Best Beach Blankets

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Scuddles
Test Winner: Scuddles
Amazon Link
Everyone needs to spend at least a little time every year staring out into the ocean and watching the waves crash upon the shore. But where there is water, there is usually sand. Spending an afternoon lounging on the beach can be a wonderful thing- but there is such a thing as too much sand. If you don’t gear up with the right tools to keep sand from traveling to every nook and cranny in your body and physical belongings, you are going to be washing sand down your drain every time you shower for the next 3 days. The first line of defense against sand is a really good beach blanket. A sheet just doesn’t perform the same way or have the same features as these products.

Standout Picks

Scuddles
The Scuddles design is our favorite pick because it hits all of the marks of what we think these products should do. It’s comfortable, it comes fun patterns, and it folds up nicely into an easy carrying case. It’s a little bit more expensive than some of the other designs out there on the market, but its superior design is worth it.
Amazon Link
$26.89
Flyina
We briefly considered giving FYLINA the top spot because it also does everything you want, but it just does it a little bit differently. The reason we ultimately give it the number 2 spot was because the material just isn’t as soft and comfortable as the Scuddles design. However, if you are lounging by the ocean on a particularly hot day, this material will be perfect to keep you cool and most importantly- keep the sand off of you.
Amazon Link
WellaX
The WellaX is a lot like the FLYINA design, but it comes with just a few more features. However, these additional features come at a slightly higher price point so it is important to determine if you feel that they are worth it.
Amazon Link
Camco
Camco offers something that is a little bit more sturdy, offered in fun designs and color options, and is incredibly easy to carry. It is perfect to keep sand away, and wicking away moisture. The most impressive part about this design is that it comes in at one of the most affordable price points of any of the other brands out there on the market.
Amazon Link
$17.70
Kahuna
Kahuna offers users something that is durable, practical, and lightweight. It is the perfect addition to any trip to the ocean because it has a lot of extra features to keep it locked securely in place that will keep sand where it should be.
Amazon Link
SportLite
For those that have been a little disappointed by the limited style and color options available on the market, SportLite serves to change that. They have so many color and design choices for all different styles and tastes, plus this model is a little bit softer than some of the other materials you may have encountered.
Amazon Link
Bearz
The BEARZ design is a little bit more compact than some of the others on the market, which makes it perfect for those that are working with limited room or want to travel a little light. The downside to this, however, is that it covers less ground area than most. The use of sturdy materials and the matching carrying case makes this one worth a look.
Amazon Link
$24.99
Oceas
Not all trips to the ocean are hot, nor warm for that matter. There are just some days that it is a little bit cooler once you factor in the blustery winds coming in off of the water. Oceas offers users something that has all the functionality of all of the other designs, but it keeps users just a little bit warmer.
Amazon Link
Wekapo
If you need something that is big enough for the whole family, the design from WEKAPO is sure to meet all of your needs. It is made from a material that keeps sand out, and it is easy to brush off the sand that does make its way onto the surface. It is easy to carry, and easy to care for, but it comes at a slightly higher price tag than many of the other models that use a similar design and materials.
Amazon Link
$37.98
Benevolence LA
Benevolence LA makes Mexican-style throws that are incredibly durable and comfortable. If you miss mats that are made from soft materials such as cotton, taking a chance on this style might just pay off. It costs just a little bit more than some of the other styles out there on the market, but every sale donates proceeds to fighting poverty in South America.
Amazon Link
$23.99

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Features

There are a lot of things that can ruin a trip the water, and the wind is one of them. It might not be windy up by the road, but as soon as you get down by the water it might become impossible to even keep a hat on your head. That’s why we were drawn to designs that had features to keep your gear on the ground where it should be because no one likes running down the shoreline chasing their gear. There were two ways these products were designed to keep all of your gear in place. The first way was by having loops in each of the four corners and then using metal stakes (that were included with purchase) to hold the four corners into the ground. Another feature that comes companies also used is pockets that are located along the sides. These pockets can be used to hold items such as snacks and bottles of water, but they are more commonly used to hold sand. When you pack down the edges of the unit with dense sand, it is less likely to blow away when the winds start to pick up. Some brands pick one or the other- stakes of pockets- and some even elect to use both.

