As this story is being written, the United States is experiencing a heat wave warning. The week prior, the United Kingdom logged its hottest day yet, and mainland Europe the week before. For those venturing out when the thermometer registers a high temp, bring these 11 things with you.
Olukai Ulele Sandals
People reach for sandals and flip-flops during the hot and sticky summer months for good reason: They allow your feet to breathe. However, the problem with many models is that they do not offer much with anything else. These sandals from Olukai were made for the beach but the comfortable compression molded EVA footbed gives your dogs the support they need for day-long walks.
SAXX Hot Shot Boxer Brief with DropTemp Technology
Performance underwear is the underwear of choice for travelers not just because it is easy to wash in hotel sinks (dries quickly, too), but also because its sweat-wicking and antimicrobial properties help prevent nasty things, uh, down there, from festering. This boxer brief uses highly breathable technology and strategically placed mesh panels that amplify your body’s cooling capacity.
Pack Towl Ultralite Packable Towel
No matter how much you prepare beforehand, once you’re outside of your comfortable, airconditioned hotel room (which I hope does offer some reprieve), you will inevitably sweat. In my personal experience, I sweat buckets. Instead of using paper towels that barely absorb your perspiration, opt for this ultrafast-drying towel that packs to almost nothing but drinks up liquids like a camel.
Zealios Reef Safe Sun Barrier
Sun protection should always be on your mind, most especially during the summer, when the days are longer. This reef-safe, SPF50 sunscreen filters 98 percent of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, without leaving any chalky or greasy residue. Unlike other sunscreens though, this won’t sting your eyes, so it can be worn above the eye line.
Hydro Flask 21 oz. Standard Mouth in Seagrass
This—and all of Hydro Flask’s impressive collection of water bottles—is made with 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel to ensure pure taste and no flavor transfer. The durable construction with double wall vacuum insulation keeps your drinks cold (or hot, but we don’t care about that now) for hours.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a lot more prevalent during the summer, when you are out more and may dismiss its symptoms as part of “dealing” with the hot weather.
When not properly attended to, heat exhaustion is a dangerous condition that can lead to a heat stroke. Fortunately, it is completely preventable as long as you are aware of its warning signs. Some of the symptoms include feeling faint, excessive sweating, dizziness, a weak but rapid pulse, muscle cramps, nausea, and headache.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you head out for the day’s activities.
Ridge Merino Merino Wool V-neck T-shirt
Merino wool—the fabric that works just as hard as your workout—is the best material to seek out when you’re traveling, and most especially when you’re traveling during the summer. Ridge Merino’s v-neck tee—made of 87 percent merino wool and 13 percent nylon—has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30; is naturally odor-resistant; and is quick-drying, whether it’s your sweat or as a result of splashing cold water to your face.
Sito Bender Sunglasses
Shield your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays with these stylish shades. Made from plant-based—natural wood pulp and cotton seeds—acetate, the Bender’s CR 39 lenses offer 100 percent UV protection.
The tortoise shell design goes with many summer outfits and the 57-millimeter width fits many face shapes.
rnnr Streaker: Trail Bait Running Hat
This lightweight running hat pulls two functions when worn outside: Its full mesh top and side panels ventilate your head, while the performance sweatband keeps the sweat off your face (and out of your eyes). The shorter brim keeps things minimal but still provides protection against the sun.
Arm & Hammer Invisible Spray Powder
This talc-free spray powder contains Arm & Hammer baking soda and odor-neutralizing ingredients that absorb moisture and sweat. The sweat-activated Fresh Guard technology eliminates funk from building up in your body, especially in skin folds and crevices, keeping you feeling fresh.
OXO No-Spill Ice Stick Tray
This silicone tray creates ice sticks that fit through the narrower openings of many water bottles, reusable or otherwise. Use this in tandem with Hydro Flask’s water bottle to always have a cold and refreshing drink handy.
Rechargeable Fan with Mister
A personal fan typically does not cut it, especially on stiflingly hot days (imagine standing in line at a Disney World ride in the middle of August and you’ll know what I mean). This portable fan is powered by USB and has a tank that you fill up with water. At intervals, it sprays a fine mist of water that helps cool you down. It’s not a substitute for air conditioning—in fact, using this indoors when it’s humid will make things worse—but any reprieve is welcome.