We’ve written about how much Mary and I both love the water many times before.
She grew up spending weeks every summer with her grandparents on the Merrimack River in New Hampshire, and I grew up spent weeks every summer with my grandparents on Lake Hartwell in Georgia.
Those formative experiences gave us both a life-long appreciation for the almost spiritual sense of peace and rejuvenation that come from being surrounded by nature.
So perhaps it’s no surprise that we’ve kept a pontoon boat docked at a marina near our house for the last 14+ years, or that we bought a beautifully refurbished 1966 Lazy Days houseboat a few months ago!
Whether we’re sitting in the quiet of the morning, drinking coffee and watching birds, or finding hidden coves where we can swim, float, and let our dog run free, there’s just something about the lake that we find magical.
So when it comes to lake gear that can make your days on, in, and around the water a bit more enjoyable, I’d like to think we have some good ideas.
Read on for our guide to the Best Lake Gear of 2024, including reviews of great floats, grills, coolers, hammocks, sunglasses, and more!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Lakes in North Carolina (Mountains, Coast & Beyond)
Lake Floats & Toys
Pool Candy Splash Runner Pro Edition
Have you ever found yourself floating on a tranquil lake and wishing it was more like a lazy river?
Pool Candy’s Splash Runner Pro 12V Motorized Pool Lounger has two 66-watt motors (each powered by 8 D-Cell batteries), allowing you 360º control so you can explore to your heart’s content.
The float’s propellers are tucked behind a protective safety grill, and its features include a headrest, reinforced lower back support, and a built-in cup holder and phone holder.
Constructed with 0.35mm PVC, the float is almost as wide as an inflatable raft, and is made to safely hold up to 350 pounds. It’s a fun way to add some adventure to any day on the water!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Lake Houses in Georgia to Rent
Lazy Dog Loungers
We adore our dogs, but I’ve always been a little disappointed that they had ZERO interest in joining us in the water. Lately Boo-Boo (our Cocker Spaniel/Papillon mix) has really seemed to enjoy floating with me, which is delightful!
Lazy Dog Loungers was inspired by a dog named Sebastian who loved to float in the lake, but his owners noticed that regular floats weren’t stable enough, got too hot, and ripped easily.
So they created these weather- and puncture-resistant floats to keep furry friends cool and comfortable, with durable fabric, a wider base, and a semi-submersible center that helps them stay cool even in the “dog days” of Summer.
We love that they’re made with a sustainable foam, have a ramp that allows for easy access, and are available in 2 sizes and 3 colors (blue, pink, and red).
READ MORE: The 10 Best Pet Friendly Cabins in Blue Ridge GA
HAMMOCKS & SHELTERS
Tentsile Duo Hammock 3.0
We’ve been fans of Tentsile’s innovative camping gear for years. From the Connect and the Stingray to the T-Mini Double, they’ve crafted many of the most unique hammocks and tents we’ve ever tested.
VOITED Ultralight Travel Hammock
If you love exploring the great outdoors as much as we do, hopefully you also share our appreciation for products made with an eye towards environmental sustainability.
Perfect for lakeside lounging, this eco-conscious travel hammock from VOITED is made from 100% recycled ripstop nylon. So it’s soft, breathable, and extremely durable, yet it weighs in at an ultra-light 14.8 oz.
It’s very easy to set up with the enclosed Hammock Straps, which feature 8 different adjustment points and a load-tested weight capacity of up to 660 pounds!
We also love that it comes in its own 100% recycled nylon Roll-Top Stuff Sack, which makes the hammock easy to pack and perfectly portable.
READ MORE: Exploring the Fontana Dam and Visitors Center on Lake Fontana NC
DOD Outdoors Kama Tarp
After 15 years of keeping our pontoon boat docked on North Georgia’s Lake Allatoona, we can attest to the intrinsic value of a good tarp on hot Summer days.
We always keep multiple tarps on our boat to provide additional shade when the sun gets too intense, and they’ve also come in handy for those afternoon showers that always seem to come in sideways.
The Kama Tarp from DOD Outdoors is a great option for lake camping, with a durable polycotton material (65% polyester, 35% cotton) that breathes well, cools better, and is less prone to being burned by campfire sparks than other fabrics.
