Because this was the time before cell phone cameras (at least those worth anything) and Google Photos, when our computer crashed in Colorado we lost many early photos from that trip. But, those that remain include this shot of our magical camping spot south of Moab, which we found down a dirt road far south of town after showing up and finding every campsite (and hotel room) in Moab booked. I had a hazy recollection of seeing a campsites sign on our drive north from Monticello; if nothing else, we figured we could find some open land to camp on once we were out of town. We didn’t expect to wake up to red rock views, but we were sure happy when we did. It wasn’t the first time or the last we were grateful for the flexibility of our canvas home and the ability to pitch a place to sleep anywhere we could find one. Overall, we think the ozark trail canopy serves its intended purpose – a value brand 10×10 instant shelter that caters to price conscious consumers looking for an affordable shade option.
Today, at this precise moment in our lives, when we can travel the world for a year with only 30l backpacks, and we can fit all our earthly possessions into a 5’x10’ storage unit, we own six tents. Since then we’ve had a whole lifecycle of tents that have taken us from coast to coast and back again. Digging our toes in the sand under one of the best full-overhead coverage beach tents on the market. With 26 miles of hiking trails in the Park, you can find great views, beautiful forest scenery, and feel like you’re not in the City.
Four windows and a mesh roof provide plenty of ventilation. The Ozark Trail 6-person Connect Ent comes with a sewn-in floor to help keep bugs out. Set your 10 ft. x 10 ft. straight-leg canopy up for a backyard barbecue or while camping, and then convert it into your sleeping area with the Ozark Trail 6-Person Connect Tent to enjoy an evening in the outdoors. One thing we love about Ozark Trail canopy tents are the accessories that can be added to the shelters. These include sidewalls, weight bags, and a host of other great add-ons that can really increase the use and versatility of the canopy tent. Perhaps our two favorites are camping tent additions that connect to the frame of the shelter and leverage the stability of the 10×10 frame to support a camping tent structure.
Camping in Gulpha Gorge Campground is limited to a total of 14 consecutive days and a cumulative total of 30 days in any calendar year. Each 14-day consecutive stay must be followed by a minimum of a 7-day break. Campsites at Gulpha Gorge Campground ozark trail chair vary in size and can accommodate both tents and recreational vehicles (RV’s). This continues to be one of the longest running points of contention in our marriage. I don’t know that I’ve ever been fully forgiven for destroying “the precious”.
The included carrying bag does not have wheels to aid in transportation, but at only 29 lbs. We don’t find that to be a noteworthy drawback as the nylon handles and shoulder strap work just fine in carrying the tent. The most popular product in their line is the 10×10 Instant Slant Leg Tent with a blue canopy top.
The weight of this Ozark Trail is lighter than most of the same size alternative steel frame canopy tents, coming in right about 29 lbs. An argument can be made as to whether this is good or bad. From a positive perspective, the lightweight design increases portability which is certainly important in carrying the tent to its intended location. From a negative perspective, the weight is indicative of a lack of high quality material and components used throughout the shelter.
Most new tents incorporate this ventilated canopy design to increase airflow and reduce the trapping of hot air, helping to keep those in the shade cooler and more comfortable. I have a vague memory of sleeping outdoors at summer camp in 5th grade—is it possible we cowboy camped? Growing up, we were the kind of outdoorsy family that went fishing and hiking, but not backpacking or camping. And to be fair, much of our outdoor time together was spent in Montana, where tents were merely handy snack packs ready for Grizzly Bears to rip open with their claws. Or, so my mother (and Night of the Grizzlies) would have had me believe.
These push locks get very difficult to use over time, especially if the tent is used on the beach and exposed to sand and saltwater, causing rust build up. Many newer tent brands like EZ-Up use revolutionary thumb lock sliders or larger easy to release buttons, which are a much better user experience when setting the canopy up or taking it down. With the push buttons you need to worry about pinching fingers or not being able to release the button when it gets rusted, which is never a pleasant experience. The legs extend to give the top peak a height of about 8’10” which will be plenty of headroom for anyone underneath. It’s worth highlighting that despite the advertised dimensions of the 10×10 Ozark Trail, because this is a slant leg shelter the top only measures 8×8.
And compared to some of the tents in the EZ-Up lineup, it sells for almost a 70% discount. One could, in theory, purchase a new Ozark canopy every year (which they might need to!) and still come out ahead over the years vs. purchasing a more expensive alternative. The canopy fabric is made of a lightweight denier polyester, offering water resistant features and 50+ UPF, which we love. Being protected from the suns harmful UVB rays is probably why you wanted a canopy tent in the first place, and this Ozark Trail tent meets all criteria in this department. The one complaint we have is that there is no vents in the fabric at the peak to release the build up of hot air under the canopy.
It wasn’t until we were back on the east coast, far from the mountains that we loved and the wild spaces that called us, that tents began to step into prominence in our lives. We explore the lightweight beach canopy that’s powered by the wind to see if its worth its hefty price tag. I’ve been thinking a lot about how we define home, not just lately but for quite awhile, which is perhaps obvious if you’ve been reading along with me for any amount of time. I’ve written about being homefree, of choosing where to live when you can live anywhere on the road, of being a traveler rather than a settler, and of finding a home that fits the shape of your soul. We stay at swanky resorts and enjoy perks in Malaysia and Singapore.