21/10/2023
Thinking of investing in a beach shelter this summer. With all the options out there, where do you start? 🏖️
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Shelters designed to offer maximum UV protection – look for a UVE (ultraviolet effectiveness) rating of UPF50+.
UMBRELLAS: Umbrellas are quick to set up but provide limited protection from UV. Plus, they only provide shade from above, so you'll need to keep adjusting it.
POPUP BEACH TENTS: Lightweight UPF50+ polyester with inbuilt, flexible frames that take (most of) the faff out of tent installation. Set-up is quick and the zip-up walls give you some degree of privacy whilst a built-in floor means you don't get sand everywhere. They can be a little tricky to dismantle but overall a great option.
CABANAS: Square-shaped shelters with four legs (which have sandbags to secure them to the ground), a central pole to stake into the sand and a roof. Cabanas can be very lightweight and easy to carry. Some styles can be set up in different ways, depending on what kind of shade you want. Once packed, a canopy doesn't take up too much room, so you can keep it in the car ready to go. But once you've set up your canopy, it can take up a large area, so it's not ideal on a crowded beach. They are usually UPF50+, but always check.