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The 5 best beach mats 2024?

by Laura

beach mat
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In summer, many people want to relax and sunbathe. But lying on hot sand or hard ground for long periods can quickly become uncomfortable. A beach mat can help.

It gets even better:

Beach mats are specially designed for outdoor use and are characterized by their water resistance, quick drying and high durability. Many models are also equipped with extras such as backrests or soft padding.

Avoid buying mistakes:

BeyondSurfing presents the best beach mats and beach blankets 2024 and explains what is important when choosing the right mat. So your next trip to the beach is guaranteed to be a success!

The best beach mat 2024?

In a hurry? Our favorite beach mat:

Special Offer
Relaxdays beach blanket XXL*
What characterizes the offer?

  • Waterproof and heat-insulating underside
  • Very soft and comfortable fleece upper side
  • Compact, foldable and lightweight

Beach mat checklist

  • What size? When choosing the size of the beach mat, always make sure that it is easy to transport.
  • Suitable for what? Beach mats can significantly increase comfort when lying on the beach. They are also used for camping, picnics and other outdoor activities.
  • Which model? The range of beach mats extends from thin beach sheets and padded models to mats that are more reminiscent of beach loungers.

Also interesting: The most popular beach umbrellas 2024.

These are the top 5 beach mats 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

1. relaxdays beach mat XXL

Special Offer

Advantages

  • Waterproof and heat-insulating underside
  • Very soft and comfortable fleece upper side
  • Compact, foldable and lightweight

Disadvantages

  • Fleece promotes sweating
  • Not machine washable

Summary

The beach and picnic blanket consists of 3 layers:

  1. The surface is made of a soft PAN fiber fabric, which ensures a high level of comfort.
  2. Thick padding in the middle provides additional comfort.
  3. The underside of the beach mat is coated with heat-insulating and waterproof aluminum.

Thanks to the insulation on the underside, the beach blanket can also be used in colder temperatures. At the same time, it is breathable and heat-resistant. The blanket can be easily folded into a bag. Thanks to the carrying handle and its weight, it is very easy to transport. When spread out, the mat offers enough space for 4 to 6 people.

Product details

Dimensions: 200 x 200 cm | Material: Fleece | Weight: 980 g | Size when folded: 15 x 40 x 25 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 93% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The large beach blanket is ideal for families. It is cozy, comfortable and of high quality workmanship. It also doesn’t weigh much and is easy to fold.

Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 3% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

On stony ground or pebbly beaches, you can still feel the stones despite the padding. The fleece material makes you sweat quickly and fluffs up when wet. The blanket is not machine washable. Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Is the beach blanket machine washable?
No, the blanket is not suitable for washing machines. All you need to do is wipe the cover with a cloth.
Can the blanket on the beach also replace the towel?
No, the blanket does not have the absorbency of a towel. It is therefore not suitable for drying.

2. Tectake padded beach mat with backrest

Advantages

  • With adjustable backrest
  • Storage compartment for valuables
  • Foldable and with carrying strap

Disadvantages

  • Very thin, therefore little padding
  • Not very long

Summary

The Onvaya beach mat with backrest is a great and lightweight alternative to a beach lounger. The backrest is made of lightweight tubular steel and is easy to adjust. This makes it easy to adopt different reclining positions. The upholstered polyester cover is available in various colors.

There is a small storage compartment with a zipper on the back of the backrest for storing valuables and other items. After use, the beach mat can be quickly folded up and secured with Velcro fasteners. The practical carrying strap makes the lightweight beach mat easy to transport.

Product details

Dimensions: 161 x 55 x 45 cm | Material: polyester and EPE foam Weight: 1.5 kg | Size when folded: N/A

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 72% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The practical beach mat is of high quality and therefore very durable. Transportation and assembly are very easy. The beach mat is comfortable and dries quickly if it gets wet on the beach.

Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 20% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

The padding of the beach mat is very thin, so some customers find it uncomfortable and hard. The carrying handles are not well stitched and can tear easily. The beach mat may be too short for tall people. Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Is the position of the backrest adjustable?
Yes, the backrest can be individually adjusted to find the best reclining position.
Is the beach mat easy to transport?
Yes, the beach mat can be folded up and is equipped with carrying handles. It can still be a little bulky when folded, but it is very lightweight.

