The Best Boating Accessories for Lake Days: Coolers, Cover-Ups & More!
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When you're heading out for a day on the lake, the right boating accessories can mean the difference between a good day and a great one. From coolers and safety essentials to stylish sun hats and cover-ups, this guide has you covered with essentials for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply lounging around the shore.
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Essential Boating Accessories
Wheeled hard cooler
The YETI Roadie 48 cooler is built for serious chill and easy transport, complete with a retractable handle, durable wheels, and enough space to fit 76 cans or 54 pounds of ice. It's tall enough to hold upright wine bottles and has a removable dry goods basket, making it perfect for long days on the lake.
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Cooler backpack
If you're looking for something lighter, the Corkcicle EOLA cooler backpack offers hands-free convenience without sacrificing chill power. With room for 12 cans and five wine bottles, this waterproof cooler keeps contents cold all day — and looks good doing it, thanks to its sleek design, comfy straps, and food-safe interior.
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Floating cooler
This floating cooler is the ultimate on-the-water companion, designed to tow effortlessly behind your kayak or SUP. With a 32-quart capacity, double-lid design for easy access, and up to 60 hours of cold retention, it's perfect for keeping drinks chilled and within reach, whether paddling, floating, or anchored with friends.
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Tumbler with handle
The 40-ounce IceFlow flip straw tumbler is perfect for keeping drinks cold and close at hand, whether you're cruising on a boat or paddling a kayak. With a slim base that fits most cupholders and a sturdy, easy-to-carry handle, this durable tumbler is built for adventure. Plus, its flip-up straw makes sipping effortless and helps keep plastic out of the water.
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Kids' life jacket
This HyperLite Elite kids' life jacket is a top pick for young adventurers, offering Coast Guard-approved safety with a snug, zip-to-fit design for kids 50 to 90 lbs. Made with durable Biolite foam and designed for a full range of motion, it's perfect for boating, paddling, and swimming.
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Women's life jacket
The HyperLite women's Indy life jacket also offers Coast Guard-approved safety with a sleek, lightweight design that doesn't compromise comfort or mobility. Made with quick-drying Biolite foam and HyperVent technology for breathability, it features adjustable straps for a secure fit, making it ideal for all your favorite water sports.
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Inflatable belt pack life jacket
The BOTE manual inflatable belt pack life jacket offers a sleek, low-profile design perfect for paddle boarding and other active water sports. It's Coast Guard-approved and designed for teens and adults. With its easy-to-use CO2 inflation, backup oral inflation option, and internal storage for a spare cartridge, this belt pack keeps safety stylish and streamlined on the water.
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Waterproof phone pouch
The Pelican Marine waterproof phone pouch is a must-have for any day on the water, keeping your phone safe, dry, and floating. With a secure lock seal, touch-sensitive clear window, and detachable lanyard, it's perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments, checking messages, or streaming music on the water.
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BOTE Highwater slingpack
The BOTE Highwater slingpack is a sleek, one-strap waterproof backpack perfect for kayaking, SUPing, or any waterside adventure. With a 20-liter capacity, submersible construction, and rugged zip closure, it keeps your essentials dry and secure without getting in the way.
While you're at it, snag the BOTE Highwater waist belt pack — a fully waterproof, zip-up fanny pack that adds extra storage without the bulk. It's completely submersible and ideal for keeping your phone, keys, and other small items close by and protected.
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Waterproof speaker
Don't let its size fool you; the JBL Go 4 delivers bold, punchy sound in a compact, portable package perfect for boating or paddle adventures. With up to nine hours of playtime, waterproof and dustproof durability, and the ability to personalize the design, this little speaker is big on performance and style.
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Sunscreen and lip balm SPF 30 kit
The COOLA Organic 'Sun Essentials' kit has everything you need to stay protected and refreshed on the lake. The set includes SPF 30 sunscreen for your body and face, a nourishing lip balm, and an after-sun lotion — all in clean, dermatologist-tested vegan and gluten-free formulas. If you prefer a spray-on sunscreen, check out COOLA's Organic Sunscreen SPF 50 Sunblock Spray.
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Beach towels
These striped beach towels are oversized, ultra-plush, and made with premium cotton for unbeatable softness and absorbency. There are a variety of colors available, but we love the yellow and sea glass green. It's a stylish, high-quality towel perfect for lounging on the boat.
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Floating keychain
If dropping your keys in the water while transporting your bag onto the boat is a fear that keeps you up at night, you may want to snag this floating keychain. Perfect for boating, paddle boarding, or jet skiing, each brightly colored keychain includes a waterproof compartment to stash small valuables and keep them dry. Durable, compact, and practical, it's a must-have for waterside peace of mind.
