What do you take to the beach? This is how you put together a complete beach set

 

A day at the beach seems simple. Until you open your beach bag and everything is in disarray. You're looking for your sunscreen. Your keys are somewhere at the bottom, and your beach towel just got wet from your water bottle. Suddenly, you're spending more time searching than relaxing. The difference is often not in what you bring, but how you bring it.

This article won't give you a long checklist, but a practical foundation for a beach set that works well. So you don't have to think once you're there.

What do you bring to the beach? Or rather: what do you really need at the beach?

 

What to bring to the beach for a day trip or vacation?

What you bring depends on how you plan your day. Are you just going to lie down, take a quick swim, or stay all day? However, it almost always comes down to the same basics:

• Something to lie on
• Something to carry your belongings in
• Something to drink
• Sun protection
• Small essentials you need quickly (like keys, phone, and sunglasses, things you don't want to constantly search for)

The rest is personal. But if these basics are right, you're good to go.

 

Beach towel or hamam towel: what do you lie on?

A beach day starts with one simple question: what do you lie on? A beach towel or hamam towel is the basic. Not just for lying on, but also for drying yourself after swimming.

A beach towel of 100 x 200 cm gives you enough room to comfortably stretch out, without it quickly feeling too small. A hamam towel is lighter and dries faster. Even at a size of 100 x 200 cm, it remains more compact than a thick beach towel. Handy if you want to carry less or if your bag is already full.

The choice therefore depends on your day. If you stay in one place for a long time, a thicker beach towel works better. If you're on the go a lot, a lighter towel is more practical.

Are you in doubt between the two? Read in our Journal: The difference between a beach towel and a hamam towel.

In the collection of beach towels and hamam towels you can see the different sizes and materials side by side.

 

The right beach bag: everything with you, without searching

The biggest frustration is often that you bring too much and small items disappear to the bottom of your beach bag. You don't solve that with more compartments, but by how you use your beach bag.

A beach bag primarily helps with space and overview. Especially if you opt for a larger beach bag:

• Large enough for a 100 x 200 cm beach towel and other items without cramming
• Closable so sand doesn't get everywhere
• Sturdy enough so it doesn't collapse

What works in practice:

• Place small items like sunscreen or keys on top or separately
• Use a separate compartment or clutch for things you need quickly
• First put large items at the bottom and keep small items accessible

At the beach, sand can easily get on your belongings, especially if things are loose in your beach bag. You notice this with sunscreen, for example: sand quickly sticks to the bottle or tube. A fully closing beach bag helps prevent that sand from spreading throughout your entire beach bag and ensures that the rest of your belongings stay cleaner.

Not every bag works the same way. In our Journal, you can read what to look for when choosing a beach bag, such as size, zipper, and carrying comfort for your day.

In the collection of bags you can see which bag suits your day. Or view all our beach bags with zippers and extra capacity.

 

Bringing a water bottle to the beach

At the beach, you often find you haven't brought enough to drink. A water bottle isn't a luxury, but simply practical. Choose one that seals well, has a size you'll actually bring, and keeps your drink cool when the sun is on it.

In the collection of stainless steel water bottles you can see which bottles are handy to bring along.

 

Small essentials: what do you really need?

These are the things you only miss when you need them: your sunglasses, phone, keys, or wallet. That's why it's handy to keep small items together, for example in a separate pouch or clutch. You can grab it easily, without having to search.

 

Beach extras that truly add something

Depending on your day, you might sometimes bring something extra, like a book, something to eat, or an extra shirt. If you're going with others, beach games are often an easy addition. You can easily bring them along and use them whenever you feel like it.

In the collection of beach games you can see which games are easy to bring to the beach.

 

Don't forget your flip-flops

Flip-flops seem like a detail, until you walk over hot sand or don't want to walk barefoot. Choose a pair that you can wear all day. Then it's easier to walk over hot sand and quickly get in and out of the water, without having to change or bring extra shoes.

Are you unsure which ones suit your needs? In our Journal, you can read which flip-flops or thongs to bring to the beach, pool, or sauna.

In the collection of flip-flops you can see which models suit your use.

 

Putting together a beach set that works

A good beach set isn't about how much you bring, but how it all works together. What you want to avoid is everything being scattered, getting wet, or constantly searching. What does work is one beach bag that fits everything, with a simple layout and a consistent base you use every time. Then you don't have to think. You grab your beach bag and go.

Do you want to see everything in one overview? Check out SummerGear's complete summer collection with beach bags, flip-flops, beach towels, and more.

 

Frequently asked questions about what to bring to the beach

 

How do you prevent sand in your beach bag?

A closable beach bag helps to keep sand out of your belongings. Additionally, a sturdy bottom ensures your bag doesn't collapse and your items remain better protected during use.

What do you really need at the beach?

A beach towel or hamam towel, flip-flops, a beach bag, and a water bottle form the basic. In addition, a few things are practically indispensable, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and possibly a cap or hat. You use these all day. The rest depends on how long you stay and what you plan to do.

Is a 100 x 200 cm beach towel big enough?

Yes. This size offers enough space to lie down comfortably, without it quickly feeling too small.

What is more convenient, a beach towel or a hamam towel?

A beach towel is thicker and absorbs more moisture. A hamam towel is lighter and dries faster.