RS Recommends
Rolling Stone Summer Essentials 2022: The Best Gear and Party Essentials for the Season
By
Tim Chan, John Lonsdale, Sage Anderson, Nishka Dhawan, Oscar Hartzog
June 23, 2022
Helinox
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
After two summers of uncertainty there’s one thing we’re never been more sure of: It feels damn good to be out again. Whether you’re heading to the beach, campground, or just cruising around town, these are the products to pick up to make it your best getaway yet. Think speakers that double as karaoke machines, earbuds you can actually take into the ocean and — for high rollers — the return of a classic Sixties car with a 007-inspired twist. We’ve tested — and test-driven — these products to ensure they hold up to big parties and solo adventures alike. Here’s what earned our seal of approval.
-
Moke 60 Years of Bond Edition Cruiser
Image Credit: Moke
The classic Moke Cruiser makes a celebrated return this summer with a special 007 edition timed to the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise. First released in 1964, the new Moke comes with modern updates like a backup camera, Bluetooth and all-electric motor. Each vehicle is made to order.
-
JBL Party Box Encore Essential
Image Credit: JBL
With up to six hours of playtime and a splash-proof design, the JBL PartyBox lets you turn up the fun. Built-in light show and karaoke capabilities make this modern boombox a must-have. Whether for backyard barbecues or days at the beach, this is the best way to get big sound in a portable package.
-
Guess x J Balvin Collection
Image Credit: Guess
J Balvin’s latest Guess collaboration is all about “amor y pas” (“peace and love”) with bright colors and prints that make you feel as good as you look. With pieces with men and women and inclusive sizing, this is truly a caliente collab.
-
All Things Must Grass CBD Pre-Rolls
Image Credit: Dad Grass
Just a classic smoke for a classic bloke.” To celebrate George Harrison, Dad Grass’ “All Things Must Grass” collection of pre-rolled joints sparks up organic CBD/CBG for a mellow, mood-improving buzz.
-
Huski Beer Cooler 2.0
Image Credit: Amazon
Keep your brew chilled with the Huski Beer Cooler. It’s triple-insulated, corrosion-resistant and features a leak-proof design for durability. It comes with a 3-in-1 detachable bottle opener too. Choose from five different colors and use this portable cooler to keep both your cans and bottles of beer chilled.
-
Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Cooler
Image Credit: Yeti
Hauling a party’s worth of beer and grub just got easier, thanks to this new 18-can cooler pack. A magnetic closure and buckles keep it sealed; a sturdy base holds it upright.
-
Wu-Tang Clan x Slowtide Towel
Image Credit: Brian Kelley / Slowtide
Great for music festivals and park hangs alike, this Wu-Tang towel celebrates the 30th anniversary of the legendary hip-hop group’s debut.
-
Funboy x Cult Gaia Luxury Pool Lounge
Image Credit: Funboy
Funboy’s latest collab with Cult Gaia is an 11-foot sloped saddle lounger with a graphic print from the fashion label along the top. Up to two guests can relax on the rose-colored floaty, making it perfect for a party of two.
-
REI Co-op Camp Blanket
Image Credit: REI
Wind-resistant, comfy and machine-washable, the REI Camp Blanket is just what you need for your next outdoor adventure. It’s designed to fit one person and has a water-resistant finish for maximum durability. Each Camp Blanket also comes with a stuff sack for easy storage and ease of portability. Use it both indoors and outdoors, its polyester fiber insulation will keep you warm and cozy all year long.
-
The F.A.R Duffle 70L
Image Credit: Away
Away’s newest outdoor travel collection features all the necessities you need for a weekend away. The F.A.R Duffle 70L is constructed from recycled, water-resistant polyester fabric. The interior has a ton of space, including a mesh pocket for organization and the exterior has a hidden zipper compartment for additional items. If you’re heading out on a camping trip, or for a weekend away with your loved one, The F.A.R Duffle 70L will be your go-to carry-on.
Note: Item releases June 28
-
Outerknown Apex Boardshorts
Image Credit: Outerknown
Approved by Kelly Slater (arguably the greatest surfer of all time), these Apex shorts from Slater’s own brand Outerknown are our number one pick for surfing, swimming, or just lounging this summer. They’re made of an ultra-stretchy, quick-drying fabric, and feature clever details a double-bonded butt and welded seams for added durability.
-
Crocs Classic Clog
Image Credit: Crocs
Crocs have done a shocking 180 over the last couple of years, going from sartorial punchline to ultra-trendy brand collaborating with the likes of Justin Bieber, Saweetie, and Post Malone. And this turnaround is great: Crocs Clogs are ridiculously comfortable, waterproof, and easy to clean with soap and water. Wear them while trudging through a creekbed or grabbing a coffee.
