The Best Beach Canopies of 2023

Jun 07, 2023

Whether you’re staked out for the shot or need to set up camp for non-surfing friends, shade is essential. Photo: Daniel Morton//Unsplash.

Summertime is here and that means long days at the beach and lots and lots of sunshine. While we’d never knock getting a healthy dose of vitamin D, there is such a thing as too much sun. Whether you’re surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or just hanging out, a beach umbrella or sun shade can be a lifesaver when you need a break from the harsh rays. Here, we’ve rounded up our favorite beach canopies that will keep you covered all summer long.

Best Overall: Coleman Go Shade Backpack Sun Shade ($120)Best for Cars: Kelty Waypoint Car Tarp ($145)Easiest Set-Up: Caddis Rapid Shelter ($250)Most Affordable: REI Co-op Trailbreak Tarp ($80)Most Versatile: Nemo Equipment Victory Sunshade ($200)Most Portable: Neso 1 Sunshade ($100)

Pros: Lightweight and portable, sturdy.Cons: Set up is tricky at first.

Stability: 5Shade Coverage: 4Durability: 4Portability: 5Total: 4.5/5

Weighing in at 10.5 pounds, Coleman's Go Shade Backpack Sun Shade is lightweight and portable while still offering plenty of coverage. The Go Shade packs down into a convenient backpack with adjustable straps and two mesh side pockets for stashing water bottles and other essentials. To set up, you assemble the pre-connected poles, connect the frame, attach the canopy, and you’re good to go.

Set up is a little tricky at first but gets easier with time. The sun shade secures to the ground using six stakes, two guylines, and four sandbags, so you can rest easy knowing your shade isn't going to blow away. The canopy includes four interior gear pockets for stashing essentials and a one-year warranty, should anything go wrong. Measuring 7’ x 7’, the Go Shade offers plenty of sun protections, is portable, and is secure enough to survive even the longest of beach days—it's a winner in my book.

Pros: Sturdy, simple one pole design.Cons: Designed to attach to a car.

Stability: 4Shade Coverage: 5Durability: 5Portability: 4Total: 4.5/5

If you’re a parking lot rat, Kelty's Waypoint Car Tarp is for you. The car tarp features a simple one-pole design and attaches to almost any vehicle. It also includes a secondary strap that allows you to attach it to a roof rack. High-ware areas are reinforced with two-layer fabric, making the trap sturdy enough to protect you from both the sun and the rain.

Additionally, the tarp includes a sturdy 25 mm steel pole, heavy-duty steel stakes, and guylines that together ensure the shelter is sturdy enough to last all day and all night. When you’re finished, the car tarp packs down into a convenient duffel bag that can be stowed in the trunk or under a seat. As someone who frequents San Onofre a lot, I’m a fan of the car tarp, but if your surf spot's parking lot isn't beachfront, this might not be your best option.

Pros: Heavy-duty; easy to set up.Cons: Not the most portable; pricey.

Stability: 5Shade Coverage: 5Durability: 5Portability: 2Total: 4.25/5

Remember E-Z UP from your years of childhood sports? Caddis's Rapid Shelter is the same idea. Measuring 10’ x 10’, the Rapid Shelter is a heavy-duty shelter that will keep you protected, rain or shine. The shelter adjusts to three different heights and includes push release buttons, so it's easy to adjust.

The Rapid Shelter comes with a heavy-duty carry bag, poles, and stakes. You can also create a wind barrier by purchasing the matching walls (not included). Although it's not the most portable option, it's ultra-durable and offers plenty of protection from the elements.

Pros: Generous sun protection, packs down into small travel bag.Cons: Adjustable poles aren't included.

Stability: 3Shade Coverage: 5Durability: 4Portability: 5Total: 4.25/5

Originally designed as a camping canopy tent, REI Co-op's Trailbreak Tarp also works well for beach days. The tarp features a square, symmetrical design that allows for maximum coverage and pitch versatility while the multiple webbing loop lash points allow for easy set up. The tarp is made from a strong 75-denier polyester with a durable water repellant finish that ensures it will stand the test of time.

The tarp comes with six stakes, but the adjustable poles aren't included, so you’ll want to be sure and purchase those if you plan on posting up at the beach. Measuring 12’x12’, the tarp offers lots of sun protection but packs down into a small travel bag so you can easily take it anywhere your travels lead you.

Pros: Waterproof; mesh sides provide cross ventilation.Cons: Open sides would let rain in.

Stability: 4Shade Coverage: 5Durability: 4Portability: 4Total: 4.25/5

This mighty sun shelter is perfect for outdoor gatherings and beach days. The canopy features a lightweight 75D polyester canopy that is waterproof and sturdy enough to withstand those coastal winds. The canopy comes with sturdy aluminum poles and stakes that provide structural integrity and open mesh sides provide cross ventilation for those warmer days.

Nice and roomy, the SPF 50 rated shelter is large enough to comfortably fit four people. The Victory Sunshade fits perfectly over the Victory Patio Blanket if you want something comfy to sit on. When you’re ready to call it a day, everything packs down into a duffel so you can easily transport it home.

Pros: Stakeless anchors, packs down small.Cons: No side walls.

Stability: 3Shade Coverage: 4Durability: 4Portability: 5Total: 4/5

Featuring stakeless anchors, the Neso 1 Sunshade is a sun structure that can be set up anytime, anywhere. The canopy features 4-way stretch nylon/Lycra® material, UPF 50+ sun protection, is water repellent, the corners are reinforced for durability, and the rustproof aluminum poles collapse like tent poles for carrying and storage.

A unique feature of the Nemo 1 is the stakeless anchors, which you fill with sand or rocks to weigh it down. The Neso 1 is designed for life on the go: it easily fits into a carry-on suitcase or can be toted around in the included carrying bag with shoulder straps. Measuring 82 in. x 80 in., the Neso 1 provides plenty of shade for two to four people.

When I’m in the market for a beach canopy there are a few things that I look for. After considering everything I want in a canopy, my priorities are stability, durability, actual shade coverage, and portability.

StabilityWe’ve all seen that guy chasing a warped beach umbrella down the sand. Let's be honest, we’ve all been that guy. Stability is one of my top priorities in a beach canopy. I want something that's going to stay firmly in place, so I don't have to worry about it blowing away the moment I turn my back on it.

CoverageSome canopies offer a tiny amount of coverage, while others offer enough for you, your kids, and the dog. I want something that provides a solid amount of shade, so I don't have to constantly move around to position myself under a minuscule dot of shade.

A good beach canopy should last you for years. Photo: Denin Williams//Unsplash.

DurabilitySome canopies easily pass the test of time, while others warp into something barely distinguishable within a few weeks. I want something that's going to last me for years.

PortabilitySure, a backyard gazebo does wonders in keeping the sun off but it's certainly not very portable. I want a canopy that packs down small and is easy to carry to the beach.

The Coleman Go Shade Backpack has everything you could want in a beach canopy: It's lightweight, portable, secure, provides plenty of shade, and is backed by a one-year warranty.

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Set Up

In testing these various beach canopies, I found that some were easy to set up, while others had a learning curve or took more time to assemble. If if it's difficult or time consuming to set up, I find that it's not a canopy that I’m interested in using regularly. Something to consider when purchasing.

Packability

Portability and packability are two very different things. It's great if the canopy packs down small, but if it's one of those bags that's impossible to get the tent or canopy back into, then that's a problem. Duffel style bags aren't as portable, but they don't require being an expert in origami to get your canopy back in. Consider how you plan on using your canopy and whether or not you travel a lot when making your decision.