Summer Weekender Essentials
From books to sunscreen, sneakers and more, some of our favorite things for little getaways
While warmer weekends in the city are special—allowing people to explore parks further, head to the beach, have picnics or even just sit outdoors—a getaway provides a true change in mentality. For those living in big cities, the sensation of escape into nature can be transformative and replenishing. So whether you’re heading away for a long weekend, or dreaming of future vacations, we have combed the internet for new weekender essentials. From books to bags, shoes and more, you certainly don’t need a lot when enjoying the great outdoors, but we have chosen a few of our favorites.
UTOP/A Tote Bag
Made from heavyweight 100% cotton canvas, this PAM (Perks and Mini) tote (€95) is printed on each side—with “UTOP/A” on one, and a black screen-print of a surreal scene (complete with a pyramid and an eyeball) on the other. There’s a large pocket inside with a chunky zipper, and it’s available in three different colorways. Perfect for a beach adventure or weekend away.
Pocket Farmacy
With our favorite oils from Saje, the Pocket Farmacy ($60) is truly a travel essential for us at CH. The light and packable set includes Peppermint Halo (for headaches), Gutzy (for stomach pain) and more, many of your ailments and stresses sometimes brought on my travel are looked after. Each vial contains 0.2 fl, so it’s airplane-safe too.
Limited Edition Robert Rauschenberg Sunglasses
Inspired by the colors Robert Rauschenberg used in his beloved ROCI project, these three new Warby Parker sunglasses ($95) are bright and playful—perfect for the summer months. The Primrose Crystal pink hue comes with brown lenses, while the Crystal Marina green and Cerulean Crystal blue have mirrored lenses. With 100% UV protection and an anti-scratch coating, they are a highly functional set of shades made in collaboration with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation.
Instax Square SQ10
Featuring an LCD screen in lieu of a traditional viewfinder, Fujifilm’s hybrid Instax Square SQ10 ($279) offers instant prints, along with the control and quality of a digital camera. In addition to a digital image sensor, that functions quite well in low light, there are a series of functions affixed to three buttons: 10 different filters, brightness adjustment and vignette control.
Beat Waist Bag
A less sporty, yet decidedly athleisure version of the fanny pack, Porter’s Beat Bag ($230) is made from once-washed cotton canvas and comes in a subtle beige colorway. With several different compartments and pockets, functional organization is a key feature—whether wearing the bag around your waist or slung over your torso.
Capri Low-Top Sneakers
NYC-based brand KOIO’s Capri low-top ($248) are ultimately wearable, functional and durable, but don’t sacrifice an ounce of style. Crafted by hand from remarkably high-quality calf-skin leathers in Italy, they are buttery yet sturdy, and come in various colorways. We love the just-released Cielo which is an icy blue inspired by the sky in Cinque Terre.
Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow
Just one of the books on Bill Gates’ summer reading list for 2017, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow” by Yuval Noah Harari explores what’s next for humans—now that we have ultimately altered our home planet. Incredibly eye-opening and provocative, the book explains various (fairly bleak)
concepts about the current day and what it means for the future.
Canvas Weekender Garment Bag
Part garment bag and part duffle, Combatant Gentleman’s new Canvas Weekender Garment Bag ($110) is a very clever design—especially for those going straight to and from their weekend getaway from the office. The bag’s single-zipper system means it can be opened up flat in order to neatly store a suit, or blazer and shirt—without forcing it into an over-stuffed backpack. There are also two shoe compartments, and once the bag is rolled and zipped up, it seamlessly becomes a regular duffle.
Protect Me Sunscreen + Moisturizer
Of course, sun protection is vital all year ’round, but in summer it’s a little more complicated. FRÉ Skincare (which launched mid-2016) makes a moisturizer-meets-sunscreen that’s perfect for hot days and exercising. Protect Me ($50) is lightweight, but still protects from damaging UVA, UVB and IRA rays. The blend is SPF 30 and water-resistant for 80 minutes—meaning when you sweat, it won’t wear off or sting your eyes.
Find Your Park Playing Cards
One easy way to support our National Parks is by getting out in them and enjoying them. If your weekend is marred by bad weather, and you’re stuck indoors, another way is to buy this deck of playing cards ($12) as 100% of the proceeds go to the National Park Foundation. Each card is illustrated by one of 40 artists from all over the world and has a wholesome, retro vibe.
Hero image by Karen Day, all others courtesy of respective brands
