Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

According to the description on the website, this item is supposed to measure 26x21x26. I knew it was probably longer than 26 inches so I wasn't too concerned about that, but figured it was at least 21 inches wide. Upon receiving it, I couldn't believe how narrow it was. It only measures 16 inches wide. I'm not a large woman (5'3", 118 lbs) but I feel like I would be overlapping the edges unless I lay in a completely straight line. So much for keeping off of the sand. Also, there doesn't seem to be a way to recline at more than a 45-degree angle. It is a pain to unfold since you have to unthread nylon webbing from a slide adjuster in order to open it, and then re-thread it when it's time to fold it up. There's only one strap of nylon webbing that holds the back up and it looks like it's already beginning to fray. I already own the Picnic Time Beachcomber mat and although it is much more expensive, I feel like it's worth the extra cost. Not only is it wider (21 inches), it has much more padding and you can adjust the backrest anywhere from upright to completely flat. To open, it just requires undoing a couple of velcro straps. The back is held up by two straps on both sides of the frame so it seems much sturdier. I ordered the Coleman beach mat in May and it took almost a month to receive it, so maybe it has been recently re-designed since there are so many positive reviews in the past. The only reason I gave it 2 stars rather 1 star is because if you're looking for a beach mat that might fit in a large suitcase, this one would probably fit. Also, the back is a few inches higher than the Picnic Time, so tall people might find the back a little more comfortable. See my picture for a side-by-side comparison. All I know is that I'm returning this beach mat and buying another Picnic Time beach mat.