Get a backpack beach chair.

Yes, the answer is a backpack beach chair. Specifically, the Tommy Bahama or Rio Brands style with straps like a backpack, aluminum frame, and a built-in cooler pouch. These chairs are light enough to carry one-handed, open with one motion (pull the backrest up and snap the arms down), and close just as fast.

The trick is aluminum frame — steel is too heavy for solo schlepping. Look for something under 10 pounds. The backpack straps make the walk from car to sand much easier. Most have a cup holder, a pocket, and a high back with a headrest pillow.

Don’t overthink this. Don’t buy a heavy oversized chair with an umbrella holder unless you have a wagon. The classic backpack beach chair is the answer because it balances portability, comfort, and ease of setup better than anything else.

Skip the cheap folding flimsy ones that pinch your fingers. Spend the extra $50 — Future You at the beach deserves a cold drink within reach.