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10 More Must-Haves for Safe Summer Workouts

FitnessBody & Beauty
Brittanie Shey
Author: Brittanie Shey
6 min.read
1Hydration
Mostly I am a long distance runner. That means anywhere from 3 to 6 miles, more if I’m training for a race. I prefer to carry water with me instead of gambling on finding a working water fountain on my route. And if I’m carrying water, I usually have room in my pack for a few other items. For longer runs or hikes I wear a three-liter Camelback M.U.L.E ($110 at R.E.I.). Most Camelbaks have a back panel designed for maximum air flow to prevent the dreaded back sweat. Buy a model with a (removable) chest strap to help prevent bouncing.
Mostly I am a long distance runner. That means anywhere from 3 to 6 miles, more if I’m training for a race. I prefer to carry water with me instead of gambling on finding a working water fountain on my route. And if I’m carrying water, I usually have room in my pack for a few other items. For longer runs or hikes I wear a three-liter Camelback M.U.L.E ($110 at R.E.I.). Most Camelbaks have a back panel designed for maximum air flow to prevent the dreaded back sweat. Buy a model with a (removable) chest strap to help prevent bouncing.
2Hydration
Mostly I am a long distance runner. That means anywhere from 3 to 6 miles, more if I’m training for a race. I prefer to carry water with me instead of gambling on finding a working water fountain on my route. And if I’m carrying water, I usually have room in my pack for a few other items. For longer runs or hikes I wear a three-liter Camelback M.U.L.E ($110 at R.E.I.). Most Camelbaks have a back panel designed for maximum air flow to prevent the dreaded back sweat. Buy a model with a (removable) chest strap to help prevent bouncing.
Mostly I am a long distance runner. That means anywhere from 3 to 6 miles, more if I’m training for a race. I prefer to carry water with me instead of gambling on finding a working water fountain on my route. And if I’m carrying water, I usually have room in my pack for a few other items. For longer runs or hikes I wear a three-liter Camelback M.U.L.E ($110 at R.E.I.). Most Camelbaks have a back panel designed for maximum air flow to prevent the dreaded back sweat. Buy a model with a (removable) chest strap to help prevent bouncing.
3Hydration
For shorter runs, I prefer the Amphipod waist pack ($40 at R.E.I.). The unique flat bottle design rests against your lumbar spine to minimize movement, and Amphipod sells additional components like extra bottles and pouches so you can customize to your needs.
For shorter runs, I prefer the Amphipod waist pack ($40 at R.E.I.). The unique flat bottle design rests against your lumbar spine to minimize movement, and Amphipod sells additional components like extra bottles and pouches so you can customize to your needs.
4Hydration
For shorter runs, I prefer the Amphipod waist pack ($40 at R.E.I.). The unique flat bottle design rests against your lumbar spine to minimize movement, and Amphipod sells additional components like extra bottles and pouches so you can customize to your needs.
For shorter runs, I prefer the Amphipod waist pack ($40 at R.E.I.). The unique flat bottle design rests against your lumbar spine to minimize movement, and Amphipod sells additional components like extra bottles and pouches so you can customize to your needs.
5Hydration
A friend’s favorite technique is to freeze a plastic water bottle and then sip it as it melts. (The ice also feels good on your forehead or chest.) For that, she uses something like the Nathan QuickView bottle with holder ($35 at Fleet Feet Sports), which also includes a clear, weather-resistant pocket for your mobile device.
A friend’s favorite technique is to freeze a plastic water bottle and then sip it as it melts. (The ice also feels good on your forehead or chest.) For that, she uses something like the Nathan QuickView bottle with holder ($35 at Fleet Feet Sports), which also includes a clear, weather-resistant pocket for your mobile device.
6Hydration
A friend’s favorite technique is to freeze a plastic water bottle and then sip it as it melts. (The ice also feels good on your forehead or chest.) For that, she uses something like the Nathan QuickView bottle with holder ($35 at Fleet Feet Sports), which also includes a clear, weather-resistant pocket for your mobile device.
A friend’s favorite technique is to freeze a plastic water bottle and then sip it as it melts. (The ice also feels good on your forehead or chest.) For that, she uses something like the Nathan QuickView bottle with holder ($35 at Fleet Feet Sports), which also includes a clear, weather-resistant pocket for your mobile device.
