly! Yes, there are many pieces but just follow the directions and you shouldn't have any trouble. Two of us put it together in a leisurely and relaxed six hours. All the bits and pieces lined up perfectly making the assembly a fun experience. The color is lovely and the roof is opaque so lighting gets through and the roof also has UV protection." —MW
Get it from Amazon for $559.99+ when you clip the coupon for $100 off (available in seven sizes).
12. A projector to turn your boring backyard into the outdoor movie theater you never knew you needed! Now you can enjoy movie night even more, especially when it's under the stars.
It connects easily to a Fire TV Stick, laptop, DVD player, and more via HDMI input. And don't forget to grab a screen!
Promising review: "I NEVER leave reviews, but thought I should leave one because this thing is awesome. Super good quality picture! Could be a liiiittle brighter, but for the price, I’m not complaining. I use a Fire Stick and have no problems streaming anything at all. The sound isn’t super loud and doesn’t have any bass, so if you have people over, you probably won’t be able to hear very well if you use the projector speaker. Plug in a speaker through the aux cord jack, and there’s no issues!! 10/10 recommend for anyone wanting to have movie nights in the backyard. I got so many compliments; all of my friends have been asking me where to get it!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $65.99.
13. A cosmic-themed firepit featuring moon and star cutouts that resemble the marvelous wonders you'll find in the night sky. Roast marshmallows and make s'mores while you and your friends share spooky stories!
It's made of thick durable steel and covered with rust-resistant, high-temperate pain. And the effect of the light shining through the moon and stars at night? Stunning.
Promising review: "Got this as part of our backyard renovation project. Shipping was super fast, received it earlier than expected. Large fire pit, super easy to assemble. It’s a sturdy piece! I read the reviews and decided to take some precautions — we drilled three drain holes at the base, fast and easy to do. We also bought a cover just in case. Used it the same day during a chilly North Carolina night to watch an outdoor movie with friends and blankets in the backyard. Worked amazingly and kept us toasty. Love the cutouts! Friends asked where we got it all night. Would recommend to anyone!" —Isabel
Get it from Amazon for $239.
14. Or a fancy smokeless firepit to turn your backyard into a trendy outdoor restaurant — it can fit up to 46 burgers! Throw a grate on the pit if you want to grill your meats and veggies to absolute perfection. Your food will be so good that you might consider charging your guests per plate.
If you'd rather *not* place your steak directly on the pit, you can go for their grill grate and cook it above the flames.
Promising review: "This fire pit is well built and will certainly last for years! To make it truly smokeless, just ensure that you put hot coals/burning wood close to the wall to get the second fire combustion. After the first burn, most of the wood has been reduced to ashes. We can't wait to have friends over for a fire!" —Lily
Get it from Breeo for $399+ (available in three sizes and two colors).
15. A sunshade triangle that'll keep you from solely relying on trees to provide some much-needed protection from the sun. It can block up to 98% of UV rays and is designed to let cooling breezes pass through. This is exactly what you need if you're tired of being fried by the sun during your outdoor relaxation time or outdoor fun.
Don't forget to purchase the hardware set to attach the canopy to your home.
FYI, it's not waterproof and rain water will pass through in order to prevent pooling on top.
Promising review: "Have had it up for over a month and it is holding up very well to sun, wind, rain, and storms. I take it down when I get enough forewarning of strong storms, but sometimes we've been out of town and it has held up quite well. We roll it up and to the side using the installation kit anchors when we get warning for strong winds. But, like I've said, we've come home after storms to small branches down in the yard, but the sail was good. It does a great job of blocking the sun and cools the house and patio quite nicely from the summer sun." —Ms. Shannon
Get it from Amazon for $29.69+ (available in several sizes and colors).
16. A durable double hammock meant for two people, but you can totally enjoy it by yourself. It'll bring a cozy vibe to your backyard, hiking and camping trips, and even park days. Whether you're lounging in the sun or stargazing, you'll always have somewhere comfy to unwind.
