With a "double heat dome" descending on the U.S., pretty much the entire country is in for record-breaking temperatures and heat indexes this week. It's a forecast to take seriously — from the Southwest to the Northeast, dangerous temperatures are expected, beginning today. In addition to staying hydrated and seeking cooler places to spend the hottest parts of the day, you can be strategic with some products that will help you find relief as temperatures soar into the 90s and 100s, and of course, we have recommendations.
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From cooling towels to mini fans to electrolytes, these are the items we've tested and will be using ourselves this week. And of course, don't forget about your pets, who will be suffering through the heat this week too — there's something on this list for them.
In this article: Shark ChillPill, Sukeen 4-Pack Cooling Towels and JISULIFE 3-IN-1 Handheld Mini Fan
It's hot out there and only getting hotter, so grab these heat wave essentials now to help ride it out in (relative) comfort. Your future self will thank you.
Shark ChillPill 13% OFF
The new Shark ChillPill combines a fan, InstaChill cooling plate and mister all in one handheld device. The high-tech cooling plate can drop skin temperature up to 16 degrees on contact, and our testers found it to be legitimately cold. The fan, on the other hand, is more cool than frigid, but it offers 10 speeds, USB-C charging and up to 11 hours of runtime, making it useful for commutes and outdoor events.
These cooling towels may be low-tech, but they work. BestReviews Executive Editor Maria Guido says “Perimenopause can make summer heat totally agonizing. I wet these and throw them in the freezer to make dog walks more bearable, and have even worn one around my neck in a Zoom meeting. As far as I’m concerned, it looks like a scarf. Really, anything to survive a hot summer.” The four-pack includes 40-by-12-inch microfiber towels that are all reusable and machine-washable.
JISULIFE 3-IN-1 Handheld Mini Fan 5% OFF
Tiny enough to stash in a bag, this handheld fan pulls triple duty as a fan, backup power bank and flashlight. It also offers two speeds and a foldable design that you can use handheld or on a desk, with up to 19 hours of cooling time on one charge. More than 60,000 were bought in the past month by shoppers getting ready for the summer heat.
O2COOL Deluxe Handheld Battery-Powered Water-Misting Fan
If you're headed to Disney (or any other theme park) this summer, bring this misting fan — it's much cheaper than the ones sold inside the parks, and once that Florida sun hits, you'll want it immediately. It pairs fine water mist with a single-speed fan with flexible blades. It requires two AA batteries, which are not included.
HandFan Upgraded Portable Handheld Misting Fan 25% OFF
This misting fan has a few more features: It offers ultra-fine mist from a 34-milliliter water tank, three fan speeds with a max wind speed of 13.4 feet per second, one-touch fan control, a lanyard for hands-free use and up to 11 hours of runtime, depending on speed. It's also rechargeable, so no batteries required.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free - Lemon Lime
These single-serve Liquid I.V. packets are easy to toss in your purse or backpack and mix into a water bottle throughout a hot day. I use them for summer volunteering outside, which used to wipe me out, but is much more bearable with on-demand electrolytes. This lemon-lime-flavored, sugar-free pack comes with 14 servings and is made with zero sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Propel Immune Support Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix
This variety pack offers electrolytes in a drink powder that isn't too sweet. The pack comes with 32 powder sticks in Lemon Blackberry and Orange Raspberry flavors. Each serving has zero sugar, 100% daily value of vitamin C, plus zinc, sodium and potassium to help recover from heat.
This wearable cooling device offers targeted chill without mist, dripping towels or a fan blowing directly into your face. It has three cooling settings and three warming temperatures, controlled by sliding the power button up or down. It comes with a lanyard, but you can also use it by holding it against pulse points, such as your wrists or palms.
The Green Pet Shop Cool Pet Pad 8% OFF
Do not forget your dog or cat currently melting into the kitchen tile. This large cooling Pet Pad is designed for dogs and cats up to 80 pounds, with a pressure-activated nontoxic gel that works without water, refrigeration or electricity. It cools for up to four hours, depending on conditions, and recharges automatically after 15 to 20 minutes of non-use.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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