The editors of FloridaRambler.com evaluate products or books that would appeal to our readers. Price, quality and value are the foremost considerations. FloridaRambler.com earns a modest commission when purchases are made through these links. Proceeds help support our blog.
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IOO Full Face Snorkel Mask GoPro Compatible
The price on these popular full-face snorkel masks has come down, and now they come with a way to attach your Go Pro camera. This style mask eliminates swallowing salty water and makes breathing easier. Buy Now: $29 on Amazon.
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Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles
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Aqua Sphere Kayenne Junior Swim Goggle
JIASUQI Womens and Mens Water Socks
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Stanley Adventure Vacuum Insulated Food Jar
Going for a long hike or overnight? Prepare a hot meal such as chili in advance and pack in this 24-ounce stainless steel, vacuum insulated and widemouth food jar. Leakproof so you can stash it safely in your backpack. Buy it now: $23 on Amazon.
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Mustang Survival Inflatable Belt Pack PFD.
Stay safe but eliminate the bulk with this Coast Guard-approved Type III personal flotation device that packs into a belt. Manually deployed by pulling the cord, as opposed to styles that inflate automatically after contact with the water. Good choice for kayakers. Buy it Now: $103 on Amazon
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Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles
If you’re looking for a fine, sturdy, simple set of trekking poles, Montem’s Ultra Strong Trekking Poles are our pick. Easily adjustable from 24” to 53”, these poles are made from high-strength aluminum weighing just 9.6 ounces per pole, they rival expensive graphite poles in strength and endurance. Buy it Now: $50 on Amazon.
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Other Summer Necessities:
SunScreen: Consumer Reports rates Walmart’s Equate Sport Lotion SPF 50 at the top of the charts. Just $6 at Walmart.
Insect Repellent: Deet is the best repellent for mosquitoes and ticks, and CVS’ Total Home Woodland Scent Insect Repellent with 30% Deet gets excellent ratings. Just $6 at CVS. (Not available online.)
Cooling Towels: For basics, just throw a wet microfiber towel around your neck. Take a step up and spend $8 on a Balhvit Cooling Towel, an Amazon best seller. Just $8 on Amazon.
Tide Travel Packets: Wash your clothes on the go in a bucket or a sink. I always carry a few of these handy packets when camping or traveling. Pack of 6 just $7 on Amazon.
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Big Ticket Items (New)
Honda EU2200i Portable Generator
Both Wirecutter and Consumer Reports rate the Honda EU2000i as the best portable generator that money can buy. I have an earlier version of this generator that I purchased more than 10 years ago, and I can attest to its quality and longevity. This EU2000i is super quiet and weighs only 47 pounds. We carry it in our RV for dry-docking and use at home when the power goes out. With 2200 watts and 120 volts, it will power a refrigerator, a fan and a light. For more power, buy the companion EU2200ic companion generator for a 30-amp connection that will power the A/C unit in your RV. Buy it now: $999 on Amazon.
Ocean Kayak Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
A friend who sells kayaks has one of these in his fleet, so that should tell you something. It’s only 9 feet long and weighs 43 pounds, making it easily transportable on a car top or a pickup. Ideal for snorkelers and divers because you can store your gear on the stern. Very stable for a small kayak, and an excellent surf rider. And it consistently shows up on “Best Kayak” lists. Buy it Now: $500 on Amazon.
Another yak that consistently ranks high o Best Kayak lists, the Vapor 10 is ideal for use on Florida’s slow-moving rivers and lakes. Weighing 44 pounds with a capacity of 325 pounds, it’s easy to handle with modest on-board storage storage. The seat and foot pegs are adjustable, and the package includes thigh and knee pads for additional comfort. The price is right. Buy it Now: $400 on Amazon.
Clam Corporation 9281 Quick-Set Escape Shelter 11.5 X 11.5
A pop-up shade canopy with a no-see-um-proof screen and a waterproof roof is essential for summer camping in Florida. But the best features is that it sets up in less than a minute. I have owned two canopies over the years, happy with both with one exception: setting them up is a hassle. With 94 square feet of space, the Quick-Set Escape Screen Shelter can fit a standard picnic table inside Buy it Now: $214 to $279 on Amazon.
Bob Rountree is a beach bum, angler and camper who has explored Florida for decades. No adventure is complete without a scenic paddle trail or unpaved road to nowhere. Bob co-founded FloridaRambler.com with fellow journalist Bonnie Gross 12 years ago.