-
Orlebar Brown x Wham! Swim Trunks
Image Credit: Orlebar Brown
Swimwear brand Orlebar Brown teams up with Eighties pop duo Wham! for these “Club Tropicana” trunks, with a bold print that’ll turn heads at the beach — and beach club.
-
Elysian Dank Dust IPA
Image Credit: Elysian
As part of the release for this Dank Dust summer IPA, Elysian enlisted rapper, food lover, and noted dank-smoker Action Bronson as its “Director of Dank.” “Dank Dust is all about a mindset, a lifestyle,” Bronson tells Rolling Stone. “It’s about enjoying life and chilling with the people you love. The aroma of the beer is citrus-forward with a hint of sweet, herbal, and earthy tones. The beer is best when relaxing with family and friends,” he says.
Bronson suggests trying the IPA with food (his recipes include sticky short ribs and funnel cake), or just an afternoon snack, saying, “[the beer’s] aromas enhance any snack starting from the moment you crack open a can.”
-
Tiki Brand Fire Pit
Image Credit: Amazon
Dual-walled fire pits are very clever: by introducing cool air to the top of the flame, they create secondary combustion and to all but eliminate smoke. That means no shuffling around the fire and no stinky clothes the morning after.
Our favorite smoke-free fire pit is this one from Tiki Brand. The powder-coated stainless steel pit is totally weatherproof, looks great, and, most importantly, removes almost all smoke. There’s also a handy ash tray on the bottom, making clean-up very easy. You can burn regular wood in the stylish fire pit, but Tiki Brand recommends using their own wood pellets for the hottest and least smokey fire possible.
-
Kangol Bucket Hat
Image Credit: Kangol
Bucket hats are having a moment as fashion lovers tip back into Nineties/Oughts trends. This washed bucket from Kangol nails the look with a versatile cotton build and a low-key Kangol logo. Throw it on for a beach day or wear it with statement sneakers and cargo pants as a going-out look.
-
Reebok Classic Leather
Image Credit: Reebok
Reebok just re-introduced one of their most iconic sneakers, the Classic Leather, with help from a host of big names such as Tems, Arca, and Allen Iverson. We think Reeboks timing is just right, as we’re all trying to get our hands on some throwback sneakers for the summer. The Classic Leathers fit the bill with a high-quality construction and an Eighties-inspired silhouette.
-
Oakley Leadline Sunglasses
Image Credit: Oakley
Built for chilling at the beach and breaking a sweat at the gym, these lightweight shades come with durable polarized lenses, a comfortable-but-secure frame, and grippy nose pads to keep them from sliding when you’re on the go this summer.
-
Sixthreezero Electric Bike
Image Credit: Sixthreezero
The vintage beach cruiser goes electric with this sleek and smooth-riding e-bike. But don’t let its name fool you — the Around the Block can zoom up to 15 mph for 40 miles on a full charge while you sit back and enjoy the battery-powered ride.
-
Retrospec Coaster Inflatable Kayak
Image Credit: Retrospec
You don’t need a giant car or warehouse-sized garage to enjoy this new inflatable kayak from Retrospec. Just throw the deflated boat in your trunk, pump up the chambers at the beach, and enjoy a paddle. The kit includes everything you’ll need (paddle, pump, fins, and a seat) so you can start using the kayak right out of the box.
-
Helinox Café Chair
Image Credit: Helinox
A camping chair that doubles for dining, pair this with the brand’s Café Table for dinner under the stars. Lightweight and comfortable, choose from two eye-catching colors.
-
Samsung Freestyle Portable Projector
Image Credit: Samsung
This tumbler-sized projector is the best cinematic experience you’ll get in your backyard, with a swiveling design and 360-degree audio that gives you the flexibility to point and play just about anywhere.
-
Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 Rooftop Tent
Image Credit: REI
Not a fan of sleeping on the cold, hard ground while roughing it outdoors? If you want to forgo the typical tents and sleeping bags, this rooftop tent is built for any climate and season you’re heading out into the wild. While other hardshell counterparts can get pricey, you’ll get comparable high-quality materials with enough room to fit sleep three people, all for a good price.
The UV- and mold-resistant fabric and waterproofing add durability, while the high-density foam mattress adds comfort for a tent that’s the best of both worlds.
-
Able Carry Max Backpack
Image Credit: Able Carry
This backpack offers 30L of space, yet it somehow feels like you’re able to carry even more, all while remaining super lightweight on your back. This is to say that Able Carry’s Max Backpack should be your summer travel companion this season.
It packs a lot in even with minimalist aesthetics, from well-padded shoulder straps, to a ventilated back panel, and a supportive A-frame to keep all your gear in place. The construction is rock-solid, but uses a special XPAC shell to keep everything lightweight, so you can carry on for longer.