7Hydration
Hydrating on the road won’t do much for you if you don’t pre-hydrate before your workout. I’ve gotten in the habit of carrying a 40 oz Hydroflask ($43 at H.E.B.) around my office, so I am always drinking water throughout the day. When I first saw these bottles I scoffed at the price, but the vacuum insulation keeps your beverage cold for 24 hours—seriously, I once left one in my car in the sun for an entire day and it still had ice in it when i came back. Once I finally splurged on one, I was hooked. Oh, and they have lifetime warranties. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Hydrating on the road won’t do much for you if you don’t pre-hydrate before your workout. I’ve gotten in the habit of carrying a 40 oz Hydroflask ($43 at H.E.B.) around my office, so I am always drinking water throughout the day. When I first saw these bottles I scoffed at the price, but the vacuum insulation keeps your beverage cold for 24 hours—seriously, I once left one in my car in the sun for an entire day and it still had ice in it when i came back. Once I finally splurged on one, I was hooked. Oh, and they have lifetime warranties. Trust me, it’s worth it.
8Hydration
Hydrating on the road won’t do much for you if you don’t pre-hydrate before your workout. I’ve gotten in the habit of carrying a 40 oz Hydroflask ($43 at H.E.B.) around my office, so I am always drinking water throughout the day. When I first saw these bottles I scoffed at the price, but the vacuum insulation keeps your beverage cold for 24 hours—seriously, I once left one in my car in the sun for an entire day and it still had ice in it when i came back. Once I finally splurged on one, I was hooked. Oh, and they have lifetime warranties. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Hydrating on the road won’t do much for you if you don’t pre-hydrate before your workout. I’ve gotten in the habit of carrying a 40 oz Hydroflask ($43 at H.E.B.) around my office, so I am always drinking water throughout the day. When I first saw these bottles I scoffed at the price, but the vacuum insulation keeps your beverage cold for 24 hours—seriously, I once left one in my car in the sun for an entire day and it still had ice in it when i came back. Once I finally splurged on one, I was hooked. Oh, and they have lifetime warranties. Trust me, it’s worth it.
9Safety
The Chums Wallet ($10 at Whole Earth Provisions) was invented by surfers as a place to stash their most basic necessities. It includes a window pocket for your ID, zippered slots and a keyring, all in a slim enough profile that you could stuff it in your shorts (or Amphipod). I keep a couple of bucks in mine just in case I want to cool down with a post-run beer.
The Chums Wallet ($10 at Whole Earth Provisions) was invented by surfers as a place to stash their most basic necessities. It includes a window pocket for your ID, zippered slots and a keyring, all in a slim enough profile that you could stuff it in your shorts (or Amphipod). I keep a couple of bucks in mine just in case I want to cool down with a post-run beer.
10Safety
The Chums Wallet ($10 at Whole Earth Provisions) was invented by surfers as a place to stash their most basic necessities. It includes a window pocket for your ID, zippered slots and a keyring, all in a slim enough profile that you could stuff it in your shorts (or Amphipod). I keep a couple of bucks in mine just in case I want to cool down with a post-run beer.
The Chums Wallet ($10 at Whole Earth Provisions) was invented by surfers as a place to stash their most basic necessities. It includes a window pocket for your ID, zippered slots and a keyring, all in a slim enough profile that you could stuff it in your shorts (or Amphipod). I keep a couple of bucks in mine just in case I want to cool down with a post-run beer.
11Safety
If you want to go super minimal, consider a Road ID (from $20). You can include lots of important info such as emergency contacts, allergies and even your insurance policy number. Safety first!
If you want to go super minimal, consider a Road ID (from $20). You can include lots of important info such as emergency contacts, allergies and even your insurance policy number. Safety first!
12Safety
If you want to go super minimal, consider a Road ID (from $20). You can include lots of important info such as emergency contacts, allergies and even your insurance policy number. Safety first!
If you want to go super minimal, consider a Road ID (from $20). You can include lots of important info such as emergency contacts, allergies and even your insurance policy number. Safety first!
13Safety
One of the best ways to beat the heat is to run at night. I wear a rechargeable Black Diamond headlamp ($80 at R.E.I.) with a red rear flashing light for both biking and running at night. There are cheaper options, too, and headlamps are also a great idea for summer camping trips.
One of the best ways to beat the heat is to run at night. I wear a rechargeable Black Diamond headlamp ($80 at R.E.I.) with a red rear flashing light for both biking and running at night. There are cheaper options, too, and headlamps are also a great idea for summer camping trips.
