Beach Tent or Parasol: Which to Choose?
This summer 2026, the beach tent is emerging as the great alternative to the classic parasol. More practical, more complete, it offers 3-sided protection against sun and wind. Here's how to choose the ideal model.
1. UV Protection Factor (UPF)
This is the number one criterion. A UPF 50+ fabric blocks 98% of UV rays. Never buy a tent without a UPF indication — it's often a sign of poor quality fabric that heats up rather than protects.
✅ UPF 30: moderate protection
✅ UPF 50: good protection
✅ UPF 50+: excellent protection (recommended for children)
2. Ease of Assembly
Two systems dominate the market:
- Pop-up tent: opens in 2 seconds, no assembly required. Ideal for families.
- Pole tent: more stable in strong winds, but requires a few minutes to assemble.
For casual beach use, the pop-up system is largely sufficient.
3. Capacity
Standard sizes:
- 1-2 people: width 130-150 cm — ideal for a couple
- 3-4 people: width 180-200 cm — for a small family
- Family: width 220+ cm — for 4 people with their belongings
4. Ventilation
A good beach tent must have side openings or a mesh roof to allow air circulation. Without ventilation, the inside can be hotter than the outside!
5. Weight and Transport
The beach tent must be transportable. Prioritize models that fit into their own carrying bag and weigh less than 2 kg. If you walk a lot to reach the beach, weight is crucial.
6. Wind Resistance
Beaches are often windy. Check that your tent has:
- Included tent pegs (at least 4)
- Sandbags to fill with sand
- Side guy ropes for larger models
Our Recommendation
Our store's UPF 50+ pop-up beach tent is one of the summer's best-selling items. Lightweight, quick to assemble, and comes with its carrying bag.
👉 Find it in our Beach & Pool collection.
Use code ETE2026 for an immediate 15% discount.
Caring for Your Beach Tent
After each use: shake off the sand, rinse with fresh water if you were by the sea (salt degrades materials), and store it dry to prevent mold.