Materials

What we discovered is that there are three different types of material that users prefer when it comes to these types of products. Users like nylon, polyester, and microfiber. Nylon is generally more affordable and is able to be packed up in a nice carrying case without taking up all that much room. It is also easy to clean because it can be thrown into the washing machine. Plus, it dries very fast and it is easy to wipe sand off of the surface. We were drawn to nylon because of these factors, but some users don’t like how thin it is, that’s why we also added some options that were made from polyester and microfiber. Polyester is a lot thicker than nylon, but it also comes at a slightly higher price point, and some users don’t like how stiff it can be. Plus, you typically cannot throw these polyester designs into the washing machine. Microfiber is a lot softer than nylon or polyester, but it isn’t as great to keep out sand or being able to brush it off easily if it happens to get on your mat.

Comfort

The care of these products varies from product to product because each product is composed of different materials. We tried to stick to products that were able to be thrown into the washing machine and didn’t require to be hand washed. However, the selections that we chose that did require to be hand washed were typically made out of tarp-like material that is super easy to wide down with a wet cloth or spray with a hose and allow to air dry. No one wants to spend any more time than they need doing laundry- especially while on vacation. This is essentially one big square of fabric, so you will want to get something that reflects your own personal style and something that will be able to be spotted as you walk back up from the water. We enjoyed finding the brands that offered a lot of different colors and design options that would appeal to almost anyone. Also, we made sure to take a look at options that were large enough to sit the entire family. Most brands did offer sizing options that were capable of seating up to 4 people, so we made sure to select those designs because bigger is always better. Even if you aren’t traveling with more then two people, it’s always better to have the option to be able to spread out and set up all of your gear.

Value

We noticed that there was an average price that consumers were willing to pay for these products without complaints that they were too expensive, and we tried to stick to that sweet spot. We made sure not to select designs that had a price tag that might eclipse that of what you might spend on a good pair of bedsheets, and we were sure to include some of the more affordable options. There were some designs that were so modestly priced that you could afford to buy one for each member of the family. Conditions down by the water are a lot messier than picnics on a grassy knoll. While we wanted to make sure that we selected designs that will keep out the sand and stay put even on windy days, we also wanted to select products that were comfortable to lay on. We made sure to read what past customers had to say about the comfort level of each product. If there was an overwhelming amount of people that complained that it was too stiff or too itchy, we moved on to the next design. While it is important to stay dry and sand free, you don’t want to achieve that while being uncomfortable.

Top 10 Picks

1. Scuddles

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$26.89
Scuddles
Amazon Link

The Scuddles design is our favorite pick because it hits all of the marks of what we think these products should do. It’s comfortable, it comes fun patterns, and it folds up nicely into an easy carrying case. It’s a little bit more expensive than some of the other designs out there on the market, but its superior design is worth it.

Read more

Design:

One of the things we like most about this blanket is the sharp color and design choices that users can select from. It is offered in a blue and white stripe, and an orange and brown striped design. When you are ready to pack it up for the day, simply fold it back together along the creases and cinch it with the velcro strap. Some units can be a little bit more difficult to pack up, but this one is incredibly easy.

Materials:

What makes this item perfect for wet, sandy conditions is that is has a black PEVA backing that will keep out moisture, dirt, and, and sand to keep the soft top layer dry and clean. Due to the backing, however, you cannot throw this design into the washing machine. To clean, you will need to spot clean any stains with a solution and a damp cloth.

Value:

While the cost is a bit more than many of the others out there on the market- we feel that it is worth every penny. Users love how comfortable it is and how well it protects against moisture and sand.

Summary:

The only downside to this design is that some find that it is a little too small. It is not ideal for parties with more than four people. However, if you need something that is incredibly soft and easy to carry, the Scuddles is going to be the perfect addition to your next trip to the ocean.

Amazon Link
$26.89

2. Flyina

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Flyina
Amazon Link

We briefly considered giving FYLINA the top spot because it also does everything you want, but it just does it a little bit differently. The reason we ultimately give it the number 2 spot was because the material just isn’t as soft and comfortable as the Scuddles design. However, if you are lounging by the ocean on a particularly hot day, this material will be perfect to keep you cool and most importantly- keep the sand off of you.

