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A day at the beach goes more smoothly with the right gear, from sun protection to a cooler that actually keeps ice frozen. Durability, sand resistance and how well a product holds up against wind and water can separate a beach day essential from a frustrating dud.
Consumer Reports tested and evaluated gear across 10 beach essential categories, from umbrellas to sunscreen, so shoppers can pack smarter for their next trip to the shore.
Priced at $99.50, the Tommy Bahama AnchorX Umbrella features a built-in anchor, a long screw base and pull-out handles, with a thick polyester canopy rated UPF 50. Consumer Reports scored it ahead of the other beach umbrellas it evaluated, crediting a 6.7-foot-wide canopy with built-in vents for airflow and stability. CR found it didn't budge even in moderate-to-high winds, staying straight and steady without any adjustments needed. Testers noted the umbrella breaks down into two pieces and ships with a matching case featuring a shoulder strap and a drawstring closure.
