Summer Sun Solution: Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shelter Gear Review
As the temperatures rise and summer beckons, it's time for long days spent at the beach, lake, family picnics, and barbecues. Having reliable sun protection is key to enjoying outdoor activities without getting completely roasted. In this blog post, I am excited to shine the spotlight on the Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shelter! Whether you're planning a beach day with friends or a family picnic in the park, this tent provides an amazing cool place to hang out. Its spacious design, UV protection, and easy setup make it a must-have for sunny days and unexpected showers alike. I’ll dive into the features and benefits of the cabana sunshade beach tent and show you how it can make your time outdoors more enjoyable.
Quick Disclaimer:
I received an Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shelter from the company for the purpose of testing and providing my honest review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, and the following gear assessment is my own genuine opinions after using this product on multiple beach and lake adventures.
Quick Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shelter Spec's:
- Elegear Beach Tent with Canopy & Openable Rear Door
- Product Dimensions: 86.61"L x 59.06"W x 61.02"H
- Brand: Elegear
- Material: 190T Double-layer Silver-coated and Waterproof PU2000 Polyester / Thickened 8.5mm Fiberglass
- Color: Sky Blue
- Ultraviolet Light Protection: UPF 50+
- Recommended Uses: Beach/Outdoor
- Water Resistance Level: Water Resistant
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Item Weight: 6.23 pounds
- Pole Material: Fiberglass
- Frame Material: Thickened 8.5mm Fiberglass
- Fabric: 600D Encrypted Thickened Oxford Fabric (Waterproof and moisture-resistant)
Additional Features
- Air Circulation: Mesh windows and openable back door for ample airflow
- UV Protection: 99% UV Protection, UPF 50+ rating, reduces temperatures by up to 9°F inside the tent
- Water Resistance: Made of waterproof PU2000 polyester fabric, bottom made of 210D waterproof PU3000 Oxford fabric, resistant to unexpected light rain
- Easy Setup: Innovative external snap-on installation, simpler and faster than common methods
- Double Space: Built-in canopy design, accommodates 4-5 people
- Five Ways to Use: Adjustable canopy, rear door zipper, and fully enclosable for various needs
- Ventilation Design: 360° ventilation with openable rear door and two large roll-up mesh windows
- Wind Resistance & Durability: Thickened 8.5mm fiberglass rods, sandbags, stakes, and ropes for superior wind resistance, lifespan extended by more than double
- Portability: Compact and portable, easily carried by hand, in a bag, or strapped onto a backpack
- Privacy Option: Extended front floor with a zipper for privacy during intimate moments
- Thoughtful Design: Built-in mesh roll-up windows, interior storage pockets, roll-up zipped rear door, and internal hanging hooks
- Satisfaction Service: 3-year quality guarantee and lifetime technical support
My Thoughts On The Elegear Beach Sun Shade Shelter Tent with Canopy & Openable Rear Door
I never would have thought to purchase a beach tent on my own, but after being sent the Elegear Beach Sun Shade Shelter to test, I'm completely hooked. This tent has become my go-to for days spent at the beaches and lakes in Washington State. During testing, I was impressed with how cool the tent kept me in the heat, and it felt light and airy rather than claustrophobic. There was plenty of room for both people and snacks. My mom and I comfortably sat inside, chatting for hours while watching the waves and brainstorming story ideas for her latest novel. Despite the hot weather, it felt like we had our own personal beach cabana.
Given that skin cancer runs in my family, and I've already had several suspicious atypical precancerous moles removed, sun protection is something I need to start thinking about more. The Elegear Beach Sun Shade Shelter with its 99% UV Protection, and UPF 50+ rating is an excellent way to enjoy the sun safely without getting sunburned. I loved the windows, which allowed a cool breeze to flow through, keeping the interior comfortable. The side pockets for sunglasses and other items were a nice touch, and the canopy provided enough space for at least 4 people to sit comfortably.
This tent is super lightweight and easy to transport. Its compact design makes it convenient to bring along on beach or lake day adventures. The added sandbag pockets help stabilize the tent, and the included stakes and paracord ensure it stays put, even in breezy conditions. Although my first setup attempt coincided with a sudden storm, the tent held up well. It's best suited for light to moderate wind, but it performed admirably on the beach with only a light breeze.
I must admit, my first setup attempt with this tent was met with an unexpected storm at the lake. A rain and windstorm rolled in, bringing insane winds that made me worry about potential damage to the tent. As the downpour started, I quickly took everything down to flee. I was impressed that the beach tent didn't rip during the takedown in such harsh conditions. This sunshade tent cabana is definitely designed for light to moderate winds, not the kind of wind that feels like it's blowing you away. However, the tent performed excellently at the beach with only light to moderate breezes. The stakes did a great job of holding everything securely in place.
