Editors’ picks: 15 products that help us get outside and touch grass
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This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Earth Week, a weeklong focus on our planet and ways to celebrate and preserve it. We’ll be featuring tips on how to live more sustainably, products to help you spend more time in nature and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new and be sure to subscribe to the CNN Underscored newsletter to see it all.
Spring is here, which means our editors are breaking out their favorite outdoor products and finding any way possible to spend more time in nature. No matter how big or small the adventure, the warm weather is making us all want to soak in some sun. From backpacks and packable chairs to sunscreen and even a mobile game, here are 15 of our favorite products that help us do just that.
Nocs Provisions Field Issue 8x32 Binoculars
My favorite outdoor activity is birdwatching, and these binoculars have become my go-to pair because they occupy a sweet spot that makes for the perfect optic. They're sturdy and compact, yet powerful and outfitted with high-quality glass. Most importantly, all of that comes at a fair price. Especially during spring, when birds' plumage is most colorful, the Field Issues deliver crystal-clear views of my favorite species like Baltimore Orioles and Black-throated Blue Warblers. The flashy colors of the binoculars themselves, which often include limited-edition releases, are a sweet bonus. — Joe Bloss, editorial coordinator
AKHG Outer Limit Hybrid Jacket
I may live in Brooklyn, but I love to be outside, especially as the weather warms up. Which is why I’ve recently been sweet on this super lightweight, sweat-wicking jacket. For my longer walks or hikes in the unpredictable spring of NYC, its slightly insulated material lets me throw it on to keep the chill out, then makes sure I’m comfy if things warm up. Plus, I dig this dual green color and appreciate the three zipped pockets so I can safely tote my phone, lip balm and keys. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor
The Buzz Eau de Buzz Parfum + Repellent
Like most people, wearing harsh bug repellent is not something I’m fond of. So, this season, I’m using this organic mix of all-natural essential oils combined with non-GMO sugarcane alcohol instead of the usual eau de canned spray. Not only does it smell like an expensive perfume, but it keeps those annoying insects at bay. You can also nab this pretty bottle in scents like Jet Set, Hamptons and Escape, most of which are unisex. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor
Pikmin Bloom
My partner and I recently downloaded the free app Pikmin Bloom to help us get outside and walk more often. This game is so delightful and will have you smiling as you rack up steps while planting flowers, destroying mushrooms, winning prizes and growing your new little friends. You’ll barely remember you were exercising, and it’s allowed us to discover new parts of our neighborhood and spend quality time in nature. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
Parks Project Shrooms Two Person Hammock
Even if I don't have time to go for a long walk or a hike after work, I love spending time swinging around in this hammock that's set up on my porch. It's made from a thick, comfy material and it's oversized so you'll never feel like you're going to tip out. It's a nice way to relax and decompress after a long day, even if it isn't the most adventurous. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pets editor
Osprey S Women's Sirrus 36L Pack
When I went on my first backpacking and camping expedition a few years ago, I had no idea what I was doing. But, I knew that my college bookbag was not going to cut it in the wilderness. After consulting with my local camping store, I opted for this Osprey model which helped me comfortably carry my gear mile after mile, letting me enjoy the stunning mountain, valley and trail views all around me. Any outdoorsperson will agree that a bad pack can quickly make your hike miserable, and this Osprey pack size is well-suited for gear-heavy day hikes or light weekend backpacking trips. Admittedly, this pack hasn’t gotten quite as much use since I moved to NYC, but I’ve found that in addition to holding my hiking gear, it also makes a great weekend travel bag, especially if you, like me, often find yourself taking planes, trains and other forms of public transport to get where you’re going. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor
Teva Original Universal Sandals
As soon as I start to feel even a hint of warmth in the air, I break out my Tevas. In the spring and summer, I take so many little mental health walks during the day, and on the weekends, I can probably be found running around a grassy field or splashing in the waves on the Jersey Shore with my family. Tevas are comfortable enough to wear all day on all these adventures. The soles are waterproof and flexible, yet surprisingly durable, so you can hike, climb and splash without worrying about incurring any damage. I wear them so often that I have two different colors, and I find that they look cute with everything — not just athletic shorts, but summer dresses and swimsuits, too. — Elisabeth Sherman, associate writer
Kindle Paperwhite
I know that a piece of technology you have to look at to use might seem counterintuitive to helping you enjoy nature, but one of my life’s greatest pleasures is sitting outside on a beautiful day and reading. I love paperback books, but I often reach for my Kindle for a few reasons; it’s much less likely to bring dirt or sand back home with it, it’s much easier to travel with and it means I won’t ever run out of material to read during my time outside. I also like that while, yes, the Kindle is tech, unlike my phone I won’t get distracted by notifications or tempted to scroll social media while I’m using it, which helps me stay connected to the words on the page and present to the environment around me, whether it’s the gentle crashing of beach waves, intermittent chatter of people in the park or eerie quite of my tent after dusk. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor
Reef Cushion Rem Hi Sandals
Reef sandals have been my go-to for over 20 years, and they’re only getting better. In anticipation of warmer weather, I picked up a pair of the brand’s new Crochet Rem Hi Sandals, which are made with natural materials including cork. On top of the eco-friendly materials, these are just plain comfortable. I can wear them for hours and walk miles without getting blisters or sore feet. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
Cliq Chair
I'm constantly going around to various dog shows and events, and one thing I never leave home without is this Cliq Chair. It isn't as light as some backpacking chairs, but it's extremely easy to set up (I can assemble it in about 10 seconds now) and packable too. And even though it seems like it might be flimsy, it's surprisingly comfortable. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pets editor
Thousand Fell Women’s Lace-Up Sneakers
I love to go to the park, whether it’s to exercise my pup or enjoy a picnic with my friends, but I don’t always want to wear my workout sneakers. Enter: these elevated, everyday sneakers from one of my favorite sustainable brands, Thousand Fell. Not only are they constructed from recycled materials, but they’re stain-proof, water-resistant and feature ultra-comfy, cushioned insoles that don’t require months of breaking in. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social
Kodak i60 Reusable 35 Millimeter Film Camera
I love bringing disposable cameras with me everywhere but realized it's extremely wasteful to keep re-purchasing this single-use camera. I decided to buy a reusable film camera to reduce my plastic usage and save on my film hobby. This lightweight camera really does encourage me to step outside, get a breath of fresh air and capture snapshots of the glorious foliage and outdoor creatures in my neighborhood. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer
Rumpl Everywhere Mat
Concerts in the park, picnics, trips to the beach and generally just getting outside when the weather gets warmer are my top priorities come April. The Rumpl Everywhere Mat is perfect for all these al fresco activities and more. My favorite thing about this is that it has an attached pouch that you can fold the blanket into when you’re done. For the size of the blanket, it is lightweight enough that it fits into the pouch neatly and I can just pop into my handbag whenever I’m on the go. It’s also waterproof, repels sand and is machine washable. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor
Coola Refreshing Water Mist Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 18
Whenever I know I’m going to be outside for an extended period of time, I always make sure to have this sunscreen mist with me. It’s made with organic aloe and coconut water making it so refreshing and hydrating. The added SPF is a major bonus so I don’t have to carry around one extra thing. Pro tip: Keep it refrigerated for the most cooling effect. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
ClearStem You Are Sunshine Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
Without fail, if I step outside, Clearstem’s SPF 50+ will be slathered all over my face. The formula is lightweight, non-pore-clogging, ultra-sheer, scentless and as its name implies, leaves me with a natural, sun-kissed glow thanks to its subtle tint which blends seamlessly into the skin. I never leave home, and most certainly don’t touch grass without it. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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