-
Zygo Solo Underwater Headphones
Image Credit: Zygo
Bluetooth can’t cut it underwater, and other buds require you to manually upload MP3s, but Zygo’s bone conduction transmitter lets you easily stream music in the pool so you can focus on your next lap — not your connection.
-
Camelbak Arete 14 Hydration Pack
Image Credit: Camelbak
More is always more when it comes to hydration, but sometimes less can be more when it comes to your pack. Camelbak’s Arete 14 is a streamlined pack ideal for those spur-of-the-moment adventures or outdoor events where you want to have just enough water for the day without packing too much bulk (music festivals, I’m looking at you). It’s made from cool, lightweight material perfect for short hikes, but it can even double as a commuter backpack thanks to its 13-inch laptop sleeve.
-
Victrola Revolution GO
Image Credit: Victrola
Victrola’s first portable record player has more under the hood you can expect, with a rechargable 12-hour battery and Bluetooth streaming compatibility for listening to your tunes whenever, wherever. Your vinyl will sound superb on its 3-speed belt driven turntable with an Audio Technica moving magnetic cartridge. Bonus points: the removable lid doubles as a display for your records of the day.
-
Cutwater Spirits Pineapple Margarita
Image Credit: Cutwater
San Diego-based Cutwater proves that craft distilleries can provide some insanely good ready-to-drink cocktails. They’ve got some real unique mixes with everything from rum, to vodka, to whiskey and tequila — even a damn good bloody mary. There is not a single miss in their repetoire, and while we like their White Russians and Mai Tais in particular, their latest crowd-pleasing Pineapple Margarita (10% ABV) made from real tequila, triple sec, and pineapple juice is top of our list for summertime sipping.
-
Asobu Portable Cold Brew Maker
Image Credit: Asobu
Forget expensive coffee shop cold brew — fill up Asobu’s brew-it-yourself mesh basket with your favorite grinds, steep in the insulated carafe, then take your iced coffee to go.
-
Tetra Elbow Pipe
Image Credit: Tetra
If you want a pipe that doubles as post-modern decor, look no further. Designed by Parisian ceramicist neenineen, this twisted, tube-shaped pipe keeps the smoke billows visible each time you take a puff.
-
Olympus Tough TG-6 Underwater Camera
Image Credit: Olympus
Olympus’ camera is tough enough to shoot anywhere and still stand up to anything life (or the elements) throw at it. Since it’s waterproof in up to 50 feet, dust-proof, shock-proof, crush-proof, freeze-proof, and anti-fog, there’s very little terrain you can’t capture photos in. It’s also just a solid, high-quality camera you’d want to use anywhere, with 4K and HD 120 fps video capabilities and a hi-res F2.0 lens.
-
Edie Parker Doob Tube
Image Credit: Edie Parker
These lipstick-sized tubes let you take your stash to go, keeping pre-rolls away from water and preventing your smokes from being crushed. Not into cannabis? These double as vitamin holders too.
-
Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Rosé
Image Credit: Perrier Jouet
At the end of your day, there’s nothing more refreshing (or more glamorous) that a crisp glass of champagne. And when it comes to champagne, few brands do it better than Perrier Jouet.
Case in point: their 2013 “Belle Epoque” Rosé, with its delicate pink hue, light bubbles and fragrant notes of strawberries, raspberries and grapefruit. It’s the perfect accompaniment to seafood or dessert, and even better with glasses passed around the pool while you lay out in the sun.
La Belle Epoque literally translates into “the beautiful age,” and Perrier Jouet proves there’s nothing more beautiful than spending summers with people you love — and a drink to love too.
In this article:
More News
-
Tommy Hilfiger Is Giving Shoppers an Early Start on Holiday Deals
- Get Ahead of Holiday Shopping
-
'The Celebrity Traitors UK' Season 2 Isn’t Available in the U.S., But We Found a Way to Stream
- VPN Guide
-
'Wicker' Has the Internet Thirsting: These BookTok Favorites Are Just as Steamy as the New Release
- Quiet on the Creek
-
Garth Brooks Adds New Dates to Tour — Here's Where You Can Grab Tickets
- Tickets and Tours
-
The Country Music Association’s Dolly Parton Tribute Airs Tonight — Here's How to Watch for Free
- Streaming Guide
-
See Red Clay Strays and Zach Top Pay Tribute to the Late John Anderson
- Swingin' in Nashville
- 2:22 PM
-
Chappell Roan Concludes Benefit Shows With Surprise Duets Featuring PinkPantheress, Lola Young
- Super Graphic Spectacular
- 1:35 PM
-
Billy Idol and Rock Hall Bring Music Education to California School
- Save the Music
- 1:14 PM
-
Brad Paisley Says There Are More Verses to His ‘South Park’ Song
- Nashville Now
- 1:10 PM
Top stories newsletter
A Cultural Force That Transcends Generations
Enter your Email
By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services.