My Must-Have Travel Gear for Beach & Mountain Trips found on Amazon
- Chelsea Vanderpool
- Sep 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 1
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
When it comes to travel, I’m all about keeping things simple, practical, and family-friendly. Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of travel gear on both sandy beach days and mountain adventures. Some items didn’t live up to the hype—but others have been total game changers.
Today, I’m sharing the travel gear I’ve personally used, loved, and would buy again in a heartbeat. Each one is available on Amazon, which makes stocking up easy before your next getaway.
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I’ve tried plenty of beach chairs, and these foldable, backpack-style ones are the winners. Easy to carry, quick to set up, and comfy enough for hours of sand-sitting. They also sit low enough that you can stretch your feet right into the waves.
If you’ve ever battled sandy towels, this one’s for you. The sand shakes right off. Perfect for families who need a spot for snacks, naps, and sunscreen reapplications. Each blanket fits about 2 people. These are also water proof!
Coolers on wheels are great, but when you’re trekking across dunes, a backpack cooler is a lifesaver. I’ve used mine for everything from beach picnics to road trips, and it keeps drinks cold all day long.
I learned the hard way that not all umbrellas are built for beach wind or blocking uv rays. This one also has a larger cover area and fits in a bag with an arm strap making it easy to move. It also reduces your body temperature under this umbrella.
Whether it’s a short hike or a full day on the trails, my hydration pack has been a lifesaver. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and makes sipping water easy while walking.
I love jeans, but not for hiking. These pants are breathable, flexible, and dry fast if you get caught in the rain or step into a stream (yes, I’ve done that more than once).
I’ve used this more than I thought I would—for scraped knees, blisters, and even bug bites. Having one tucked in my backpack gives me peace of mind.
Gear That Works Anywhere
Beach trip or mountain cabin—packing cubes are the reason my suitcase doesn’t explode every time I open it. It makes traveling so much smoother.
Between snapping photos, using maps, and keeping kids entertained with downloaded shows, my phone battery doesn’t last long on trips. A portable charger has saved me more times than I can count.
Why I Recommend These
Every product here is something I’ve actually tested during our travels—whether it was lugging beach gear across the Outer Banks or hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. These aren’t “wish list” items—they’re tried-and-true favorites I keep going back to.
If you’re planning your own beach escape or mountain getaway, I hope this list makes packing a little easier and your trip a lot more enjoyable.
Also check out our packing essentials checklist for family travel.
👉 You can find each of these products on Amazon
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products, services, or experiences that I personally use, trust, or believe will add value to your travels. Thank you for supporting Wandering Vanderpools—it helps keep this blog running and allows us to continue sharing our adventures. See our Disclaimer for more information.
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