Featuring the Lake Life Collection from Loon Layers
When you grow up in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes (and way more if we’re counting right), you learn pretty quickly that lake days aren’t just a pastime... they’re a way of life.
Whether you’re cruising on a pontoon, floating with a drink in hand, or posted up at the dock with your crew, there’s nothing better than a weekend Up North. And if you’re lucky, a long weekend.
In this guide, I’m rounding up some of my favorite tips, gear, and lake day essentials. Plus a few must-have items from the Lake Life Collection that bring those vibes with you, even when you’re back in the city.
🌊 Why Lake Life Just Hits Different in Minnesota
Minnesota summers are short, which is exactly why we make the most of every sunny second. From sunrise swims to full-day floats, the lake is where memories are made. Often with minimal cell service and maximum snack consumption.
And whether you're headed to a family cabin, a rented A-frame, or hopping on a friend's pontoon, lake weekends in MN follow a few unspoken rules:
- Pack layers (morning = hoodie, afternoon = SPF, night = bug spray)
- Show up with something to share (drinks, chips, or good vibes)
- Embrace the slow (naps, boat rides, and dockside chats are encouraged)
👕 Lake & Leisure: A Shirt That Gets It
We created the Lake & Leisure tee to capture the spirit of those laid-back lake weekends. Oversized, vintage-washed, and designed to be thrown on at sunrise and still worn by sunset.
It’s one of those shirts that says, "Yes, I’m on my second bag of dill pickle chips, and no, I’m not changing for dinner.”
Shop it now → Lake & Leisure Shirt
(Or stash it in your weekender bag until Friday afternoon.)
🚤 Pontoon Essentials Checklist
No lake day is complete without the slow cruise of a pontoon ride. Music playing, cooler packed, and everyone fighting for the best seat.
Here’s what’s always in my lake bag (or under the seat storage if you’re lucky enough to have your own):
✅ Portable speaker (JBL or Bust)
✅ Cooler with beverages (Topo Chico + local brews = chef’s kiss)
✅ Extra towels
✅ Sunglasses (and a backup pair, because we all know)
✅ Floating keychain
✅ Snacks — always more than you think you need
✅ Loon Layers shirt or hoodie for when the sun dips
✅ Water shoes or sandals
✅ Sunscreen + bug spray combo
✅ Playing cards or cribbage board
✅ A good hat (bonus points if it’s from the upcoming Loon Layers drop)
🧺 Cabin Weekend Essentials
Going for the full weekend? Don’t forget to bring:
- Cozy sweats or joggers
- Your favorite mug (morning coffee on the deck hits different)
- Board games or puzzles for rainy afternoons
- Books you won’t actually read but feel proud bringing
- Firewood and marshmallows
- A Loon Call playlist, bonus points if it has Noah Khan and Caamp
💡 Lake Tips You Didn't Know You Needed
- Bring a headlamp for late-night dock hangs or smores
- Use dry bags for phones and wallets (you’ll thank me later)
- Set a phone timer to unplug. Take a few pics, then toss it aside
- Towel hack: always pack one extra for the dog or an unexpected swim
💦 New Designs Coming Soon: Lake Names + Custom Drops
We’re working on ways to customize lake-themed shirts so you can rep your favorite spot. Whether it’s Pelican Lake, Gull Lake, or that secret one you don’t tell anyone about, stay tuned.
You’ll be able to personalize our classic lake designs with your own lake or town name. Perfect for your crew, family, or cabin neighbors.
🌅 Let’s Hear It for Lake Life
We built Loon Layers for days like these. The ones you think about all winter long. The ones that make you forget to check your phone.
So here’s your reminder to pack light, layer up, and make the most of lake season while it lasts.
Shop the Lake Life Collection → loonlayers.com
Follow us on Instagram @loonlayers for drop alerts, behind-the-scenes designs, and the occasional loon call.
