The Inertia Summer Gear Guide 2026

It’s summer. Time to play. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

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It’s officially summer, and it certainly feels like it. South swells have been lighting up summer exposures all month, the wind is pumping for the kitesurfers and wing foilers among us, and the days are long enough to squeeze in a session before and after work.

Summertime means something different to everyone – long beach days with a cooler and nowhere to be, predawn paddle-outs before the onshore fills in, sunset sessions, the list goes on. What it means for us is an excuse to dig into the gear we’ve been testing as the seasons turn, and call out the stuff worth talking about. These are our picks for summer 2026: gear that’ll actually get used, from people who actually use it. If the pick we’ve called out here isn’t speaking to you, scope the larger list (if available) at the included link. Or take a peek at our full catalogue of gear guides and reviews here.

Quiksilver Young Guns Nomad Board Shorts

I really don’t know why, but Y2K below-the-knee boardshorts seem to be making a comeback. And Quiksilver is onto that fact, with the brand’s summer drop of Young Guns apparel. Sure, retro has always been “in” as far as surfing goes, but some trends just need a bit more time before they come back around to be considered “stylish.” Seems like we’re finally hitting that point for Y2K.

Anyways, while these boardies may look like the stiff nylon of yesteryear, they aren’t. Made with Quik’s Surf Silk material, they’re stretchy and soft against the skin, and the extended length provides a bit of extra coverage on the thighs against board rashes. A sleek zippered pocket (with a security loop) on the upper right thigh provides a safe place to stash a key, but is also big enough to hold a smartphone while on land.

For more awesome board short options, check out our full review.

Olukai ‘Ohana Flip Flops

Summer means letting the piggies loose, and that means flip flops. Or at least some kind of sandal. Well, we’ve been testing all kinds of toe-freeing footwear this summer as we work on updates to our Best Flip Flops and Best Sandals reviews, and a pair that keeps finding itself back on our feet is the Olukai ‘Ohana. Made with water-resistant synthetic leather, a grippy, non-marking sole, plush foam, and plenty of arch support, these are the kind of flip flops you could live year-round in. As long as you live somewhere warm enough, that is.

We’re big fans of the soft footbed combined with stable arch support, a rare combo in flip flops these days. But the ‘Ohana truly has both the support and cushioning to spend an entire day on your feet. Stay tuned to see where they land in the soon-to-release update to our Flip Flop review later this summer – it’s likely going to be somewhere at the top of the list.

Florence Marine X Sun Pro Crossover Hoodie

Looking to stay protected both in and out of the water this summer? Look no further than the Florence Marine X Sun Pro Crossover Hoodie. While it may look like a piece of clothing, and it is that, it’s also a piece of highly thought-through, technical gear, made to perform in extreme environments.

A comfortable hood helps keep the sun off your head and neck, while longer sleeves with low-profile thumbholes do the same for the backs of your hands. Airtex side panels add breathability, while the front and back of the shirt are made of a softer material to prevent chafing and rashes when surfing or paddling.

If there is one sun shirt/rashguard to buy this summer for all-around in and out of the water use, it’s this one. Florence Marine X also has a bunch of different rash guards and sun shirts with various cuts, features, and materials for more specific activities. For options from other brands, check out our guide to The Best Rash Guards.

Velotric GoMad Electric Bike

Velotric, as an electric bike company, has been on a tear recently, releasing some of the best, most functional ebikes that we’ve tested here at The Inertia over the past year. One of our favorites is the Velotric GoMad, a compact utility/cargo ebike with serious hauling capability.

The bike can carry up to 500 lbs, 176 of those on the rear rack, one of the highest weight limits we’ve seen for a rear rack, making it very capable of hauling most adult-sized passengers. And it has the motor power and range to back it up with a 750W (1300W Peak), 85Nm motor, and an 801 Wh/48V battery.

Our favorite feature? The unique and stealthy under-rack storage bag that provides a convenient and fairly hidden location to stash a bike lock, spare jacket, or whatever else you need for a day of riding. For more great options, check out our guide to The Best Fat Tire Electric Bikes.

Peak Design Outdoor Sling

Summer can mean a lot of things, including festivals, travel, and outdoor excursions in general. One item we’ve fallen in love with at The Inertia is the Peak Design Outdoor Sling, available in 2L, 4L, and 7L sizes. The 2L serves as a small crossbody or add-on to one of Peak Design’s many uber-functional backpacks, the 4L as an everyday-carry sling, and the 7L for larger excursions.

We’ve been testing the 7L as a multifunctional camera, festival, and everyday carry sling all in one, and have been absolutely loving it. Internal organization is on point, and there are a ton of fun and useful features such as the bottom cinch straps that can also hold a tripod or jacket, a secondary strap that locks everything down for activities like biking or running, and the magnetic phone stash pocket.

NESTOUT Outdoor Cooker

Portable power is gaining traction in the outdoor and camping world, as batteries get better and charging technology gets smarter. Using electricity to power your adventures has never been easier, but cooking is one area of camping and outdoor fun that has been slow to adopt electricity. Refrigeration? Yes, but actually cooking with electricity, we haven’t seen so much of it yet.

Well, NESTOUT, a portable power company with a strong focus on campsite living and the outdoors, has taken the plunge with its Outdoor Cooker, a one-pot shop for easy, efficient meals wherever you go. With three temperature settings, you can boil water, cook rice, noodles, and even use the included steamer to cook vegetables. And without an open flame, this is a camping setup you can take just about anywhere, from tent, to van, to motel room. An automatic shut-off provides peace of mind as well.

