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Memorial Day Buyer’s Guide: Choose Your Adventure with Sun & Ski Sports

May 15, 2026 by
Memorial Day Buyer’s Guide: Choose Your Adventure with Sun & Ski Sports

Memorial Day weekend isn’t just the unofficial start of summer; it’s your invitation to get outside, soak up the sun, and make meaningful memories with friends and family. From heading to the water, hitting the trails, logging miles, or cruising on a bike, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with nature and each other.

At Sun & Ski Sports, we’re here to help you make the most of your holiday weekend. As trusted experts in outdoor gear, clothing, swimwear, and accessories, we’ve curated everything you need to get after it this holiday weekend.

Are you the wave chaser? The trail explorer? The early morning runner? The weekend cyclist? Or the pickleball competitor? No matter your vibe, we’ve built the ultimate Memorial Day gear guide to match your adventure.

From performance-driven footwear to laid-back lifestyle essentials, let’s go over the staples you need this Memorial Day. 

Best Memorial Day Water Activities & Beach Gear Essentials

Memorial Day lake trips are a top choice for summer outdoor fun with friends and family. Water sports, beach days, and poolside hangs are the perfect mix of relaxation and energy. Additionally, wake surfing and SUP sessions add excitement while keeping everyone active during long holiday weekends.

Essential beach gear includes quick-dry towels, versatile swimwear, and comfortable, grippy sandals for wet conditions. With a cooler, a waterproof tote, and a portable speaker in tow, your holiday stays organized, stress-free, and, most importantly, fun! Ready for the lake? Here’s the gear you’ll need this Memorial Day Weekend.

Wake & Surf Gear 

Liquid Force Primo Wakesurf Board ’26 Nomadix Original Towel Ronix Women’s Fish Koal Classic Wakesurf Board Patagonia Black Hole Tote 25L Turtlebox Ranger Speaker YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Cooler

Swim for Women

O’Neill Women’s Saltwater Solids Pismo Tall Tri Bralette Top ROXY Women’s Whole Hearted Rashguard LS O’Neill Women’s Saltwater Essentials Rockley Bottoms Reef Women’s Water Vista Sandals Salomon Women’s Solamphibian Water Shoes Teva Women’s Hurricane XLT3 Sandals

Swim for Men

Billabong Men’s Sundays Airlite Boardshorts Chubbies Men’s S & R Flamingle 5.5 in Lined Swim Trunks Quiksilver Men’s Everyday Solid 15 in Swim Trunks Teva Men’s Hydratrek Water Sandals OluKai Men’s Kialoa Water Shoes REEF Men’s Cushion Phantom 20 Sandals

Memorial Day Hiking Gear: Best Trail Essentials 

Hiking during Memorial Day weekend is perfect for exploring scenic trails and early summer conditions. Coming from someone who lives in the mountains, hiking is a great way to stay active while having fun with friends! Over the summer, popular trails and parks become go-to destinations for outdoor adventures. So, it’s smart to go earlier in the season and beat the crowds.

Durable hiking shoes, moisture-wicking clothing, and breathable layers are the foundation of a comfortable trek. Pro tip: Don’t wait until the trailhead to break in your boots. Even the most perfectly fitted shoes can cause blisters during those first few miles. Our Outdoor Experts also suggest prioritizing sun protection and lightweight apparel to ward off fatigue and keep you moving comfortably. Here is the gear we recommend for your holiday hike, especially if you’re shopping Memorial Day sales for hiking shoes, apparel, and trail-ready accessories before summer travel picks up.

Women’s Hiking Fit

Patagonia Women’s Capilene Cool Trail Cropped T Shirt Helly Hansen Women’s AWE Hiking Dres Patagonia Women’s Terrebonne Trail Shorts Adidas Women’s Terrex Skychaser Ax5 Hiking Shoes Darn Tough Vermont Women’s Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks Salomon Women’s X ULTRA 360 EDGE Hiking Shoes

Memorial Day Running Gear: Best Shoes, Apparel, & Accessories

Kicking off your summer fitness goals with a Memorial Day run is the perfect way to get outside. Starting early not only lets you catch the best scenic views but also keeps you ahead of the rising temperatures. It’s an easy win to fit into a busy holiday schedule, giving you an energy boost that lasts all day.

To keep your performance high, focus on cushioned running shoes and lightweight, breathable clothing. Round out your kit with hydration gear, sunglasses, and functional accessories so you’re fully prepared for the miles ahead. We’ve narrowed down the essentials to help you gear up and get out there while taking advantage of Memorial Day deals on running shoes, hydration gear, and performance apparel.

Running Shoes & Socks

Brooks Men’s Ghost 18 Running Shoes Balega Hidden Comfort No Show Running Socks On Women’s Cloudmonster 3 Running Shoes

Men’s Running Fit

Ten Thousand Men’s Interval Short Sleeve T-Shirt On Men’s Core 5″ Shorts Glyder Men’s Bedford Hoodie

Women’s Running Fit

On Women’s Core 2-in-1 Crop Top On Women’s 3″ Core Shorts Free People Women’s Final Call Logo Hoodie

Running Gear

Garmin Forerunner 570 – 47mm Smartwatch CamelBak Chase Race 4 50 oz Hydration Vest Smith Shift MAG Performance Sunglasses

Memorial Day Cycling Gear Guide: Bikes, Helmets, & Apparel

Memorial Day weekend is your official green light to set that “out of office” reply and step into summer. It’s the perfect time to trade screen time for saddle time, swapping blue light for blue skies and long, open roads. With an extra day to explore, there’s a sense of freedom that comes from discovering new routes, riding with friends, and soaking up the season’s first true taste of summer.

