Umbrella policy
By Judi Dash
No more struggling to sink your beach umbrella into resistant sand.
Rio Brands' Sand Grabber is a 14-inch-long nylon/fiberglass umbrella anchor that easily corkscrews into sand or lightly packed soil.
Once buried up to the hilt, just slide an umbrella pole (up to 1 3/8 inches in diameter) into the Sand Grabber's open top and secure with the built-in metal screw mechanism.
The anchor holds firm in pretty stiff winds (the manufacturer estimates up to 30 mph gusts), as long as the sand isn't too loose.
Rio Brands Sand Grabber, about $20, 800-727-8790 or riobrands.com.
Travel products tested by Judi Dash in 2009:
Personal protection system to screech at the bad guys
Makeup sets with small compacts for travel
Light weight fabric duffle from CindaB
A purse hook that is also a bangled bracelet
Long travel Wally Bags for gowns and dresses
Multi-task pen with a light from Zelco
Zibra Open It multi-tool for slicing through tough plastic wraps
Hand-held digital luggage scale from Balanzza
Label Buddy, for making labels while you travel
The Walkin' Bag ZipCart holds a retractable seat
The tiny portable PrintStik printer
Outdoor metal firepit folds to be portable
Waterproof MP3 player works like a hearing aid
A toothbrush sanitizer for two
Luggage tags with pizzazz
Soft socks for flip-flips and sandals
A Doublewide sleeping bag for cuddling comfortably
Pocket organizers for cars hold cell phones, credit cards
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