8 Best Beach Umbrellas for Wind – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2020)

Grab your gear! It’s a great day for catching the waves and rays at your favorite beach! Do you have everything you need? Food, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen – CHECK! But did you leave your trusty beach umbrella behind? It might not be the most important item you’ll load into your car for that great day at the beach. Maybe you don’t even have one. If you don’t, then you should definitely get one and include it on your packing list, load it into your car or RV, and put to good use protecting you at the beach. Let’s look at some of the beach umbrella reviews. You’ll find you have exciting and attractive choices for your next (or very first) best beach umbrella.

Quick Recommendations

Best Beach Umbrella Reviews – Portable Models!

1. BEACHBUB Large Beach Umbrella with Stand

UPF Rating: 50+
Dimensions: 48 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches
Weight: 9 pounds

Did you ever leave your old, hard-to-set-up beach umbrella behind – on purpose? Rest assured, you won’t hesitate to bring this umbrella along on all your beach adventures. Maybe your former beach umbrella was carried away by a gust of wind. As you shop for its replacement, consider this BEACHBUB all-in-one beach umbrella system. Carry your umbrella and stand with ease in its extra-large carry bag, complete with a handle and padded strap. It’s relatively light (umbrella, base, and carry bag combined) and sets up quickly and easily. Anchor it by filling the base with sand.

Worry no more about your umbrella tipping over or blowing away, thanks to ventilation in the canvas that protects against wind (tested up to 35mph). The fabric is rated at 50+ UPF and spreads over a generous 7.5’ for extra sun protection while you relax in its shade. The only shortcoming to this beach umbrella is that it lacks a flexible or articulating center pole to adjust when you want to shift the angle of the umbrella.

2. Wondershade Portable Beach Umbrella with Holders

UPF Rating: 50+
Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 96 inches
Weight: 12.25 pounds

Why should you miss that great save or the point your kid just scored because you were squinting (and frying) in the bright sun? Protect your eyes and skin when you’re out in that dazzling light. Clap, wave, and cheer when shielded by your Wondershade Ultimate, Portable Sun Shade beach umbrella.

This cheerfully bright red beach umbrella blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. It is water-resistant, able to keep you dry until you pack up and head for home. Gust flaps guard the umbrella against unwanted flight. Two cup collars and hooks keep your water bottles, towels, or bag off the ground and close in reach. Secure your umbrella with a sand screw or place it in its sturdy tripod; but you may want to weigh the tripod down if the day turns blustery.

The Wondershade is easy to set up, adjust, and break down. A telescoping steel tripod base allows you to choose the height of the shade you prefer (from 3’ to 8’). A tilting feature allows you to adjust the position the umbrella for optimal shade comfort. Take this beach umbrella everywhere and keep a spare in your car for when extra guests join your next expedition. No time for a day at the beach? The center pole fits into some patio table umbrella holes. Problem solved! This easy-to-use and -set-up beach umbrella is ideal if you stand in one spot to coach athletics outdoors. It provides the shade you need (safety conditions permitting).

3. AosKe Portable Beach Umbrella for High Wind

UPF Rating: 50+
Dimensions: 44.2 x 4.8 x 3.1 inches
Weight: 9 pounds

Great protection from the sun begins underneath a splendid sun shade umbrella, like the AosKe Portable Sun Shade Umbrella. Its vibrant orange shade canvas is made of fade-resistant, breathable, 100% polyester, treated on the underside with a unique, odor-free poly coat that blocks 99.9% of the sun’s UV rays and gives you 50+ UPF protection.

An air vent at the top of the canvas reduces air flow while you relax in the shade. This umbrella also protects you from an unexpected downpour because this umbrella’s fabric is water-resistant, too. A tilt and 360-degree rotation feature enables you to adjust the angle of the umbrella to that “just right” point for optimal comfort.
The frame is made of sturdy aluminum, with carbon fiber ribs, and it assembles easily, securing to nearly any ground surface. Position the pointed 3-pronged anchor into dirt, grass, or sand, then step on the anchor’s top to press it into the ground. The 6’ umbrella may seem a bit small for two adults and chairs. But sitting close together in its shade is a splendid way to spend a day at the beach.

4. EasyGo Rainbow, Heavy Duty Beach Umbrella

UPF Rating: 50+
Dimensions: 55 x 4.6 x 4.5 inches
Weight: 8.65 pounds

It’s a bright summer’s day. You stand and stare at the sea of fellow sun worshippers, cabanas, and beach umbrellas, but you can’t find your buddy and gear. Relax. Just look for the bright rainbow stripes of your super-big, EasyGo heavy duty beach umbrella. ‘Big’ means 8 feet of shade, but it doesn’t mean heavy. The center pole is made of lightweight, anodized aluminum, and 16 fiberglass ribs support the frame. When you store the EasyGo gear in its convenient carry bag, it weighs less than 5 lbs.