Read more

Design:

Users can select from one simple design that has a light blue stripe running down the middle and grey edges. What makes this unit stand out from some of the others is the implementation of stakes that hold it to the ground. Each corner has a loop stitched into it, and you can use one of the four metal stakes to hold it to the ground. This is great to keep your throw from shifting around due to squirmy humans, or blowing away on blustery days. When you are ready to head home, it simply rolls up to be tucked into its small drawstring carrying case.

Materials:

You aren’t going to get nice, soft materials with the FLYINA design. It is made from parachute nylon that is premium grade. What it lacks in softness it makes up for in performance. This material dries incredibly fast, so it’s perfect for drying off when you get out of the water. It is also rip and tear resistant, and it is incredibly easy to brush off any sand that does manage to find its way onboard. Plus, this material is able to be tossed into the washing machine after every trip.

Value:

The cost of this unit runs around the middle of the road. It isn’t the most expensive unit out there, but it isn’t the least expensive either. It will likely set you back about the same amount that you spent on a large pizza last night.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that is big enough to hold the whole family- it measures in at 63 square feet- this is well worth the modest price tag. It might not be the softest, but it’s easy to care for, and does a great job at keeping the sand out.

Amazon Link

3. WellaX

Where to buy
Amazon Link
WellaX
Amazon Link

The WellaX is a lot like the FLYINA design, but it comes with just a few more features. However, these additional features come at a slightly higher price point so it is important to determine if you feel that they are worth it.

Read more

Design:

Much like the FLYINA model, this blanket is offered in various shades of blue. The left panel is a light blue, the center panel is a sky blue, and the right panel is a darker blue. It doesn’t offer loops with stakes to keep it secured on the ground like some. Instead, it utilizes pockets that run along the sides and corners to keep it securely in place. You can use those pockets to hold things like phones, wallets, snacks, and bottles of water. However, if you don’t have anything to place inside to keep it securely in place, you can always fill the pockets with sand.

Materials:

This unit isn’t as soft as some of the others that you might find out on the market. It is made from parachute nylon- which is incredibly strong and lightweight. It is resistant to tearing, dries incredibly fast, and is a cinch to wash. After returning home, simply toss it into the washing machine and hand it up outside to dry before heading back.

Value:

This is one of the more expensive designs to make our list, but it is still within the realm of reason. Buying this model won’t break the bank by any means, but it will cost more than many of the others that have similar designs on our list.

Summary:

If you are looking for something that can fit the entire family, this is the ticket. It measures in at 9 feet by 10 feet, and it is so lightweight it won’t add any extra bulk to your gear. If you have the extra money to spare, this is a great option.

Amazon Link

4. Camco

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$17.70
Camco
Amazon Link

Camco offers something that is a little bit more sturdy, offered in fun designs and color options, and is incredibly easy to carry. It is perfect to keep sand away, and wicking away moisture. The most impressive part about this design is that it comes in at one of the most affordable price points of any of the other brands out there on the market.

Read more

Design:

Users can select from striped color options that include blue and green, red and green, or green and turquoise. It has handles that are built into the side so that when you want to pack up and head home, simply fold the unit back together, cinch it in place with the velcro located on the underside, and carry it with the use of the handles.

Materials:

This option is a lot more sturdy than that of the nylon options. It has the structure of a dinner mat: a little stiffer than you might expect, and it is made from polypropylene weave. This material is perfect for wicking away moisture, is easy to brush off, and is mildew resistant. The only downside to this type of material is that you can’t simply throw it into the washing machine to be washed, it can only be spot cleaned.

Value:

One of the best features about this product is the price- it is one of the most affordable units out there on the market. It will likely set you back about the same price as the paperback novel you bought to read down by the water.

Summary:

It might not be the biggest design out there- it measures in at 60 inches by 78 inches- but it is incredibly durable, easy to use, and easy to carry. With such a low price point, there is no reason not to give this particular style a chance this summer.

