Ah, summer. Just saying the word conjures up images of long, lazy days, the smell of barbecue in the air, maybe a cool drink in hand. It’s the season we look forward to all year. But let’s be honest, sometimes getting to that state of effortless relaxation feels like a whole lot of work. Hauling gear, fiddling with setups, constantly checking on things… it can almost make you want to stay inside.
But over my many years here at bigguyonstuff.com, reviewing and recommending all sorts of gadgets and gear, I’ve learned one crucial thing: the right “stuff” isn’t just cool tech. It’s about finding tools that genuinely solve problems and free you up to actually enjoy your time. It’s about making things easier.
So, as we head into another summer season, I’ve been looking at what’s trending and, more importantly, what actually delivers on the promise of simplifying your life. Here are 5 pieces of smart gear that can take the “effort” out of summer enjoyment, leaving you with more time for the “fun.”
1. Setting the Perfect Patio Vibe, Instantly: Smart Outdoor Lighting
Summer evenings are made for being outside, but fumbling with tangled cords or relying on harsh, bright lights kills the mood pretty fast. This is where smart outdoor lighting shines – literally.
Forget timers you have to manually set or switches you forget to turn off. With smart lights – whether they’re string lights for ambiance, path lights for safety, or even floodlights for security – you can control them all from your phone or even with your voice. Want a warm glow for dinner? Dim them down. Need brighter light to pack up? Turn them up with a tap. Many can be programmed to turn on automatically at sunset and off at bedtime.
The real value here is consistency and ease. Your outdoor space is always ready when you are, creating that perfect atmosphere for relaxing or entertaining without any hassle. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a huge difference to how much you use and enjoy your yard after dark.
You can find weather-resistant, easy-to-install smart outdoor lighting options that connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, compatible with systems like Alexa or Google Home. Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights
2. Master the Grill Without Being chained to It: Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer
If you’re like me, summer means grilling season is in full swing. But perfectly cooked steaks, chicken, or smoked brisket requires monitoring. Traditionally, that meant hovering over a hot grill, constantly checking temperatures.
Enter the wireless smart meat thermometer. This gadget is a game-changer for anyone who grills or smokes regularly. You simply insert the probe into your meat, connect the thermometer base (or the probe itself, depending on the model) wirelessly to an app on your smartphone, and walk away.
The app shows you the real-time temperature and can alert you when your food reaches the perfect internal temperature for your desired doneness. Some models even estimate cooking time. This frees you up to prepare sides, chat with guests, or just kick back knowing your food is cooking perfectly without constant supervision. It takes the guesswork (and the hovering) out of grilling.
Look for models with good wireless range and durable probes. MEATER Plus: Smart Bluetooth Wireless Meat Thermometer Digital
3. Keep Cool Treats Actually Cold, Anywhere: High-Performance Coolers
Nothing ruins a hot day faster than reaching for a lukewarm drink. While traditional coolers work, the need for ice, the melting mess, and the sheer bulk can be a pain. Modern high-performance coolers, especially soft-sided ones, have changed the game.
These aren’t your flimsy picnic bags of the past. They use advanced insulation technology to keep contents icy cold for surprisingly long periods, often without needing nearly as much ice (or sometimes, none at all if pre-chilled!). Soft coolers are also lighter and easier to carry than their hard-shelled cousins, making them perfect for throwing in the car for a beach trip, a picnic in the park, or simply keeping next to your chair on the patio so you don’t have to keep going inside.
For longer trips or serious tailgating, consider portable electric coolers that plug into a car or outlet – essentially mini-fridges on the go. But for everyday summer ease, a good soft cooler is hard to beat.
Find durable, leak-proof designs that promise extended ice retention. Titan Deep Freeze Cooler Zipperless Hardbody Cooler
4. Instant Entertainment for Backyard Movie Nights: Portable Projector
Summer nights are perfect for outdoor entertainment, and a portable projector makes creating your own open-air cinema incredibly easy. Forget trying to lug a TV outside or gather everyone around a small screen.
These compact projectors can beam a large, vibrant image onto a garage door, a sheet, or a dedicated screen. Many have built-in speakers (though you might want to connect a separate Bluetooth speaker for better sound) and can connect wirelessly to your phone, tablet, or laptop to stream movies, TV shows, or even display a video game.
Setting up a backyard movie night takes minutes, providing fantastic entertainment for family and friends on warm evenings. It’s a simple piece of tech that creates memorable experiences with minimal effort.
Look for features like brightness (measured in lumens), resolution, battery life (if you need portability away from power), and connectivity options. Mini Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, 550ANSI Native 1080P Portable Outdoor Movie Projector
5. Powering All Your New Summer Tech (And Everything Else): High-Capacity Power Bank
With all this great tech making your summer effortless, you’ll want to make sure it stays powered – and your phone, which is likely controlling half of it! A reliable high-capacity portable power bank is the unsung hero of modern convenience.
Whether you’re using your phone to check the meat thermometer, change the patio lights, stream to the projector, or just scrolling through social media outside, your battery will drain. A power bank means you’re never tethered to an outlet. It’s essential for beach days, camping trips, travel, or simply when you’re relaxing far from a power source.
Look for banks with enough capacity to charge your devices multiple times, and make sure they have the right ports (USB-A, USB-C) to match your gear. Fast-charging capabilities are a big plus.
Having one of these charged up and ready means one less thing to worry about when you head outdoors. Portable Charger Power Bank 60000mAh Fast Charging 22.5W PD4.0 & QC 4.0 with USB C Battery Pack Charger Portable High Capacity Portable Phone Charger Power Bank
Make This Summer Your Easiest Yet
Summer should be about relaxing, having fun, and making memories – not wrestling with cumbersome gear or constantly running back inside. By strategically adding a few smart pieces of gear like these to your collection, you can significantly reduce the friction and increase the enjoyment.
Think about what hassles bothered you last summer and see if there’s a “stuff” solution that makes it effortless this year.
What’s one piece of gear you rely on to make your summer easier? Let us know in the comments below!