Secure your umbrella in sand, turf, or grass with the screw stake. A handle gives you additional leverage when anchoring the center pole. Canvas is the best option for a windy beach, it vents at the top to reduce the risk of inversion in a gust of wind. Its underside is treated with a silver poly UV coating. The height and tilt features allow you to adjust the position of your umbrella to your liking. A smaller or elderly person may find it challenging to open this large umbrella, but a “buddy system” will help. After setup, you and your buddy can crack open bottles of your favorite beverages and relax in the shade.

5. Sport-Brella Portable Beach Umbrella Tent

UPF Rating: 50+
Weight: 8.49 pounds

Though this sun and rain tent umbrella is designed for beach and sporting events, it can be more than an umbrella. The 8’ Sport-Brella also serves as a rain-or-shine cabana-type shelter. When its open, the tent provides an 8’ diameter area of protection for outings at the beach, sports events, or backyard staycations.

When you make plans for a day in the sun, it’s important that your gear protects you from the sun’s harmful UV rays or from unexpected showers. The umbrella top is made of durable, 210D, all-weather polyester, and its fabric provides 50+ UPF protection. Zippered side windows can be fully or partially opened to give your preferred level of air circulation. This shelter system requires surprisingly little space when collapsed (54” x 4” x 4”). When stowed in its carry bag, the shelter, stakes, and anchor cords, weigh only 9 lbs. So take your Sport-Brella canopy umbrella to shelter you on the sidelines at the next field hockey match or your annual holiday at the beach.

6. Trademark Innovations Portable Beach Umbrella

UPF Rating: 50+
Dimensions: 44 x 4 x 4 inches
Weight: 2.72 pounds

This merry green beach and sports umbrella makes a sunny day seem more delightful, and even an overcast day at the beach calls for sun protection. Some umbrellas are equipped with cumbersome add-ons, but this is a true grab-n-go alternative. It’s pleasantly basic: an umbrella and center pole, with no extra anchor, ropes, or base to carry along.

A modest size and weight make it easy to carry this umbrella from the car and back. Don’t let its light weight fool you either (only 5.75 lbs.). The center pole and canopy ribs are made of steel, sturdy enough to plant in the sand and support the opened canopy. Fully extended, the center pole is 6.8’ tall and a white-coated color gives a crisp, clean look when paired with its bright green canopy. When open, the umbrella covers a 6.5’ diameter, with a cover of 210D, Oxford, silver-coating underneath for 50+ UV protection. What’s more, it safely withstands breezy conditions at the beach or sporting venue.

7. Tommy Bahama Wind Resistant Beach Umbrella

UPF Rating: 50+
Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.6 x 48.4 inches
Weight: 4.2 pounds

EASY perfectly describes this Tommy Bahama umbrella. The 2-piece center pole is easy to secure to the ground thanks to an integrated sand anchor. A carrying bag makes it easy to transport to and from your car, and it’s easy to disassemble and store. A beach umbrella’s design make all the difference in how well it will shelter and protect you. If it won’t protect you, you probably won’t use it.

You’ll be thankful how quickly and easily your umbrella sets up. Settle under the adjustable-tilt shade as it shelters you with a canopy and valance (attached) made of 300D polyester and providing 50+ SPF UV protection. A moderately breezy day will be no problem for this umbrella. Its lightweight, two-piece center pole of sturdy aluminum and its fiberglass canopy ribs also provide sturdy flexibility in windy weather.

This umbrella comes complete with a center pole, a canopy, a carrying bag, and a multi-hook pole ring to hold your wet towels, cap, bag, or whatever else you need to keep up and out of the way. All you have to do now is start packing, then head for the beach.

8. Sport-Brella, Versa-Brella Adjustable Umbrella with Universal Clamp

UPF Rating: 50+
Dimensions: 33.5 x 3.2 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 1.8 pounds

An umbrella may seem like one more thing to lug along on your next adventure. However when you discover how versatile the Sport-Brella, Versa-Brella umbrella can be, you won’t want to leave it behind.

This umbrella comes with an adjustable clamp. See for yourself how this lightweight, compact, storable umbrella protects can protect you!. Weighing only 1.8 lbs., it opens to cover an area of 40” x 42”. It also packs down and stores neatly in its own carrying bag. The attractive, rip-resistant canopy is coated silver underneath, providing UPF 50+ protection and the outer ends of the umbrella’s ribs are covered with eye safety tips.