Retrospec Weekender Crew XL

If sun, water, and relaxation are a part of your plans this summer, Retrospec’s line of inflatable paddle boards should be on your radar. With all-around, touring, fishing, and even kids’ size options, there’s something for everyone here. One board in particular that has caught our attention this summer is the Weekender Crew XL.

A massive 15-foot paddleboard capable of supporting up to five people, this board was made to elevate the on-water experience for groups. With two paddles included, you can actually get where you’re trying to go, just don’t expect this to be a solo-paddling experience.

For smaller groups, the Weekender Crew (non-XL) can take 2-3 adult-sized passengers, and if you’re going solo, we highly recommend the Retrospec Weekender Plus, an upgraded version of the brand’s classic Weekender paddleboard, with upgraded construction and the inclusion of a seat and kayak blade attachment for sit-down paddling as well as stand-up.

For more, here’s our guide to The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards.

Roark Layover Pro Traveler Shorts

Traveling somewhere warm this summer? Or just looking for a pair of do-it-all shorts that handle anything from the daily commute to a nice dinner by the beach? The Roark Layover Pro Traveler Shorts should be on your short list. Perhaps one of the most functional daily-wear shorts we’ve tested at The Inertia, the list of features is as long as a layover delay at LAX. The waistband features both an internal drawcord and belt loops for versatility. Two zippered hand pockets, back snap pockets, and a phone stash back pocket keep essentials secure, whether you’re running, hitting the gym, or sitting in the middle seat. With clean styling and five colors to choose from, these have the versatility to be a staple in anyone’s summer wardrobe.

They’re also available in a pant option, which boasts all the same features, but with an extended hemline. To complete the look, check out Roark’s catalogue of travel-ready goods.

Nomadix Car Seat Cover Towel

When you’re getting out there in the heat, whether that’s the water or the trails, it’s nice to have something to keep your car seats clean. Seat covers are a great option, but it’s also great to have something a bit easier to take on and off, especially if that something is going to be soaking up sweat or salt water from your body.

Nomadix is a favorite brand of ours here at The Inertia, with comfortable, absorbent, and quick-drying towels and accessories that are eco-friendly, being made from recycled materials. The Car Seat Cover, made from Nomadix’s MicroTerry, is 90% recycled, soft, and machine washable, perfect for keeping your car seats clean of pet hair, mud, sweat, saltwater, or whatever else may have accumulated after your adventure of the day.

Marmot Wraptor Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags just keep getting more and more comfortable, and Marmot’s Wraptor line is proving that point. A zipperless design with overlapping magnetic flaps that provides a more bed-like feel, if you’re someone who struggles to sleep in the confines of a sleeping bag, this new style might change your tune on the concept. Our testers so far have nothing but positive things to say about the sleep system, and enjoy how the two flaps on the top of the bag can be layered on or folded away for temperature regulation. There’s even a slick foot vent if your piggies need to breathe.

The bag is available in both down and synthetic, with 15, 20, and 30 degree weights available, as well as short, regular, and long lengths to help dial in the sizing.

For more great options, check out our guide to The Best Camping Sleeping Bags.

YETI Daytrip 20L Insulated Backpack

No one likes warm drinks. But if you’re going somewhere where packing your gear in is necessary, lugging a cooler around is not ideal. The YETI Daytrip 20L Insulated Backpack is a great solution.

Made of lightweight material with padded shoulder straps, a front stash pocket for the small things, and a quick-access zipper that opens up wide, it keeps drinks and food cold for the day. Whether you’re paddleboarding down a river, hiking up a mountain, or just having a day on the beach, the YETI Daytrip 20L Insulated Backpack will make your life just a little easier.

For more great portable cooler options, check out our guide to The Best Beach Coolers.

Rip Curl 4/3 Flashbomb Fusion Hooded Wetsuit

Hooded wetsuits are so comfortable on chilly mornings, especially on the West Coast, where fog (or May Gray/June Gloom) can hang around until mid-July. But the problem? They’re often a pain in the ass to get in and out of. And that might just be the nature of a 5/4. That’s why we love the 4/3 with a hood, and why we especially love anything from Rip Curl (like the 4/3 Fusion Hooded Wetsuit). Rip Curl suits are as toasty as they come, and thanks to RC’s construction, easy to get in and out of without looking like you’re having a seizure.

For the technical among us, Fusion suits feature an outer material made from 80 percent neoprene and 20 percent polyamide with Fusion Dry Seam Technology (there’s hardly any water intake with the newest version of the Flashbombs). But one of the most underrated aspects of Rip Curl construction is the E7 flash lining. This stuff feels so good next to the skin, and adds an unprecedented layer of warmth (probably why you’ll only need a 4/3 unless facing arctic conditions).

We tested the Hooded Fusion on several road trips on I-84 between Hood River and the Oregon Coast. Foil sessions along the freeway and early morning surfs on the state’s northern beaches. And it performed splendidly in both scenarios: flexible for all the movements kite/wing/para foiling, and toasty enough for the sometimes bone-chilling temps of Oregon waves. We’ve got more than 20 sessions in the Fusion, and it’s held up as well as any suit on the market.

Not down with the hood? The Fusion comes in 3/2 and 4/3 versions without the head cover. Rip Curl has been making wetsuits for nearly 60 years, and they’re still as reliable as ever with loads of options to match your surfing life. For more options, check out our guide to The Best Wetsuits.

Editor’s Note: Looking for more ideas? Check out last year’s Summer Gear Guide for more inspiration, or browse our collection of gear guides and reviews, covering surf, snow, paddling, foiling, camping, and more.