Darryl Wood
Whenever you think about spending most of the time on the sunny seaside, the first thought that comes to your mind is how great it would be to go to the beach. You know that sometimes the sun can be a little too much, and having that option of shelter like a beach tent can be quite essential.
With the ability to shield the user from intense sunshine, strong wind, and sudden downpours, the tents are great accessories for those who love sea holidays.
This beach tent guide will cover all the reasons why beach tents are a necessity, how one should select an appropriate one, and the best-selling alternatives out there.
Why Do You Need a Beach Tent?
Sun Protection: One of the primary reasons to invest in a beach tent is to shield yourself from harmful UV rays. While sunscreen is essential, it may not be enough when you’re spending hours at the beach. Beach tents provide UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) to keep your skin safe.
Wind and Sand Barrier: When one is on the beach, there is a possibility that the wind hot in the moment can blow sand, causing difficulty to either lay down or take food. A beach tent serves as a locker as it protects the user from wind, and once the tent is removed, all the belongings within remain sand-free.
Privacy: There is an element of privacy when using the beach tent; that is why people have come to love this tent, especially mothers who want a calm place to change clothes or breastfeed without feeling awkward.
Types of Beach Tents
However, before proceeding to the most suitable and top-rated beach tents in the present market, it is important to learn about basic tent varieties and specific features that make each tent not the same as another.
Pop-Up Beach Tents: For ease of use, these are made with a pop-up mechanism that does not take long to assemble. They are light in weight and fold easily, making them perfect for those who want a hassle-free experience.
Canopy Beach Tents: These tents are larger have more space and are intended for use by families or friends. They usually have no walls in the sides to help improve ventilation and are best for people who want a lot of protection rather than burning under the sun.
Traditional Pole Beach Tents: The tents take longer to assemble since they have to be held up by the poles, and stakes are used to hold the tent in position. They are, however, very strong and can withstand very strong winds, making this type of tent ideal for a longer stay at the beach.
Top Features to Look for in Beach Tents
When searching for the best beach tents, it’s crucial to consider the following features:
- UV Protection: Look for tents with a high UPF rating (50+ is ideal) to ensure maximum protection against harmful rays.
- Ventilation: Any beach tent of quality has windows or other forms of open spaces that are screened with mesh for proper airflow.
- Portability: Pay attention to the overall dimensions and weight of the tent in its bag. It has to be lightweight and compact in this case, especially where the distance from the car to the beach is relatively long.
- Ease of Setup: Pop-up tents are what comes to mind if one is asked what is the simplest type of tent to use, while traditional pole tents may take more time and work to set up. Choose according to your convenience.
- Stability: A good tent will come with poles, stakes, or even ropes attached to it, especially if it is intended for use under stormy weather.
Tips for Using Your Beach Tent
- Choose the Right Spot: Try to find some high, flat ground, away from rising tides or crowded spots.
- Secure Your Tent: On days with even the slightest breeziness, take precautionary measures and do not forego sandbags, guy ropes, or any other supportive anchors of the beach tent set up.
- Keep It Clean: Always pack the tent away clean with probably no stained sand deposited in it, besides keeping it away from moisture to avoid mildew.
Caring for Your Beach Tent: Maintenance and Storage Tips
Investing in a beach tent means you’ll want it to last for many seasons. Proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring your tent stays in top condition. Here are some tips on how to extend the life of your beach tent:
Clean It Regularly: After each use, make sure to shake out as much sand as possible before packing it away. Once you get home, open the tent fully to remove any remaining sand and debris. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove salt, dirt, or sunscreen residue.
Dry It Thoroughly: Moisture stagnates and leads to the cradle of mold and mildew, which subsequently spoils the fabric. Ensure that the tent is dry before rolling it up and keeping it away. If you were in a rainstorm and did not have enough time to dry out your tent properly, unfold your tent and set it to dry.
Check for Damage: Take a few minutes to carefully go through every component of the beach tent to make sure that there are no apparent rips, broken parts, or busted zippers. Fix the problems as they occur to prevent them from worsening. There are repair kits available in the majority of the beach tents for mending small holes.
Store It Properly: Keep your tent in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in hot environments (like the trunk of your car) for extended periods, as this can weaken the fabric and cause fading.
High-End Beach Tents: Are They Worth the Money?
With immediate families that go to the beach quite often, a good beach tent could also be a good purchase. Beach tents in this category do come with several advantages, like:
- Improved UV Protection: Using UPF 50+ will protect you fully from the harsh sun rays.
- Wind protection: Usually high-quality beach tents will withstand higher winds, making them appropriate when it is windy by the beach.
- Easy and Fast Assembly: Innovative features available in end models make it easy for the user to set and take the tent down.
- Enough Space Inside: A majority of high-end tents possess extra rooms, making it easy to find one for families, groups, or long days at the beach.
Conclusion
While they may not seem vital at the onset, accessories such as beach tents often turn out to be necessities for anyone who loves going to the beach for the day. Depending on your category, options of beach tents would be available either as a single person, a couple, or a family. Also think about UV protection, how easy it is to assemble, and if it is sturdy enough before making your trip to the beach.
