What Are your favorite must-have vacation items this summer?

"A hat, like this one by Roxy ($26), is a good item for the beach. It's good for sun protection, and it keeps your face youthful. And you don't have to worry about beach hair if you're going to go out afterward."

Mary Carol Chenet, owner

N.O. Surf Shop, 6116 Magazine St., 891-1616; www.nosurfshop.com

Hat by Roxy, $26 at N.O. Surf Shop 2a. CamelBak Mini Mule, $39.99 at Massey's Professional Outfitters

"The two most important things [for an outdoor vacation] are staying hydrated and having rain gear to stay dry. For hands-free hydration — an easy way to stay hydrated instead of worrying about carrying a water bottle — the CamelBak Mini Mule ($39.99) also allows storage like a day pack would so it's a little more versatile. The Marmot PreCip jackets ($99.99) are really great for rainy days and as travel pieces because they're lightweight, they're waterproof and they're breathable. They pack really small and because they're nylon, they're naturally wrinkle-resistant and breathable the way the fabric is made and woven. So if you're sweating, moisture can go out but it can't come in."

Dustin Smith, men's apparel buyer

Massey's Professional Outfitters, 3363 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-1144; 816 Hwy. 90, Covington, (985) 809-7544; 7519 Corporate Blvd., Baton Rouge, (225) 246-7100; www.masseys.net

Marmot PreCip jacket, $99.99 at Massey's Professional Outfitters

"For an urban vacation, I would say pick an easy dress you could definitely wear day into night; the T-Bags line has a lot of printed pieces that would work well. If it's a top ($149), you could wear it with shorts and flip-flops, and for night, you could wear it with wedges or heels and some accessories. It's easy to pack, no wrinkles. They have fun prints and they're definitely summery."

Tara Rotonti, owner

Per Me, 5517 Magazine St., 897-0300

Top by T-Bags, $149 at Per Me