When you’re at the pool or beach, sometimes you need downtime that’s not in the water. Whether it’s during adult swim, killing time during a swim meet, while eating your lunch, or just to hang out with your friends and family, a good card game can provide much needed relaxation, socialization, and fun.
Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards
This is probably the most popular option out there. These cards have over 20,000 reviews on Amazon, and still boast a 4.7 star rating. I can assure you this rating is well deserved. These cards are super durable. We keep these in our pool bag, and our kids have frequently played war with their friends during swim meets and just hanging around the pool. From melted ice cream to wet hands, these cards have held up.
At first the cards stick together a little, but after some use you don’t really have that issue anymore. They don’t quite handle or deal like traditional playing cards, but as long as you’re not playing casino or competitive games who cares? They just work. They’re also a tad heavier than traditional playing cards, which makes them less likely to blow away in the wind.
I think one of the best features is the case these come in. Since the cards and the case are made of plastic, there’s really nothing that water can do to damage them. The plastic case is clutch. I would consider the Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards a must-have addition to your pool or beach bag.
Maxpedition Tactical Field Deck All Weather Playing Cards
This is a lesser known option than the Hoyle playing cards. Maxpedition is known for making durable, hard-use tactical gear. If you’ve heard of Maxpedition, you probably didn’t know they also made playing cards. It’s kind of a niche product. I have one of these decks in my camping games bag. I’ll start off by saying that overall, these don’t seem as durable as the Hoyle cards. The cards are thinner and flimsier. It seems like it would be easier to damage these than the Hoyle cards.
On the plus side though, these handle more like traditional playing cards. So if you’re camping and trying to play a legit game of poker or something, you’ll much prefer these to the Hoyle cards. The biggest downside to these cards though is the box. Why Maxpedition thought that “all weather” playing cards should have a cardboard box is beyond me. One good rain on a camping trip or being handled by wet kids at the pool and the box will be close to shot. I personally ordered a plastic card case from Ali Express to replace the cardboard box to avoid this issue.
Another plus to these cards is the artwork. The backs of the cards have a cooler design than the Hoyle cards. While the Maxpedition Tactical Field Deck All Weather Playing Cards are cool, you’re better off buying the Hoyle cards. The Hoyle cards are both cheaper and more durable.
UNO Splash
UNO is one of the greatest card games of all time. It’s especially great for kids, even young kids. The rules are easy and straightforward, and every game feels like a blast. Well thankfully, there is a waterproof version available now! Both Chris and I have picked this up for our pool bags, and have enjoyed numerous fun games of UNO with our kids. Heck, our kids can even play it without us which is also a plus if we’re trying to squeeze in some R&R. Like the Hoyle cards, these are durable and thick. They should last a long time.
The coolest feature of these cards is the carabiner they come with. The cards themselves have holes in them, and they can all slip onto the carabiner to keep them all together. The carabiner could also be clipped to your pool bag, but we just throw it in the bag. The carabiner is plastic so I can see it not lasting forever. But it helps keep all the cards together.
My major complaint is similar to the Maxpedition cards – these come in a cardboard box. I guess the intent is to keep the cards together with the carabiner, but I would prefer a plastic box to keep them in like the Hoyle cards. Regardless, the UNO Splash deck is another must have for your pool or beach bag.
Conclusion
I would highly recommend both the Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards and UNO Splash. With these two, you’re well poised for a great summer at the pool or beach, or camping with your family. I wouldn’t bother with the Maxpedition Tactical Field Deck All Weather Playing Cards. They’re cool but not worth the price when the Hoyle cards are cheaper and better. So grab yourself some playing cards and up the ante on your summer fun!
Do you know of other waterproof playing card games? Please share in the comments if you know of other options! I’ve searched far and wide but these seem to be about all I could find. I would like to see some waterproof Old Maid, Skip Bo, Rack-O – you name it, I need more!
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