Where the sun don’t shine: 5 of the best beach shelters Posted 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 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. Related Posts Nifty gadgets to pack for your Christmas holiday (or to gift!) 8 December 2022 This Christmas season just got a whole lot better with these helpful tech gadgets, that... read more New concept store for you and your furry companions opens in Cape Town 28 November 2022 When history and modernity combine with panache, you get extraordinary. This can very much be... read more Aloha! Maui Jim’s latest sunglass range hits South African shores 22 November 2022 Summer in South Africa has a few things in common with summer in Maui in... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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