15 Best Sun Protection Items You Can Take On-The-Go | Weather.com

From beach lovers to outdoor enthusiasts, beat the heat (and sunburn) with these summer essentials.

Stephanie Quick
ByStephanie Quick•
5 days agoUpdated: September 22, 2026, 10:11 am EDTPublished: September 22, 2026, 10:11 am EDT
Sun Bum Road Tripper Travel Sized Sun Care Pack

Sun Bum Road Tripper Travel Sized Sun Care Pack

(Amazon)

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Sun’s out, fun’s out! The temperatures are still hot, hot, hot for much of the country, so for those who are still spending time in the great outdoors, you’ll want to double up on your sun and heat protection this season. I just got back from a trip to Oklahoma this past week, and with temperatures soaring regularly over 100 degrees during the day and no cloud cover, I needed to stay cool, hydrated and protected all weekend long.

Sun-stroke, also known as heatstroke, can be severe and life-threatening if you’re not properly prepared, with symptoms ranging from high body temperatures, confusion, nausea, headache and even seizures. And not to put too fine a point on the importance of your skin health, you do not want to be the expected one in five Americans to develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

So from beach and boating lovers, to campers, hikers and athletes, you’ll want to keep a few handy accessories stashed in your car, backpack or purse. Essential protection will include sunscreen and protective gear, investing in proper apparel with UPF protection, and keeping first aid supplies handy and within reach while being active outdoors.

And we can’t forget - be sure to download The Weather Channel app to get all of your daily, weekend and 10-day forecasts, breaking news and access to fun outdoor planning tools.

Essential Protection

1. Sun Bum Road Tripper | Travel Sized Sun Care Pack

Price: $18.19, was $25.99 at Amazon; $18,19 at Ulta

Rating: 4.8-stars on Amazon

Why we like it:

  • SPF 30 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
  • Water resistant for 80 minutes
  • Made without Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, cruelty-free and vegan
  • Comes with SPF 30 lotion, face stick and lip balm
  • Tips: apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours

READ MORE: If you want more sunscreen options, be sure to check out our guide to find the best sunscreen for your skin type and activity.

2. Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Lip Sunscreen

Price: $5.79, was $6.49 at Amazon; $6.49 at Walmart

Rating: 4.7-stars; 10,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • SPF 50+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
  • Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free
  • Non-greasy formula with moisturizing ingredients, according to company

3. Repel Umbrella

Price: $23.99, was $39.99 at Amazon

Rating: 4.5-stars; 107,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • Waterproof and windproof
  • UV protection
  • Double-vented canopy
  • Fiberglass covered frame
  • Auto open and close function
  • Lightweight and compact for purse, backpack or car

4. GearTOP UPF 50+ Beach Hat (Unisex)

Price: $19.99 at Amazon

Rating: 4.5-stars; 28,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • 8 color options
  • Unisex fit with adjustable sizing
  • UPF 50+ protection from UVA/UVB rays
  • Water-resistant
  • Foldable and easy to pack

5. MERRY's Polarized Sunglasses

Price: starting at $19.99 at Amazon

Rating: 4.5-stars; 11,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • Two size options (56mm and 58mm lens width)
  • Polarized lens to reduce glare
  • Suitable for boating, fishing and many outdoor activities

Clothing & Accessories

6. Columbia Sun Protection Clothing

Price: starting at $30 at Columbia

Why we like it:

  • Columbia offers a variety of sun protection options, including long-sleeve shirts, polos, t-shirts, shorts, jackets, hats and more.
  • Clothing for both men and women available

7. MISSION Neck Gaiter

Price: $13.99, was $16.99 at Amazon

Rating: 4.4-stars; 31,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • Sweat-activated to cool the fabric by up to 30 degrees, according to the company
  • UPF 50 guards for UVA/UBV protection
  • Unisex fit for adults, kids and teens with 12 ways to style it
  • Ideal for fishing, boating and working outdoors

8. JISULIFE Portable Neck Fan

Price: starting at $25.99 at Amazon

Rating: 4.3-stars; 63,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • 360 degree neck fan
  • 5-speeds
  • Hands-free design
  • Battery charge lasts between 4 to 16 hours depending on fan speed

Skin Care & Comfort

9. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

Price: $11.99, was $13.99 at Amazon; $11.99 at Ulta

Rating: 4.6-stars; 14,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • Contains combination of mineral salts and trace elements for skin soothing
  • Paraben-free and suitable for sensitive skin
  • Use daily instead of toner; after cleansing, spray on face and leave on for 3 minutes
  • Uses: Finish cleansing routine, soothe redness, soften skin, aid decongestion

10. Sukeen Cooling Towel (4-Pack)

Price: $13.99, was $16.99 at Amazon

Rating: 4.5-stars; 28,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • Made from breathable mesh materials
  • Towel may stay chilled up to 3 hours depending on weather conditions
  • Quick drying and skin friendly according to company
  • UPF 50+ sun protection

11. Natural Face Oil Blotting Paper

Price: $6.95 at Amazon

Rating: 4.6-stars; 16,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • Designed for all skin types
  • Absorbs excess oil to control face shine
  • Made from natural linen with bamboo charcoal, according to company

12. Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Price: $19.95, was $24.95 at Amazon and Walmart

Rating: 4.5-stars; 82,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • Uses real freshly cut aloe leaves, according to company
  • NSF Organic & IASC certified, carbon neutral, 100% PCR bottle
  • Uses: soothes sunburn, cuts, rashes, calms shaving burn, and the sting from bites

Health & Safety

13. Coolflask Half Gallon Water Bottle

Price: $31.99 at Amazon

Rating: 4.6-stars; 16,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • Tiple layer copper-plated vacuum insulated water bottle made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel
  • BPA-free, rust-proof and free from odor, according to the company
  • Comes in a variety of sizes; the 64 oz. large capacity is perfect to long trips spent outdoors
  • Keeps drink cold for up to 48 hours, and hot up to 24 hours
  • Comes with handle lid, pouch carrying bag, shoulder strap, spout lid, straw lid with two straws and a straw brush
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Caution: Do not put int freezer or microwave, not intended to be used for soft drinks

14. Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets

Price: $21.58, was $29.96 at Amazon (40 tablets); $18.34 at Walmart (30 servings)

Rating: 4.5-stars; 21,000+ ratings

Why we like it:

  • Low sugar, vegan and gluten free
  • Made up of sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride for a full spetrum hydration kit
  • Tip: Needs to be dissolved in water, not eaten directly. Mix with 16 ounces of water, wait three minutes to tablet to fully dissolve.

15. First Aid Only Heat Stress Kit

Price: $33.19 at Amazon

Rating: 4.4-stars

Why we like it:

  • 72-piece kit
  • Includes: cold packs, thermometers, electrolyte drink mix and tablets, emergency blanket, waterproof tape

Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.

Safety & Preparedness

Whether you’re looking for essential items you must have around a severe weather event, vacation and trip planning, or just want some every-day products for any weather (we’re looking at you, rain boots), be sure to check out these in-depth shopping guides for inspiration.


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