Gone are the days of chasing your beach tent down the shore after an hour-long attempt at installation. We thank the sunshine gods that beach tents have vastly improved in functionality over the years. With all of the makes and models available, how can you be sure your pick is the best? We’ve done the testing for you.
Sun Ninja | Shibumi |
| Pros: Easy setup Fabric stays tight and withstands wind Poles are a great height Compact, lightweight storage | Pros: Easy setup Compact, lightweight storage |
| Cons: | Cons: Flimsy structure Noisy in the wind |
| Overall: A brilliantly engineered sun shade that gives you a cool place to relax, UPF 50+ protected skin, and hours of uninterrupted fun. | Overall: Designed and sewn in America, Shibumi Shade is lightweight, easy to set up, and provides shade for everyone. |
Key Callouts
There are three questions to ask yourself when considering a beach tent: Is it convenient? Is it user-friendly? And, is it functional?
In terms of convenience and user-friendliness, both Sun Ninja and Shibumi are top notch. Both sun shades are made of lightweight fabric that folds down into compact bags that any member of the family can carry. Despite different techniques of installation, each tent is simple to setup (if you read the directions). The differences between the tents really lie in the overall functionality.
Sun Ninja outshines Shibumi in more ways than one when it comes to being a working beach tent. Sun Ninja is super sturdy and withstands a heavy ocean breeze, while Shibumi’s idea of a “free flowing design” essentially translates to “your tent will flow away in the wind.” The difference stems from the materials of which each tent is made. Sun Ninja is crafted from a strong lycra material that stays taught and supported by 4 tall stability poles. Shibumi only utilizes one pole, and the curved design minimizes the amount of usable space underneath. Plus, the fabric remains loose and leads to an irritating flapping sound after seemingly every gust.
The Best Beach Tent is Sun Ninja
In conclusion, Sun Ninja remains our top choice. It’s simply a brilliantly engineered sun shade that gives you a cool place to relax, UPF 50+ protection, and hours of uninterrupted fun. The stability poles and anchors allow for installation on your choice of sandy beaches, grassy parks, or even on rocky camping grounds, and the compact travel bag keeps all the bells and whistles organized until you reach your destination. They’re available in 4-person, 6-person, or 8-person variations making them perfect for families and friend groups of all sizes. If you’re looking for the best beach tent, this is it.
