Winner: ABO Gear Beach Hugger, $40

Beach bums, take note: This 60-by-84-inch polyester blanket (shown) comes with two foam pillows. (Each has a secret pocket for hiding money while you ride waves.) The backing is waterproof, and pegs fit in corner loops to ward off wind. Bonus: It folds into a carryall.
To Buy: www.abogear.com.

Honorable Mention: The Travel Hammock Parasheet, $40

A true sand trap, this seven-by-seven-foot tarp, made from parachute nylon silk, has underside pockets for piling in sand to anchor the sheet. The machine-washable fabric stays cool on hot sand and scrunches into an attached sack (total weight: 15 ounces).
To Buy: www.parasheet.com.