July is here, it's almost the 4th. This time of year always brings trips to the pool and or beach. As I gather all of my necessities(and there are a lot of them) I began my quest for the perfect beach bag. Here are some of the things I have considered as I search.

Material: Materials for beach bags range from canvas to rope, corn husk to raffia, there are even great green versions now available made of things like recycled sails and rice paper. Polyester and polyfiber rope are also good options. Canvas is classic and easily machine washable so when you spill your poolside crink on it it's an easy fix. Corn husk and other natural fibers of this sort are very attractive. They also dry fairly quickly. The downside for me with these materials is the cleaning aspect- they can't just be easily tossed in to the washing machine. Recycled sails and rice paper are water proof so any spills would simply bead up on the outside and could be easily wiped off. Polyester and other poly materials would do the same thing.

Size: Can the bag haul everything. Now truth be told, I am a bag junkie. I don't like to carry a bag that is any larger than whatever it is I need to carry on any given day. I have a tendency to follow the smaller is better school of thought when it comes to purses or backpacks. However, when it comes to beach bags big reigns supreme. You need to stuff towels and books, sunscreen nd snacks in to the bag so it needs to have ample room.

Style: From small handles you need to grip with your hands to straps choosing the right style for your beach bag is very important. Mny classic canvas styles are nice as long as you drive to your destination. If you walk or ride over for any distance you don't want your hands busy gripping your bag en route. If you bike a backpack style is a no brainer, or my current solution is a large bag with straps ling enough to wear like a backpack.

Pockets: Do the bag have any? In this day and age we all seems to be hauling our phones and mp3 players every where we go. I for one do not like dropping these devices into a cavernous space through which I will need to dig to find them. Plus, you will probably loading all of your stuff back in to the bag at the end of the day covered in sand and even a little soggy. It's best to be able to segment your electronics from al of this mess, it will add to thir longevity.

So, these are my current considerations. I often scold myself saying I don't need another bag when I look at the piles of empty ones I have, yet none seems just right. I continue to search given the above criteria for one that convinces me I just can't go without it.

Off to the pool……