The Best Beach Gear for 2024 (Swimwear, Shelters, Sunglasses & More)
August 30 is National Beach Day, a holiday designed to raise awareness of the beauty of beaches while also encouraging the clean-up of beaches worldwide to help save the lives of sea birds and ocean animals.
Given the rough year we (and so many of our close friends) have been having, a beach getaway sounds like just what the doctor ordered right about now.
Whether you’re planning a single-day beach outing or a considerably longer summer vacation (yes, please!), packing the right equipment can definitely enhance the experience.
To that end, we’ve assembled this epic list of the best beach gear and beach accessories for 2024, including nearly 40 different products from beloved brands around the world.
From kayaks and paddle boards to swimsuits, sunglasses, water shoes, and more, read on for our guide to everything you need to make your next beach vacation a blast!
READ MORE: The Best Lake Gear of 2024 (Floats, Grills, Coolers & More)
KAYAKS & PADDLEBOARDS
HO Sports Beacon Inflatable Kayak
If you’re looking to try your hand at kayaking, but don’t want to invest too much money until you decide how much you enjoy it, the Beacon Inflatable Kayak from HO Sports is a very budget-friendly option.
Made of sturdy PVC and measuring 12’11” x 36″, with a total weight of 30 lbs and a weight capacity of 450 lbs, it offers a great mix of performance and portability at around half the price of a new rigid kayak.
This package comes with pretty much everything you need, including a hand pump, adjustable paddle, ergonomic high-back seat, built-in fishing rod holder, repair kit, plus a backpack that makes it easy to carry when deflated.
The 2-way inflation valve and pump make it relatively easy to inflate. But you do need to read the instructions and be careful about over-inflation, as some customers have complained of busted seams over time.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Canoe Trips For Your World Travel Bucket List
Thurso Max Multipurpose 11’6″ SUP
We’re fairly new to the whole standup paddle boarding craze, but the carbon-reinforced Max Multi-purpose SUP from Thurso offers a versatile entry point for newbies like us.
Designed with durability and stability in mind, this SUP measures 11’6″ long, 34″ wide, and 6″ thick, so it’s big enough to hold you, your gear, and your dog. It weighs just 29 lbs, but has a a max capacity of 375 lbs.
The extra wide paddle board comes with a 3-piece carbon hybrid paddle, rechargeable electric air pump, 2+1 US Fin box click fins, a 10-foot double swivel coiled leash, and a roller backpack for carrying and storage.
It’s loaded with noteworthy features, including numerous grab handles, nose and tail bungees, GoPro adapter, fish ruler, paddle holders, and d-rings for attaching a kayak seat (sold separately). It also has a 2-year warranty.
READ MORE: Kayaking & Hiking the Dolomites in Italy (Best Lakes & Trails)
SHELTERS & UMBRELLAS
Backcountry Stoic Speed Up Screen House
From the Gulf Coast and Outer Banks to the Caribbean islands, Mary and I are both HUGE beach-lovers. The only thing we don’t like about them is the bugs, especially the tiny biting midges known as “No -see-ums.”
They’ve historically been the lone downside of our countless visits to Sanibel Island FL, because they seem impervious to most bug sprays and always seem to come out right before sunset.
Available from Backcountry.com, the Stoic Speed Up Screen House offers an easy solution to bug-free beach time, with fine mesh walls, large doors, and pre-attached poles that make it quick to set up.
Measuring 12′ x 12′, with a peak interior height of 84″, the nearly 20-pound Speed Up Screen House comes with a carry bag for easy carrying/storage, plus a limited lifetime warranty!
READ MORE: The World’s Most Colorful Beaches to Visit
BeachBub Beach Umbrella System & Tray Table
The Consumer Product Safety Commission and American Society of Testing Materials recently released new safety guidelines requiring all beach umbrellas to use an anchor to prevent them blowing away in high winds.
Apparently the authorities who govern beaches may request the removal of umbrellas that don’t have the label that confirms compliance. BeachBub’s All-In-One Umbrella is one of the few systems that has that label.
