Update 1/10/2024: This post originally contained images for the items suggested, but the method used to include them has been deprecated. I’ve chosen to remove the broken images, reformat the page, and allow it to age gracefully.
Whew! Summer is a real beast this year. They’ve been reporting that these were the highest temperatures on record for the month of June, and July seems like it will close out on the same track. Despite living in a mountainous area and having the benefit of more than my fair share of shade, the air outside feels denser and hotter than any summer I can remember. As if being smacked in the face by the sweltering heat of it wasn’t enough, it’s also humid as heck and the hot, wet air just immediately clings to the skin. Ugh!
It may be hot out there, but it hasn’t stopped the grass and weeds from growing. In fact, I think they’re growing even faster from all the thunderstorms and warm heavy rains… so that means more time outside in the heat than I’d really like.
But I’ve really had about all I can take, so I retreated to the somewhat-climate-controlled indoors to hit the ‘net in search of some relief for the unavoidable next time I need to brave the heat of the great outdoors for any extended period of time.
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Here are five of the discounted and/or limited time deals I found that can help with staying safe(r) and cool(er) in the blistering summer heat:
1. The very first rule of staying safe and cool in the summer heat? Hydration! Water is your best friend and if you haven’t yet invested in a quality stainless steel water bottle, here’s your chance!
This 64-ounce vacuum insulated, double wall, stainless steel water bottle is BPA free. It’s rated to keep things cool up to 48 hours (and hot for 24, but right now, cool is the goal!).
It comes with two lids (a flip-up straw cap and an attachable flat lid), two straws, a cleaning brush for the straws, AND a cloth carrying pouch with strap! Everything you need to stay well-hydrated in this heat. [BONUS: at time of posting, this item in black is displaying with a *very* nice coupon for Prime members.]
2. This portable neck fan with 360-degree air movement! It has 78 air outlets to surround you and keep you cool, plus its bladeless design is safe for both the kids and the elderly.
Its rechargeable 4000mAh capacity battery will keep it running up to 16 hours per charge, on low speed (runtime on high falls in around the 4 hour mark and on medium about 9 hours). And its ultra lightweight design and quiet operation make it easy to wear anywhere.
Easy, hands-free cool on the go? Yes, please!
3. This colorful four-pack of microfiber mesh cooling towels! Just wet it, wring it out, and give it a good shake to enjoy several hours of its cooling effects. Easily reactivated by repeating the process as often as necessary.
These towels are chemical-free, super absorbent, quick-drying, and machine-washable. Each towel comes with its very own carrying pouch and a carabiner clip for easy, hygienic portability.
Great for helping tame the summer heat, but also a safe and handy option for managing fevers, headaches, and even hot flashes!
4. This portable misting fan, which had me fondly remembering the kids and I once upon a time huddling beneath the big misting fans at a Florida theme park when they were little! Same concept, smaller form factor.
COMLIFE’s lightweight handheld misting fan features a 25 ml water tank and rechargeable 3000mAh battery that can provide up to seven hours of fan cooling and 30 minutes of misting. The handle folds a full 180 degrees to easily fit in a pocket and at 90 degrees to function as a surface stand.
It features three adjustable fan speeds and a separate control for managing the intermittent misting feature. Sounds like a win to me!
5. Got a little too overheated outside or struggling to get a decent night’s sleep because of the heat? This cooling bamboo throw blanket with a QMax rating of 0.45 can help reduce body heat by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in less than five minutes!
This approximately 60×80-inch dual-sided blanket is constructed of “Japanese Icy-Cool” fabric on one side and 100% bamboo cotton on the other. Designed to draw away body heat and absorb moisture for quick cooling when overheated and on those restless, sweaty summer nights too. It’s lightweight, breathable, and machine washable, though air-drying is recommended for best results.
The absolute best way to avoid heat-related illness is to stay inside air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. That’s not always a feasible or accessible option for everyone, but most public facilities are likely to have air-conditioning and spending time there during some of the hottest hours of the day may help.
Also, drink water. Lots of water, more often than usual, in larger quantities than usual, and do not wait until you’re feeling thirsty to do so. Hydration is really important, especially when dealing with extreme heat, and thirst tends to be one of the first signs of dehydration.
If you must be outside, for whatever reason, try to avoid doing so during the hottest parts of the day, dress in loose-fitting lightweight clothing, and take it slow. Take frequent breaks and head inside if you start feeling overheated. Maybe even consider taking a cool shower or bath to bring down your body temperature, especially if you’re experiencing any signs of heat-related illness such as heat rashes, sunburn, heat cramps, dizziness, nausea, clammy/damp skin, or confusion.
Take care out there!
Best to all,
