In recent years, beach-bag essentials have gotten a high-tech upgrade. This is a good thing — you can stream music from a Bluetooth speaker and capture incredible underwater shots — but it also comes with additional considerations.
Now, when you go to the shore, you need to find cases that will protect your devices from water and sand, and remember to pack a portable charger. It's a lot to think about when all you really want to do is kick back and relax under the sun.
With that in mind, we're simplifying your search. Ahead, 10 gadgets to pack in your beach bag that will help you make the most of a sunny day and get the Instagram-worthy shots to prove it.
Keep the fun in the sun going all day long with this small, splash-resistant Bluetooth speaker. The 10-hour battery life should be enough to last the bulk of your time in the sand and then some. Plus, it weighs less than a pound, so it won't weigh you down.
B&O Play Beoplay P2, $169, available at Beoplay.com.
If you've ever forgotten your sunglasses at home on a sunny day, you know that watery eyes and sunscreen don't mix well. This pair, by Adidas, features light-stabilizing technology that reduces eye stress and enhances your vision, so you can easily read your e-book or answer texts.
Adidas Baboa, starting at $99, available at Adidas.
Mophie is the gold standard in portable power sources. Take this one and you'll get up to 48 extra hours of smartphone life and 14 more hours on your tablet.
Mophie Powerstation XL, 69.95, available at Mophie.
If you haven't yet invested in the Apple Watch Nike+, it's a worthwhile buy for beach season. You can wear the watch while swimming (it's water-resistant up to 50 meters) and sync it with all of your Nike apps. Plus, you can buy a band that's color-coordinated to the brand's super-popular "Day to Night" Air VaporMax collection. The perforated strap is more breathable than a regular one and is extra comfortable, even when you're really sweaty.
Nike 38 mm Blue Orbit/Gamma Blue Nike Sport Band, $49, available at Apple.
Apple Watch Nike+, starting at $369, available at Apple.
You don't need a fancy underwater camera to take cool shots. Instead, place your iPhone in this specially designed Watershot device. A right-hand grip and wrist lanyard will help give you a better hold and ensure your phone doesn't float away. Plus, the accompanying app lets you take slow-motion videos and panoramas, even while your phone is safely enclosed.
Watershot PRO Line Housing iPhone7, $189.99, available at Watershot.
Bose's sunny wireless headphones are sweat-resistant, so they'll stay in while you listen to your audiobook, no matter how much you're dripping in the heat.
Bose Soundsport Wireless Headphones, $149.95, available at Bose.
These neon, translucent bags protect your tablet, phone, and other gadgets from water and sand, but their real selling point is that they're touchscreen-accessible. Venmo your friend money for snacks without getting sand everywhere.
Cooper Cases Cooper Beach Bag 2-In-1 Universal Tablet & Smartphone Sleeve, $19.95, available at Cooper Cases.
Your iPhone 7 is water-resistant, but not waterproof. This case is. Put it on and use your phone without fretting about a rogue wave.
Lifeproof NÜÜD for iPhone 7 Case, $99.99, available at Lifeproof.
When your phone or tablet is in need of a wipe-down, use this Whoosh! spray. It'll clear away sunscreen smudges in a flash.
Whoosh! Screen Shine, $20, available at Whoosh.com.
When the sun is setting and your swim time is done, swap out your waterproof phone case for this limited-edition LuMee destination case. The cases, originally made famous by Kim Kardashian, include special lighting on both the left and right sides for Instagram-worthy sunset selfies.
LuMee Day At the Beach, $54.95, available at LuMee.
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