The Best Summer Water Gear for Every Lake and River Mission

Go ahead and retire all that clunky winter gear and get your paddleboard or kayak out because after reading this, you’ll be ready for a summer spent on the water. No matter how steep or long of a hike you do this summer, if there's a body of water, you're going to want to jump in. That crystal-blue, shimmering water ignites a natural instinct in us to jump in and cool off. But, nothing is worse than getting to a river or lake and not being able to jump in cause you weren’t prepared. But not to worry, FREESKIER has the ultimate summer water kit guide for you right here. 

We’ve done our homework to provide you with a list of our favorite water pieces that will not let you down, no matter what water activity you are doing. Below you’ll find our top selection for tops, shorts, bags, sunglasses, rain jackets, and accessories. We’ve broken down the details and included clickable links so you can purchase items that stand out. Of course, we always recommend supporting your local outdoor shops, but we figured this would give you a good start and a sense of what you might like. Happy paddling, swimming, and casting!

Women’s Full Kit 

TOP

Strafe - Sopris Sun Hoodie 

This athlete-owned brand knows how to do materials and technology right in their products. That is why we picked Strafe’s Sopris Sun Hoodie, as it is a high-performance sun protection top made with materials that will keep you cool even on the hottest days. The top was inspired by Mount Sopris in Colorado, so one could wear it for their morning run up Mount Sopris and still wear it for an afternoon spent in the river in the valley below. The hoodie's Triple Chill Effect is a game-changer on those hot summer days, using cooling minerals to keep the fabric cool to the touch all day long. Not to mention, while the hoodie keeps you cool, it also delivers standard UPF 50 sun protection. No matter where you are in the sun, this top makes staying cool and protected easy and convenient.

BOTTOMS

Stio - CFS Drifter Short 3”

Having good shorts for all summer activities is a necessity. No one wants to have to change their shorts throughout the day because their apparel couldn’t keep up with their activities. The CFS Drifter Short’s water-repellent finish helps to resist water and reduce dry time allowing you the freedom to adventure both in and out of the water. The adjustable elastic waistbands provide a stylish and practical touch so you can wear these shorts both in town or on your way to an alpine lake.

BAG

KAVU - Rope Bag 

I know, this bag is a classic, but it stands the test of time as KAVU’s most popular piece. The KAVU Rope Bag offers a simple, stylish, and practical design that carries your everyday essentials wherever you go. With two deep pockets and two small pockets, this bag fits the essentials for your adventures without making you feel the weight. Whether that’s a water bottle, beach towel, sunscreen, or rain jacket this bag can handle it while also keeping smaller items like keys safe in the front zipper pockets.

Rain Jacket 

Cotopaxi - Impermeo 3L Hooded Shell Jacket 

“Rain, rain go away, come again another day,” that’s how we all feel when we want to enjoy a nice summer day on the river. But if you live in the mountains, then you know that Mother Nature loves to bring us little storms in the afternoons. Never fear though, this summer you will be prepared with Cotopaxi’s Impermeo Rain Jacket. The three-layer protection fights off all elements, while the fully seam-sealed zippers ensure no water sneaks past them. Even if you have just jumped into a lake and you see those afternoon storm clouds rolling in, the stacked layers will keep you warm, so you won't worry about catching a cold.

Sunglasses 

Zeal - Windsor 

By wearing Zeal’s Windsor sunglasses, you will feel one with nature, literally though, because these sunglasses are plant-based. The plant-based material that the sunglasses are made of creates a lightweight, stylish, and very important accessory for your summer adventures. The Z-resin frame is made from castor beans, unlike many frames made from petroleum. This helps the glasses be lightweight yet durable, so you can take them on the steepest climbs or in the roughest water while still looking stylish. As fun as those dad shades are, as a girl, it feels nice to look cute while also doing some pretty gnarly adventures.

Men's Full Kit

Top

Patagonia - Cool Sun Hoody - Fitz Roy Trout

The lightweight fabric of this Patagonia hoody delivers quick-drying moisture control and airflow features to ensure you comfort even on those hot river or mountain days. This hood does not shy away from providing you with sun protection, either. The hood is designed to fit comfortably over a ball cap, and the sleeves feature thumb holes to ensure your face and hands get full sun protection. Whether you're trail running or throwing clean casts, this top will keep you comfortable and protected all day long.

Bottoms

Flylow - Reynolds Short 

Even though Flylow originally started as a ski apparel company, it is safe to say these guys have figured out the secret ingredients to durable and adaptable apparel for all seasons. The Reynolds shorts are versatile swim trunks that excel both in and out of the water. The water repelling and quick-drying materials make days on the river or at campsites seamless and comfortable. So even if you have a little hike to a lake or river this summer, these shorts can handle it.

Bag

Nite Ize - Runoff Waterproof 12L Backpack

Now, this is a bag that can withstand the elements Mother Nature throws your way. Nite Ize’s TRU Zip waterproof zippers work alongside the bag allowing it to be safely submerged in water while keeping all your items dry. The zippers on this bag are the real reason why it is completely waterproof. The simple zipper is easy to use and provides a stress-free experience while also provding you with confidence in your bags ability to protect your items. We know that a lot of gear and accessories come with camping or a day on the river, but the bag's 12L capacity allows all types of items to fit correctly and securely inside. Whether those items are as big as hiking shoes or as small as a hook, there is a spot for all of your necessities in this bag.

Rain Jacket

Mountain Hardwear - Cloud Cipher Hooded Rain Jacket 

Rain and wind don’t stop this jacket from getting out and exploring, and it won’t stop you either. As annoying as it can be, always having a rain jacket on hand in the summer is one of the most helpful things to have. But thankfully, this jacket is highly packable, so you don’t even notice it. The jacket can be comfortably stuffed into pockets and has a convenient clip loop to ensure it stays stable no matter where you put it. So even if it is a rainy day, don’t shy away from going outside, as this jacket will make sure that even on gloomiest days, you can still have an adventure.

Sunglasses 

Oakley - Holbrook 

While the style of the Holbrook might be “old school” for some, it was inspired by screen heroes of the 40s, 50s, and 60s who embodied the spirit of exploration and adventure. Vintage is the thing these days anyway. So, whether you're exploring the streets of a new town or a trail to an alpine lake, these shades will keep up with you while still delivering a timeless look. The Lightweight O Matter frame material, combined with front rivet accents, creates the perfect shades for both performance and style.

Accessories For All

Speaker 

Turtle Box - Ranger 

Let's be honest, what's better than sitting back with friends by a river and listening to some great tunes? Not much can beat that summer vibe. But speakers can be tricky because they need to be waterproof if you're going to take them on your water-centric adventures this summer. Turtlebox is known for its quality waterproof speakers, and thankfully, they have the perfect 9.5 by 3.15-inch, 2.4-pound speaker that won’t get in the way of your adventures while helping to create the perfect vibe. The speaker has IP-77 waterproof technology for both salt and fresh water and is 100% drop, crush, and dust-proof. Even though the speaker is tiny, it is mighty.

Towel

Rumpl - Tech Towel

Nothing is worse than hauling around a big cotton beach towel. Rumpl has figured out a way to make a practical towel not only for the beach but for any outdoor activity. The quick drying material combined with the repellent sand, stain, and moisture surface makes this towel the ultimate beast for any situation. A standard towel size is also extremely packable at 17 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches when packed.