If you’ve been playing Pokémon GO — and who are we kidding, of course you have — you know that the only REAL requirement is a compatible smartphone. A sense of adventure doesn’t hurt, either. That doesn’t mean you can’t bring along some extra gear with you to make the game even more enjoyable.
Here are a handful of accessories to help you catch ’em all.
Native Union’s JUMP Cable. ($50)
Native Union JUMP Cable »
As you’ve probably already learned by now, this game is a real battery-drainer. A portable charger like the Native Union JUMP Cable is your best friend here, whatever your phone model.
The JUMP is a charge cable with its own built-in battery pack. While using it to charge, it can detect when your device is at full power, and will then begin storing some power on its own (up to 800 mAh), enough to charge an iPhone up to 20%–30% (depending on model) when it’s needed most. When you’re done using it, the cable wraps neatly around the battery pack and stores easily in a pocket or bag.
They offer a Lightning version for iPhone and a micro-USB version for Android phones.
Fenix Flashlights’ E15 flashlight. ($44)
Fenix E15 Flashlight »
Sometimes that one Pokémon you’ve been looking for only pops up at night. If you’re going to do a little nighttime hunting, it helps to have a flashlight. You can use the built-in light on your phone, or for something a little more powerful (but still portable), check out the Fenix E15 flashlight.
It gives off a lot of light (170 lumens) for its size. It’s also made from knurled, aircraft-grade aluminum, finished with a type-III hard-anodized anti-abrasive coating, and is waterproof to boot — that is, while the light is on; the seal is looser when the head is turned to the off position.
Jaybird X2 wireless headphones. ($111)
Jaybird X2 Wireless Headphones »
Whether you’re listening to the in-game audio while playing, or jamming to your favorite music playlist while hatching eggs in incubators, or even catching up on a podcast, there’s no sense bugging others around you with noise. Bring some portable earbuds like the Jaybird X2 wireless sport headphones to keep the audio to yourself.
Camelbak’s Eddy bottle. (prices vary by color, but most single bottles are $11–$15)
Camelbak Eddy Bottle »
If you’re playing out in the summer heat, it’s important to stay hydrated. Here in Orlando, where I’m writing this, it’s consistently been above 90°F and humid. Despite this, people are still playing the game everywhere here, even in the Disney parks.
I recommend keeping a water-filled Camelbak Eddy Bottle on hand. It’s spill-resistant, sports a built-in straw so you don’t have to tip the bottle to drink — meaning you don’t have to look away from your screen, for better or worse — and the loop-cap makes it easy to carry around.
NO-AD’s Sport SPF 50 sunscreen. ($14 for a 16oz. bottle)
NO-AD Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion »
Protecting your skin from the sun is just as important as staying hydrated. Pick up a bottle of NO-AD Sport SPF 50 sunscreen and thank us later. We discovered this pick via The Sweethome and Consumer Reports, and we can see why they liked it.
For one thing, it actually lives up to the SPF claim on its label (for up to 80 minutes of activity), so you can feel safe using it. Secondly, it has no added fragrance, so you won’t walk around smelling like a terrible coconut person all day. It is a little on the greasy-feeling side, but it’s worth it to have some effective sun protection.
Now, the items above aren’t necessary to play Pokémon GO. The game is all about exploration, so like we said at the beginning of this guide, you’ll want to bring along a sense of adventure as you check out tons of new spots, including museums, memorials, and historic markers.
Have fun out there!