35 back-to-school essentials

Plus: The best slim wallets, mosquito-control gear, and more [The best Wirecutter picks for back to school]( [A title card that reads 'Top Back to School Supplies' over a marble composition notebook background.]( Dana Davis A new school year is on the horizon, so now is a good time to stock up on expert-approved essentials. To get you prepared, [we have recommendations]( for everything from mini fridges to desktop organizers. When you buy through our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Learn more ›]( New picks [The best mosquito-control gear for your patio or yard]( It’s not always practical to cover yourself in head-to-toe [bug spray]( which is [why we recommend]( using an effective spatial repellent to keep you protected during cookouts and picnics. The [Thermacell E90]( has dethroned our previous top pick as the most convenient, easy-to-use spatial repellent we’ve ever tested. The device generates heat to vaporize a vial of liquid repellent—a silent and odorless way to create a bug-free bubble. The E90’s nine-hour battery life makes this model stand out from other comparable ones. We also have new picks for a [rugged and portable option]( a [smart-compatible large-scale system]( and [snazzy, ambient repellent string lights](. [More this week]( [Several travel towels hanging on a tree branch next to a camping tent.]( [Towels that can withstand the elements]( We love a plush, thirsty bath towel, but a campsite or suitcase just isn’t the place for one—there, we want [a quick-drying travel towel](. Our favorites are lightweight, odor-resistant, and soft. [A small black fan placed on a living room coffee table next to a houseplant.]( [How to keep your home cool]( There are quite a few items—fans, AC units, window shades, and even bedsheets—that can [keep you and your home cool]( in the sweltering summer heat. [Several slim wallets next to branches of flowers, a pair of sunglasses, and a tube of roll-on perfume.]( [Slim wallets we love]( No more bulky, heavy wallets crammed with crumpled receipts and loose change. Here are [eight thoughtfully designed wallets]( that look great and are durable enough to last you for years. [An array of bike handlebar bags.]( [The best bike handlebar bags]( A good handlebar bag offers a sturdy way for you to transport your daily essentials as you cycle around. [Our pick]( is spacious—without taking up too much real estate on your handlebars. [This week’s best deals]( [The .L.L.Bean Women's Scotch Plaid Flannel Robe (Rob Roy)]( [L.L.Bean Women's Scotch Plaid Flannel Robe (Rob Roy)]( [Deal price: $55]( | Street price: $79 L.L.Bean’s Scotch Flannel Plaid Robe feels like wearing your softest, most worn-in flannel shirt. We found it to be the best option for all-day lounging, because the material is warm without adding bulk or weight. [Buy now from Nordstrom]( [The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter (4-pack).]( [LifeStraw Personal Water Filter (4-pack)]( [Deal price: $40]( | Street price: $55 Costco membership required In the event of an evacuation, you may need a way to filter almost any water into something clean and drinkable. We found the LifeStraw water filter to be less versatile than other options we tested, since it works directly with a source only and can’t attach to a water bottle or a hydration pack. But it’s still a decent backup if you need a couple of spare water filters for your car or bug-out bag. [Buy now from Costco]( [The Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag.]( [Lands’ End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffle Bag]( [Deal price: $92]( | Street price: $160 Price includes shipping, use promo code LAND This is a buy-it-for-life duffle bag. Made from sturdy canvas, with leather trim and brass hardware, this duffle is all but guaranteed to survive the wear and tear of your weekends away. And if it doesn’t, the Lands’ End lifetime warranty has you covered. [Buy now from Lands’ End]( [View email in browser]( You are receiving this email because you signed up for Wirecutter’s Newsletter. Getting too many emails from us? To stop receiving these, [unsubscribe here](. 
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