Memorial Day sales are also one of the best times of year to shop for new bikes, helmets, cycling apparel, and accessories before peak summer riding season begins.

At Sun & Ski Sports, we make it easy to get rolling with a wide selection of high-quality bikes for every type of rider. If you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade your ride, our Outdoor Experts are excited to help. Every bike purchase includes lifetime service support to keep your ride performing at its best. You’ll get free and discounted inspections and adjustments long after the holiday weekend ends. Gear up for your next ride with these Memorial Day bike essentials.

Bikes

Cannondale Trail 3 Mountain Bike Cannondale Quick CX 3 Hybrid Bike Cannondale Quick 3 Hybrid Bike

Helmets

Giro Agilis MIPS Road Helmet Fox Speedframe Pro MTB Helmet Giro Women’s Fixture MIPS 2 Bike Helmet

Bike Gear & Accessories

Smith Motive Performance Sunglasses Insta360 X5 Standard Bundle Blackburn Local Plus Top Tube Bag

Men’s Biking Fit

Roark Men’s Bless Up Trail Button Up Short Sleeve Shirt Pearl Izumi Men’s Canyon Cycling Shorts with Liner Shimano Men’s SH-RC102 Road Bike Shoes

Women’s Biking Fit

Fox Women’s Ranger Lined Shorts Free Fly Women’s Elevate Lightweight T-Shirt Pearl Izumi Women’s Summit Mountain Bike Shoes

Best Pickleball Gear for Memorial Day Weekend

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports for Memorial Day weekend. It’s a high-energy, social game perfect for friendly competition and group fun. Outdoor courts come alive with excitement, sunshine, and nonstop rallies all weekend long!

Memorial Day deals on pickleball paddles, court shoes, and apparel also make this a great time to refresh your gear before summer tournaments and weekend matches.

Our Outdoor Experts recommend UPF clothing for added sun protection during long matches. Court shoes, paddles, and breathable apparel are essential for support, mobility, and durability. Functional bags and accessories make it easy to stay organized between matches. Find all your pickleball essentials at your local Sun & Ski Sports for a simple, seamless shopping experience.

Pickleball Gear

Holbrook Mav Pro 16 mm 2.0 Pickleball Paddle JOOLA Tour Elite Pickleball Bag CamelBak Carry Cap 25 oz Water Bottle

Men’s Pickleball Fit

Ten Thousand Men’s Foundation All-Day Active Short Sleeve Shirt Ten Thousand Men’s Unlined Interval 7 in Shorts On THE ROGER Advantage Pro Men’s Court Shoes

Women’s Pickleball Fit

Free People Women’s Baseline Tennis Dress Free Fly Wave Performance Hat New Balance Women’s Fuelcell 996v6 Tennis Shoes

Final Thoughts: Shop Memorial Day Outdoor Gear

No matter how you choose to spend Memorial Day weekend, on the water, in the mountains, on the road, or on the court, the right gear makes all the difference. This is your time to unplug, get active, and create lasting memories with the people who matter most.

If you’re planning a bike trip, having a solid plan for traveling with your bike can make your trip smoother from start to finish. And if you’re chasing bigger terrain, exploring new mountain bike destinations is a great way to take your weekend to the next level.

Runners can also benefit from dialing in their fit and arch support, especially for longer miles and warmer conditions. No matter where the weekend takes you, having the right summer sandals for all-day wear makes transitioning between activities effortless.

At Sun & Ski Sports, we’re here to help you do it all, better, easier, and with confidence. From shopping Memorial Day sales for a new bike, upgrading your hiking gear, or preparing for weekends on the water, this Memorial Day buyer’s guide is designed to help you find the right gear for every summer adventure.

From expert advice to top-tier gear, we’ve got everything you need to find yourself outside. Shop online or visit one of our 30+ locations to gear up and get after it this Memorial Day weekend!

Photo of Allie Cheney

About the Author, Allie Cheney

Hello there :) Allie Cheney here! I'm a Texan turned mountain enthusiast with a twist. After a year of croissants and conjugations in France where I completed an MBA, I traded baguettes for mountain air and moved to Colorado. As a Copywriter and Content Creator for Sun & Ski Sports I'm thrilled to share my 6 years of outdoor industry knowledge with you! Living in a converted van, I'll be skiing along the Rocky Mountains and West Coast this winter. My aim is to deliver content that is not only accurate and genuine but also provides valuable knowledge and insights into your favorite hobbies, the latest trending styles, and cutting-edge products. Let’s explore together! For questions feel free to email me at ACheney@sunandski.com or contact an Outdoor Expert at any Sun & Ski Sports store location near you!