Made in North Carolina, their umbrella also offers a 7.5-foot canopy to maximize shade, a 2-piece aluminum pole, fiberglass frame ribs, and a heavy duty 220G woven polyester fabric designed to withstand winds up to 44 mph!
We love the fact that the base bag can easily be filled with sand to create the anchor, and that the entire thing tucks away into an oversized carry bag with padded shoulder strap for portability.
Add their clip-on BeachBub Tray Table, which is sold separately and has 4 cup holders, and you have everything you need to stay cool on sunny days at the beach.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List
Kelty Cabana
We’d never used a beach tent until we visited Alabama’s Dauphin Island with our dogs a few years back. But we quickly came to understand why these types of shelters are so popular.
Not only does the Kelty Cabana keep you and your family protected from the sun and sand, but it has covers for the front wall and windows that can be used for privacy if you want to change into/out of wet swimsuits!
Offering 45.5 sq feet of floor space, the shelter includes Kelty’s Quick-Corner technology for fast set-up. It breaks down to just 28 x 8 x 5 inches and weighs 7 lbs 5 oz, so it’s supremely portable.
Other cool features include 3 large mesh windows and a Shark Mouth duffel bag that makes it easy to pack up and carry back to the car.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Beaches in the World to Visit
Anchor Works All-in-One Classic Beach Umbrella System
The All-in-One Classic Beach Umbrella System from Anchor Works also follows the new Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines via their AnchorONE sand anchor base.
Their patented design uses the beach sand to anchor the umbrella below ground level, using physics to counter the force of the wind and secure your beach umbrella firmly where it belongs.
Measuring 7.5 ft tall, with a powder-coated steel pole, double-spoke fiberglass ribs, and UV-protected polyester canopy, the umbrella system also includes a sand spade, adjustable tray, sleeves, and a carry bag.
It’s a bit less expensive than the BeachBub Umbrella System (especially considering their tray is included), and comes in 5 different color options.
READ MORE: The 30 Best Exotic Islands in the World to Visit
SWIMWEAR
Body Glove Artistry & Colola Bikinis
Mary and I swim laps for exercise 3-4 times a week all year round. We typically swim in the lake and/or ocean from May through the end of October, then in a nearby indoor pool during the off-season.
Since chlorine destroys the elastic of swimwear, not to mention fading the colors, she tends to get several new swimsuits each year. And these two from Body Glove (which are available in D-F cups) have been her favorites of 2024.
Their Artistry Bikini is very different from her usual style, with geometric patterns in vibrant colors. Its underwire top has removable soft cups, scoop front, side boning, and front ruching, and there are several matching bottoms to choose from.
Body Glove’s Colola Bikini also comes in D-F cups, but has a more exotic floral design. The fixed triangle top has removable cups, front ruching, a wide bottom band, and an adjustable tie back for a look that’s perfect for tropical beaches.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit for Nature Lovers
Florence Marine F1 Airtex Gamma Boardshort & Long Sleeve Hooded Shirt
If I’m being honest (and I usually am, almost to a fault), I tend to find most men’s swimwear boring as hell, especially when compared to the endless array of colors and patterns you find in women’s bikinis.
Florence Marine, which was co-founded by 2X World Champion Surfer and Olympian John Florence, is on a self-proclaimed mission to do things differently, with a focus on performance innovation.
Their 4-way stretch, bluesign-certified F1 Airtex Gamma Boardshort comes in 8 cool color combos, with side panels designed to increase air & water flow, water-repelling DWR, a side zip pocket, and a utility loop for keys or shades.
It pairs perfectly with a matching Airtex Long Sleeve Hooded Shirt, whose covert mesh is similarly made from recycled polyester. The stretch material is remarkably light and breathable, with antimicrobial treatment that maintains freshness even when you’re working up a sweat.
READ MORE: The Top 10 Polynesian Islands to Visit
Geode Swimwear Costa & Rio Bikinis
Geode Swimwear was founded in 2018, inspired by the idea that “every woman should be able to afford swimwear that they feel comfortable and confident in.”