Measuring 11.8 feet squared and weighing just under 8 pounds, we like that it offers 8 different points of attachment, allowing you to customize the setup to suit your campsite. It also pairs great with tents!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Lakes in the North Georgia Mountains
Kelty Discovery H2Go
One of the only issues we’ve had during our 15+ years of owning a pontoon boat is that there’s not much privacy if you want to change clothes or hose off after getting out of the lake.
The Kelty Discovery H2Go is a unique option for anyone who wants a little luxury and privacy in the great outdoors, with a carry bag to make the 14-pound shelter easily portable.
Measuring 14.5 sq feet, with a 7’2″ peak height, the Discovery H2Go features a large zippered door & window, a mesh ceiling for ventilation, 3 pockets for essentials, and a separate fly you can use in inclement weather.
The internal center hook can support a 5-gallon hanging shower bag, and there’s a roll-up floor with a built-in drain and an access port if you want to hook up to an external shower source.
READ MORE: 10 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts
GRILLS
Magma Party Size Marine Kettle 3 Combo Stove & Gas Grill
I worked in (and managed) restaurants for 8 years before and during college, so cooking in a kitchen always gives me flashbacks. But working a grill? That’s something I actively enjoy, especially when we’re on the lake!
Mary got me a grill for our pontoon boat nearly a decade ago, and I personally believe that EVERYTHING tastes better at the lake. But our old grill was falling apart, so we were thrilled to test Magma’s Marine Kettle 3 Combo Stove & Gas Grill.
Made of marine-grade stainless steel, this 15″ grill features a battery-powered ignition system, a heavy duty inner safety shell, a virtually blow-out proof design, and Magma’s patented radiant plate and dome heat distribution system.
Other noteworthy features include a “Stay Cool” handle with air-cooled supports, a balanced hinged lid (which won’t slam shut when your boat bounces), and a Stainless Steel L-bracket and clamp assembly that makes it easy to mount.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Lakes in Tennessee to Visit
Blackstone On The Go Tailgater 17″ Grill & Griddle Combo
Kenmore 2-Burner Cast Aluminum Portable Tabletop Grill
In late March 2024, we decided to buy a gorgeously refurbished 1966 Lazy Days Houseboat, whose previous owners had spent $50,000+ to update the interior with a mid-century modern design style.
This 2-Burner Cast Aluminum Portable Tabletop Grill from Kenmore has a similar nostalgic appeal, with an attractively sleek retro design that comes in 5 eye-popping colors (including pink and turquoise).
Measuring 17.75″D x 21.5″W x 15.25″H and weighing 26 pounds, the portable 2-burner gas grill fires 14,400BTU and offers 343 square inches of cooking surface.
It comes pre-assembled (except for the side handles), with cool features including electronic ignition, warming rack, and foldable legs that make it perfect for campsites or tailgating.
READ MORE: The 40 Best Camping Gifts and Hiking Gifts
BioLite CampStove 2+
Grilling while camping in the backcountry can be challenging. You can’t always find firewood, and even when you can there’s a chance it may be wet or rotten.
But the award-winning CampStove 2+ from BioLite is a handy portable wood-burning stove that can charge your electronic devices and cook your meal at the same time.
The smokeless stove can burn sticks, pine cones, wood scraps, or pellets, and can boil a liter of water for coffee in under 5 minutes. It also generates enough power (3W) to charge your electronic devices.
Its features include a built-in 3,200 mAh battery, Smart LED Dashboard (measures fire strength, power, and fan speed), USB charging port, and scalloped pot stand for BioLite Portable Grill or KettlePot (sold separately).
READ MORE: The 20 Best Campgrounds in Georgia to Visit
COOLERS
Permasteel 80-Qt Classic Outdoor Patio Cooler & 14-Qt Small Portable Cooler
Speaking of mid-century modern design, these two new coolers from Permasteel look like something the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel family might have at their Summer cabin in the Catskills.
Their 80-Qt Classic Retro Style Outdoor Patio Cooler comes in 9 different colors (including Mint, Pink & Turquoise) of powder-coated steel, with an insulated basin that can keep drinks cold for up to 36 hours.
Measuring 36.5″D x 18″W x 33.5″H and weighing 34 pounds, it can hold up to 110 12 oz cans and includes a built-in bottle opener and cap catcher, a double-hinged lid, and heavy duty caster legs.