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Shoes, Hats & Cover-Ups
Cover-up skirt
The Elena cotton and silk cover-up is the perfect throw-on-and-go piece for effortless style after a swim. Lightweight and breezy, this chic-style cover-up ties easily at the waist, making it ideal for lounging on the boat or heading to a waterside lunch.
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Button-down cover-up
The Sunday in Brooklyn cutwork button-down blouse offers the perfect blend of breezy style and lightweight coverage. Its sheer fabric, relaxed boxy fit, and delicate cutwork detailing make it an easy layer to toss over a swimsuit or pair with shorts for a lakeside lunch break.
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Tote bag
The Original Bogg bag is the ultimate all-purpose tote — extra large, tip-proof, and built to handle whatever your day on the water throws at it. Made from durable, washable EVA, it's water-resistant and spacious enough to carry all your boating essentials. With snap-on buttons and included clear insert bags, it's as customizable as it is practical.
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Waterproof sliders
The Bombas Friday slide is your go-anywhere, do-anything summer staple. It's ultra-light, waterproof, and effortlessly stylish. Made from airy EVA with sleek, modern lines, it's the perfect slip-on for boat decks.
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Sun hat
The 'Squishee Halo' hat by Eric Javits combines style and serious sun protection, offering UPF 50+ coverage with a broad brim that keeps you cool and shaded. Lightweight and packable, it features an adjustable fit and a removable terry cloth sweatband, making it a chic, practical choice for boating.
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Wide-brim cap UPF 50+
The Solbari women's reversible ultra-wide brim cap is the perfect blend of style and serious sun protection, offering a flexible brim and UPF 50+ fabric that keeps harmful rays at bay. Lightweight, breathable, and travel-friendly, this reversible cap features two color options, a ponytail opening, and adjustable sizing, making it a go-to for long days on the water.
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Oakley Sutro S sunglasses
A scaled-down version of the iconic Sutro, the Oakley Sutro S sunglasses combine bold style with high-performance design. Engineered for active days on or off the water, they feature Prizm lens technology for enhanced color and contrast, a wide shield for full coverage, and a lightweight, durable frame that stays secure, so you don't have to worry about them falling into the water.
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Fun & Functional Accessories
YETI can cooler
The 12-ounce 'Colster' can cooler is the ultimate sidekick for keeping your favorite brews or sparkling water ice-cold, even on the hottest days. With a no-sweat design, secure quick-turn gasket, and cup-holder-friendly shape, it's made for effortless sipping on the lake or boat.
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Wine glasses
If you prefer to sip your wine out of a fun glass, even when boating, this set of HOST cooling cups is a game-changer. Designed with freezable gel to keep whites crisp and reds just right, these colorful BPA-free tumblers are perfect for keeping your wine at the ideal temperature.
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Inflatable hammocks
These fun and functional inflatable hammocks are ideal for relaxing in the water with four different ways to lounge. The multi-use floats come in a three-pack in bright colors and patterns — plus, the durable Oxford cloth design holds up all summer long.
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BOTE floating chairs
The BOTE hangout suite floating chair is the ultimate upgrade for your lake, pool, or boat day. It's made for all-day lounging with a comfy reclined seatback and soft, water-resistant BVA foam. D-rings let you link up with friends or stay tethered to the boat, while grab handles make transport easy. Even better? The MAGNEPOD base securely holds your magnetic drinkware in place. They're available in a set of two with a mesh carry bag for effortless travel.
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Floating water mat
The original Rubber Dockie floating water mat is perfect for the lake. It has a tough, tear-resistant inner matrix and a soft yet durable outer layer. The two-ply foam mat is designed to last and feel great against the skin. It supports up to nine adults and includes a 12-foot bungee tether to anchor it securely near your dock or boat. Plus, storage straps make it easy to roll up and take with you.
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Inflatable paddle board
Perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, the ISLE Pioneer inflatable paddle board is your go-to for a fun day on the lake. Made with military-grade PVC, it's ultra-durable and stable with a wide stance and six-inch thickness to keep you balanced. The soft EVA deck pad is comfortable for long rides, even with kids, pets, or extra gear on board. The board comes fully loaded with a travel backpack, adjustable paddle, high-pressure hand pump, coil leash, and more.
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Portable kayak
The Oru kayak inlet is made for calm lake days, with a clever origami-inspired design that folds into a compact box. Weighing just 20 pounds, it's ideal for anyone looking for a grab-and-go option. Stable yet nimble, this kayak features a large open cockpit to comfortably fit a small child or pup, and it tracks better than most inflatable kayaks. Tough, lightweight, and designed to withstand thousands of folds, the Inlet makes getting on the water feel effortless.
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Cheers to an unforgettable day on the lake!
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About the Author Kate Feinberg
Kate Feinberg is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor & Sponsored Content Specialist, based in Nashville. Kate is a plant-based foodie, avid runner, and fantasy reader.
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