Summer has a way of bringing out the best in everything: longer days, beach trips, backyard gatherings, road trips, poolside lounging, and spontaneous weekend getaways. But with the sunshine comes the need to stay energized, hydrated, protected, and ready for whatever the season brings.
Whether you are packing for a family camping trip, stocking your beach bag, preparing for long travel days, or simply looking for smarter seasonal staples, this summer survival kit brings together functional drinks, better-for-you treats, and outdoor protection products designed to keep you comfortable, fueled, and protected all season long.
For Energy That Works Harder: Polar Joe Protein Coffee
For those who need their caffeine to do more than wake them up, Polar Joe Protein Coffee offers a functional approach to the daily coffee ritual. Created by a biologist and endurance athlete, Polar Joe combines real coffee with high-quality protein to support sustained energy, recovery, and muscle health.
Unlike many protein drinks that can taste chalky or heavy, Polar Joe is designed to be smooth, easy to prepare, and convenient for summer days on the go. Just add water for a packable caffeine and protein boost that works just as well for early morning hikes as it does for travel days, post-workout recovery, or busy afternoons.
The lineup includes Cold Brew and Decaf Cold Brew at $68.99, or about $2.76 per serving; ceremonial-grade Matcha at $69.99, or about $2.80 per serving; and the new Café Series Espresso at $48.99, or about $2.45 per serving.
For a Better-For-You Sweet Fix: Joolies’ Date Sours
Summer calls for snacks that feel fun, nostalgic, and easy to share. Joolies’ Date Sours offer a playful twist on sour candy by using the natural caramel-like sweetness and tender bite of real dates, brightened with a puckering sour finish.
The result is a better-for-you candy alternative that still delivers the joy of a classic sour treat, but with whole-fruit integrity and clean ingredients. Available at Sprouts nationwide, Joolies’ Date Sours are the kind of snack that belongs in road trip bags, picnic baskets, pool totes, and pantry drawers.
The flavor lineup includes Blue Raspberry, which is bright, tart, and candy-forward; Peachy, with sweet and tangy peach ring nostalgia; Watermelon, juicy and refreshingly puckering; and Cherry Cola, which layers bright cherry with classic cola spice undertones.
For Clean Energy Without the Crash: Mocean Energy Drinks
For long summer days that call for focus, movement, and momentum, Mocean Energy Drinks offer an adaptogenic, functional take on clean energy. Made without preservatives or artificial colors, Mocean is designed for people who want an energy drink without the crash or long-term tradeoffs.
Created by former White Claw brewmaster Tony alongside his son Christian, Mocean brings a thoughtful formulation to the energy category. It contains no taurine and features Shiso, an Eastern botanical found in no other U.S. energy drink, along with immunity-supporting ingredients such as Echinacea, Elderberry, Ginseng, Zinc, and Ashwagandha.
Available in White Peach, Mandarin, Blueberry Pom, and Strawberry Guava, Mocean is a refreshing option for beach days, road trips, outdoor workouts, and afternoon slumps when you want something functional, flavorful, and easy to reach for.
For Family-Friendly Mosquito Protection: NATPAT Ultimate Mosquito Repellent Bundle
NATPAT believes nothing interrupts a summer evening quite like mosquitoes.
Therefore, for families spending more time outdoors, NATPAT’s Ultimate Mosquito Repellent Bundle offers a complete protection kit packaged in a tin lunchbox case and designed with the whole family in mind.
Priced at $87, the bundle includes BuzzPatch mosquito repellent stickers for adults, kids, and babies; MagicPatch itch relief stickers; a citronella coil set; a slap band with mosquito repellent; mosquito repellent bracelets; a magnifying glass; and Crocs Jibbitz.
It is a smart all-in-one kit for camping, travel, backyard play, park days, and family adventures where convenience matters and spray-free options can make outdoor protection easier.
For Families on the Go: NATPAT Outdoor Adventure Kit
Alternatively, for a more compact option, the NATPAT Outdoor Adventure Kit is a must-have for families who want simple, kid-friendly outdoor protection without overpacking.
Priced at $45, the kit includes two BuzzPatch mosquito-repelling stickers, with both adult and kid versions; MagicPatch for fast itch and bite relief; and SunnyPatch, UV-detecting stickers that change color when it is time to reapply sunscreen.
Chemical-free and DEET-free, this kit is especially useful for parents who want outdoor essentials that are easy to use, easy to pack, and designed with children in mind.
For Outdoor Protection That Goes the Distance: Sawyer Products Outdoor Essentials
For campers, hikers, travelers, and anyone spending serious time outside, Sawyer Products Outdoor Essentials bring together practical protection for sun, insects, and the elements.
The Permethrin Fabric Treatment is designed to treat clothing and gear for long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and ticks, lasting up to six weeks or six washes. Priced at $18.49, it is a strong addition to any camping kit, hiking pack, or outdoor travel bag.
Additionally, for skin-applied insect protection, Sawyer’s 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Continuous Spray offers a family-friendly, non-greasy alternative to DEET. Priced at $12.49, it is designed to repel insects without damaging gear, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Moreover, to round out sun protection, Sawyer Stay Put SPF 30 Sunscreen is designed to bond with skin and stay effective through sweat, water, and heat. Priced at $11.99 for 4 oz, it uses a non-greasy Breathable Matrix Formula that spreads into the layers of the skin, offering a sunscreen option built for active summer days.
