Make your summertime fun easier than ever with our list of this season's must-have outdoor gear.

1. Sunglasses with changeable lenses
It’s just as important to keep the bugs off your eyes during an evening ride as is sun protection on a day hike. Most interchangeable styles come with a minimum of three different colors of lens, so you can have protection in any amount of light. Both Smith and Native offer great packages (Native are all polarized, Smith gives you an option) and both brands have a lifetime warranty. $100-$150

2. Do-it-All Sandals
While the basic Velcro water sandal will get you by, a good style can cover several summer sports. Universally appealing is a sandal with enough mid-sole for running and hiking, non-failing closure system (Velcro wears out), quick dry capability and toe protection (if you’ve ever stubbed a toe pulling a kayak onto the beach, you’ll understand). The Merrell Water Pro and Keen Venice H2 are perfect choices. $80-$95

3. Inflatable Kayak
If river rapids aren’t your bag, but you’d still like the pristine exercise of paddling across Tahoe’s waters, why buy a heavy standard kayak, spray skirt, roof rack etc, when an inflatable will fold down and store in the trunk? Sevylor makes a great sit-on-top that’s stable enough for lake paddling, and can conveniently go on road trips anywhere in the Sierra. Bonus: it can be carried one-handed. $180-$300

4. Stowaway Dog Bowl
What trip to Tahoe would be complete without your best furry pal by your side. To make those long hikes (or short walks) more comfortable for Rover, keep a collapsible water bowl handy. Super-convenient, and small enough to store in a pocket, many companies, like Ruff Wear, Kelty and Outdoor Products, make these fabric doggy water bowls. Available at pet and sports stores. $10-$18

5. Crushable Hat
As long as you’re collapsing the water bowl, stash a hat for yourself, preferably with a brim to guard more skin from the long summer rays. It will fold down to store in a purse, pack, luggage or even a back pocket. Styles and materials abound, so you can choose from a western fedora, floppy brim or Indiana Jones look. Check for hat specialty brand, Dorfman-Pacific or try the L.L. Bean version, starting at $15.

6. Hybrid Bicycle
Let’s take the 4x4 aspect of a mountain bike and blend it with the comfort of the cruiser you had in grade school, the result: the ever-popular hybrid. If you’re tired of back and neck-ache after riding, consider these more upright styles, with anywhere from 7 to 24 speeds. Look at the Specialized Expedition or Electra Townie, starting at $360.

7. Padded Bike Shorts
Even if you aren’t in the market for a new hybrid bike, padded shorts are a must even on your current ride. You'll have more fun and be able to ride longer, whether you’re on a mountain or road bike, or taking indoor spin classes. Styles can be tight and streamlined, or loose and forgiving. Most are made from moisture-wicking, breathable fabric, and the quality of the padding is a big part of the price. Fox Cycling makes great loose mountain shorts, while Pearl Izumi has some wonderful road styles.
$40-$120

8. Convertible Pants
The Tahoe area is ideal for using pants that zip off into shorts, since temps fluctuate so much. Want to get started early on that Rim Trail hike? Wear the full pants until you warm up, zip off to shorts, then add the full legs again when the sun goes down. Most are made of quick-dry, moisture transfer fabric, so you can jump in that alpine lake and keep going. All the outdoor brands offer several styles – Columbia and White Sierra are the more budget conscious, with prices ranging from $40 to $90.

9. Hydration Pack
If you think you’ll need more than a single water bottle when you cycle Toad’s, bring as much as 3 liters in a hydro-backpack, and never go thirsty again. The convenience of having the water tube atop your shoulder means no more fumbling or stopping for water breaks. There are hundreds of options, ranging from a water volume of 50 oz. to 100 oz, and storage volume of 20 to 2,500 cubic inches. Camelbak and The North Face are industry leaders, with prices from $40-$175.

10. Waist Pack
If carrying a pack of any sort on your already-stressed shoulders is not a great option, consider a waist pack for more comfort. You won’t get up to 100 oz. of water, but you can carry at least two water bottles, plus a sandwich, camera and lightweight jacket. Waist packs are far more comfortable, since your hip bones are supporting the weight. Options vary for storage size, with single bottle styles starting at $15, ranging up to $85 for double water and more storage. Ultimate Direction and Mountain Smith have loads of options.

Did your must-have summer gear make the list or miss the list? Tell us in the comments below!

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