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
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
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
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
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
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.
