Picture this: on a weekend or holiday, the waves are going off and everyone plans on being at the beach all day.
But with the sweltering sun, or the chance of rain, staying at the beach all today to enjoy the waves seems like a fantasy.
Unless you have a beach tent.
A beach tent is an important part of your beach gear that can keep you at the beach longer and keep you comfortable.
But which beach tents are the best?
Which features should you look for in a beach tent?
How much should you pay for a quality beach tent?
In this article, we'll answer all these questions, and discuss the best beach tents on the market today.
What is a Beach Tent?
A beach tent is a fabric covering that is waterproof and UV ray resistant that you use to stay at the beach despite the hot sun or the cool rain.
Beach Tent Features
When shopping for a beach tent, there are a few features to keep in mind.
These include:
Portability
You don't want to be stuck hauling a heavy piece of equipment to the beach — especially if the parking is miles away. Look for a beach tent that is portable and lightweight.
Cost
Beach tents range from $50-500, so it's important to buy one that aligns with your budget.
SPF protection
While most beach tents offer protection from the sun's UV rays, they vary in how much protection they provide. Choose a beach tent that has the SPF protection you're looking for.
Next, we'll look at the best beach tents on the market today.
The 3 Best Beach Tents
Coleman Go Shade Backpack Sun Shade
Highly portable, this beach tent option — for the price of $119 — is lightweight and compact.
It weighs 10.5 lbs. and is 7 ft. x 7 ft. when set up.
Even better, it fits in a backpack carry bag.
Setting up the Coleman Go Sunshade consists of 3 easy steps:
assemble pre-connected poles
connect frame
attach canopy
It's secured to the ground using 6 stakes, 2 guylines, and 4 sandbags as well.
If all that isn't enough, it provides UPF 50+ sun protection.
Learn more about this beach tent option on Amazon.
Neso Grande Beach Tent
Another beach tent option comes from Neso.
Based in beautiful Encinitas, California, Neso Tents are committed to designing innovative, portable, and lightweight beach products.
Only weighing 6.5 pounds, this beach tent — at the price point of $129 — fits in a shoulder-carrying bag.
The Neso Tent will keep you protected on both sunny and rainy days — it has a SPF 50+ protection and is water repellent.
The setup consists of 5 easy steps:
1. Lay tent flat.
2. Fill bags until overflowing with sand or rocks. Cinch bags to end of cords; No need to tie closed.
3. Pull bags apart as far as possible to make large "X". Fully stretch the fabric until taut.
4. Extend both poles.
5. Prop tent up with poles 1 ft from corners.
If you're worried about durability, this beach tent option has rust-proof aluminum poles.
Learn more about it here.
Pacific Breeze Deluxe XL Tent
The Pacific Breeze Deluxe XL Tent features an easy and fast setup, is lightweight, and above all, is spacious — all for the price of $54.
The tent is 87 L x 47 H x 49 D, providing a spacious interior shelter.
Plus, it has internal pockets to store personal items.
The beach tent is made from breathable polyester and is water-repellent. weighing just 4.5 pounds and folds down to a travel size of 40 L x 5 W x 5 H.
On top of that, it includes a 1-year warranty.
You can learn more about this beach tent option on Amazon.
The Bottom Line: Beach Tents
At the end of the day, choosing the right beach tent for you comes down to your budget, how often you plan to use it, and the size you're looking for.
But regardless of which beach tent option you choose, a beach tent can keep you at the beach longer — and more comfortably.
It's an essential piece of gear that we recommend all surfers and beachgoers have.