Summer ready checklist
Summer
is almost here and it promises to be different from the limited fun of last year. To help you enjoy this summer’s outdoor activities check out the gear lined up here.
1.
Country Red Picnic Basket
Eating outdoors doesn’t always mean a barbecue in the backyard. For a moveable feast consider this classic woven willow picnic basket. The sturdy handle, splitlid design and red and white gingham polyester fabric liner will make you feel like a regular Dorothy. Whether you tote Toto or a scrumptious picnic fare, there is plenty of room inside. You can pack it with a few bottles of wine or other beverages, plus enough food for at least two people. It is not insulated, however, so be sure to bring items that don’t need refrigeration. Available at Home Depot for $54.95.
2.
Coleman Quad Chair with Cooler Comfort, affordability and cool come together in this Coleman quad chair. With its built-in four-can capacity cooler you can enjoy a cold drink at the campsite, tailgate or picnic site. The chair features a padded seat and back. It is easy to set up and is made for spacious comfort with an oversized seat. A soft cooler pouch keeps your beverages cool and within reach. The mesh holder keeps a can ready to drink, and the program holder secures magazines, books, tablets and more. The lightweight chair is foldable and easily carried. Comes in multiple colors. Available at walmart.com for $34.94.
3. Igloo Latitude Roller Cooler
This 30-quart cooler with UV resistant exterior is just right for camping, fishing or chilling out in the backyard. Plus, it’s a wheely! With a push of a button, the locking telescoping handle slides up and down, so there’s no need to bend over.
The soft-ride sport rally wheels work with both a push and pull, providing even more flexibility. Molded-in side handles make for easy carrying, loading and unloading. A spacious interior features eco-friendly insulation that keeps contents cooler longer and the elevated bottom keeps contents away from hot surfaces Fits up to 43 cans. Available at Target for $34.99.
4.
This outdoor blanket from L.L. Bean will soon become your favorite wanderlust item. Keep it in the car and take it everywhere — the beach, concerts in the park, or anywhere you star gaze. The three-layer design features a cushioned top layer, waterproof bottom layer and folding board in between to make packing it up a breeze. It is perfectly weighted to stay flat on the ground, even in windy conditions. With its carrying strap and cushioning, it is a comfortable and convenient blanket. The blanket is 70-by-58-inches in size and weighs 5.1 lbs. and is machine washable. Available at llbean.com for $49.95.
Sunbuster Blanket
5. All-in-One Beach Umbrella
A day at the beach will last longer and be more enjoyable with this all-in-one umbrella system from beachBUB. It comes with everything you need for a full day of fun — a 7 ½-foot umbrella, a towel hook, oversized carrying case, shovel, sand bags, and sand gopher to keep the umbrella secure in the sand. It stays put in 35 mph winds, thanks to the base that you can fill with sand to keep everything in place. The umbrella and base together only weigh nine pounds for easy toting. Available at Bed Bath & Beyond for $148.50.