Amazon Link
$17.70

5. Kahuna

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Kahuna
Amazon Link

Kahuna offers users something that is durable, practical, and lightweight. It is the perfect addition to any trip to the ocean because it has a lot of extra features to keep it locked securely in place that will keep sand where it should be.

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Design:

Unlike a lot of designs that are similar to this one, users can actually select between a variety of different color options. Colors include green and yellow, blue and grey, light blue, and dark blue. Not only does it have stakes that are able to mount it right to the ground, but it also has hidden pockets on the underside that can be used to hold gear, or can be filled with sand to provide an additional anchor.

Materials:

The material used to make up this design is a high-quality parachute nylon. This makes this unit incredibly tough and tear-resistant. It is also quick-drying and is really easy to pack up and store in a matching drawstring carrying bag when it is time to head home. What’s great about this material is that when it is time to wash it, all you need to do is throw it into the washing machine and hang it outside to dry.

Value:

This is one of the more expensive items out there on the market, but you are getting a lot more features and quality material for the cost, making it a really great deal.

Summary:

This unit measures in at an impressive 8 feet by 8 feet- making it perfect to fit the entire family. If you want something that covers a lot of ground, keeps the sand away, and is really easy to carry and care for- this is well worth the price tag for your next family vacation to the ocean.

Amazon Link

6. SportLite

Where to buy
Amazon Link
SportLite
Amazon Link

For those that have been a little disappointed by the limited style and color options available on the market, SportLite serves to change that. They have so many color and design choices for all different styles and tastes, plus this model is a little bit softer than some of the other materials you may have encountered.

Read more

Design:

What’s special about this models is that it is offered in a wide variety of colors and designs. Users can select from blue and white striped, pink and white polka dots, or bright happy solid colors such as green, blue, red, and pink. It measures to be 64 inches by 76 inches and has two pockets that run along the side that can serve as anchors to keep it securely in place.

Materials:

This design is made out of something a little bit different- SportLite uses microfiber to compose their model. Microfiber is great for this type of gear because it feels soft against the skin (unlike nylon), it’s super lightweight and very absorbent. Plus, not only can you throw it into the washing machine when it is time to clean it, but you can throw it in the dryer as well so that you can get back on the sand faster.

Value:

Microfiber materials are typically set at a slightly higher price point, but not in the case of the SportLite design. While the price isn’t as low as some of the more affordable options to make our list, this design isn’t the most expensive either. If you wanted to get something that was priced in the middle of the road- this is an excellent option.

Summary:

For those that want something soft and comfortable but is able to keep sand away and is really easy to clean- this is going to be your best bet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a carrying case of any kind, so it will be up to you to determine the best way to carry it down to the shore.

Amazon Link

7. Bearz

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$24.99
Bearz
Amazon Link

The BEARZ design is a little bit more compact than some of the others on the market, which makes it perfect for those that are working with limited room or want to travel a little light. The downside to this, however, is that it covers less ground area than most. The use of sturdy materials and the matching carrying case makes this one worth a look.

Read more

Design:

Users can select from a lot of different colors that include green, red, pink, blue and yellow. They also have the options of selecting a black and white pixelated camo design that is really unique. Each color comes with its own matching drawstring carrying case that measures to be 4.5 inches by 3.5 inches. When laid out completely, it measures to be 60 inches long and 55 inches wide- which is just slightly smaller than some of the other designs that we have seen.

Materials:

The polyester materials used to make up this design lie somewhere in between microfiber and nylon in terms of how it feels. It has all of the properties of nylon- water resistant, tear proof, and easy to wipe off sand, but it is a little bit thicker like a microfiber design. Many users say that it has the feel of a thick tarp that you lay down on the sand. Unfortunately, because of the materials that are used, you cannot just throw this in the washing machine- it is hand wash only.

Value:

For something that seems virtually indestructible, it comes in at a very affordable price point. Now, it’s not the least expensive on this list, but it is about the average price of what consumers feel comfortable paying for a quality product such as this.

Summary:

For those that want something that will hold up over the years for trips to the ocean, to festivals, and camping- this is a really great choice that comes in at a really great price point.

