Beach Gear

Essential Beach Gear

Tote Bags

High on your beach gear shopping list should be a tote bag or two. The bag's look depends on your own sense of style. Just be sure not to give up practicality for fashion's sake. Your beach bag should be large enough to hold :

• Towel
• Blanket
• Change of clothing
• Good book
• Plenty of water
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• hat

If you're planning on bringing food, a radio and other personal items, you'll need to consider means to carry these as well. A large tote bag with lots of pockets is your best bet.

Also perfect for toting beach gear is the classic canvas beach bag. This tote comes in different sizes and is made from sturdy material. It may not be as esthetically pleasing as other tote bags, but when you consider it's probably going to get dirty, you might not want to get the prettiest bag at the store anyway.

Blankets

When lying in the sand, it's important to choose the right blanket. No one wants to lie directly on sand. With the wrong blanket however, that's exactly what it will feel like. If you choose a blanket that's too short or too thin, you and your blanket will end up covered in sand.

In addition, it's best to choose a material that breathes well and dries quickly. The last thing you want is to feel sweaty or itchy because you're lying on a wet wool blanket. Cotton and terry breathe very well. Large beach towels or terry cloth blankets are your best bet for lounging in the sand.

Chairs

Beach chairs have come a long way in recent years. Instead of heavy, bulky chairs, today's beach chairs are made of sturdy, yet lightweight material. Many of them even fold up into tote bags for your convenience. When choosing a beach chair, make sure you purchase one that packs quickly and carries easily. Remember, you may have to walk in the sand for a while before finding the perfect spot; your chair shouldn't be a burden. You'll also want to choose materials that don't rust easily and withstand the elements. Seats and backs should breathe easily and dry quickly.

Beach Towels

Like the beach blanket, beach towels should be made of a material that breathes easy and dries fast. For this reason, it's best to use beach towels made of cotton terry.

Coolers

When you're packing your beach gear, it's important to remember that everything that is packed into the car has to be lugged onto the beach as well. If the beach is crowded and you have to walk for a while to find the right spot, your equipment is going to get very heavy, very quickly. Every time you place an item in your trunk, ask yourself, "Do I really need this?"

Food and beverage coolers are heavy by nature. Once they’re loaded with food and ice, they go from cumbersome to impossible. You might consider carrying a food cooler bag. These come in all shapes and sizes, are lightweight and have a carry strap for easier transport. Once the bag is empty, it can be folded up and stored inside your tote.

A backpack cooler is another idea that's big on convenience. Since it's worn on your back, your arms are left free. Rolling coolers work well for families and those who have a large amount of perishables to tote. They're pulled on wheels the same way one would roll a suitcase at the airport. They're lightweight and most are made of rust resistant metals and insulated waterproof materials.

Choose Wisely

When choosing beach gear, do your best to go with items that are lightweight, resistant to the elements and dry quickly and easily. If items can be dropped into the washing machine immediately upon returning home, that's an extra added benefit. Your day at the beach should be enjoyable and relaxing. Your memories shouldn't be of lugging heavy items across the sand.