Founders Jenna & Jake Duncan poured all their savings into creating a lovely line of women’s swimwear that balances quality and affordability (about half the price of similarly upscale designs), and cuteness with ample coverage.
Their Costa 2-piece is a perfect example, with colorful wildflowers against a creamy background. It’s feminine, but sporty, with a supportive sports bra-like top and high-waisted bottoms that enhance your body without showing ALL the booty.
Mary really loves their elegant Rio 2-piece, which boasts a gold toile print that’s perfect for European beaches. The tankini top pairs a plunge neckline with thick gathered straps, while the high-waisted bottoms feature form-flattering ruching.
READ MORE: 10 Eco-Friendly European Islands Worth Visiting
BEACH/RESORT WEAR
Jams World Ci Ci Beach Dress
When it comes to clothing, Mary can be especially difficult to shop for. Not because she’s particularly picky, but because her body type is not the sort most manufacturers design clothes for.
She’s very curvy and well-endowed, with a classic hourglass-shaped figure, but her waistline is small. So the clothes that fit her bust well tend to be way too big for other aspects of her body.
The Ci Ci Beach Dress from Jams World‘s Spring/Summer line is ideal for summer: It’s made with lightweight and breathable rayon, with an empire waist, ample ruching, side pockets, and adjustable straps for a perfect fit.
Mary loves the added support provided by the band beneath the chest, which keeps the girls in place even without a bra. It’s a colorful dress with a flattering silhouette that’s perfect for beach walks at sunset and dinners at the resort.
READ MORE: The Best Travel Clothes for Women & Men
Roark Mens Short Sleeve Shirts
Truth be told, I’m not so easy to shop for either! I have very broad shoulders, tend to burn hot in summer, and prefer my shirts to be snug in the chest/arms, but non-restricting around the waist.
So when I find a brand of shirts that I really like, I tend to get them in several different designs. Such is the case with the mens short-sleeve shirts from Roark.
Whether it’s their Bless Up Shirts, Gonzo Camp Collar Shirts, or Journey Shirts, their lines are always colorful and creative enough to stand out. Be forewarned, their best designs often sell out quickly.
The Bless Up Breathable Stretch Shirt is my personal favorite. Extremely lightweight and breathable, made with a nylon/polyester blend, they’re supremely comfortable and never fail to get compliments!
READ MORE: The Best New Travel Gear for 2024
Pact Organic Beachside Linen Crochet Tunic/Shorts, Cover-up & Coastal Double Gauze Beach Cover-Up
Billing themselves as “Earth’s Favorite Clothing Company,” Pact is best-known for their affordable and eco-friendly products. Everything they make is manufactured from certified organic cotton in Fair Trade USA-certified factories.
Their new Beachside Linen Crochet line includes a Tunic, Shorts, and Cover-up, all made with an open knit yarn from an organic cotton/linen blend. They’re cool, casual, and vintage-inspired, making them perfect for summer days on the water.
Mary also likes their Coastal Double Gauze Beach Cover-Up, which is made with a woven double-gauze fabric that gives it a breezy, flowing silhouette. The open collar, rolled cuff sleeves, and extended shirttail hem give it a beautiful beach look.
All these styles are currently on clearance at 40% off!
READ MORE: The Best Fair Trade Clothing & Ethical Clothing Brands
WATER SHOES & SANDALS
Malibu Sandals Women’s Canyon & Men’s Colony
Neither Mary or I have ever been fans of flip-flops. We don’t like the feeling of things between our toes, and I personally hate the “fwap fwap” sound they make when you walk.
But sandals offer a balance between feeling like you’re at the beach, and being able to walk into a nice restaurant without feeling out of place. Malibu Sandals has great vegan suede options for men and women.
A mainstay of their line, the hand-woven Women’s Canyon boasts a classic design inspired by the huaraches of 1950s Baja Mexico. The stylish shoe features vegan leather uppers, an anatomically correct EVA footbed & midsole, and a Malaysian crepe gum rubber sole.
