ReadyHarbor

Beach day

A beach day tomorrow and the bag is empty

What you actually need for beach day — 5 things to cover, each with a pick.

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Shade you can put up yourself

There is a point in the afternoon where a beach with no shade stops being fun. Getting out of direct sun is what makes a day trip a whole day.

What to check
  • Check whether it needs sand anchors and whether they are included
  • Pop-up is faster than a pole umbrella if you are on your own

3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Sand and water strip sunscreen faster than a normal day does, which is why people burn at the beach despite putting some on in the morning.

What to check
  • Look for broad spectrum and water resistance with a stated time in minutes
  • Check local rules - some beaches require reef-safe

3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.

A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch

Sand and salt water kill phones and car keys. This is the cheapest insurance on this list by a distance.

What to check
  • Check it seals with a roll-top or a proper clip
  • Check the phone still works through the pouch if that matters to you

3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.

A sand-free towel or mat

A normal towel holds sand and brings it home in the car. A woven mat lets sand fall through, which sounds trivial and is not.

What to check
  • Check the size against how many people are sitting
  • Quick-dry matters for the drive back

3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.

A cooler bag for water

Beach heat plus salt water makes you thirstier than you expect, and the walk back to a car park is longer than it looked on the way down.

What to check
  • Check the strap is comfortable for a carry across sand
  • Soft-sided is easier to carry than hard for a short trip

3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.

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