Promising review: "This is absolutely perfect!! I hung it between my Jeep and a tree and it was PERFECT!!! If I had the need for more I would buy more. I'm 5'2" and can lay out fully from side to side with a few inches to spare. It held the weight of my daughters and myself." —Kayla Hillard
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors).
17. A 4-in-1 inflatable pool float that'll make your dip in the lake feel a bit more luxurious. This versatile float can be used as a chair, a hammock, a drifter, or even an exercise saddle. You'll be so comfortable, you might find yourself fighting to keep your eyes open!
Promising review: "Got this on a whim after reading some reviews. I didn't expect it to immediately become the fam's new favorite! Lay back and you are half in, half out of the water so you aren't baking from above or freezing below — just what we wanted. It holds your head well out of the water and feels very supportive/stable. I've had it for about a month now and only had to blow it up the first time, the plastic is fairly thick and doesn't lose air through seams or the nozzle. We have a full-body foam float that cost about $120 and it never gets used any more. Everybody takes turns on this one. Great deal for the price; I just bought three more of various colors. Go ahead and try it." —JB
Get it from Amazon for $9.86+ (available in nine colors).
18. A bubble machine your friends, family, and even pets are sure to enjoy. Just turn it on, and everyone will be having the time of their lives running around trying to pop all of the bubbles.
Promising review: "This is so much easier than giving your kids bubbles only to have them spill all over their clothes and the ground. It is truly a 'set it and forget it' item that provides hours of entertainment, even for a little ones! Such a great investment." —Allison A.
Get it from Amazon for $16.97+ (available in two styles).
19. A personal umbrella that you can clip onto the back of your beach chair, so you can peacefully enjoy the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore. Now you can nap outside without being cooked by the sun.
Promising review: "My wife likes no sun, so this allows us to pull beach chairs together. I can set it up and 'boom,' no sun for her. The clamp holds up in wind and the adjustable angles that the umbrella has allow you to sort of aim the shade. Great product and it fits into a suitcase!" —Quarrelman
Get it from Amazon for $27.48+ (available in two sizes and six colors).
20. Or, a retro beach umbrella to cover your outdoor seating area, if you wish to enjoy your backyard space a bit more this season.
Promising review: "SO cute!! I half expected it to be a junk but it’s so darn cute and pretty sturdy for the price!! Definitely exceeded my expectations. I will probably buy another!!!" —Meghan Small
Get it from Amazon for $96.85+ (available in nine colors).
21. A sun visor that is just as stylish as it is effective when it comes to keeping the sun off of your face. Baseball caps are great for this too, but they leave the back of your neck exposed to the sunlight. Instead of risking your neck being burned, put on one of these when you step outside.
The wide brim provides much more UV protection than regular caps!
Promising review: "This hat is perfection when lying on chair or towel (on your back) and for strolling down the beach. The Velcro is very strong and it held up very well in Aruba winds which are intense! Ladies this wraps up snug as a bug and looks beautiful on! The bow in back is 👊🏻.🩷" —Linda
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in 14 colors).
22. A portable George Foreman grill — for anyone who has a balcony instead of a backyard, and still wants the ability to cook outdoors. No need to buy charcoal, firewood, or even propane tanks, because this baby runs on electricity! The only thing your landlord might get mad about is not being invited.
This comes with nonstick coating, the stand is removable, and you can adjust the temperature to five different settings.
Promising review: "This is the perfect grill for my apartment balcony. It was easy to clean and it's really nonstick. In comparison to other brands, this actually heats up the plate instead of heating lights. It cooked really well and was very easy to install. I would definitely recommend to purchase this if you have a small balcony." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $119.99+ (available in two styles and two colors).