Their 2-tone, mule-style Colony Sandals come in men’s and women’s sizes, with a hand-woven basket weave design in the straps, anatomically correct footbed, a firm EVA midsole, and a synthetic rubber outsole for added stability.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Vegan Boots for Women & Men
Sanuk Donna X Surfrider & You Got My Back ST Hemp
Sanuk is an eco-friendly shoe company with a mission to “create crazy comfy footwear, cultivate community, protect the world’s happy places, and be a party for your feet.”
So perhaps it’s no surprise that the company counts surfers, snowboarders, musicians and artists among its “Stoke Squad” of brand ambassadors.
Their women’s Donna X Surfrider shoe is a collaboration with the Surfrider Foundation. They’re made with nylon mesh uppers (made from recycled fishing nets), breathable ARIAPRENE foam padding, and collapsible heels. And every purchase helps the NGO fight for clean water and healthy beaches.
The stylish You Got My Back ST Hemp is a slip-on sandal/house shoe hybrid made with hemp blend uppers, a cozy polyester wool lining that feels like a soft blanket, a sponge rubber outsole (made with 53% recycled materials), and ultra-cushioning Soft Top Foam midsoles.
READ MORE: The 30 Best Women’s Hiking, Running & Walking Shoes
SUNGLASSES
Smith Optics Monroe Peak & Lineup Sunglasses
Anyone who has known me for any length of time knows that I’m almost never seen without my prescription sunglasses, even at night!
What they might not know is that I don’t just wear them because shades make you look cool. I also have extremely sensitive eyes that actually hurt when exposed to the sun, fluorescent light, or even headlights while driving at night.
The Lineup Sunglasses from Smith Optics are totally my style, with large, bio-based frames that combine a classic design with the chunky look that’s so popular these days. There are 11 different frames to choose from, all with non-slip nose pads.
We also dig the Monroe Peak Sunglasses, which are based on a line Smith Optics originally released back in 1993. They come in 7 different frame options, all with side shields and ChromaPop windows to shield your eyes for panoramic views.
READ MORE: The 10 Safest Caribbean Islands to Visit
Wiley X Trek & Convert Sunglasses
Originally founded in 1987 as Protective Optics by U.S. Army Veteran Myles Freeman Sr, Wiley X is a new-to-us brand whose simple mission is to “Build the world’s best protective eyewear.”
Now being run by a second generation, the family-owned company continues to craft upscale sunglasses that meets or exceeds the highest testing standard ratings for safety and optics.
Available in 5 styles, their WX Trek shades are a great example of their quality commitment, offering a durable (but impressively lightweight) Triloid frame, removable side shields for extra peripheral protection, and a sporty stem detail.
Their WX Covert sunglasses offer a similar combination of protection and durability, but with a more street-savvy style. Like the WX Trek, they also come with removable side shields, a black zippered clamshell case, a cleaning cloth, and a leash cord with rubber grips.
READ MORE: Tracing My Clan McKinnon Roots in the Scottish Highlands & Islands
BAGS & BACKPACKS
Nathan TrailMix 2.0 12 Liter Hydration Pack
I found out how important hydration is the hard way, after suffering minor heat strokes in both the Peruvian Amazon and the jungles of Costa Rica.
The TrailMix 2.0 12 Liter Hydration Pack from Nathan Sports is a great unisex option for anyone seeking easy access to water while hiking, biking, or walking. At just 14oz with the bladder, it’s 15% lighter than the previous version.
This pack is made with a durable stretch woven material, with breathable mesh on the shoulders and interior. When you combine that with the light weight, it’s clearly designed for maximum comfort.
You’ll love the storage options here, including 4 front bottle pockets, a back pocket with roll-top design, a back stretch mesh pocket perfect for wet gear, and an expandable bungee strap system for essentials you need to access quickly.