This Sport-Brella comes in two sizes, regular and XL, and the heavy-duty universal clamp. What’s more, the regular-sized umbrella attaches to nearly any round or squared support – like your camp chair, baby stroller, and even some bleachers. Do note, however, that the XL umbrella’s universal clamp only attaches to round surfaces. There are few ways that you can’t use this 4-way, 360-degree swivel umbrella to protect you from bright sunlight, exactly as you want it to.

Why is it Important to Have an Umbrella on the Beach?

Did you know that your skin is an organ? Indeed, it is the largest organ of your body. Your skin is an amazing, multi-layered covering that serves as your body’s first line of defense against injury and infection. It’s your job to protect your skin whenever you are in sunlight – even when the skies become overcast.

Whether at the seaside or lake shore, light rays reflect off the water and intensify your risk of sunburn, and a sunburn can be really painful. Repeated exposure and burning can also lead to the development of skin cancer, known as melanoma.

A well-designed, well-made beach umbrella is more than an accessory – it is another way that you can better protect your skin and health. For a complete sun protection, it is better to use together the beach umbrellas with sunscreens and other sun protective products. So begin preparing now for a day in the sun by properly applying and using sunscreen products. Wear UPF-rated protective clothing, a head covering, and be sure to protect your eyes, too. But the next important step is to is limit the time you spend in direct sunlight by getting your own beach umbrella and resting in its shade.

Beach Umbrella Buying Guide

Some people think of beach and patio umbrellas as one and the same thing. That is seldom the case. Patio and beach umbrellas do serve the same function. They provide shelter from the sun or rain. Their designs and materials are very similar, indeed. Although there is one BIG difference between patio and beach umbrellas – how they stand up against wind.

4 Things to Consider Before Buying a Beach Umbrella

1. Beach Umbrella Sand Anchor & Stand

   The typical patio umbrella is placed and anchored in a large and heavy stand or base. The base may be made of heavy cast iron, concrete, or a sturdy plastic vessel filled with sand or water. The patio umbrella’s support pole is positioned in the anchoring system and secured to the base with large screws.

   Beach umbrellas are easily anchored to the turf, dirt, or sand with a sand screw or stakes. However you will find very few outdoor enthusiasts willing (and able) to lug around the patio umbrella equipment and its heavy base. By contrast, the heavy duty beach umbrella’s carry bag, support pole, anchor mechanism, will typically weigh less than 10 pounds, combined. BIG difference!

2. Beach Umbrella’s Skeleton

   Have you noticed that the beach umbrella’s “anatomy” is like human anatomy in some respects? Both might be said to share some similar characteristics like bones, ribs, and skin.

   Your spine supports your torso and head, and the center pole of a beach umbrella supports its canopy/cover. A framework of “ribs” and extenders supports the fabric of the opened umbrella. Your skin covers and protects your internal organs and tissues. The fabric cover “skin” shields and protects you from damaging UV rays.

3. Materials: Old and New

   Long ago, the supportive parts of beach umbrellas were made of wood. Wood parts gradually gave way to more flexible and durable man-made materials like heavy-duty plastics, lightweight steel, aluminum, and fiberglass.
   Beach umbrella covers also evolved. Umbrella fabric used to mean only one thing: heavy-duty cotton oxford cloth. Oxford cloth went the way of wood parts and was replaced with much more functional and protective synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, poly/nylon, vinyl, and acrylic.

4. Modern Beach Umbrella’s Benefits

   Traditional wood and cotton canvas umbrellas were burdensome to carry and unwieldy to set up. Now, beach umbrellas are much lighter, easily transported, and quickly assembled.
   Just as a tree bends with the wind, the greater flexibility of your modern-day beach umbrellas helps it to remain more stable in the high wind.

   Synthetic umbrella fabrics are available in far more colors, stripes, and prints than ever before. Today’s umbrella fabrics are treated with special coatings that block and deflect harmful UV rays.

2 Tips for Choosing the Right Beach Umbrella for Wind?

Now that you know how to prevent your umbrella from flying with the wind, let us look at how you can choose the perfect beach umbrella for the high wind.

1. Check the Size of the Umbrella

   This is one of the most important considerations when choosing a beach umbrella for wind. It is critical to check the diameter of the umbrella in relation to your location. Depending on whether it is a solo umbrella or a family umbrella, you should consider a diameter of between 6 and 9 feet. Additionally, whatever diameter size you eventually choose, make sure that it has curved canopy to be able to withstand the wind.

2. Check the Material

   If you are choosing a beach umbrella for the wind, the material needs to be heavy-duty and very durable. A light fabric can be easily ripped off by the wind but a sturdy. Also, choose material that dries fast so that if it rains, you won’t have to wait forever before you can use the umbrella again.

Sun Protection Ratings: What Do All Those Terms Mean?

Some regular exposure to sunlight is healthful for most people but consider how often and in how many ways we are reminded to be careful when out in the sun. Those cautions and safety-in-the-sun guidelines are offered for good reasons.

Shop smart and choose wisely among the many exciting and highly functional wears and shelter products to protect you. Look for those products that provide SPF/UPF ratings before you buy and head on out in the sun..
Many of today’s sun products are developed and extensively tested to determine the level of protection against harmful UV rays before those products reach the consumer. The tags on many garments, sunglasses and specially coated prescription glasses, and shelter products like umbrellas and canopies have a rating level printed on or attached to the product’s tag or fabric.

In fact, many of the reviews of the umbrellas and canopies mentioned in this Buyer’s Guide include a stated rating level. Let’s break down some of the mystery and meaning of those rating terms:

• UV is an Easier and Shorter Way to Say “Ultraviolet”

  While there are actually many types of rays emitted by sunlight, two forms pose a serious health risk to us: UVA, and UVB. Both of these UV rays are well- known and documented for their ability to cause premature aging, dark (age) spots, and wrinkling. These powerful UV rays can quickly damage unprotected or insufficiently covered skin. Sunburns can range from minor redness and discomfort to serious, life-threatening deep tissue layer burns.
  Working or playing in the sun without wearing properly coated sunglasses is also known to be one of the triggers for developing cataracts in many people.

• UPF is an Acronym for Ultraviolet Protection Factor

  UPF-rated clothing and other UPF fabric accessories can effectively block the sun’s rays and reduce damage to you. The manufacturer’s label states the level of UPF effectiveness of each tested and rated product. 1) a “GOOD UPF” rating is 15-24; 2) products rated as “VERY GOOD” have a UPF between 25-39; 3) and an EXCELLENT UPF rating of 40-50+ is the final, most powerful level of protection of all.

  Let’s de-mystify this rating just a little bit more. If your new beach umbrella or canopy is rated at 50+ UPF, it means that its fabric allows only 1/50th of the sun’s UV rays to penetrate and reach your skin. Is that good? YES, it means that the remaining 49/50ths (or 98%) of those UV rays are blocked!

  An increasing number of wearables – clothing, hats and caps, scarves, and bathing suits are being produced to protect you. These UPF garments can protect you from harmful sun exposure whether you are playing beach volleyball, hiking, or even driving to work. Yes, the sunlight filtering through your car’s tinted window and windshield can still do damage to your skin!

  UPF-rated clothing is typically breathable and lightweight to wear. They come in many styles, colors, and sizes for people of all ages. After all, everyone needs to protect their skin.

  As you have already noticed in this Guide, the fabric materials of many beach umbrellas and canopies are often UPF-rated. A safe day in the sun is the result of wearing high UPF-rated clothing and sheltering under a high UPF-rated umbrella or canopy as well.

• SPF Stands for Sun Protection Factor

  SPF ratings on sunscreen products have been around for decades.This ratings applies only to liquid and semi-liquid sunscreen and blocking products. Fabric products do not have an SPF rating.

  In technical terms, SPF is a measurement of the length of time before UVB rays take to cause reddening of exposed skin on your body. In product terms, an SPF rating indicates how long a sunscreen or sunblock product will provide protection from UVB rays. This is protection is important because UVB rays can cause the greatest damage to your skin. Be sure to follow the product’s directions for application and frequent re-application to ensure optimal protection from your sunscreen and sunblock products.

  Let’s give some thought to all the family members who need maximum protection from the sun. You know that you need sun protection. The delicate skin of young children and the fragile skin of elderly people are particularly susceptible to sun damage. And your dog is at risk of sunburning, too.

  Certain breeds of dogs (particularly those with light skin, thin or shaved coats, and dogs with additional health problems) are prone to sunburn and damage. Your dog’s nose, ears, and tummy need to be protected from the discomfort and dangers of sunburn.

  A child’s SPF 30 level sunscreen is usually safe for use on your canine fellow beach-goer. Some lightweight pet garments now include UPF-level protection for greater sun safety.
  So before you, the kids, grandparents, and your dog pals head out for the beach be sure you have packed the products and clothing that are right for them. You’ll be happier knowing that every in your beach party is well protected.

Beach Umbrella vs Canopy: What Are the Differences?

