Which windbreak works best?
A cold breeze can easily put a damper on a camping trip. In these situations, a windbreak can provide the shelter you need to be able to enjoy your time outdoors.
As well as protecting your group and your gear from the wind, a windbreak also provides privacy, protects your cooking space and can even offer a safe spot for your pooch to sleep.
The Kittrich WallUp! Privacy Screen is an excellent choice for campers. It’s 6 feet tall and has collapsible poles for ease of carrying.
What to know before you buy a windbreak for camping
What is a windbreak?
A windbreak is a temporary fence that campers put around their tent to shelter them from the wind. They can be used on numerous terrains and they come in various sizes and materials.
Why use a windbreak when camping?
Protection from the wind: A windbreak helps to shield users from the blustery conditions of nature. It can help to prevent sand or dirt from flying into your food and belongings. It can also protect you from a chilly breeze.
Cooking: If you’ve ever used a camping stove, you’ll know how easily it can be blown out. By using a windbreak you can safeguard your stove’s flames and keep your food cooking.
Privacy: Many campers install a windbreak near the entrance to their tent (see the full buying guide to tents on BestReviews). As well as creating a cozy space, it can prevent passersby from looking directly into your sleeping space. They are also useful if you want to sunbathe away from prying eyes.
Pets: A windbreak comes in handy when you’re camping with your pets. You can cordon off an area outside your tent for your cat or dog to sleep. This provides comfort to your furry friend and prevents others from wandering into their territory.
Where can I use a windbreak?
You can use a windbreak anywhere, as long as the ground is soft enough to hammer the poles or stakes into. Grass, loose dirt or sand are the best terrains for installing your windbreak. The deeper into the ground you can push the poles, the sturdier your screen will be.
Windbreak features
What is a windbreak made of?
Most windbreak screens are made of polyester or nylon. They are strong enough to cope with moderate to strong winds, yet light enough to carry with ease. Canvas is another popular material for windbreaks. It’s a durable option, however, it tends to be heavy and it readily absorbs water, so it isn’t ideal for camping windbreaks.
What are a windbreak’s poles made of?
Windbreak poles are often made from wood, fiberglass or plastic. In general, wooden poles will flex less than fiberglass or plastic ones. Therefore, they are seen as a better option for stronger winds. On the other hand, many fiberglass or plastic poles are collapsible, which makes them easier to transport.
Average height of a windbreak
Windbreaks can vary from 3 feet high to 6 feet high. Low windbreaks are ideal for shielding a camping stove or a pet, but they won’t provide much privacy. If you want to be shielded from passersby as you relax, it’s best to check the height of your camping chairs before you buy.
Length of a windbreak
Some windbreaks only span 4 feet, whereas others can be 20 feet long. Small versions are more convenient to transport and can provide adequate protection for one person. However, most campers prefer larger designs as they can spread out and still benefit from the shelter.
Windbreak anchor stakes
Windbreaks with fiberglass poles tend to come with anchor stakes to secure them. Steel is a good material for the stakes as it won’t bend or break when you hammer them into the ground.
Windbreak guy lines
These are ropes that help you secure the windbreak and stop it from moving around too much in strong winds. Some larger windbreaks will come with guy lines, but smaller ones tend to be sturdy enough without them.
Windbreak cost
Most windbreaks range from between $20 to roughly $100. In general, ones at the higher end of the price scale will be made with stronger materials and will be able to withstand more blustery conditions.
Windbreak FAQ
How do you install a windbreak?
A. Even in soft ground you’ll likely need a hammer or mallet to push the poles or stakes deep enough into the ground. For wooden poles, it’s best to use a rubber mallet to avoid splitting the pole. Place the windbreak upwind from your camping spot. Hammer in each pole or stake one at a time. Ensure the material between the poles is taut.
How do you clean a windbreak?
A. It’s a good idea to keep your windbreak clean, as sand and dirt can cause wear and tear over time. For nylon and polyester screens, simply give them a wipe down with soapy water. Always make sure they are completely dry before packing them away.
Which windbreak for camping should I get?
Best of the best windbreak for camping
Kittrich WallUp! Privacy Screen: available at Amazon
Our take: Ideal for providing shelter from prying eyes.
What we like: At 6 feet high, this windbreak is perfect for adding a bit of seclusion to your camping area. It has durable 7-inch steel anchors and the poles are collapsible.
What we dislike: It’s not suitable for use in strong winds.
Best bang for your buck windbreak for camping
Sport Design Beach Windscreen: available at Amazon
Our take: A reasonably-priced selection that holds up well to moderate winds.
What we like: This lightweight windbreak comes with a convenient carry case. It has four robust wooden poles and a sturdy nylon screen.
What we dislike: Not as high as other options.
Honorable mention windbreak for camping
Beach Fence 20-Foot Windscreen: available at Amazon
Our take: A large windbreak that can withstand moderate to strong winds.
What we like: The screen is secured to the poles to prevent it from shifting upwards. It has a handy pocket for your essentials.
What we dislike: Rather bulky if you need to carry it a long distance.
Catherine Bushen is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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