It’s officially beach season. 

Staff writer Kit Dillion shares his favorite gear to make any beach day, picnic, or pool adventure better, from shelters to chairs to coolers. It’s all about elevating your day in the sun. 

Products we recommend:

• Best versatile weather beach shelter: Sun Ninja Tent 4 Person
• Best beach shade shelter for steady wind: Shibumi Shade Classic
• Best beach umbrella: BeachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella System
• Best beach umbrella with flaps: Sport-Brella Premiere XL
• Best budget beach umbrella: Coolibar 6 Foot Intego Beach Umbrella
• Best cooler: RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Cooler
• Best cooler upgrade (with wheels): Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler
• Best soft cooler: RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can
• Best (affordable) beach chair: Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair
• Best beach chair with more height: Shibumi Beach Chair
• Kit’s favorite beach chair: Yeti Hondo Beach Chair
• Best beach cart: Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding All Terrain Utility Cart
• Best sand sifter: Treasure Digger Sifter

Additional reading:

• The 5 Best Beach Umbrellas of 2025 
• The Best Beach Chair Is the Tommy Bahama Backpack Chair
• The 6 Best Coolers of 2025 
• The Best Beach and Pool Toys for Kids and Adults
• 25(ish) Wirecutter Picks for a Summer Beach Day

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

Instagram: /wirecutter

Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

Facebook: /thewirecutter

TikTok: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/

Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast