Different Shades of Beach Shelters: What Makes Each Good?
When looking for the best beach shade, I learned there are three basic types:
Continual pole pop-ups: made to twist into very compact storage, then spring open when you want to set it up.
Traditional pole tents: corded poles that must be assembled, then passed through guides to give the shelter structure.
Hybrids: combine the two styles—they look like a traditional pole style tent, but they assemble quickly thanks to telescoping poles that pop up when you pull a string.
Each type has its own pros and cons.
Tips For Use In Windy Conditions
If the wind isn’t high, use the sandbags to weigh down your shelter—but don’t stake it. This way, you’ll be able to easily turn the tent to optimize shade as the sun moves.
In windy conditions, you may need two people to set up a tent that otherwise would be manageable for one. Plan accordingly.
It may help to stake the front of the tent down before you fully open it; that way, you can be sure it’s secure before the wind has a chance to catch it.
Helpful Features
Across the board, the best beach shelters share a few qualities: they have pouches on the outer side that you can fill with sand to provide weight, and can also be staked down; they provide three-sided protection from the elements, and they are usually made of UV-blocking SPF fabric.
Beyond these common top features, beach tents can be very different. They may have mesh windows to allow for air circulation, or none; they may have a floor, or not; they may be designed to allow for privacy, or simply to shade you.
hope this has been helpful in wading through the various options, styles and setups. After doing my research, I know which beach tent is best for my family—and hopefully there’s one that’s the right shade for you as well.
I’d love to hear from you—do you have a preference in style for a beach shelter? Which do you think is the best of these options? Do you have any special advice for using a beach canopy? Please share your thoughts in the comments!