5 Best Camping Windbreaks
Planning to relax at the beach? Then you need a Best Camping Windbreak to keep you shielded from the elements. A beach windscreen will not only block out the wind and prevent you’ll get sandblasted but will also act as a privacy screen – creating your own little space away from the crowds.
In a hurry? Here’s the test winner after 10 hours of research:
And here’s an overview of the best camping windbreaks on the market today:
Camping windbreaks come in different styles. There’s the classic beach windbreak: a foldable screen that’s easy to set up and take down, and very effective in creating quick, instant shelter. An alternative to the classic windscreen is a beach tent/pop-up shelter. This style is similar to a regular tent but only features 3 walls. Also known as a sun shelter, a beach tent is a great choice to block out the wind, and also provide some much-needed sunshade and UV-protection.
In this buying guide, we’ve rounded up 5 different windbreaker styles that each have their appeal. From budget-friendly basics to innovative umbrella-style beach tents: there’s a match for every camper. All these products score highly in Amazon customer reviews and get a thumbs up from other camping enthusiasts.
Our favorite Best Camping Windbreaks are:
- Beach Fence Windbreak & Privacy Screen
- Sport Design Beach & Camping Windbreak
- Mobihome Beach Tent Sun Shelter Pop Up Tent
- Pacific Breeze Deluxe XL Beach Tent
- Sport-Brella Beach Tent & Sunshade Umbrella
Discover more about our favorite camping windbreak products below:
Best Camping Windbreak – Overview
Beach Fence Windbreak & Privacy Screen
The Beach Fence Windbreaker is easy to set up. The design features 5 windscreen panels, attached to 6 wooden poles/dowels. These 6 solid wooden poles are stitched into special pockets, which prevents the fabric from bunching. The wooden poles measure 41 inches in length and ¾ inch in diameter. These poles come with pointed bottoms, which make it a lot easier to sink them into the sand. Once you’ve decided on the shape/layout of the windscreen, use the included mallet hammer down the dowels – creating a sturdy, secure shelter from the wind.
We also like that this privacy screen/windbreaker by Beach Fence comes with a handy pocket – which allows you to keep your smaller personal belongings, such as your phone, sand-free and close at hand. Another perk is that’s the Beach Fence Windbreaker includes a water-resistant carry bag, making it easier to transport it to/from your campsite or beach spot. The total weight of the package is
Pro
- Easy in setup
- Made of quick-drying polyester
- Affordable
- 5 wooden poles
- 20 feet in length
- Can be configured in multiple shapes
- Includes mallet
- Includes water-resistant carry bag
Con
- Not the most heavy-duty
- Not recommended for stormy conditions
- No UV-protection
Sport Design Beach & Camping Windbreak
The Beach and Camping Windbreaker by Sport Design features one continuous piece of nylon, measuring 16 feet in length and 30 inches in height. This sheet is divided into three sections by 4 wooden poles. The wooden poles are 43 inches long, allowing you to sink them at least 10 inches into the sand or soil, creating a sturdy and windproof shelter. Do note that unlike the previously listed Beach Fence Windbreaker, this windscreen by Sport Design does not include a mallet. Meaning you’ll have to pack one separately to setup this windscreen/privacy screen as intended.
The Beach and Camping Windbreaker by Sport Design weighs just 2 lbs, making it lightweight enough to easily carry to and from your spot on the beach, park, or campsite. Do note that the slightly smaller size of this windbreaker means it may be a bit of a squeeze to fit a whole family; but for two adults, it should be more than large enough. Also, the number of poles (4) makes it slightly more limited in the number of shapes it can be set up in. additionally, the product listing mentions a free umbrella carry bag, but some reviewers on Amazon mention they did not receive this bonus item. That said, for its affordability and lightweight appeal, we reckon it’s still a great deal.
Pro
- Easy in setup
- Made of sturdy nylon
- Budget-friendly
- 16 feet in length
- 4 wooden poles
Con
- Does not include mallet
- Too flimsy for use in stronger winds
- Slightly small for families
- No UV-protection
Mobihome Beach Tent Sun Shelter Pop Up Tent
The Mobihome Beach Tent Sun Shelter Pop Up Tent has a footprint of 79″ x 44″, with a 43″ center height. This size of beach tent can comfortably accommodate 2 adults. The silhouette of the tent features 3 walls and an open front, plus 3-side windows. The style will shield you from strong sunlight, sand, and gusts of winds, yet also offers the option of 360° ventilation in warm weather conditions. This affordable beach tent also comes with an extended floor, allowing for a bit more wiggle room without having to put your feet in the sand.