3. rayolon beach mat XXL

Advantages

  • Sand-free, water-repellent and tear-resistant material
  • 4 fastening corners with sand pockets and pegs
  • Extremely light and folds up small

Disadvantages

  • Very thin fabric without padding
  • No thermal insulation

Summary

The ultra-light, sand-free beach blanket from Rayolon offers space for 4 to 6 people. The material is made of tear-resistant and water-repellent polyester. Even when the ground is damp, no water penetrates the beach blanket and you stay dry.

The blanket is also sand and dirt repellent. There are sand pockets at the 4 corners for weighting and loops for fastening with pegs. The latter are included in the delivery. Particularly practical: the loops can also be used to hang the blanket between trees to provide shade.

The extremely low weight of the beach blanket combined with its compactness makes it easy to transport. A bag is included in the scope of delivery, as is a carabiner. This allows the carrier bag to be attached to a rucksack, for example.

Product details

Dimensions: 200 x 210 cm | Material: Polyester | Weight: 320 g Size when folded: 21.6 x 14.5 x 5.3 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 90% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The beach blanket weighs almost nothing and doesn’t take up much space in your luggage. So it can easily be taken anywhere. It is easy to store in the bag after use. The blanket is waterproof and dries quickly. It can be attached to the floor and offers space for a whole family.

Around 10% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

The fabric used to make the beach blanket is very thin and offers no padding. The blanket does not have a heat-insulating effect either, so it is recommended to place a towel underneath if the floor is cold. Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Does the sand trickle through the beach mat?
No, the sand does not trickle through. Sand-free means that the sand does not stick to the ceiling and can therefore be easily shaken out or wiped off.
Does the beach blanket keep you warm?
The blanket is not thermally insulating, so it cannot keep out the cold when the floor is cold. However, it is waterproof and therefore protects against sitting on wet floors. This has a positive effect on the sensation of warmth.

4. beach lounger with backrest and cushion

Advantages

  • Adjustable backrest
  • Foldable
  • With zippered pocket
  • Various colors available

Disadvantages

  • Very thin material without padding
  • Metal bar can press in the back area
  • Relatively bulky when folded

Summary

The beach mat with backrest is available in 4 bright summer colors, which makes it particularly visible on the beach. It is easy to assemble and can be individually adjusted thanks to the adjustable backrest.

The beach mat is easy to fold for transportation. It can therefore be carried comfortably on the strap over the shoulder. The mat is also equipped with a zippered pocket for valuables and small items.

Particularly striking: the material is easy to clean and shows no signs of wear even after prolonged use.

Product details

Dimensions: 143 x 48 cm | Material: Polyester | Weight: N/A | Size when folded: 52 x 48 x 3 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 90% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The beach mat looks good and is comfortable. The backrest is stable and cannot wear out thanks to the strap used to fasten it. The material is easy to clean and the mat is easy to transport. Even after prolonged use, there are no signs of wear.

Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 3% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The material is very thin and therefore not very comfortable on hard floors. Depending on your sitting position, you may feel the metal bar in your back and need to pad it with a towel or cushion. The beach mat is too bulky for transportation by bike. Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the metal frame of the beach mat be removed to make it easier to transport?
No, unfortunately that is not possible. However, the beach mat can be folded up small for transportation.
Are there any weight restrictions for the backrest?
No restriction is specified by the manufacturer and so far there have been no customer complaints in this connection. It can therefore be assumed that it can also withstand heavier people.

5. foldable beach blanket

Advantages

  • Foam padding
  • Water repellent
  • Machine washable

Disadvantages

  • Very thin material
  • Fastening loops can tear off

Summary

The beach blanket has a large sunbathing area that can accommodate up to 5 people. It is extremely hard-wearing, tear-resistant and sand-free and made of soft, high-quality polyester.

The material is highly impermeable, so no sand or dirt can penetrate upwards from the floor through the ceiling. The lightweight fabric is breathable, water-repellent and dries quickly.