READ MORE: My Stupid Mistake While Hiking Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
NEMO Double Haul Convertible Duffle & Tote
The new Double Haul Convertible Duffel & Tote series from NEMO recently won the Editors’ Choice Award in Outside’s 2024 Summer Gear Guide, thanks to its “brilliant design that transforms this bag from duffel to pack to tote.”
You can unsnap the padded shoulder straps to carry it as a backpack, use the side-release buckles to compress it into a duffel bag shape, or use the longer tucked-away straps to carry it like a tote bag for the beach!
As much as we like such multi-purpose products, we REALLY love that the Double Haul Convertible is sustainable. They’re made with a bluesign- approved recycled PET liners, recycled nylon shells, and PFAS-free polyester YKK zippers.
Other cool features include stiffened trusses to keep the bag upright for easy packing, 4 different sizes (30L, 55L, 70L, and 100L), and internal and external zippered mesh pockets that offer endless organization options.
READ MORE: The 30 Best Hiking Backpacks & Daypacks
Thule Covert Camera Backpack DSLR 32L
As someone who has been photographing wildlife professionally for 30 years (including for National Geographic), I can attest to the benefits of a camera backpack in the field.
Not only is it a convenient way to carry all your camera gear, but it makes it easier to access in the moment, when you often have mere seconds to get the shot.
The 32L Covert Camera Backpack from Thule is a versatile backpack and camera pod combo (You can carry them together or separately), with padded interior compartments and a fully customizable gear divider system.
Impressive features include a clamshell-style padded back panel large enough for a laptop and tablet, a side pocket large enough for a tripod, an adjustable articulating shoulder strap, and a removable structured hip belt.
READ MORE: 10 Simple Tips to Improve Your Wildlife Photography
Sea Bags Medium Mermaid Tote Bag
We love this Mermaid Tote Bag from Sea Bags for three reasons.
First off, the colorful design brings back memories of our myriad aquatic adventures while snorkeling and SCUBA diving around the world.
Secondly, we love Sea Bags’ eco-friendly ethos. All of the Maine-based company’s unique products are made from recycled sail cloth, so they help to reduce waste and make for incredibly durable bags.
Lastly, just look at it! We love the vivid ombre tones of the design, the hand-spliced hemp rope handles, and the optional closure and interior pocket, which make this one of our favorite accessories of 2024.
READ MORE: 70 Cool & Weird Animals Around the World
TECH GEAR
Omega Effortless Batch Juicer
Whether you’re trying to stay healthy with smoothies to start your day at the beach, or winding down with mixed drinks incorporating tropical fruits at sunset, a juicer is an awesome addition to your beachfront rental.
Measuring 9.02″D x 8.7″W x 18.07″H, the Omega Effortless Batch Juicer won a 2023 Best Kitchen Gear Award from Good Housekeeping, with a 2-liter (68 oz) capacity.
We love this cold-press juicer because its mega batch hopper eliminates all prep work. You simply insert whole pieces of fruit/veggies all at once and let the all-in-one auger do its thing.
With fewer parts than other juicers and no screens, assembly and cleanup are super easy, and the slow speed helps to extract the maximum amounts of vitamins and nutrients for your juice, nut milk, ice cream, etc.
READ MORE: 10 Green Products for a More Eco-Friendly Home
Maven C.3 Binoculars
Mary and I are not what I would call serious bird nerds. But we do love the backyard birds of Georgia, and tend to spend a good bit of time photographing birds when we’re at the beach.
Hardcore birdwatchers will love the C.3 Binoculars from Maven, which are fantastic for spotting birds and wildlife.
At 28 oz, it’s one of the lighter full-sized binoculars in its category, with a larger lens that helps to maximize your view in low-light situations.
This mid-range binocular is waterproof and fog-proof, available with 10×50 or 12×50 magnification (with just a $25 price difference), and both models come with an unconditional lifetime warranty.
Noteworthy features include extra-low dispersion ED glass, exceptionally clear high-contrast imaging, fully multi-coated lenses, and top-notch color fidelity.