Setting up the tent is straightforward but can be a bit challenging for one person in windy conditions. However, I managed to set it up and take it down by myself in under 10 minutes each time. I appreciated the multiple setup options, allowing for various configurations with different flaps and toggles. Elegear definitely added a lot of thoughtful features to this tent.
Overall, I was very impressed with the Elegear Sun Shade Shelter Beach Tent. It has become an essential part of my outdoor gear, providing a perfect spot to relax and stay protected from the sun and I will be using it on many future beach and lake day adventures especially when going to the beach with friends and family members who have kids.
Adventure-Ready: Ideal Uses for the Elegear Sun Shade Tent
This Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Shelter is amazing for beach days, picnics, barbeques, campy trips, kids' sporting events, backyard gatherings, lake and river relaxation, poolside hangouts, or even just hanging out in the backyard. This sunshade shelter is especially great for families with kids or anyone sensitive to sunlight. It provides a cool shaded rest/hangout area for people to enjoy relaxing during summer days. Whether you're hitting the beach for a day of sun and surf, having a family picnic at the park, or setting up camp by the lake, this tent has you covered.
Ideal Uses
- Beach Days: Provides protection from the sun and wind while relaxing on the sand.
- Lakeside Relaxation: Ensures a cool and protected spot by the water.
- Picnics: Offers shade and comfort during outdoor meals in parks or open areas.
- Camping Trips: Acts as a versatile shelter for extra shade and protection at the campsite.
- Kids Sporting Events: Keeps you cool and protected while watching outdoor games and matches.
- Backyard Gatherings: Perfect for creating shaded areas during barbecues or family get-togethers.
- Poolside Hangouts: Adds extra shade and comfort near the pool.
- Sports Practices: Offers a shaded area for athletes to rest between drills (Especially Beach volleyball).
- Kids’ Playtime: Offers a safe and shaded area for children to play outside.
Wind Resistance & Durability Of The Elegear Sun Shade Shelter Tent
When set up properly I think this beach sun shade tent does pretty well in light to moderate wind. The Elegear Sun Shade Shelter Tent has 8.5mm fiberglass rods instead of the usual 6.0 mm rods found in many sunshade tents by competitors. These 8.5 mm fiberglass rods are designed to significantly enhance the stability and longevity of the sun shelter. The Elegear Beach Sun Shade Shelter Tent includes sandbags, stakes, and ropes, which also help it withstand windy ocean breezes. These added enhancements help boost the tent's wind resistance by 50% and extend its lifespan by more than double than that of similar products.
When I tested out The Elegear Sun Shade Shelter Tent, it performed pretty well in light to moderate wind at the beach if properly staked down. With any breeze, stakes are an absolute must. When I staked down this tent properly at the beach this sunshade shelter worked absolutely amazing! While setting up at the ocean I was a tad concerned that it was too breezy out for it but as soon as I opened up the back of the tent where airflow could go through it better and had everything properly secured with tent stakes and paracord it could handle moderate wind without blowing away.
I really appreciate the built-in sandbag feature that adds extra weight to the cabana sunshade, along with the tent stakes and paracord. Elegear did an excellent job designing this cabana tent with these thoughtful features.
Setting up the tent is pretty straightforward, though it can be a bit tricky for one person in windy conditions. Still, I was able to set it up and take it down solo in under 10 minutes each time, even with a breeze blowing.
Spacious Design of The Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Shelter
The Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Shelter turned out to be way more spacious than I expected from the online pictures. I thought it would be one of those small, cramped beach tents, but I was happily surprised by how roomy it actually is. The dimensions are 86.61"L x 59.06"W x 61.02"H, giving you plenty of space to stretch out.
The added canopy really opens up the space too. This tent can comfortably fit 4-5 people sitting, and about 2-3 people if you’re lying down. When my mom and I tried it out, we had lots of room to stretch our legs, stash our beach bags, and enjoy our snacks. Whether you're out with family or just hanging with friends, this tent gives you plenty of room to chill without feeling cramped. The window vents make it feel even bigger and more airy. I didn’t feel enclosed or claustrophobic at all. This tent does a great job of being mid-sized while giving you tons of space to relax, lounge around, or just enjoy the view.
360° Ventilation Design of The Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Cabana
The Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Cabana really nails it when it comes to keeping things nice and airy. Thanks to its 360-degree ventilation design, airflow comes from all directions, which means you can stay cool even on the hottest days. The rear door can be opened up, and there are two big roll-up mesh windows that let the air flow through from all sides. You also get an awesome panoramic view of your surroundings. I loved being able to still see trees, lake and mountains when I took it to my favorite lake in Olympic National Park and the views of driftwood, cliffs, mountains, water, Seattle in the distance, and the Point No Point Light House. If you need to block the wind from a certain direction, you can just close up the windows as needed. So, no matter how hot it gets outside, you'll stay cool and comfy inside this tent, enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful views.
