Holiday luggage fills up fast. Swimmers, a towel, a hat, a book, the sunscreen, and then the question of shade. Most beach shelters are too bulky to take anywhere that is not a short drive from home, so people leave them behind and look for a tree.
A personal beach shade changes that. Here is what to look for in a travel beach shade, and how the Swim Shady solo beach shade packs for a weekend away or a longer trip. It is designed for one person, which is part of why it can be so compact.
The short version: weight and packed length decide whether a shade comes on holiday. The Swim Shady solo beach shade weighs 1.8kg and folds to 58cm, and it comes with a carry bag.
The two numbers that matter
| Measure | Why it matters | Swim Shady solo beach shade |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | You will carry it from the car or accommodation to the sand | 1.8kg |
| Packed length | Decides what bag or boot it fits in | 58cm |
| Setup | No fuss when you arrive | Integrated sand screw, no ropes, pegs or sandbags |
| Carry | Keeps the canopy protected in transit | Carry bag included |
Packing it
- In the car, it fits in the boot alongside everything else.
- For flights, it depends on your luggage and your airline's rules for dimensions and weight, so check those before you go.
- Pack the carry bag with the shade inside so the canopy stays clean and dry, and so nothing snags.
- Keep a Luxury Beach Towel and a reversible beach bag close, as both fold small.
Setting up somewhere new
Unfamiliar beaches have unfamiliar conditions. Take a minute to find firm sand, screw the anchor all the way down and angle the canopy for the sun and the breeze. The built-in sand screw means there is nothing else to unpack or peg out.
The rest of the beach kit
A reversible beach bag, our Swim Bag, is generous in size and folds down compactly, so it travels well. Add a Luxury Beach Towel in a matching colour and you have the three pieces that make up a simple, good-looking beach setup. The new colours are Azure, Pistachio and Limoncello across the range.
Frequently asked questions
How heavy is the Swim Shady solo beach shade?
It weighs 1.8kg.
How small does it pack?
It folds to 58cm and comes with a carry bag.
Does it need pegs or sandbags?
No. It anchors with an integrated sand screw.
Is it for one person?
Yes. The Swim Shady solo beach shade is designed for one person, and each person in a group can bring their own.