Splash into July 2015: This month's best summer deals

How did it get to be July already? I guess time flies in the summer sun!

This month, we have 14 hot deals, curated for you by the discount-savvy folks at Ben’s Bargains, to help you make the most of high summer. Whether you’re swimming, running, building, traveling, or backyard grilling, July’s sweet deals have you covered. Check these out, and treat yourself to some new gear at a great price.

Beach & Pool

Still looking for the perfect swimsuit? If you like designer looks but prefer not to pay full price, this discount is for you. The Jessica Simpson Crochet Bandeau is a solid-color one-piece, but the on-trend cutout pattern and all-over cute crochet make sure it’s the opposite of boring! The strapless style makes it ideal for women who want to show off their strong shoulders and sexy collarbones. This suit retails at $106 and can be purchased on Amazon.com starting at $81.25. (Check out more great swimsuits to flatter your favorite features.)

Men, we didn’t forget you. The North Face Pacific Creek boardshorts are on sale in a rainbow of colors. This style has a closer, ‘active’ cut, with lots of built-in stretch for comfort. Take them swimming, surfing, kayaking, or over to the neighborhood pool. Closeout pricing gives you 31% off - get them while you can at only $37.73 at rei.com.

Don’t lose the music when you head for the water. Bring this ultra-portable, waterproof speaker, and you’ll be set to dance on the beach, party in the pool, or sing in the shower. Small but mighty, it’s got a 33-foot bluetooth connection range and a tough, party-proof housing. It’s a crazy deal, too: up to 87% savings! Get this for just $20 on Amazon.com.

Summer Running

Hop on the hot neon trend with new kicks by Nike.The women’s Air Zoom Elite 7 is now nearly 30% off in your choice of four summer-fresh color combinations. This style is designed to maximize speed, balanced with air cushioning. Comfortable and stylish for an easy morning jog, these are also great if you’re shaving the seconds off your 10K time.

Prefer a more classic look? The New Balance Men’s Classic Running Shoe is just the ticket. A little bit retro, and entirely clean in design, these runners are super-lightweight, breathable, and low-profile. They’re also very nicely priced, and going fast! These shoes start at $24.23 on Amazon.com.

Travel Tips

Here’s an all-purpose pack, great for everything from wilderness escapes to the daily commute. Reviewers love The North Face Surge II for its astonishing capacity, comfortable suspension, and all-around stylish looks. Imagine you’re taking the kids on a summer trip. You’ll need a day-bag that holds everything and doesn’t cramp your style. Snag one of these at 20% off and travel with confidence.

Need more space? If you’re making a long trip, or taking the whole family, we’ve got a fantastic deal for you. This highly-reviewed 5-piece set from Samsonite comes with two upright suitcases, a travel duffel, a carry-on sized travel tote, and a generous toiletry bag. The uprights have wheels for easy transport, and everything is made from durable 1200-denier poly. All that for $99.99? It’s time to replace your beat-up old suitcase.

Ultra-light packing cubes help you make the most of your new suitcase space. Three different sizes allow you to organize and protect clothes, accessories, power cords, socks, and everything else you need to bring along. Are you a messy packer? Hate packing? Can’t fit it all in your suitcase? Packing cubes help you keep it all clean, neat, and organized, which allows you to pack more items in the same amount of space. They’re something of a travel miracle. And right now, a set of three is up to 33% off!

If you have to work - or want to play - on the go, you need a light, powerful laptop that travels without effort. This model from Asus has an 11.6-inch high-definition display, weighs in at a mere 2.14 pounds, and practically disappears when you turn it sideways - it’s less than an inch thin. A featherweight travel companion, you’ll only notice it when you need it. Right now, this laptop is being offered at just $199.99 from BestBuy.com.

DIY Deal

Craftsmen and craftswomen need to be organized. If your idea of a summer project involves lots of tools and hours spent in the workshop, take advantage of a nice deal on a quality storage system. The Craftsman Tool Chest Storage System keeps every tool in its place, and easily accessible when you need it. Craftsman chests are classic-looking, usefully mobile (wheels included), and - this is key - expandable. If you update your tool collection often, simply add more drawers from the same system as you need them. This chest retails at $130, and is on sale for $99.99 at Sears.com.

Outdoor Living

The Great Outdoors is calling...and yes, your backyard counts!

The backyard barbeque artist should consider some sweet savings on the Myron Mixon Pitmaster Q3 Pellet Grill and Smoker. Looks great, grills great, and costs less than $350 at Sears.com right now!

Here’s a simpler smoker at an even better price at just $99. Reviewers say the Brinkman Offset Smoker is easy to use, and great for those just getting into smoking their own meat.

When the meat’s done and you’re ready to relax, retire to the comfortable shade of the Threshold Madaga Gazebo from Target. This freestanding structure (with grounding stakes, so you can set it up securely just about anywhere) is weather-resistant and easy to clean. It’s reasonably priced anyway, and even better at 20% off!

If it’s patio furniture you need, consider this pretty 3-piece ‘Cottage Grove’ bistro set from Hampton Bay. Best for smaller patios, balconies, or corners, the slim table and handsome, comfortable chairs create an intimate space to enjoy the fine summer weather. Simple, stylish black and white cushions (included) complete the midcentury look. The set is weather-resistant, including the cushions, which dry out quickly and keep looking great. This set is 50% off at just $139.50.