Assembly, and Setup OF The Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Cabana Shelter
Setting up the Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Shelter is generally straightforward. However, I did find the assembly of the canopy poles a bit confusing at first. Each pole consists of four parts, and the metal spring connector took me a moment to figure out. The key is to angle the poles correctly, which can be seen in Step 8. This was the part I had to fiddle with the most, but once I got the hang of it, the rest of the setup was smooth sailing.
Step 1: Lay Out the Tent
Start by spreading the tent out on a flat surface. Ensure that it is completely unfolded and laid flat on the ground. This will make it easier to locate all the necessary components and begin the assembly process.
Step 2: Connect the Fiberglass Rods
Take the fiberglass rods out of their storage bag and connect them together. These rods will form the main frame of the tent. Make sure each section of the rod fits snugly into the next to create a sturdy and continuous pole.
Step 3: Insert the Tent Poles
Insert the ends of the connected fiberglass rods into the metal loops located at the corners of the tent. These loops are designed to hold the rods in place and provide the tent with its shape and structure.
Step 4: Attach the Snap-On Buckles
Secure the external snap-on buckles to the tent poles. These buckles are essential for holding the tent fabric tightly against the frame, ensuring the tent stands firm and taut.
Step 5: Tie the Retaining Cord
Locate the retaining cord at the top of the tent and tie it off. This cord helps keep the tent stable and prevents the poles from shifting or collapsing.
Step 6: Stake Down the Tent
Insert the tent stakes into the ground at all four corners of the tent. Push the stakes in at an angle to ensure they hold firm. This will prevent the tent from being lifted or blown away by the wind.
Step 7: Add Weights to Sandbag Pockets
Fill the built-in sandbag pockets with sand, rocks, or other weights. These pockets are designed to add extra stability to the tent, keeping it anchored to the ground even in breezy conditions.
Step 8: Assemble the Canopy Poles
If you plan to use the canopy awning, assemble the poles by snapping together four segments for each side. Angle the poles at least 40 degrees to cover the clip, ensuring they fit securely.
Step 9: Insert Canopy Poles
Slide the assembled canopy poles through the metal rings located in the awning. Make sure they are properly aligned and securely in place to support the canopy.
Step 10: Secure the Canopy with Paracord
Take the provided paracord and attach it to the canopy awning. Pull the paracord tight and use the tent stakes to secure it to the ground. This will keep the canopy stretched out and stable, preventing it from flapping in the wind.
Step 11: Additional Securing with Paracord
Use the remaining paracord and tent stakes to secure the loops attached to the tent. Pull the cords tight in different directions to enhance the overall stability of the tent. This step is crucial for ensuring the tent remains secure in windy conditions.
Five Different Ways to Set Up The Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Shelter
The Elegear Beach Tent is designed to be set up in five different ways, offering flexibility for various outdoor scenarios.
Set Up Method 1: The Most Breathable Option
Roll up the canopy and toggle it to remain open in the front. Unzip the back and roll it open to each side like curtains, then toggle them out of the way. This method is super airy and perfect for days when you want maximum ventilation but don't feel like dealing with the paracord and tent stake setup. I love this option for its simplicity and openness.
Set Up Method 2: The Quick and Simple Setup
Zip the back of the beach tent closed and roll up the canopy, toggling it tight to create an opening. This is the easiest and quickest method, ideal for when you're in a hurry. It's great for blocking sunlight or wind from one direction while still keeping the front open.
Set Up Method 3: The Spacious Setup
Unzip the back of the tent, roll it open to each side, and toggle it down like open curtains. Fully extend the canopy with the support poles and tie it tight with paracord and tent stakes. This setup offers a ton of room in the shade and is my absolute favorite way of using this sunshade tent. It's super airy and provides ample shaded space for relaxing.
Set Up Method 4: The Most Sealed Option
Zip up the extended front floor, turning the tent into a fully enclosed space. The back becomes the zip entrance, making this method perfect for when you need more privacy or want to keep the elements out completely.
Set Up Method 5: Extra Shade with Back Protection
Zip the back of the tent fully closed and open the front canopy completely using the canopy poles. This setup provides extra shade in the front while keeping the back enclosed to block wind or sunlight from that direction. It's a great balance of shade and protection.
Effortlessly Portable: The Compact Carry Design of the Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Shelter Ensures Easy Storage
The Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Shelter is designed for easy carry and storage, compacting tightly into a small package. Weighing just 6.23 pounds, it's a breeze to handle—whether you're tossing it in a bag, suitcase, or strapping it onto your backpack. Its lightweight build means it won't hog much space, making it super convenient for trips. Perfect for anyone who wants hassle-free setup and the freedom to enjoy outdoor comfort wherever they wander.
