How to find the Best Portable Beach Umbrella

Beach umbrellas are an essential accessory for anyone looking to spend a day at the beach. Not only do they provide much-needed shade from the hot summer sun, but they also offer protection from harmful UV rays. When it comes to choosing the right beach umbrella, there are a few key factors to consider.

Durability

First and foremost, you'll want to look for a sturdy and durable umbrella. This is especially important if you live in an area with strong winds, as a flimsy umbrella is likely to topple over in high winds. Look for an umbrella with a sturdy pole and ribs, as well as a base that can anchor it firmly in the sand. For ultimate durability, you want to find an umbrella that has a timber pole and aluminium alloy tilt mechanism fittings. Aluminium and plastic poles are prone to bending in the wind while plastic fittings can easily break. 

Best Beach Umbrella

Size

Size is another important consideration when choosing a beach umbrella. If you plan on using your umbrella to shade just yourself or a small group, a smaller size may be sufficient. However, if you have a large family or plan on entertaining a group of friends at the beach, a larger umbrella will be necessary to provide adequate coverage. Consider the number of people you'll be shading and choose an appropriately sized umbrella. A good rule of thumb is a 1.8m diameter shade is the perfect size for 2 adults. If you have a small child this should also still be a good size however if you are looking to shade more adults you’ll need to increase the size of your umbrella.

When choosing a size, it is also important to consider the locations you will most frequently visit. If they are busy locations it’s important to be respectful of other beachgoers and not use a shade that is bigger than you need. The bigger your umbrella or shade the more space you occupy on the beach and the less room there is for others to enjoy our beautiful beaches and outdoors! A great solution is two smaller umbrellas, this way when there are less people you can take one umbrella and when you have a larger group you can use both so you don’t take up more space unnecessarily. 

Materials

The material your beach umbrella is constructed from is another important consideration, particularly given the nature of the environment. Canvas or polyester are the most common materials for the canopy, and both have their pros and cons. Canvas is generally more durable and long-lasting, but it is expensive and heavier to carry. Polyester, on the other hand, is lighter and more affordable, but it is constructed using plastic fibres and isn’t as durable as Canvas. At Weekend Essentials the canopies are constructed from 220g cotton, this is a thick, durable and sustainable alternative to both options which offers a beautiful linen-like texture while also being plastic free.

Best Beach Umbrella

In addition to the materials on the canopy, you want to pay attention to the materials used for the fixtures and fittings. Aluminium, wood and plastic are some of the materials you’ll find the poles are made from. Wooden poles are the most durable as aluminium and plastic can bend and break in the wind or when putting the umbrella together. Wood is also the least likely to corrode. If the umbrella has a tilt mechanism so you can angle it into the sun, you want to be looking for aluminium alloy as this will hold up in the salty air and other harsh elements. Lastly, you want to be looking at the mechanism that locks the shade into place. On almost every umbrella, these are plastic however the thickness and sturdiness vary. If it isn’t thick and solid enough, they will snap or the shade will not stay up and locked into place. At Weekend Essentials our shade-locking mechanism is guaranteed to stay locked in place!

Best Beach Umbrella

UPF Rating

Another factor to consider is the UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of the umbrella. The higher the UPF rating, the more protection the umbrella will provide from harmful UV rays. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin or for families with young children, as too much exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn and skin damage. So make sure you have a well rated UV beach umbrella.

Portability

It's also important to consider how you'll transport it to and from the beach. If you don't have a lot of space in your car, you may want to look for an umbrella that comes with its own carrying case or bag. This will make storing and transporting your umbrella easier when it's not in use. Keep in mind, the larger the shade size, the heavier and longer your umbrella will be to transport. 

Weekend Essentials Tassel Beach Umbrella folds compactly and comes in a lightweight carry bag so you can easily transport it over your shoulder keeping your hands free to mind your children or carry your beach bag. The total weight when packed in the carry bag is less than 4 kilograms, much lighter than other umbrellas on the market, making it the best portable beach umbrella on the market. 

Some final tips

No matter what type of beach umbrella you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance. This will help ensure that your umbrella stays in good condition and provides reliable protection from the sun for years to come.

When it comes to choosing the right beach umbrella, there are plenty of options to choose from. From classic wooden poles to modern fiberglass designs, there is something to suit every taste and budget. We recommend choosing an umbrella that's made from quality materials that will stand the test of time - it can be worth paying a few extra dollars upfront so you don't have to repurchase another one down the track!

So, the next time you head to the beach, don't forget to bring along a sturdy and reliable beach umbrella. Not only will it provide much-needed shade and protection from the sun, but it will also allow you to fully enjoy your day at the beach without worrying about sunburns or heat exhaustion.

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