The Mobihome Sun Shade Beach Tent may be budget-friendly, but fortunately, that does not mean it compromises on quality. This tent is made of surprisingly durable materials. The fabric of the tent is a 190T durable polyester with a 450mm PU waterproof coating. The shelter features double-stitching, taped seams, a waterproof PE floor, and even sandbag pockets to secure it in place on extra windy days. Additionally, the tent’s fabric also offers UPF50 UV-protection, shielding you from hazardous UV-rays that are even present on cloudy days.
Super easy in setup
The Mobihome Sun Shade Beach Tent is super simple to set up when beach camping. The silhouette features a special hub system design and fiberglass frame, allowing you to erect it in one swift go. Just roll it out, lock the poles, pull the drawstring and erect the tent: in just a few simple steps your beach camping tent is ready to go. Do note that to use it as a windbreak, you’ll have to secure it in place using the 4 included pegs. We would recommend packing some additional steel pegs and potentially guy lines, as we think the current setup may be a bit too flimsy in heavier winds. That said, for moderately windy conditions, the included plastic pegs should be sufficient.
Other perks of this sunshade/windbreaker are two storage pockets in the back of the beach tent, which help you keep smaller belongings off the floor and organized. The Mobihome Sun Shade Beach Tent also includes a waterproof carry bag. Do note that at 5.6 pounds, this instant tent is quite a bit heavier than a basic windscreen (such as the previously listed Sport Design Beach & Camping Windbreak) – so you will need some extra muscle power to carry it to your camping spot...
If you’re looking for a solution that keeps you shielded from the wind, but also the sun and rain: this affordable 3-sided beach and camping shelter could be your perfect fit! Granted, it’s not the most heavy-duty windbreaker on the market, for its budget-friendly pricing, we reckon you simply can’t go wrong with this Amazon best-seller.
Pro
- Can be set up in minutes
- 3-side windows
- Taped seams
- One-hub fiberglass frame
- 190T waterproof polyester fabric
- Waterproof PE floor
- Affordable
- 2 storage pockets
- Includes waterproof carry bag
- UV-protection
- Sandbag pockets
Con
- A bit heavy (5.6 lbs)
- Not the most heavy-duty
- Only fits 2 adults
Pacific Breeze Deluxe XL Beach Tent
Though the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Deluxe XL is generous in size, the beach tent packs down to a compact 38″ x 6″ x 6″ bundle and is surprisingly lightweight at just over 6 pounds. Granted, it’s not the most lightweight of beach tents. However, for its roomy dimensions, we think 6 pounds of carrying weight should be manageable for most campers.
The roomy Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Deluxe XL features 3 mesh windows for proper ventilation, preventing wind gusts from destabilizing the tent. Additionally, this spacious beach tent has multiple storage pockets to keep your sunscreen, or other smaller belongings, off the ground and within reach.
Waterproof fabric and floor
This family camping beach tent is not just windproof, but also waterproof. The design is made of high-quality waterproof polyester with excellent water-resistance and comes with a PE waterproof floor. Furthermore, the fabric offers UPF50 UV-protection, keeping you safe from harmful UV-lighting – which is essential on any outdoor adventure.
According to Amazon reviews, the fiberglass frame of the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Deluxe XL is easy to set up in minutes. This premium beach tent also includes a carry case, 5 sand pockets for added stability on windy days, and 4 tent stakes.
Durable and lightweight, generous in space, and affordable in pricing: this deluxe beach tent by Pacific Breeze is a great choice to upgrade your camping comfort to the next level on any upcoming beach trips!
