BioLite Charge 100 Max ($149.95)
Most of us head to the lake to relax and escape, but extended trips away may necessitate recharging of devices. This summer, BioLite extended its range of portable batteries to include the Charge 100 Max, a 25,000mAH, 100W power bank that is capable of charging 5 devices simultaneously (and fast). It features 3USB-C connections, one USB-A port, and a magnetic wireless charging deck and can handle laptops, tablets, phones, earbuds, smartwatches, cameras, drones, and more.
I’ve never seen a portable battery with wireless charging capabilities before this one, and have been very impressed with its capabilities. 100W output is incredibly fast by today’s standards and have ing 25,000mAH of capacity means it can put out a lot of juice. Though not something I would take on a backpacking trip where weight must be minimized, this is perfect for car camping and slow days by the water.
High Camp Flasks ($129 / $99)
There’s nothing like a glass of wine or a good, robust whisky by the water – but lugging bottles and glassware is asking for trouble. Enter High Camp Flasks, which offers vacuum-insulated vessels for booze transportation. The Firelight ($129) has a capacity of 750ml for a full bottle of wine or spirits, and includes two magnetically-attached tumblers. The Torch ($99) is a more compact version with a capacity of 6oz and one small tumbler. Both options serve a purpose on any kind of relaxing trip to the lake, and they have been a crowd-pleaser all season.
Helinox Savanna Camp Chair ($199.95)
Is there anything more essential to lake life than a good chair? Whether you’re lounging by the water, reading a book, or just taking in the view, the right chair can make all the difference. After searching high and low for the perfect blend of comfort, portability, and lightweight design, I’ve found my favorite: the Helinox Savanna. Paired with the Rocking Feet attachment ($64.95), it transforms into a backcountry rocking chair that brings relaxation to a new level. This combo has come with me on nearly every outing this season and continues to be a top pick.
Paka Original Crew sweater ($139)
Though summer in Maine can be sweltering, it’s always cooler by the water – especially as the sun goes down. A comfortable, lightweight sweater is just the ticket in these situations, and the Paka Crew is there for it. Its softer-than-cashmere alpaca fibers combined with recycled nylon make for an impossibly soft, lightweight, yet warm top that is ready for anything.
Because it’s so packable and stylish, I’ve brought this with me on all trips to the lake as well as BBQs and parties all summer long. Combined with their underwear, I’m living in comfort! I’m hoping these are as durable as they are soft, as I look forward to wearing them year-round.
Sea to Summit Detour Cook Set ($199.95)
Camp cookwear often has the reputation of being flimsy, awkward, and cheap-feeling. Sea to Summit changed all that with their Detour Cook Set, which combines stainless steel and silicone rubber to make durable, versatile, and refined cookware. They offer various sets to include pots, mugs, utensils, and even knives to round out the range, which is perfect for lakeside cookouts and car camping.
Like traditional camp cookware, the pots and mugs collapse and nest together conveniently for optimal storage. They are all induction-compatible, which means they can be used on induction stoves, gas burners, camp stoves, or whatever you might have (just be careful when handling after heating!). If you’re looking for a lighter version for backpacking, look into the Frontier line which offers much of the same quality for a far lower weight. They also offer lots of other backpacking gear for those looking to go fast and light.
Danner Joseph Sandal ($140)
It’s hard to imagine summer by the water without the perfect pair of sandals. Though hard-pressed to wear anything other than my beloved Bedrock Cairn sandals when the sun is shining, Danner has stolen my heart for their comfortable and practical footwear designs. The Joseph sandal combines those same design elements with a grippy, trail-tested Vibram outsole.
I found the straps to be comfortable and secure while the cushioned footbed provides a great feeling underfoot. They seem to run a tad large, so consider sizing down at least a half size to ensure proper length.
Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack ($299.95)
Ok, so a travel backpack doesn’t necessarily fit into a post about being at the lake – or does it? On first glance, it may not make sense why a company synonymous with camera storage might make a travel bag and how that applies to summer trips, but I have one word that will bring it all together: children.
Though I do love an excellent, thoughtfully-designed travel pack (which this very much is) as much as the next person, where I have found the best use for this is as mobile kid luggage. Going to the beach? Great, open the large access panel and toss in a towel, diapers, changing pad, a swim suit, snacks, and maybe the iPad. Secure water bottle storage? Check. Easy to tote over one shoulder? You bet. Combine with their excellent packing cubes for more separation and organization. It almost makes me feel bad using this pack for kid stuff because it is so well-designed and high-caliber. I can’t even begin to describe all the incredible features of this pack, so I recommend you watch this (highly entertaining) video from their YouTube channel:
Final Thoughts
I can’t believe it’s already the end of August, but as far as I’m concerned I’m riding the wave of summer until the calendar tells me otherwise. I’ve spent many hours lakeside this season, and the items mentioned in this roundup have made it that much better.
Let me know if you end up trying any of these things out!
Header photo by.
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Brandon Chase is a writer, endurance athlete, and guide based in Maine. He is a former Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State and spent nearly a decade overseas serving at embassies in Egypt, Cyprus, and Pakistan.
Along with a 98-day thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, he has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, hiked the West Highland Way, fastpacked in the Himalayas, and trekked around New Zealand and South Africa. He also regularly competes in ultramarathons at the 50k, 50-mile, and 100-mile distances. He is a Lead Guide for Andrew Skurka Adventures and the New England Outdoor Center.