Permasteel’s 14-Qt Small Portable Cooler is perfect for a day on the boat (or the beach). It measures 11.6″D x 11.6″W x 14.2″H, and has a bottle opener, cap catcher, drain plug for easy cleanup, and a handle that doubles as a lid lock.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Lakes in the Virginia Mountains to Visit
CamelBak ChillBak Cube 18 Soft Cooler w/Fusion 3L Group Reservoir
We see tons of YETIs and other hard-sided coolers every time we go to the lake. But for our money, soft-sided coolers like the ChillBak Cube 18 from CamelBak are easier to carry and large enough to suit our needs.
Made from Bluesign-approved TPU Coated 400D Nylon Ripstop, the 18-liter bag measures 13.39 x 12.99 x 9.06 inches, and weighs just 3 lbs 6 oz when empty.
Its main compartment can hold up to 16 cans, with a trap door construction that keeps your food and drinks separate from the ice (the Fusion 3L Reservoir stows in a separate compartment).
Other features include a roll-top closure for improved thermal efficiency, a stretch stash pocket for bottle openers and small valuables, and a removable padded shoulder strap.
READ MORE: Things to Do in Moccasin Creek State Park on Lake Burton
Peanuts x Parks Project x Igloo ECOCOOL® Escape to Nature Playmate Cooler
As a boy growing up in North Georgia, Peanuts, parks, and picnics were three of my favorite things (I even had a beloved t-shirt featuring Snoopy in his sunglasses-wearing “Joe Cool” persona).
This new collaboration between Parks Project and Igloo Coolers taps into my childhood nostalgia, with a classic image depicting Snoopy and his fine-feathered friend Woodstock getting back to nature.
Measuring 5.88″ x 10.19″ x 14.88″, the 15-liter cooler is made with ECOCOOL material (which contains post-consumer recycled resin made from yogurt cups and milk jugs), with THERMECOOL foam to keep the contents cold.
Weighing just over 4 pounds empty and holding up to 30 cans, it’s an eco-friendly cooler that Joe Cool himself would love!
READ MORE: Carters Lake Camping, Cabins, & Boat Rentals in Ellijay GA
SUNGLASSES
Dragon Jam LL H2O & Vantage LL H2O Sunglasses
Anyone who knows me knows I’m rarely seen outside the house without my trademark sunglasses on. It’s not just for looks: I have blue eyes that are extremely sensitive to light, including headlights when I’m driving at night.
Sunglasses are absolutely essential for lake days, but years ago I lost a $300 pair when they fell off while I was pulling up the anchor on my boat.
The Vantage H2O Polarized floatable sunglasses from Dragon solve that problem by using a buoyant material in the sporty frames. They also coat their Performance Polarized lenses to repel water and dirt, reducing smears and improving visibility on the water.
Their Jam Upcycled Polarized shades combine a vintage style with sustainability, using plant-based resin frames to create a lightweight (yet durable) design. It’s one of their most popular styles, with 100% UV protection and Advanced Lens Coating that resists water, oil, scratches, and glare.
READ MORE: Visiting Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center in Waynesville NC
Costa Seadrift & Tailfin Sunglasses
Costa is one of my favorite brands of sunglasses. Not only because they create cool styles designed especially for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, but also because of their commitment to protecting our oceans and waterways.
Released in July 2024, Costa’s new Seadrift (for women) and Tailfin (for men) shades are perfect examples of how the brand balances fashion and function.
Designed for fishing, their Seadrift sunglasses pair bio-based Shiny Tortoise frames with durable, scratch-resistant polarized lenses (available in four styles) that are perfect for variable light.
Their Tailfin sunglasses are designed for offshore fishing on very bright sunlight, with bio-based Matte Black frames and 8 polarized lenses (5 glass, 3 polycarbonate to choose from). All can be ordered with prescription lenses as well!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Lakes in Georgia to Visit
LAKE CAMPING GEAR
Decathlon Quechua Ultimate Comfort Self-Inflating Mattress
If you’re looking for an air mattress that’s easy to set up and works equally well whether you’re camping or just need an extra bed for guests at home, the Quechua Ultimate Comfort Self-Inflating Mattress is a unique option.