23. A portable misting fan with the ability to fold 180 degrees and balance on flat surfaces. It's rechargeable, has three speeds, can continuously spray for about 40 minutes (after fully filling with water), and has a clip to keep it in place if you want to give your hand a break. If you plan on being outdoors for a while, then you def need one of these to keep you from overheating.
Promising review: "I took this fan with me on my two week-long vacation to Italy in the middle of August, and it literally saved my vacation. We had to stand in long lines outside in the heat and inside cathedrals with no air conditioning or cooling. We took tours riding on buses and trains, you name, and the battery life lasted most of the day. It was easy to charge with my little rechargeable battery pack in my backpack. It’s not heavy at all, and I love the way it tilts so that I can put it on the table in front of me on the train or at a cafe. It didn’t tip over easily like my friends’ fan did (not this one). I just love it!" —Tracy L. West
Get it from Amazon for $20.39+ (available in three colors).
24. A pack of five pairs of crew socks that'll help keep your feet dry, comfortable, and blister-free. If your feet tend to get hot and really sweaty when walking long distances, consider these your moisture-wicking miracles.
Promising review: "Bought these socks for hiking in my boots. I wear a women’s size 10 and the large fit perfectly. They are soft and cushioned in the right places. I didn’t have any problems with seams or rubbing while hiking. Happy with the purchase." —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $23.99 (available in six styles and two sizes).
25. An extra-large pop-up beach tent in case you want to avoid the rain and other harsh weather conditions, or you just want to find a spot and call it a night. It's waterproof, windproof, lightweight, *and* UPF 50+, and it only takes a few steps to set it up! Whether you're sleeping under the stars or taking a break from the blazing sun, this handy-dandy tent can be your home away from home.
Outdoor Master is a small business that specializes in outdoor gear, including ski and snowboard gear.
Promising review: "Summer is here and I just gotta say this tent is pretty stinkin' awesome! It's intended for the beach but I can see so many other uses! Outdoor concerts, games, parties. Any time you need shade. It literally pops up in 15 seconds and it's super compact! You could legit even spend the night in it. It closes completely!" —fifth_wheels_rock_literally
Get it from Outdoor Master for $79.99+ (originally $129.99; available in four colors).
26. A set of four outdoor drink stakes made to prevent whatever you're drinking from spilling out of the cup — especially when there's no flat surface around. Just ease it into the ground and it'll hold bottles, soda cans, cups, and more. Now you can enjoy the outdoors without awkwardly holding your cup 24/7.
Promising review: "One of the best items I have ever bought for the beach and backyard! Whether playing cornhole or lounging in a chair, your drink is always clean and cold. No more sandy or dirty cans or bottles. It even holds your drink with a Koozie on it!" —Amazon Customer
Get a set of four from Amazon for $32.95.
27. A bug bite suction tool that'll prevent you from just having to deal with super itchy or painful bug bites. It sucks out venom, saliva, and irritants right from your skin. The next time you get bit, you can take care of it immediately instead of waiting days for the bite to go away.
Some reviewers say it has strong suction power, so use it lightly!
Promising review: "I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times — so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. I woke up with a bug bite on my arm so I used this little tool (three times per the instructions) — immediately after using, it stopped itching! And less than 24 hours later the bump/bite was gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing, but a small price to pay IMO. Bottom line: it’s awesome. I’m carrying it with me everywhere!" —Rebecca
Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in seven colors).
28. A set of enameled dishes for four because you and your family always go camping, but buying paper plates and plasticware is a waste of money. You won't need to add disposable dining items to your grocery list next time, because you'll have this reusable set — just wash, dry, and use again.
Of course if you love paper plates, keep doing you! Just take your trash with ya.
Promising review: "Love this camping set! Cups, bowls and plates are good quality, beautiful blue speckled and a nice size. The silverware is very cheap but for the price it was cheaper to buy it this way. We did take it camping and I loved how easy they were to wash. When you are washing in a bucket, at a campground, it's great when the food comes off easily. We have a family of six and I bought two sets. Should buy one more set for next camping year. These are so cute I want to use them in my kitchen!" —Tessa
Get the set from Amazon for $31.15+ (available in three colors).
