Along with beach towels and sunscreen, the best windbreakers are one of those beach day essentials that are a real lifesaver, particularly if you've got little ones running around or trying to nap. They offer protection from the elements and stop the sand from blowing into their face and eyes.
If you cast your mind back to summers long ago, brightly coloured stripy windbreaks probably come to mind, but these days, there are plenty of stylish options to choose from in all sorts of colours, sizes and designs. There are large ones which are perfect for big family get-togethers and smaller, taller ones for when the beach is a lot busier and you want a bit of privacy when you're changing the baby's nappy or getting the little ones into their swimming costume, for example.
The best windbreakers 2023 shortlist:
•Best for a budget: Yello WBL Printed Standard Stripes Windbreak
• Best for height: BPIL Hut Wooden Windbreaker Beach Shelter
• Best for style: Volkswagen VW Beach Wind Breaker
• Best for reliability: Decathlon CAMPING WINDBREAK
So, to help you say goodbye to sand-filled sarnies and decide which would best suit your needs, we've compiled this extensive list of the best windbreakers for the beach. Check them out below.
The best windbreakers for the beach
Best for a budget
Available in various sizes, we adore the warming tones of this Yello windbreak as it will make the beach seem much sunnier, even if it's actually cloudy and overcast. The wooden poles have pointy tips, so they shouldn't take too much effort to hammer into the ground.
Pros
- Brightly coloured
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not the most durable
| Size: | 120H x 224W cm |
- Folds down compactly
- 4, 5, 6 and 8 pole options
Best for click and collect
www.argos.co.uk
This offering from Argos comes with guy ropes and poles to help with the installation process, plus it has it's very own bag which makes it much easier to carry when you've also got a toddler clinging to your leg. As you can see, there's 4 sections in total, giving you maximum privacy from strangers.
Pros
- Thin poles
- Carry bag included
Cons
- Metal poles may take longer to put into the ground
| Size: | 100H x 450Wcm |
| Material: | Polyethylene |
- Metal poles
- Manufacturer's 1 year guarantee
Best for height
If you're looking for a windbreaker that's long enough to cover the width of a big family barbecue or picnic, this is your best bet; it has a whopping 10 poles and is 5 by 20 feet. Plus the colours are very bright,
Pros
- Extra tall
- Wide range of sizes to choose from
Cons
- Thin material
| Size: | 5ft High x 20ft Long |
Best for sun protection
This Sport-Brella umbrella is much more convenient to use than your average windbreak as you don't have loads of poles to hammer into the ground. All it takes is a few seconds to pop up and you'll have your very own sun-protected shelter to hide out in. Result!
Pros
- Wind vents provide airflow
- Side flaps for extra protection
Cons
- Not very big
| Size: | 137cm x 10cm x 10cm |
- UPF50+ protection
- Telescopic pole
Best for style
We're obsessed with how cute this VW wind breaker is! If you get lost after going for a paddle in the sea or grabbing an ice cream, it'll be simpler to find your way back to your base, seeing as the print is a little unusual compared to the regular striped options.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Folds away into a compact shape
Cons
- Some report that it's a bit low to the ground
| Size: | 121 x 8 x 5.4 cm |
- Four poles
- Available in red and blue
Best for reliability
Decathlon will give you nothing but reliability with this brilliant windbreak. It's been wind tunnel tested and proven to withstand force 6 winds (that's a whopping 50km/h)! You can quickly dissemble and relocate it with the guy ropes and poles included.
Pros
- Fits a 6 person table behind it
- Generous size
Cons
- Design is a bit plain
| Size: | 4 X 1.45 metres |
- Wind tunnel tested
- Withstands winds around 50 km/h
Best windbreaker with windows
When you want your own bit of escapism but still want to feel part of the crowd, try the HSS Windbreaker Blocker. For best results, simply curve it away from the direction of the wind to prevent sand and light breezes from getting in your way.
Pros
- Has clear instructions
- Windows to let in more light
Cons
- Not suitable for exposed campsites
| Size: | 52 x 15 x 6 cm |
| Weight: | 1.5 kg |
- Pegs, reinforced pegs and guidelines
- Carry bag for easy transportation
What's the best material for a windbreak?
Windbreakers come in a variety of different materials, so it's best to do your research to find out what type of material is best suited to what your using it for.
Plastic/Polyester
Often cheaper than other alternatives, plastic windbreaks are perfect for wet weather as they are waterproof. However, they are often quite thin and may not be able to withstand super-strong winds, only slight breezes. A lot of polyester and plastic options are lightweight can be folded away neatly into a carry bag after use.
Canvas
Although canvas tends to cost more, it is definitely more durable than some plastic options. Thanks to the tougher material, it can withstand harsh gusts of wind, although it's often a lot heavier and may bay trickier to clean than other materials.
What's the best windbreak for hard ground?
If you're planning to set up a windbreaker for the day in wet sand or dry soil, make sure that the poles have pointed steel caps or tips, as this will prevent the wood from splitting under stress when you bang it into the ground with a hammer.
How to set up a windbreak
Once you've chosen your windbreak, there are a few simple steps you should follow to set it up. Of course it varies slightly depending on the design and style you have chosen, but generally speaking, you will need a rubber hammer or a strong rock to knock the poles into the ground so that it doesn't fall over. Make sure that small children are entertained with a beach toy or two and aren't in the way when you do this as you don't want to start your day out at the seaside with an injury!
On particularly unsteady ground or breezy conditions, you may want to use some guy ropes and pegs to secure it more firmly. For larger windbreakers, a small team of one or two people may be required to hold the poles in place for you.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.