The mattress works via an airtight envelope glued to an open cell foam, in which the air circulates. When you unfold it, it gradually takes on its original shape and thickness. But you will have to blow it up some to get the desired pressure level.
Measuring 79″ x 53.5″ x 3″, with a maximum weight capacity of 485 pounds, the flat mattress is surprisingly comfy and quiet, with a soft feel and impressive thermal insulation.
We also like the fact that it comes with a 27.5” x 20.5” x 5” carry bag, making it easy to tuck away when it’s not in use.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Campgrounds in North Carolina to Visit
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket & Everywhere Mat
Sleeping bags certainly have their place for lakeside camping. But in North Georgia (where we live) they’re overkill in the hot, humid dog days of summer.
Rumpl’s Original Puffy Blanket is a great weather-resistant blanket that’s good for all 4 seasons, using durable ripstop (made with 100% recycled materials) and treated with DWR to make it stain- and water-resistant.
We love that it’s made with 60 recycled plastic bottles, has a cool design and Cape Clip for hands-free wearing, and has corner loops that allow you to stake it to the ground.
Those corner loops can also be used to attach it to Rumpl’s Everywhere Mat, which is made with stain and water-resistant polyester microsuede, has hidden corner stash pockets, and packs down into an attached carrying case.
READ MORE: The 13 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds to Visit
DOD Outdoors Sugoi Chair
Around 6-7 years ago, when the vinyl seats on our pontoon boat began splitting beyond repair, we decided to strip all but the captain’s chair off the boat and use camp chairs and lounge chairs instead.
In terms of cost, weight, boat speed, and flexible seating options, it was honestly the best move we could’ve made.
The Sugoi Chair from DOD Outdoors is unlike any other camp chair we’ve ever used because it is also made to be flexible, so you can use it in a variety of situations.
Whether you want to sit low (at the beach or in the water) or high (at the table by the campfire), reclined for relaxing or straight up, this adjustable camp chair truly does it all!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Great Smoky Mountains Campgrounds to Visit
Crazy Creek Aircliner Chair & Canoe Chair III
Camp chairs are great for drive-up camping or tailgating, but they’re not the most convenient items to carry if you’re exploring the backcountry or hiking to waterfalls.
Measuring 2.7 x 23 inches when folded and weighing just 29 ounces, the Airliner Chair from Crazy Creek is lightweight and compact, yet sturdy enough to hold up to 250 pounds.
Made with durable, recycled 420-denier/210-denier ripstop nylon, with an inner baffle design to make it more comfortable, the the chair inflates with just 5 breaths into the 2-way airflow valve.
Their Canoe Chair III is great for canoeing, kayaking, or sitting by the campfire. It’s got comfy closed-cell foam in the seat and back, with a quick-release strap and buckle configuration that conforms to contoured seats.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Kayaking Rivers in Georgia
TRAIL/WATER SHOES
Teva Men’s & Women’s Hydratrek Sandals
Mary has been wearing Teva Sandals for more than 20 years now, and rarely wears any other brand of water shoes.
She loves them because they’re less hot and bulky than sneakers. And she feels like she can wear them on any terrain, with any type of outfit (swimsuit, shorts, casual summer dress, etc).
Their new Hydratek Sandals for Men and Women were inspired by the exceptional traction of tree frogs on wet surfaces, with a unique design that maximizes the shoe’s surface area and water dispersion underfoot.
In addition to biomimicry of our favorite amphibians, the shoes also have 100% recycled quick-dry webbing, padded straps that make them super comfortable, and a lightweight insole that make them great for boating, fishing, and/or hiking on wet, slippery trails.
Brooks Caldera 7 Men’s Trail Running Shoes & Merrell Speed Fusion Stretch
Of course, spending time at the lake isn’t always about being in the water.
Many of our favorite lakes– Lake Allatoona (where we keep our boats docked), Price Lake (in Julian Price Memorial Park), Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia), etc– have excellent hiking trails that offer gorgeous water views.
The Caldera 7 Men’s shoes from Brooks are designed for trail running. With super-soft DNA LOFT v3 for cushioning comfort, breathable foam walls in the midsole, and an air mesh upper made with 42.1 % recycled materials, it offers all-day comfort and excellent traction.