The cover is equipped with 4 loops at the corners and can be easily attached with the pegs supplied. A carrying bag is also included in the scope of delivery. The blanket can be folded up very small and compact for transportation and is machine washable.

Product details

Dimensions: 200 x 200 cm | Material: Polyester | Weight: 1.1 kg | Size when folded: 44 x 18 x 15 cm

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 69% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Thanks to the pegs, the cover stays in place even in strong winds. It dries quickly and allows liquids to run off easily. Sand can also simply be shaken off. Even in the sun, the blanket feels pleasantly cool. The transport bag is sewn directly onto the beach blanket and therefore cannot get lost.

Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 31% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

The material is very thin and the product is more like a scarf than a normal blanket. As it is so light, it must be secured with pegs or otherwise weighted down to prevent it from flying away. The fastening loops can easily tear off. Some customers found the blanket to be not very waterproof and prone to stains. Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

How robust is the beach mat?
The beach mat is very robust and does not tear even when it comes into contact with sharp stones or the like.
Does the material heat up in the sun?
No, nylon does not get hot in the sun.

Bestseller: The most popular beach mats

What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

(**Last update 2024-11-21)

Buying a beach mat: how to make the right decision

beach mat
You will find numerous variations of beach mats on the market, ranging from thin beach sheets to elaborate models that are more reminiscent of a sun lounger.

Buying the wrong product is a thing of the past:

BeyondSurfing has put together a detailed buying guide to help you decide which model is right for you.

What to consider when buying a beach mat?

To find the best beach mat, pay attention to the following features when buying:

  • Material
  • Size
  • Comfort
  • Load capacity
  • Additional features
  • Price

The material of beach mats

Each material has different advantages and disadvantages on the beach. The most commonly used materials include

  • Nylon
  • Fleece
  • Foam
  • Polyester
  • Aluminum
  • Straw
Lightweight nylon beach mats
  • Low weight
  • Compact
  • Easy to clean (mostly machine washable)
  • Sand-free
  • Moisture repellent
  • Effective protection against hot sand
  • Tear-resistant and robust (especially with parachute fabric nylon)
  • Inexpensive
  • Very thin
  • Limited comfort

Nylon is perfect for use on soft sandy beaches. On pebbly beaches, however, it is better to use thicker materials with more comfort.

Water-absorbent fleece for more comfort
  • Highly absorbent
  • Fluid is drained away from the body
  • Not waterproof on its own

Fleece should always be combined with a second, waterproof layer. This forms the underside and prevents moisture from the floor from penetrating the mat.

Foam as filling
  • Light
  • Soft
  • High lying comfort
  • High space requirement
  • Cumbersome transportation

Foam is often used as an additional layer in beach mats, but can also form the entire mat. Such mats are the best choice, especially on stony beaches.

Straw, polyester and aluminum
  • Straw: Easy to transport, inexpensive
  • Polyester: thicker and more comfortable than nylon
  • Aluminum: heat-insulating effect
  • Straw: Not water-repellent or absorbent, difficult to clean
  • Polyester: hard, difficult to keep clean

Beach mats made of straw, polyester or aluminum can provide good service, but do not have the numerous advantages of other materials.

Pro tip: Caution for sensitive skin Regardless of the material chosen, care should be taken to ensure that it does not trigger allergies or irritate the skin.

The right size for beach mats

Most beach mats are designed for one person and are about the size of an ordinary beach lounger. However, there are also numerous models that can accommodate 2 or more people. Which size is right for you therefore depends primarily on how many people will be using the beach mat at the same time.

Beach mats for several people? Beach mats for families should be at least 200 x 200 cm in size. This is enough to provide seating for 2 to 3 people, or 2 adults and children.

Comfort of beach mats and beach blankets

beach_mat_blanket_comfort

How comfortable a beach mat is depends primarily on its thickness and absorption capacity.

Thick vs. thin beach mats?

Beach mats made of nylon or straw are usually very thin. In contrast, polyester or foam mats offer more cushioning and are softer and more comfortable. The disadvantage is that the extra thickness makes them more difficult to transport.