29. Or, an individual cutlery set made from organic wheat straw fiber, so everyone can have their own set of utensils for camping or picnics. This set is durable and plastic-free — they won't be breaking anytime soon.
Each set comes with a fork, spoon, serraded knife, and pair of chopsticks. VIS Paradise Goods is a Miami-based small business that carries all kinds of waste-saving goods.
Promising review: "I already have two sets of these travel utensils and now I’m buying more. I love them! The spoons are my favorite and I love that this set comes with chopsticks too. They come with us camping, to picnics, in the car, everywhere basically." —Amber Mulder
Get them from VIS Paradise Goods on Etsy for $12.59+ each (originally $13.99+; available in four colors and a personalization option).
30. A pack of biodegradable body wipes to keep your fear of wiping with a leaf from ever coming true. Clean any part of your body, then simply bury it in the ground. Camping doesn't have to be such a hygienic nightmare with a pack of these wipes around.
Promising review: "I have a tendency to be out and about quite often. When I first started hunting we used the standard baby wipe, so the concept was perfect but not so much in area of biodegrade department. Enter into my world this wonderful product. Love them! They can be used anywhere and the four-pack is great for being able to stash them in my high-traffic places. I have one in my pack as always, but also I can stash one in my truck, my go bag in the truck, and my wife's emergency kit in her car. They pack small and fit into just about any normal pack sized pocket. Texture for these is exactly what you would want from a wet wipe. It does its job without leaving back anything wet feeling, or that you have wait to dry out first before being on your way. This is a great product and I believe you will find many other uses for them!" —Tennselr
Get a four-pack (60 wipes total) from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a single pack of 32 wipes).
31. A lightweight ventilation backpack spacer that'll keep your back from getting sweaty. Simply secure it to the insides of your straps, and you'll be on your way to better posture and a sweat-free back. You definitely need to add this to your list of must-have items, whether you cycle to work, walk to work, or just want to do some light hiking.
VentaPak is a small business based in New York that caters to the needs of cyclists, hikers, and anyone who is tired of having a sweaty back while wearing backpacks.
Promising review: "I love this product. This is my second because I gave my first one to my Dad after he was complaining about his back getting sweaty while wearing his backpack. I would highly recommend VentaPak to anyone who wears a backpack and is looking to stay dry in the warm weather. 5 stars!!!" —Anthony C.
Get it from Amazon for $42.50+ (available in two sizes).
32. A water bottle and phone holder to keep your hands free while you hike or take a stroll around your local park.
Tenzing Collections is a small business on Etsy that sells holistic and wellness items.
Promising review: "Got this because I accidentally lost my bag on the bus and realized I needed something simpler for when I really just need my bottle. I'm loving it so far, it fits my 40-ounce Takeya super easily. And it's super cute. I received so many compliments on it this week. And the phone pocket is big enough for two phones, which will be nice for when I have to carry my girlfriend's phone as well." —Avery
Get it from Tenzing Collections on Etsy for $18 (available in four colors).
33. A high-ponytail running cap with built-in UPF 50 protection so you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping sweat out of your face. It also comes with a hole and strings to hold your ponytail or high bun in place. This cap is built to perform and is ready for your toughest workouts.
Vimhue is an Arizona-based, woman-owned small business that specializes in uniquely engineered running hats.
Promising review: "I LOVE these caps so much! During Hurricane Ida, we had two trees fall on our home. I wore them daily as I was cleaning debris, tarping my roof, and helping others around me do the same. I love that they are high quality, made by women, for women. They are my go-to gift for friends, everyone loves how they accommodate ponytails and buns." —brittanygraybill
Get it from Vimhue on Etsy for $29 or from Vimhue's site for $29 (available in 23 colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.