Amazon Link
$24.99

8. Oceas

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Oceas
Amazon Link

Not all trips to the ocean are hot, nor warm for that matter. There are just some days that it is a little bit cooler once you factor in the blustery winds coming in off of the water. Oceas offers users something that has all the functionality of all of the other designs, but it keeps users just a little bit warmer.

Read more

Design:

Users can select from two different color options that include jet black and navy blue. The underside has a darker coating, and the topside is lined with soft grey materials. It Is rolled up and secured in place with a belt that is included with purchase, and then it can be stored in a nice and compact carrying case that looks like a small duffel bag.

Materials:

Oceas uses two separate materials to compose their product. The bottom layer is made from a sturdy polyester that is able to wick away water and provide insulation to the user. The top layer is composed of a soft and comfortable fleece that feels nice against the skin. It’s important to note that the top layer of fleece doesn’t have any water wicking properties to it, so it is not a great idea to flip it inside out. The greatest part about this unit is that it is actually machine washable.

Value:

Due to the fact that Oceas uses two types of high-quality materials, the price tag makes this one of the highest priced items to make our list- but is still isn’t that expensive that it will break the bank. Plus, if you are someone that is outdoors all year round and need ground cover for the water and cooler seasons- this will make it well worth the slightly padded price tag.

Summary:

For those that don’t just sit by the ocean on the hottest days of the summer, the Oceas design will be a great addition to your trip. It is comfortable, wicks away water, and is really easy to care for.

Amazon Link

9. Wekapo

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$37.98
Wekapo
Amazon Link

If you need something that is big enough for the whole family, the design from WEKAPO is sure to meet all of your needs. It is made from a material that keeps sand out, and it is easy to brush off the sand that does make its way onto the surface. It is easy to carry, and easy to care for, but it comes at a slightly higher price tag than many of the other models that use a similar design and materials.

Read more

Design:

Users can select from just one of three colors that include green, blue, and purple. It measures in at 10 feet by 9 feet, making it one of the largest models out there on the market. It has loopholes on each corner to allow users to affix it to the ground with stakes to avoid it blowing away.

Materials:

This unit is composed of 100 percent parachute nylon that might not be the most comfortable material out there on the market, but it is very durable. Plus, it is lightweight enough that it folds up very easily and can be stored in a small carrying case when you're ready to pack up camp and head home.

Value:

Due to its very large size and triple stitched parachute nylon, the cost of this unit is a little bit more expensive than some many of the other nylon options. However, if you want something that is big enough for the whole family, this is a great option.

Summary:

If bigger is better in your eyes, and but you don’t want to be held back by bulky fabric, the WEAKPRO design will be an excellent addition to your vacation this summer.

Amazon Link
$37.98

10. Benevolence LA

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$23.99
Benevolence LA
Amazon Link

Benevolence LA makes Mexican-style throws that are incredibly durable and comfortable. If you miss mats that are made from soft materials such as cotton, taking a chance on this style might just pay off. It costs just a little bit more than some of the other styles out there on the market, but every sale donates proceeds to fighting poverty in South America.

Read more

Design:

Users can select from a variety of different color options including red, black, blue, and orange. Each throw has a striped Mexican falsa design that will make you stand out from the crowd. It measures to be 65 inches by 40 inches, which is just a little bit smaller than the standard size of a beach blanket.

Materials:

This unit is made from 100 perfect acrylic. It isn’t as soft as cotton, but it is softer than nylon or polyester. The downside about added softness is the added weight- is weighs in at a whopping 3 pounds, which is pretty heavy for a blanket. But the good side about this is users have found that they can throw it into the washing machine over and over again and it won’t lose its shape, and the colors won’t fade.

Value:

It costs a little bit more for something that is so small, but if you were looking for something that is a little more stylish and soft- this is going to be your best bet.

Summary:

For those that don’t mind traveling heavier to have something that is thick, durable, and soft to relax upon while laying next to the ocean, the Benevolence LA design is will be an excellent addition to your beach gear this summer.

Amazon Link
$23.99

Sources

  1. JESSICA MACDONALD, The 8 Best Beach Blankets to Buy in 2019, Article