But it gets even better: how absorbent or, on the contrary, water-repellent your beach mat is also has an effect on comfort. After all, it is hardly comfortable to lie on a wet surface for a long time.

For optimum comfort of the beach mat:

  • Underside: The underside of a beach mat should always be water-repellent so that no moisture can penetrate from below.
  • Top side: Absorbent materials are better for the surface. They absorb moisture from your body and draw it away from you so that you feel dry again quickly and don’t stick to the mat

Which beach mat for which beach?

  • Thick beach mats: Padded beach mats are particularly recommended if they are used on hard surfaces. These include pebble beaches, for example.
  • Thin beach mats: Thinner and therefore lighter blankets are very practical if you have to walk a long way to the beach and don’t want to drag yourself along with a heavy beach blanket. Less padding is also required on soft sandy beaches.

How portable is the beach mat?

The most comfortable beach mat is useless if you can’t easily transport it to the beach.

Why is this important?

Ease of transportation becomes all the more important when you consider how many items you need to take with you for a perfect day at the beach. This means that the beach mat should not be too heavy or bulky so that it adds as little extra weight as possible.

This makes transportation child’s play: beach mats made of thin materials can usually be folded up very small.

This means they hardly take up any space in your bag. Foldable beach mats are often equipped with carrying straps, which are also a great help during transportation.

Pro tip: Always check the dimensions of the beach mat when folded or packed. This is specified by most manufacturers together with the weight.

Does the beach mat offer additional features?

beach_mat_blanket_features

Many beach mats are much more than just simple blankets that are placed on the floor. They can be equipped with numerous additional functions that increase convenience and simplify use. Practical features that provide additional comfort:

  • Backrests
  • Headrests or bolsters
  • Sun protection
  • Pockets for valuables
  • Sand bags or loops to protect them from flying away

How much does the beach mat cost?

The price of beach mats is usually between approx. 10 $ and 30 $. But watch out: There are also significantly more expensive models that either have special features or come from renowned brands.

Does a high price for beach mats stand for good quality?

Unfortunately, there are no beach mat tests from Consumer Reports or Öko-Test yet. Other criteria must therefore be used. Verified customer reviews are a good guide. You can also choose brands that have already made a name for themselves through good quality. Well-known brands and manufacturers of beach mats are:


Beco, CGear, Meerweh, WolfWise, Deuba, Brunner, Terra Nation, Tectake


Cleaning beach mats and beach blankets

Most beach mats are not difficult to clean. Manufacturers strive to make their products as easy to clean as possible:

  1. Some blankets can be washed in the washing machine. These include models made of nylon or sometimes polyester. However, always observe the manufacturer’s instructions!
  2. Beach mats that consist of several layers cannot generally be machine washed. Why? The bonding of the layers could otherwise come loose. These and other models that are not machine washable are best wiped with a damp cloth or sponge.
  3. After cleaning, the beach mats should always be left to air dry.

How does the cleaning of sand-free beach mats work? Some beach mats are made of sand-free materials, which means that the sand does not stick to the surface and can simply be shaken off. These beach mats are even easier to clean as they can simply be shaken out after use. Only stubborn stains should be washed off with a cloth or damp cloth.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about beach mats

How good are beach mats?

How good a beach mat is depends on its material, size and comfort. Which model is best must always be evaluated taking individual needs into account. You can get an initial overview here.

Where can you buy beach blankets?

Beach blankets are available in all sports and outdoor stores, such as Empty. Discounters such as Aldi and Lidl or Tchibo also offer beach mats from time to time. Online retailers such as Amazon undoubtedly offer the largest selection of beach blankets.

What do you need beach mats for?

With beach mats, you can relax on the beach without sand getting everywhere or lying directly on hard pebbles. Some models have additional headrests or backrests. Beach mats therefore significantly increase comfort on the beach.

Which beach mat is suitable for a pebble beach?

The thickness of the beach mat is particularly important on the pebble beach. Models with several layers or thick foam padding are good.

Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

Laura

Beach and snorkeling expert
Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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