READ MORE: 25 Species of Galapagos Birds You Can See on a Galapagos Islands Cruise
Urbanista Malibu Speaker
To be blatantly honest, I’m not a fan of people who blare their music at the beach (or the lake, or any other tranquil setting) when there are other people around.
But for those who can listen to music without being disrespectful to others, the Urbanista Malibu is a great speaker that’s perfect for a day at the beach.
It’s waterproof, and uses the integrated Powerfoyle solar cell technology to self-charge whenever it’s exposed to light (whether indoors or outdoors).
We especially love its compact size (6.69 x 2.76 x 2.76″, 2.5 lbs) and the Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity that easily pairs with your phone and/or tablet.
READ MORE: The History of Jamaica Music Genres: From Ska & Reggae to Dub
MISCELLANEOUS GEAR
PackTowl Personal Towels
It’s difficult to stand out in the crowded beach towel market. But PackTowel’s Personal Towels have carved out a niche based on minimalism, sustainability, and innovative designs.
Their small (25 x 54″) microfiber towels are made of 50% recycled fabric. They weigh just 6.4 oz, but they’re capable of absorbing 4x their weight in water and drying 70% faster than traditional cotton towels.
We especially love the 3 new Artist Prints they launched in Spring of 2024, including the mountain scenery of the Daydream Print, the nature-inspired Balance Print, and the trippy Mystic Moose Print.
All are made with a microfiber polyester and nylon blend, use Polygiene odor control to maintain freshness between washes, and have a hang loop attached for easy drying.
READ MORE: 40 Fascinating Facts About Caribbean Culture & History
Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon
The Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon has become our most treasured piece of outdoor gear, especially since we bought our lovely little 1966 houseboat on Lake Allatoona back in March.
Measuring 38.6 x 20.9 x 23.2″ and weighing nearly 29 pounds, this behemoth offers 8″ all-terrain wheels that can conquer tough terrain, 140 Liters of storage capacity, and a 250 lb carry limit.
We love everything about it– the rust-resistant collapsible frame, rain and sun cover, easy access pockets, storage case, durable dual-layer fabric construction, and limited lifetime warranty.
We’ve been using this sturdy wagon for everything from moving heavy furniture and decor to coolers and camp chairs. After years of schlepping stuff to our boat by hand, it’s a game-changer!
READ MORE: The 20 Largest Lakes in the World By Continent
Orvis Grip-Tight Windowed Hammock Seat Protector
We’ve been traveling with our dogs for 15 years now. But we’ve done so much more often since we launched our Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide site in 2020.
From Sanibel Island to the Outer Banks, from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Atlantic Ocean, we try to take them everywhere we go in the US. Along the way, we’ve learned the importance of a good seat protector.
The water-resistant Grip-Tight Windowed Hammock Seat Protector from Orvis is a HUGE step up from our previous model. Using quilted upholstery from their RecoveryZone Dog Bed, it’s soft, non-slip, and easy to clean.
They’ve also recently updated the design with adjustable straps for a secure fit and easy install. And dogs will love the sturdy mesh window, which gives them a view of the journey and lets the heat and A/C flow through.
READ MORE: 50 Fascinating Facts About the Dhole (a.k.a. Indian Wild Dog)
Keep Going First Aid Kits
From mosquito bites and severe sunburn to heat exhaustion and having my foot pierced by a Lightning Whelk seashell, I’ve had my fair share of beach-related medical issues over the years.
But only in recent years have Mary and I realized the importance of ALWAYS traveling with a First Aid kit, like the ones offered by Keep Going First Aid.
They offer 3 different sized kits to choose from– the 270-piece SuperKit, the 130-piece GoKit, and the 60-piece “Loaded” MiniKit– each of which comes in a variety of colorful, water-resistant, TSA-approved carry cases.
We love their Classic Bundle, which includes one of each of their First Aid Kit sizes, but they’re currently sold out. But the 270-piece kit has pretty much everything you’ll ever need for typical travel-related injuries. –reviews by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett; lead image via Canva
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