Merrell’s new Speed Fusion Stretch is an eco-friendly sneaker/sandal hybrid that’s designed for the trail. Their FloatPro Foam midsole offers lightweight comfort, the Vibram Ecostep Recycled outsole is super-grippy on wet surfaces, and the breathable mesh upper ensures your feet stay cool even during the dog days of summer.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Hiking Shoes for Women and Men
MISCELLANEOUS GEAR
Orvis PRO Waterproof Backpack 30L & SealLine Bigfork Dry Daypack
Whether we’re boating at the lake, kayaking in the ocean, or chasing waterfalls, we spend a LOT of time on the water. So we’ve really come to appreciate the value and importance of a good waterproof bag.
The PRO Waterproof Backpack from Orvis is a great example. Made from abrasion- and puncture-resistant ballistic nylon coated with .1mm TPU, this seam-sealed, waterproof 30-liter bag is as rugged and durable as they come.
We love design upgrades such as a longer back panel, 10mm foam padded shoulder straps, and a wider lumbar strap for a comfy carry, and the submersible #10 TIZIP® MasterSeal zipper, which keeps your gear dry no matter what.
SealLine’s 30-liter Bigfork Dry Daypack is a more traditional dry bag built with paddlers in mind. The waterproof pack features welded seams and a DrySeal roll-top closure, with an exterior lash points for securing it to a kayak or SUP.
Noteworthy features include removable padded shoulder straps and webbing waist belt, an exterior bungee storage system for quick stowing, and attachment points for clipping on accessories.
READ MORE: Kayaking in North Carolina: The 10 Best Rivers to Paddle
Midland GTX 3000 Handheld Overachiever
Walkie talkies have fallen out of fashion in the smartphone era. But if you’re hiking in remote areas where cell reception can be iffy and bad stuff can happen to even the best of us, they’re very helpful to have on hand.
Midland’s new GXT3000 walkie talkies are an affordable option, with 2 handheld radios, 2 rechargeable battery packs, 2 boom mic headsets, a desktop charger, AC wall adapter and vehicle power adapter, and a 6-ft USB-C charging cable.
Impressive features include 50 GMRS channels, a whopping 18 hours of battery life, a 4-hour rapid charge, JIS4 water resistance, a built-in LED flashlight, and repeater capability to extend their range.
They also boast an NOAA Weather Radio with Scan and Alert Technology, VOX hands-free, group mode, 142 privacy codes, SOS siren, whisper talk, keypad locks, headphone jacks, and much more!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Hiking Trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
OutIn Nano Portable Espresso Machine
I know what you’re thinking: “What does a portable espresso maker have to do with lakes?!”
As someone who adores coffee and the lake in equal measure, I’d say sipping a steaming hot cup of Mocha latte while watching the sunrise over the water is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
OutIn was founded by an avid hiker who wanted to be able to enjoy a fresh-brewed cup of coffee while on a trail in the mountains. His Nano Portable is lightweight (1 lb, 8.6 oz), and makes steaming hot water in just over 3 minutes.
The award-winning design is ingenious, eco-friendly (it has a built-in cup), compatible with ground coffee or capsules, and the battery can be charged via USB or a 12V or 24V car charger.
READ MORE: Camping in Nantahala National Forest (Campgrounds & Backcountry)
Duluth Trading AKHG Lost Lake Swim Dress & Men’s Swim Shorts
There are tons of clothing brands devoted to beach and resort wear, but it’s fairly rare to find a line that’s specifically dedicated to fashion for the lake.
Duluth Trading’s AKHG (Alaskan Hardgear) line is made for enjoying the great outdoors, and their Lost Lake Swim collection was designed to be supportive and comfortable whether you’re in the water or on the trail.
Their Lost Lake Swim Dress is made with a curve-hugging recycled nylon/spandex fabric, with built-in shorts, soft cups, silicon grippers to prevent bunching, hidden side pockets, and a panel that allows you to “answer the call of nature” without stripping down completely. Mary LOVES the floral print and flattering fit!
The AKHG Men’s Swim Shorts come in 3 different lengths (8-11″). They’re made with recycled polyester, feature a cooling Armachillo fabric liner and Crouch Gusset (to stop binding when you bend over), and have a colorfast treatment to prevent fading over time. –reviews by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett
