Surviving the "Dog Days": Heat Safety & UV Protection at the Beach
We are officially in the "Dog Days" of summer, bringing peak UV indexes and extreme midday heat. If your beach umbrella is made of thin polyester, it is acting like a greenhouse, trapping heat and ...
The Ultimate Beach Packing Checklist 2026: A Complete Family Guide
Our complete 2026 beach packing checklist — from ASTM F3681-compliant umbrellas and sand-resistant blankets to the 3-in-1 pillow and sand remover glove that make cleanup easy. Everything you need f...
The Ultimate Beach Umbrella Buying Guide: 7 Key Factors for 2026
Don't buy a beach umbrella until you read this. Our 2026 expert buying guide covers the 7 key factors you must know: ASTM-certified wind safety, true sun protection (UPF), anchoring systems, and more.
Best Beach Blanket 2026 — Category-Based Comparison
An honest comparison from a beach gear founder: why cotton-towel and budget nylon blankets disappoint at an actual beach day — and what to look for instead. Plus, where Handy fits in.
Best Wind-Resistant Beach Umbrellas of 2026: Tested & Compared
A head-to-head review of the most popular beach umbrellas for wind. We compare Handy, Tommy Bahama, and beachBUB on setup speed, price, and all-important ASTM safety compliance.
Shibumi Shade vs. Premium Beach Umbrella: The 2026 Comparison
Wind-powered canopies are highly visible on the beach right now, but they require very specific weather to function. While they work on notoriously windy coastlines, they come with significant dail...