Where the sun don’t shine: 5 of the best beach shelters

Posted by Melanie van Zyl on 16 November 2015

Nothing ruins a seaside holiday like sunburn, so pack one of our top five easy-to-erect beach shelters.

Also read: Doctors orders on how to stay sun safe

 

Test Conditions

Each shelter was chosen for portability, ease of setup and protection from the sun. We timed how long it took to assemble each shelter and then assessed them for the coolest features.

 

Tech Explained

All the shelters tested here are designed to block dangerous UV rays emitted by the sun. This is indicated by an ‘ultraviolet protection factor’ (UPF). Like sunscreen, the higher the number, the better the protection. A UPF rating of 50+ will shield your skin from about 97% of the sun’s harmful rays.

 

Burn warning

Just because you’re under a shelter, doesn’t mean you’re 100% safe from the sun. Sand reflects harmful rays too so it’s best to still lather up in sunscreen.

 

1. Sport-brella Sun Shelter

R1200, outdoorwarehouse.co.za

Beach Shelters - Sport-brella

UPF: 50+
Weight: 4kg
Floor area: Opens to 2,4m wide
Height: 140cm
People: 2
Waterproof: Water repellent
Assembly time: 30 seconds

 

Features

Smartly designed, this umbrella-cum-shelter is made of thick hardy material and has tie downs and wind vents to keep it from blowing away in moderate wind. It also has internal pockets for storage, side flaps and zipped windows. Pretty much the best of everything.

 

2. Kaufmann Outdoor Pop-Up Beach Tent

R419, kaufmannoutdoor.co.za

Getaway Magazine - Best Beach Shelter - Kaufmann Outdoor Pop-Up Beach Tent

UPF: 30+
Weight: 0,64kg
Floor area: 110cm x 140cm
Height: 100cm
People: 2
Waterproof: Can withstand light rain
Assembly time: 21 seconds

 

Features

The pop-up is effortless and five sand pockets keep the shelter in place.

 

3. Checkpoint Flask Beach/Picnic Gazebo

R1295, campworld.co.za

Getaway Magazine - Checkpoint Flask Beach Picnic Gazebo

UPF: 50+
Weight: 8kg
Floor area: 220cm x 220cm
Height: 210cm
People: 4
Waterproof: Yes
Assembly time: 148 seconds

 

Features

The backpack-style carry bag, adjustable rear wall and ground mat are neat. Guy ropes provide some wind resistance.

 

4. The Umbrella Man Oxford Beach Umbrella

R109, theumbrellaman.co.za

Getaway Magazine - The Umbrella Man Oxford Beach Umbrella

UPF: 30+
Weight: 1,5kg
Floor area: Opens to 1,65m wide
Height: 185cm
People: 2
Waterproof: Yes
Assembly time: 20 seconds

 

Features

Great price but not great for wind. Available in blue or red.

 

5. Oztrail Pop-Up Beach Dome

R599, takealot.com

Getaway Magazine - Oztrail Pop-Up Beach Dome

UPF: 30+
Weight: 1,9kg
Floor area: 115cm x 235cm
Height: 115cm
People: 2
Waterproof: Yes
Assembly time: 18 seconds

 

Features:

Sand pegs and sand pockets for wind resistance. Body-length heavy-duty floor.

 

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