Inside the tote, a stainless steel opener saved us searching around the host's kitchen. It stays with the 31cm Makena tote, so both are ready for the next visit.
With fruit arranged on the bamboo base, I carried it outside. The mesh went up in seconds before the rest of the family arrived.
A tray on the paving was easy to knock with wet feet. This stayed on the water near us, although I avoided loading it with heavy glass bottles.
Iced water for our family afternoon filled the 3.8L dispenser. Four matching cups came in the set, and everyone could refill without handling a heavy jug.
Enough water for a beach day fits in one bottle, so I don't carry two. A full stainless steel litre is substantial, so I use my backpack side pocket.
Even with the car crowded, flexible polyester sides fitted around the rest of our gear. Its separate cooler base is useful for food, especially with a small frozen pack.
Two handles made climbing onto the cloud less awkward in shallow water. We used an electric pump before guests arrived because the large inflatable needs plenty of air.
Between train platforms, the black neck fan left both my hands free. Its 175g weight was manageable, and I aimed the adjustable heads upward instead of holding a handheld fan.
After a few tries, the dog could push through and the magnetic opening closed again. We still checked the seam regularly during busy comings and goings.
Smooth paths suited the trolley wheels; for the short stairway, I used the shoulder strap. It took less room than our rigid esky.
Several children formed a circle and kept the ball aloft with open hands. The non-toxic PVC felt soft enough for that kind of casual game.
Once dry, I released the air and slid the disc into the side of our beach bag. Its 0.18mm PVC needs care around shells and rough paving.
Children used the tap on their own, and we saw fewer drips than when they poured from a jug. I set the dispenser near the table edge to fit cups below.
After our swim, the float dried before I let the air out completely. Folded, it takes little storage space.
Cheese sat firmly on the 40cm bamboo tray beneath the raised net between servings. Guests could see the options without opening a solid lid.
I was a bit suss at first so I thought I’d give it an go. I put four potatoes in for four minutes and I could not believe how well they cooked and how delicious they were! They were so soft and cooked evenly. For once this is not a gimmick it actually really works!!
Filling a 90cm ball takes a while by mouth, so our electric pump helped. The included repair patch went into the beach bag for future outings.
Our tent had a place to hang the folding stand above the camping bed. A power bank supplied it; this model doesn't have a built-in battery.
This made more sense than balancing a separate mesh dome over a plate. I spot-cleaned the bamboo after use as instructed and let it dry before folding the net.
Canned drinks and a little ice went into the 70cm teal tub beside us. It stayed near the pool chairs, saving several walks back over wet paving.
Our guests didn't confuse the long teal thong with any of the round pool rings. It made a fun resting spot between swims without needing poolside furniture.
At nearly 188cm long, this float gave me space to stretch out instead of curling into a ring. The handles helped me settle on it from the steps.
Spread on a lounger, the rectangular shape covered the seat neatly. I wouldn't expect it to serve as a large picnic blanket, but it suits a solo swim well.
Carrying bags, I walked through without working a screen-door handle. The magnets met again once I passed, which is the detail I appreciate most.