Pro
- Spacious and roomy
- Can fit up to 4 adults
- 3 mesh windows for cross-ventilation
- Multiple internal storage pockets
- Compact packing dimensions
- Lightweight fiberglass frame
- Waterproof polyester fabric
- Waterproof PE floor
- UPF50 UV-protection
- 5 sand pockets for extra stability
- 4 tent stakes included
- Carry bag included
Con
- Not the lightest (6 lbs)
- Slightly pricier
Sport-Brella Beach Tent & Sunshade Umbrella
The Sport-Brella comes with many high-end perks. For example, the shelter offers superb sun protection thanks to its special UPF 50+ coating, shielding you from harmful UV-rays. The UPF 50+ polyester fabric is also waterproof, making the Sport-Brella also functional as a rain shelter on cloudy days. The Sport-Brella has wind vents and the top and sides and features zippered windows that allow for cross-ventilation. Open these zippered windows to let in a pleasant breeze, or close them to block-out wind gushes and cold drafts.
Tie-down cords and tent stakes included
The Sport-Brella is easy to erect as it has a telescoping pole frame. The design also comes with a steel stretcher and steel ribs to support the umbrella’s canopy. The beach tent also comes with 3 tie-down cords and 8 tent stakes, allowing you to secure it in place.
A minor con is that the Sport-Brella is a bit heavier than other beach tents and camping windbreaks, weighing 8.6 pounds. Fortunately, the tent does come with a carry bag to make it easier to transport to and from your campsite. When fully folded and packed in the includes carry bag, the tent measures 54″ x 4″ x 4″: not the smallest bundle… That said, if you only plan on carrying it over short-distances, for example from the parking lot to your beach camp spot, its size and weight should not be an issue. However, for backpacking, this heavier and bulkier camping windbreak is not recommended.
Pro
- Innovative design
- Spacious 8-feet in size
- Side-flaps
- Can be secured on either side
- Waterproof polyester fabric
- UPF 50+ UV-protection coated fabric
- Wind vents on top and sides
- Zippered windows
- 3 tie-down cords
- 8 tent stakes included
Con
- Heavy (8.6 pounds)
- Quite bulky in packing dimensions
- Not recommended for backpacking
- A bit pricey
Verdict
Each product in this overview can be ‘the best’ camping windbreak, depending on what your buying priorities are. For example, if you want a basic windbreak that’s affordable, lightweight, and easy to carry, consider one of the classic windscreens: the Beach Fence Windbreak or the Sport Design Beach & Camping Windbreak. Though simple in design, both can form an effective shield against dust, sand, and other nuisances on windy days.
An alternative is a beach tent. These 3-walled styles will keep you shielded from wind, plus offer additional sunshade and protection against rain. Both the beach tents on this list, the Mobihome Beach Tent and Pacific Breeze Deluxe XL Beach Tent, have waterproof shells – keeping you dry and comfy even on rainy days. Additionally, both protect against UV-lighting, as the fabric offers UPF50 UV-protection.
An innovative option, which is kind of a hybrid between a windbreak, privacy screen, beach tent, and umbrella is the Sport-Brella Beach Tent. This design offers ample protection against the elements and UV-lighting. Easy to secure, comfy to use: its a fun yet functional interpretation of the classic beach umbrella sunshade.
Rest assured, each windbreak on this overview scores highly in Amazon customer reviews; confirming that they’re worthy of your time, money, and attention. All you need to do is determine which style of windbreak matches your needs best, though we’re confident every option will make you a happy camper!
Winner
Selecting a winner from this overview is a challenge, as there’s a big difference in the styles of windbreak included. That said, we think that if you’re looking for a windbreak with the sole purpose of blocking out gusts, sand, dirt, and more, a classic windscreen such as the Beach Fence Windbreak and Sport Design Beach & Camping Windbreak are your best options. These designs are simple yet functional and allow you to quickly create shelter for you, and your friends and/or family.
If we had to pick a favorite of the two, we’d probably settle on the Beach Fence Windbreak, as we think it offers the best value and most versatile usage. This style is equipped with 5 wooden poles, allowing you to set it up in a variety of shapes. The extra-length provides more coverage, whilst the windbreak also comes with a mallet and carry bag included. Made of quality materials and highly-rated by other consumers, the Beach Fence Windbreak is a great investment for any camping adventures. Whether you erect it on the beach, at a campsite, or in a park: the Beach Fence Windbreak will keep you comfy and shielded, no matter where you want to relax.
Recap