14Safety
One of the best ways to beat the heat is to run at night. I wear a rechargeable Black Diamond headlamp ($80 at R.E.I.) with a red rear flashing light for both biking and running at night. There are cheaper options, too, and headlamps are also a great idea for summer camping trips.
One of the best ways to beat the heat is to run at night. I wear a rechargeable Black Diamond headlamp ($80 at R.E.I.) with a red rear flashing light for both biking and running at night. There are cheaper options, too, and headlamps are also a great idea for summer camping trips.
15Recovery
Some athletes swear by gels and drink concoctions high in sugar or caffeine for a jolt of energy, but those things almost always upset my stomach when I’m out on trail. I prefer to carry a Larabar ($5 for 4 at H.E.B.) or two for when I need some extra calories. Made with real fruit and nuts, they contain no added sugar, gluten or dairy. My favorite flavors are Cherry Pie and Blueberry.
Some athletes swear by gels and drink concoctions high in sugar or caffeine for a jolt of energy, but those things almost always upset my stomach when I’m out on trail. I prefer to carry a Larabar ($5 for 4 at H.E.B.) or two for when I need some extra calories. Made with real fruit and nuts, they contain no added sugar, gluten or dairy. My favorite flavors are Cherry Pie and Blueberry.
16Recovery
Some athletes swear by gels and drink concoctions high in sugar or caffeine for a jolt of energy, but those things almost always upset my stomach when I’m out on trail. I prefer to carry a Larabar ($5 for 4 at H.E.B.) or two for when I need some extra calories. Made with real fruit and nuts, they contain no added sugar, gluten or dairy. My favorite flavors are Cherry Pie and Blueberry.
Some athletes swear by gels and drink concoctions high in sugar or caffeine for a jolt of energy, but those things almost always upset my stomach when I’m out on trail. I prefer to carry a Larabar ($5 for 4 at H.E.B.) or two for when I need some extra calories. Made with real fruit and nuts, they contain no added sugar, gluten or dairy. My favorite flavors are Cherry Pie and Blueberry.
17Recovery
Post-workout, you’re gonna need to replace all the electrolytes you’ve sweated out. One fancy option is salt pills used by endurance athletes, like Salt Stick ($25 for 100 capsules at R.E.I.). Bonus: they’re also great for hangovers.
Post-workout, you’re gonna need to replace all the electrolytes you’ve sweated out. One fancy option is salt pills used by endurance athletes, like Salt Stick ($25 for 100 capsules at R.E.I.). Bonus: they’re also great for hangovers.
18Recovery
Post-workout, you’re gonna need to replace all the electrolytes you’ve sweated out. One fancy option is salt pills used by endurance athletes, like Salt Stick ($25 for 100 capsules at R.E.I.). Bonus: they’re also great for hangovers.
Post-workout, you’re gonna need to replace all the electrolytes you’ve sweated out. One fancy option is salt pills used by endurance athletes, like Salt Stick ($25 for 100 capsules at R.E.I.). Bonus: they’re also great for hangovers.
19Recovery
Other people swear by coconut water, which contains roughly 60 mg of potassium per ounce. But my all-time favorite Texas recovery drink is an ice cold Topo Chico, which contains magnesium, sodium and potassium.
Other people swear by coconut water, which contains roughly 60 mg of potassium per ounce. But my all-time favorite Texas recovery drink is an ice cold Topo Chico, which contains magnesium, sodium and potassium.
20Recovery
Other people swear by coconut water, which contains roughly 60 mg of potassium per ounce. But my all-time favorite Texas recovery drink is an ice cold Topo Chico, which contains magnesium, sodium and potassium.
Other people swear by coconut water, which contains roughly 60 mg of potassium per ounce. But my all-time favorite Texas recovery drink is an ice cold Topo Chico, which contains magnesium, sodium and potassium.

When I tell people from other parts of the world that I run outdoors in Houston 12 months a year, I always get strange looks. But I long ago made peace with my hatred of being sweaty, and after years of training, I’ve also found a number of items that make working out in the Gulf Coast heat—whether you’re running, biking, canoeing or doing any other sport—slightly more bearable. 

In my first survival kit post I covered skincare and clothing essentials, but outdoor athletes need more than that to stay healthy and hydrated. Here’s rest of the essential products in my summer fitness survival kit.




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Brittanie Shey
Brittanie Shey