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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Montclair chapter.

With summer just around the corner, I am so excited to be packing my beach bag for the season. Here are a few of my absolute must haves for the beach:

  1. Frozen Water Bottles 

This is such a game changer. Instead of bringing cold water that is eventually going to get warm if it’s left out for more than 10 minutes, bring completely frozen water bottles. These will slowly melt throughout the day, ensuring you always have cold water. They also double as ice packs for any food you plan on bringing as well. 

  1. SPF Chapstick

I am someone who needs chapstick on my lips at all times, but putting on chapstick without SPF in the sun is like putting oil right on your lips. This can result in a lip sunburn, which no one wants. I always keep SPF sunscreen with me all summer long. 

  1. An Extra Towel

Even if you think you won’t need it, I can almost promise you having an extra towel will come in handy. Whether you or a friend need it, you will be happy you packed it.

  1.   A Sweatshirt

I know, who needs a sweatshirt on the beach? But I always bring one in my bag in case we go to a restaurant with air conditioning or stay till late. I even like to use it as a blanket on the car ride home. 

  1. Baby Powder

Have you ever had sand stuck to your feet? Sprinkle a little of this on there, and the sand will magically dust off. I don’t know why this works so well, but it does, and I always bring it with me. 

  1. Extra Hair Ties

Okay, this may seem like an obvious one, but I swear there is nothing worse than not being able to put your beachy hair in a bun. I always throw an extra few in my bag to be safe. 

  1. Big Comforter

Some people lay on beach towels. I bring a huge blanket big enough for a queen bed. It sounds crazy, but it offers so much more room, not to mention how comfy it is. I would definitely recommend you give this a try this summer.

  1. Cheap Sunglasses

If you want to wear expensive sunglasses to the beach, more power to you. But for me, I like to bring cheap ones in case I break or lose them.

  1. Tissues

Not just for blowing your nose. Maybe it’s just me, but I have noticed bathrooms at the Jersey Shore are not always the cleanest and most well stocked. I like to carry extra tissues in my bag in case we need to use it for toilet paper, napkins, etc. 

  1. Portable Charger

This is super handy, especially if you are using your phone while at the beach to take pictures, play music, read a book or even call a friend. 

I hope this helps you prepare for the beach. Have a great summer!

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Hailey Mayewski

Montclair '23

Hailey Mayewski is a Junior, journalism major at Montclair State University. She is excited to be a new member of Her Campus Montclair.