From eco-umbrellas to portable fire pits, here are the summer design products you need to make the season shine.

Summer has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere and after endless months stuck inside, the desire to get outdoors has never been so strong. Whether you’re planning a staycation, taking a road trip or jet-setting to a far-away location, chances are you’re ready for an adventure.

This requires planning, or at the very least, a well-prepped collection of gadgets and gizmos to overcome any obstacles one might throw at you. Portability, weather resistance and environmental sustainability are all things to consider if you fancy fishing, kayaking, sailing or exploring some other little corner of paradise. 

If you feel overwhelmed by all of the possibilities this summer holds, don’t be — from chilling at home by the pool to hitting the beach with your friends, we’ve rounded up the best summer product designs to help you make the most of the warm-weather season.

Tropicfeel’s Jungle Shoes

Jungle is the perfect sneaker for the modern-day adventurer. Designed by Spanish brand Tropicfeel Jungle is an all-terrain sneaker combining the benefit of water shoes, the comfort of sports shoes and the technical outsole material of hiking shoes, in an all-in-one design inspired by current trends. 

All-terrain means Jungle can be worn pretty much anywhere. The shoe is made from sustainable and vegan-friendly materials that are lightweight, breathable and water-friendly. A pair of Jungles can be worn in the city, in the mountains, and even swimming.

It’s versatility is also in part due to its construction – the shoe has a Slip Slock design and sprint laces to create the perfect fit and an equal balance between elasticity and strength. Jungle comes in 4 colours: black, pine green, night blue and chip grey.

Price: $89.00 on TropicFeel

The Fennek Hexagon Fire Pit

The Fennek Hexagon Fire Pit is a minimalist and mobile fire bowl designed for stylish campers. It is made up of seven stainless steel parts, which feature a simple interlocking design for quick and easy assembly. At the base of the construction are two holes to allow air to be drawn into the fire.

The appeal here is that, unlike heavy, rusty and clumsy braziers, the Fennek Hexagon Fire Pit is compact, light and easy to stowaway when needed. It also looks striking thanks to its angular construction. 

Price: €69.00 on Fenek

The Igloo Reactor 24-Can Backpack

Sustenance is essential, which means appropriate storage options are a must. The Igloo Reactor 24-Can Backpack is designed with advanced insulation that prevents food and drinks from warming in the heat. As the name suggests, the backpack can accommodate up to 24 cans or a mix of other items if you wish. 

Moreover, the whole thing boasts a streamlined design made to overcome any potential mishaps along the way. Padded and adjustable shoulder straps, a sternum strap, padded back panel, and built-in top and side handles allow for convenience and comfort, and a leak proof zipper, liner, and waterproof exterior avoids any spillages.

Price: $109.99 on Igloo

Beosound Explore by Bang & Olufsen

Unless in search of wildlife, music is always a nice touch when camping with a group of friends. But more often than not, speakers are either an afterthought or too precious to take along for the adventure, which is why Bang & Olufsen’s has designed a rugged outdoor speaker, which packs a battery that will last all week.

The Beosound Explore features a grab-and-go shape, optimised weight, and integrated carabiner clip that makes it extremely portable. Meanwhile, a hardened, scratch-resistant, fully dust and waterproof shell, and a tough rubberised base protect it from the elements. Beosound Explore has the endurance to explore with up to 27 hours of playtime.

Price: $199.00 on Bang & Olufsen

Discover more product designs for outdoor adventurers, head to The Shine portable wind turbine charges devices on the go.

Veggies Sand Toys by Tati Ferrucio

Brazillian industrial designer Tati Ferrucio created Veggies Sand Toys that turn vegetables into sand-toys to enhance children’s curiosity for exploring nature. Ferrucio was inspired to create a children’s toy suitable for the abundance of local parks and beaches, which are otherwise not equipped to promote child’s play.

The set includes toy carrots, beets, onions, and potatoes, all featuring interchangeable heads and foliage to encourage children’s imagination. It also comes with two shovels: a smaller one for children and the other for an adult to play along too.

The folding chair by Departo

Having designed hotels all over the world, Glenn Pushelberg and George Yabu know a thing or two about travelling. Together with Stellar Works funder Yuichiro Hori they founded their own homewares brand called Departo, making everyday essentials for today’s modern, mobile consumer. 

A highlight in its collection and perfect for summer days outside and on-the-go is the Folding Chair, a utilitarian design that combines a flexible steel structure, canvas seat, ashwood legs and leather handles for portability. 

Price: $285.00 on Departo

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Pools by Dipp

If plastic is problematic then how do you solve a problem like paddling pools? Great for cooling off in the heat but terrible for the environment, DIPP’s solution is to make them from certified biodegradable and non-toxic TPU rather than PVC. Designed in Byron Bay with a playful use of colours and shapes, the Australian studio creates traditionally shaped dipping pools that last 3-5 years.

Price: $74.75 on Dipp

The WaterLight by E-Dina

Designed by Colombian start-up E-Dina in collaboration with creative agency Wunderman Thompson, the WaterLight uses saltwater to recharge its batteries. This means it can be charged via ocean water, which means it’s the perfect gadget for taking on coastal adventures. 

Instead of requiring a traditional power outlet to replenish its batteries, the WaterLight uses a water-activated magnesium battery that causes a reaction when it comes in contact with brine. Once filled with water, the energy delivery is immediate making it more efficient than solar-powered lamps. The WaterLight can also be charged in emergency cases with urine but that really depends on the emergency.

Shore Rugs

Balancing materiality with craftsmanship, Shore Rugs has cornered the market when it comes to summer lounging accessories. Made from custom-engineered high-performance silicone, mats by Shore Rugs are highly textured to provide a massaging experience whilst lying down. 

Each mat features a unique deep weave structure, created entirely by hand and woven by skilled artisans in a London workshop, and designed to provide cushioned support and a textured, dynamic surface. They can also be used as anti-fatigue mats.

Price: $199.00 on Shore

Sammontana Beach Umbrella by Carlo Ratti Associati

Last on our list is the very recently unveiled Sammontana Beach Umbrella, an eco-inspired design that produces electricity using sunlight. Designed by Carlo Ratti Associati, the high-tech umbrella is equipped with photovoltaic panels and a faceted surface that absorbs light from all angles.

The technology used to generate electricity is inspired by the solar batteries in NASA’s space vehicles, which is employed to power accompanying accessories such as a refrigerator for drinks and fresh food. The project envisions a sustainable beach experience but will start off by forming a 12-piece installation at BAM, one of Milan’s newest public parks.

Interested to know more about one of the most innovative multidisciplinary studios? Don’t miss the Interview with Giovanni De Niederhäusern CEO at Carlo Ratti Associati.