Artifacts document that umbrellas came into use more than 4,000 years ago. Early umbrellas were made of paper, leaves, various types of fabric or animal skins, and supported by lightweight branches or poles. Umbrellas gradually transitioned from primarily functional items to symbols of wealth and high fashion. An a forward-thinking manufacturer probably realized the increased market share potential to be had by producing and advertising larger-sized umbrellas for use as delightful shelters at the seaside.

Today’s beach umbrella resembles an oversized everyday rain umbrella. That larger size provides a much wider diameter of coverage when beach umbrella users lie or sit underneath it. It typically is round and may be made of synthetic oxford canvas, nylon, or polyester.

Beach canopies on the market share a very similar purpose – to protect the people (and sometimes pet) who shelter underneath it. The most noticeable difference between beach canopies and umbrellas is often its shape. Beach canopies can be round, square, rectangular, or even resemble half tents

Canopies are used at nearly any outdoor event you can imagine. Just think of all the times you saw (or sheltered) underneath a canopy at an event. Was it at the last dog show, or at the dorm’s welcome-back-to-school picnic?
Some canopies are designed to pop up on a flexible framework whereas some will take some assembly time to connect support poles, secure the canvas cover and anchor the completed canopy to the turf, dirt, or sand.

Multi-functional beach canopies may offer mesh-covered windows, roll-out/roll-up ground covering to keep you and your belongings freer of dirt and sand. They can be big enough to cover a large display of memorabilia at next family reunion. A canopy is a thoughtful shelter for guests who should have very limited exposure to the sun. It can be large enough for shading just you or small enough to accommodate your trusty canine sidekick.

Great Shared Features

Nearly all of today’s canopies and beach umbrellas have coverings made of breathable, protective, synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester. The fabric is typically treated or infused with an UPF-rated coating for optimal sun protection. They may be vented to facilitate easier air flow and reduce the likelihood of being blown over or blown away by the wind.

Many modern beach umbrellas and canopies are fairly basic to set up. They may popped open and simply rest on the ground or be anchored with relative ease. The size, purpose, and any extra features of the canopy or umbrella will most likely dictate how easy it will be to assemble and use.

Too Much or Not Enough?

The biggest challenge you may face when choosing between a beach umbrella and a canopy is how it will be used. Sometimes, even a very large beach umbrella or canopy is not enough. Sometimes a chosen shelter is too complicated to easily set up or may require a number of helpers to complete the task.

Your decision may be made easier once you have answered these questions:

• How large an area do you want to protect, or how many people (standing, lying, or seated) you want to shelter?
• Who will help you set it up?
• What is your price range?
• Where will you store a larger umbrella or canopy?
• What is its ease of assembly and use?
• And be honest here, how often will it be used?
• Once you’re clear on these points, it’s time to get shopping

Best Beach Umbrella for Wind Comparison Chart

PRODUCT	PRICE	UPF RATING	DIMENSIONS	WEIGHT
BEACHBUB Large Beach Umbrella with Stand	$$$$	50+	48 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches	9 pounds
Wondershade Portable Beach Umbrella with Holders	$$$	50+	60 x 60 x 96 inches	12.25 pounds
AosKe Portable Beach Umbrella for High Wind	$$$	50+	44.2 x 4.8 x 3.1 inches	9 pounds
EasyGo Rainbow, Heavy Duty Beach Umbrella	$$$	50+	55 x 4.6 x 4.5 inches	8.65 pounds
Sport-Brella Portable Beach Umbrella Tent	$$	50+		8.49 pounds
Trademark Innovations Portable Beach Umbrella	$$	50+	44 x 4 x 4 inches	2.72 pounds
Tommy Bahama Wind Resistant Beach Umbrella	$$$$$	50+	4.3 x 3.6 x 48.4 inches	4.2 pounds
Sport-Brella, Versa-Brella Adjustable Umbrella with Universal Clamp	$	50+	33.5 x 3.2 x 1.5 inches	1.8 pounds

Wrap Up

Safety in the sun doesn’t have to be troublesome. Hopefully this beach umbrella reviews and guide gives you a greater awareness of the attractive, uniquely innovative, and multi-functional beach umbrella and canopy products. Be clear on what you need and want before you start shopping for your beach trip. With a little bit of planning you’ll be sure to find the “just right’ beach umbrella or canopy.

So go ahead and dream of all the places you’ll want to pitch your shelter. (Here’s a final small tip for you: practice setting up your best beach umbrella or canopy before you try to pitch it at the beach or along the sidelines of the sports field, You and the family can even make it a fun backyard event!) In the end, the best beach umbrella for wind are those that are actually correctly and safely put to the good use they are designed for!

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