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Unique buys PORTABLE CHAIR

This lightweight, go-anywhere lounger provides padded comfort with its adjustable reclining backrest and durable polyester mat. The Beachcomber comes with a sturdy steel frame, adjustable carrying strap and a zippered compartment for stashing snacks and magazines. Available in a variety of fun prints so you’ll be sitting pretty while scoping out the surfers—er, that is, surf. www.target.com (800) 591-3869 $43.99

BEACHY KEEN Written by

ALLISON MONTROY

SIX-PACK COOLER TOTE

SURF’S UP! HIT THE BEACH WITH THE LATEST GEAR AND GADGETS FOR AN ENDLESS SUMMER IN THE SUN.

Ditch the bulky cooler at home and bring your drinks to the beach in this insulated tote. Great for water bottles, soda cans or your favorite brew. Moorpark-based company Picnic Time’s heavy-duty, form-fitting neoprene makes it the ultimate accoutrement for all-day refreshments by the sea. www.picnictime.com (888) 742- 6429 $27.95

TROPICAL SOLAR CHARGER BACKPACK

Make the beach your office with BirkSun’s solar charger backpack with built-in USB. The pack’s 3-watt, 100 percent waterproof solar panel keeps electronics charged, while its fleece laptop pocket and front zippered compartment keeps them organized so you can take a surf break in between conference calls. www.birksun.com (424) 237-8850 $124.99

REEF-SAFE SUNBLOCK

When the folks at Raw Elements took a look at how much plastic they were using with each purchase of their 30+ SPF lotion, they decided to offer their already-awesome, water-resistant zinc eco-formula in a reusable, recyclable tin. No more struggling to squeeze the last drops out of the tube. It’s tin-sational! www.rawelementsusa.com $18.99

SHARKBANZ

“Jaws” might have told a different story had these shark-repellent bands been around in the ’70s.

Designed for ocean-dwellers by ocean-lovers, Sharkbanz sends magnetic waves through the water that disrupts a shark’s electro-receptors, making the swimmer seem like anything but a tasty snack. The company also donates three percent of profits to ocean conservation groups— because sharks are friends, and humans aren’t food. www.sharkbanz.com $65

UNDERWATER CAMERA MASK

An afternoon swim transforms into a National Geographic-worthy underwater expedition with the Hydra Series Model 305 HD 720P. The camera boasts a wideangle lens for 120 degrees of subaquatic sightseeing and up to 2 hours of hands-free footage. It’s also rated for up to 130 feet, in case your expedition involves a scuba tank. www.clevertraining.com (707) 284-1585 $119.99

TRIANGULAR TOWEL

Vertty’s triangular, water-wicking towels are a clever angle on the once-rectangular beach essential.

Dyed using seaweed ink, this ecofriendly Portuguese towel has an integrated waterproof pocket and is larger and lighter than the average beach towel, so you’ll never be a square on the sand again. www.tryvertty.com +351 214 047 677 $59

S’WELL BOTTLE

Your drinks will stay cold for a promised 24 hours (or hot for 12 hours if it’s a chilly day by the shore) in this sleek bottle thanks to its double-walled stainless steel. S’well is non-toxic and BPA free and the satin collection’s semimatte finished bottles never condensate.

The company also teamed up with U.S. Funds for UNICEF, so a portion of proceeds go to providing clean drinking water to children around the world. Yeah, we’ll drink to that. www.swellbottle.com (844) 60-SWELL $35

PARASHEET BEACH BLANKET

Grand Trunk’s ultimate beach and travel accessory is perfect for the sand thanks to its quick-drying, mildewresistant parachute nylon material.

With integrated weight pockets on the corners and loops to stake into harder ground, this 7-by-7foot parasheet won’t be blowing away anytime soon. Plus, it packs away easily into an attached stuff sack and is machine washable. www.grandtrunk.com (847) 440-3985 $39.99

GIVE SIMPLE WINE SIPPY CUP

Finally, all the class of a wine glass with the spillproof protection of a double-walled, BPA-free Tritan plastic tumbler­—so you can sip vino on the sand without wasting a sweet drop. Comes in black, pink and merlot. www.givesimple.com (800) 790-8969 $9.75

INSULATED FOOD FLASK

The perfect container for a temperature-controlled treat, Hydro Flask’s TempShield Protected, BPA-free stainless steel flask keeps even ice cream cold for those scorching summer afternoons on the sand. As a bonus, the company supports charities through its 5 percent back program. www.hydroflask.com (888) 584-9376 18 oz. $34.95 12 oz. $29.95

SUN SHADE

Time to break up with your unreliable beach umbrellas—they’re flighty, ugly, throw shade in all the wrong places and create a ton of extra baggage.

Sombrilla, on the other hand, comes in an array of colorful, 100 percent cotton designs, is easy to carry and provides the perfect canopy of shade no matter the angle of the sun. hollieandharrie.com.au +61 402 118 788 $198

SPIKER LIFESTYLE HOLDERS

Not just great for keeping drinks free from spillage, these spikers keep your electronics, keys and sunglasses close at hand and out of the sand. Plus, the beach spikers come in a variety of bright colors and are made to be easy to pack and easy to clean. kookamungas.com (800) 790-5409 6 colors for $29.95