Summer is synonymous with spending all day outside, even after the sun goes down. From paddleboarding to backyard bonfires, there are so many outdoor activities to try out this summer. And, if you’re like me, you want to do all the things and don’t dare waste a single moment of precious sunshine.
Luckily, Cabela’s has all the outdoor gear you could possibly need to make it a well-spent summer. Here are 9 outdoor activities to try this summer (and where to try them). Let’s dive in.
Paddleboarding
If you’ve never experienced the joy of paddleboarding, you’re missing out. I might be biased since this is my favorite summer activity, but paddleboarding is perfect for anybody who wants to spend all day on the water while doing a low-impact activity.
When I got my board, I opted for an inflatable paddleboard that I could easily pack up in my trunk–no car mount needed. I also got a paddle that can be broken down and stowed away with a simple click and unlock. A packable paddleboard can take you anywhere from Lake Washington to Malibu.
P.S. Don’t forget that safety comes first. Make sure you use your paddleboard with the proper life jacket and ankle leash.
Biking
From cruising along Santa Monica Beach to riding the Mountain Bike Park in Whistler, biking offers up a relaxing but thrilling way to see a new place.
Regardless of what terrain you’re biking, the Ascend Moher bike has thicker wheels that allow you to maneuver with full stability. You can even bring the kids along on your mountain biking adventure with the Ascend Mud Creek bike.
If you’re looking for a bike with a lighter frame and more agile wheels, we recommend picking up the Alafia Hybrid bike.
Of course, helmets are always recommended and even required on some trails, so make sure you have all the proper headgear.
Fishing
If you’ve never been fishing, take the bait this summer and book a trip to Thousand Islands in upstate New York. The excitement of hooking a bass and reeling it in is not something you can read about–it’s something you have to experience yourself.
On your trip, make sure to pack a rod, some bait, and a tackle backpack with built-in boxes. Another tip? Go ahead and add a rod holder to your cart too so you can set your fishing rod down while you wait for the fish to bite–it’ll leave your hands open to enjoy a cold one.
Kayaking
If it’s not on your travel bucket list already, add a line for kayaking in the Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. Until you can make that trip a reality, start sharpening your kayaking skills (and balance) with the Ascend Sit-In kayak.
Or, bring a buddy with this two-seater inflatable kayak. Just make sure you don’t rock the boat, baby.
Hiking
Whether you plan to hike the orange-tinged trails of the Grand Canyon or ascend the soaring cliffs of Zion, you’ll need the proper gear.
Most importantly, you’ll need a solid pair of hiking boots that can take you the distance. The Merrell Moab 3 boot is a great women’s pair while the Keen Targhee boots are a good fit for men–both of which are waterproof.
The next most important item to have is a lightweight backpack to carry all your other hiking essentials (which, for me, is mostly a lot of peanut butter sandwiches).
Last, but perhaps most importantly, is a water bottle that’s prepared for all the elements. Lifestraw water bottles come with a built-in filter that removed 99.99% of bacteria. So, no matter what water source you’re tapping for a refreshing sip, you can rest assured that it’s clean.
Camping
Make your hiking trip an overnight trip and spend the weekend camping. Perhaps Yosemite is calling your name?
With Cabela’s, you can get all your camping supplies in one place. I’ll even save you the trouble of searching for the best gear. Here’s what to add to your cart:
- A two-person tent ready to brave all the elements
- A cozy, but lightweight sleeping bag
- A portable solar panel so you can recharge your batteries, no matter how far off the grid you stray
- Either a full-size cooler to keep your food and drinks fresh or a smaller, backpack cooler.
Do a river float
If you’re like me, your favorite part of any water park as a kid was the lazy river. There’s nothing more relaxing than slowly drifting along the waters. Now that I’m older, I know there are natural lazy rivers out there and all you need for an epic day is a floaty and a cold one.
Hit the calm waters of Snoqualmie River in Washington or check out the slightly rowdier festivities on Texas’ San Marcos River, which is home to Float Fest–an annual music and river floating festival.
Pack the proper floating accessories so you can float all day. Get a floaty with some back support and a cup holder or opt for a fun one you can lay down in like this pineapple-shaped one.
At-home fun with backyard games
Who says you can’t have adrenaline-pumping adventures from the comfort of your own home? Bring the fun to your backyard with some yard games, for both kids and adults.
Here are some yard games you may have never heard of. Pick them up before your next party for maximum fun:
- Axe throwing (Don’t worry, no real axes are involved)
- KanJam (A fun twist on frisbee)
- Inflatable bumper balls (I know it says it’s for kids, but I’d be first in line for this)
- Pickleball (Now that the sport is all the rage, it’s hard to find a court reservation, so bring the game to your own backyard.)
Dine al fresco
Not every outdoor adventure has to be a thrill-seeking adventure. Sometimes, the best way to spend time outside is to gather your friends and lounge on your patio. It’s good for the soul to relax with good company, so make it as comfortable as possible when hosting.
Here are some outdoor dining and patio furniture essentials to outfit your backyard with:
Give your yard Nantucket vibes with these Adirondack chairs. This set, in particular, comes with a table perfect for setting your drink down in those low loungers.
Of course, if you’re having guests over, you’ll need the perfect grill to cook up sliders and hot dogs.
Let the breeze create the perfect, relaxing vibes with some wind chimes. That extra attention to detail is what will make your outdoor celebrations that much more special.
by travelers, for travelers.
