Whether you’re spending the day at the lake, paddling a river, relaxing at the beach, or cooling off after a hike, the right gear makes every adventure more enjoyable. Built to get wet and dry quickly, these summer essentials are designed for comfort, performance, and versatility. From water shoes and quick-drying apparel to accessories you’ll use all season long, this is the gear you’ll want for every day on the water.
Our editors have been hard at work, testing these summer-day essentials to find the gear that’s comfortable, reliable, and ready for everything from paddleboarding down the river to sipping a cold one at the beach.
Salomon Solamphibian
The Salomon Solamphibian is basically what happens when a hiking shoe and a water shoe decide they don’t want to be separate anymore. Built for wet, wild, and questionable decision-making environments, it’s designed to move seamlessly between land and water without complaining.
The tongue and sides use highly breathable mesh panels that let water drain quickly while still doing a good job of keeping sand out, so you’re not shaking your shoes out like a maraca every five minutes at the beach. They dry fast too, which means you’re not left squelching your way through the rest of the day.
Salomon’s Quicklace system is a standout feature here. One pull and you’re locked in- no fiddling with wet, sandy knots. You can wear them like a regular shoe for approach hikes, or collapse the heel and treat them more like a clog-style sandal when things get more relaxed.
A protective toe cap adds confidence when you’re moving through murky water or rocky shoreline terrain, and the outsole is designed specifically for grip on slippery wet surfaces, exactly where most shoes start behaving as if they’ve never met friction before.
They shine on paddleboards, cliff-jumping missions, and any adventure where dry feet are a theoretical concept rather than a reality.
Stio Hylas Crew LS
The Stio Hylas Crew LS is a lightweight, breathable long-sleeve layer designed for long days outside. Its quick-drying fabric helps keep you comfortable when temperatures climb, making it a great option for hiking, fishing or spending a sunny afternoon on the water. The long sleeves offer extra sun coverage when you’re out on the lake, and the thumb holes are a nice touch for keeping the sleeves in place and adding a little extra coverage. We liked how comfortable and easy it was to wear, whether out on the water or taking a break on shore.
Stio Men’s CFS Board Short
These boardies are built for days spent on the water, whether you’re swimming, paddling or casting a line from shore. The lightweight fabric is comfortable in and out of the water, but what really stood out was just how quickly these shorts dry. After a swim, they were ready to go again in no time. The 10.5-inch inseam offers a relaxed fit with plenty of coverage, making them a great choice for lake days and warm-weather adventures.
Check them out here
Birkenstock Arizona Oiled Leather Sandals
Trends come and go with the seasons, but the Birkenstock Arizona simply refuses to go out of style. These classic two-strap sandals have earned a cult following over the decades, and after spending time in a pair, it’s easy to understand why.
The oiled leather upper develops character with age, picking up a unique patina that tells the story of every adventure. Underfoot, the signature cork-latex footbed is anatomically shaped to support your feet in all the right places. They do require a short break-in period, but once they conform to your feet, they become incredibly comfortable. It’s almost like they were custom-made for your foot, only without the custom-made price tag.
The rigid cork sole offers excellent support and encourages a natural walking motion, making these a great choice for everything from post-hike recovery to weekend errands and lazy afternoons around camp. One thing to remember: these aren’t water sandals. The cork and leather prefer dry conditions, so if your plans involve getting wet, leave them at camp.
Handcrafted in Germany for more than 50 years, the Arizona has proven that sometimes the classics really are the best. They’re timeless, comfortable, and likely to outlast whatever fashion trend comes next.
If you are looking to dial your setup for different activities, check out one of these links below
