You spread out your beach mat, get comfortable and about twenty minutes later realise you are lying in damp sand because the wet has come straight through from underneath. If this has happened to you, the mat was either not waterproof or not waterproof in the way you needed it to be.
Not every waterproof beach mat is equal and the label alone does not tell you very much. Here is what actually matters.
What Does Waterproof Mean in a Waterproof Beach Mat?
The word waterproof gets used on beach mats in a few different ways. It is worth knowing the difference.
Water resistant means the mat shrugs off light surface water like a bit of spray but will not hold up against sitting on wet sand or a rogue wave.
Waterproof base layer means the underside of the mat is made from a material that stops moisture wicking up from the ground below. This is what you want for beach and outdoor use because wet sand transfers moisture upwards quickly if there is no barrier.
Fully waterproof throughout means neither the top nor the bottom lets water through at all. This is less common and not always necessary because the top surface usually benefits from being a softer more absorbent material.
The sweet spot for a waterproof beach mat is a waterproof base layer combined with a quick dry top surface. You stay dry from below, the mat does not get waterlogged and it dries quickly between uses.
Why a Waterproof Beach Mat Makes a Real Difference
No more damp patches
Sand at the beach holds a lot of moisture, especially near the water. Without a waterproof base layer that moisture transfers straight into your mat and into your towel and clothes and skin. A properly waterproof beach mat stops this from happening so you actually stay dry on a day out.
It stays cleaner
A mat with a waterproof underside picks up less sand and grit from the ground because the surface is less porous. It is easier to shake off, easier to wipe down and easier to keep in good condition over time.
It works beyond the beach
A waterproof beach mat is brilliant at outdoor concerts, at the park, at camping grounds and at sporting events. Anywhere you would otherwise be sitting on damp grass or gritty ground, a waterproof beach mat gives you a clean dry surface. Our beach mats are designed with this kind of versatility in mind.
What Else Matters in a Waterproof Beach Mat
Size. It sounds obvious but a lot of beach mats are smaller than they look in photos. For a family or a group you want something with genuine space. Check the actual dimensions before you buy.
How it packs down. A good waterproof beach mat should roll or fold into something compact enough to carry easily. Pair it with one of our travel towels and the whole thing fits neatly in a bag.
Wind resistance. Australian beaches are windy. Look for a mat with corner loops so you can peg it down, or at least one that has enough weight to stay put in a breeze.
Sand shedding on the top surface. The underside stops moisture coming up but the top surface should also shed sand easily. Check out our blog on sand free beach towels if you want to understand how microfibre handles sand.
Our Waterproof Beach Mats
Our waterproof beach mats are built for Australian beaches which means they are tested in the kind of conditions that challenge lesser products. They are compact enough to toss next to your car seat towel in the boot, big enough to fit the family and designed with the kind of striking prints that come from working with award-winning marine photographers.
If you have not tried one yet, your beach days are about to get a lot more comfortable.
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Want to see them in action? Head to the Will and Wind YouTube channel for some proper beach inspiration.