Maximum UV Protection and Water Resistance With The Elegear Sun Shade Shelter with Canopy
Sun-Smart Protection: 99% UV Blockage with UPF 50+ Rating
Privacy Option of The Elegear Cabana Tent Sun Shade Shelter
The privacy option of the Elegear Cabana Tent Sun Shade Shelter is a nice touch. With an extended front floor and a zipper closure, this feature allows individuals to create an enclosed secluded space for personal moments such as changing clothes.
Thoughtful Design Details Added To The Elegear Beach Sun Shade Shelter
Elegear has packed some really thoughtful design details into this beach tent. The roll-up windows are fantastic for ventilation and can be easily opened or closed as needed. I absolutely love these. The interior storage pockets are super handy for stashing sunglasses, a notepad, or your phone. I also love the rear door that can either be zipped closed or rolled up out of the way, depending on what you need. Plus, the top of the tent has these cool little hanging hooks where you can attach a lightweight camping lantern or a battery-operated fan to keep things breezy.
Features
- Roll-Up Windows for Ventilation: Adjust as needed for optimal airflow.
- Interior Storage Pockets: Conveniently store sunglasses, notepads, or phones.
- Roll-Up Zippered Rear Door: Flexible options for privacy and ventilation.
- Top Internal Hanging Hooks: Ideal for hanging a lantern or fan for added comfort.
Worry-Free Protection: Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Warranty
The Elegear Beach Tent Sun Shade Warranty provides solid protection and service. It includes a 3-year quality guarantee and lifetime technical support for the Beach Cabana Tent. If any issues pop up with quality or setup, their team aims to sort things out fast, within 24 hours. It's nice to know that Elegear stands by the durability and reliability of its product, ensuring you're well-prepared for any outdoor adventures you have planned.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent Sun Protection: UPF 50+ rating provides outstanding sun protection.
- Built-in Cooling Effect: Reduces temperatures by up to 9°F inside the tent.
- Waterproof: Made of waterproof PU2000 polyester fabric and PU3000 Oxford fabric bottom, resistant to light rain.
- Spacious Design: Accommodates 4-5 people comfortably.
- Easy Setup: Innovative external snap-on installation for quick assembly.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to store and transport.
- Enhanced Wind Resistance: Includes sandbags, stakes, and ropes for superior stability in windy conditions.
- Ventilation: Features air circulation mesh windows and openable back door for ample airflow.
- Versatile Usage: Ideal for beach outings, picnics, camping, and more.
- Adjustable Canopy: Offers multiple configurations for different needs.
- Privacy Options: Includes a zippered front floor for privacy during personal moments.
- Thoughtful Design Details: Built-in mesh roll-up windows, interior storage pockets, and internal hanging hooks.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: Backed by a 3-year quality guarantee and lifetime technical support.
Cons
- Sun Shade Tent's Are Not Allowed on Some Beaches
- Difficult to Set Up When Windy
- Setting up this tent solo is manageable, but it can be challenging without assistance, especially in windy conditions.
- The larger footprint may require more space for setup
- The canopy needs to be secured with ropes and tent stakes, anchored firmly into the sand or grass to maintain stability, especially in windy conditions.
- Can withstand light to moderate wind conditions but is not suitable for severe winds.
Final Thoughts On The Elegear Beach Cabana Tent Sun Shade Shelter
The Elegear Beach Cabana Tent Sun Shade Shelter has won me over big time! It's my go-to for sunny summer days at the beach or lakeside picnics. This tent is a game-changer for outdoor fun without sunburn, thanks to its UPF 50+ rating and excellent UV protection. It feels like having your own personal beach cabana—spacious, airy, and not confining at all. I love the extended canopy for shade, the roll-up windows for airflow, and the various setup options to block the sun or maximize the breeze.
Setting it up solo in windy conditions can be a bit of a juggle, but once it's up, it's great. I managed to set it up solo quickly but I see with two people it would be a whole lot easier. The spacious design is about perfect for chilling with friends or family, and the sky blue color of the tent is super cute. From handy pockets for sunglasses to nifty hooks for hanging stuff, every detail feels made for laid-back lounging. It comfortably fits two people, with room for more to chill.
Overall, if you're looking to enjoy the sun without the burn, this tent is fantastic. Whether you're relaxing at the shore, picnicking, or soaking up the scenery, the Elegear Beach Cabana Tent Sun Shade Shelter has you covered. I especially see where this tent would be great for families with kids but really it is fantastic for anyone who wants to enjoy the beach or lake in the sun without getting a sunburn.
Looking for the perfect companion for your sun tent on a fun beach day? While testing the tent, I also tried out the Elegear Collapsible Wagon, which you can see in some of the photos. Click here to read the Elegear Collapsible Wagon gear review!
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