The price tag may also be too high for some shoppers, but we feel the quality increase is worth it if you can swing it. During the winter and early spring of 2017, we added four more canopy tents to our testing lineup. In addition to the models from REI and L.L.Bean, which became our new top picks, we tested the Coleman 15 × 13 Instant Screenhouse and the Wenzel Sun Valley Screen House. It’s constructed with heavy-duty 210-denier poly oxford walls and the heftiest bug-blocking no-see-um mesh we’ve encountered in any tent. The thicker, darker netting also makes the whole structure shadier, even without the optional side panels. L.L.Bean’s Woodlands Screen House is remarkably similar to our top pick, REI’s Screen House Shelter; the two canopies have an identical footprint and pole structure.
We selected products best suited for farmer’s markets, corporate gigs, and beaches. We also chose canopies optimized for camping, spectator sports, and adventure. From there, we tested each product for several months in Utah and California, subjecting them to sun, wind, and rain. All the while, we assessed key performance metrics such as functionality, ease of setup, protection, craftsmanship, and portability. We hope you can use this comprehensive and unbiased review to help you find all the shade-seeking advice you need to make the best purchasing decision.
The heavy 400D polyester top provides 99% UV protection and is water and fire resistant. There are 4 walls included and one of the walls has a zipper in the center for easy access under the canopy. The canopy also has an awning, banner holder, stakes and guy ropes. The canopy folds down to 52.5″ in length and easily fits into the roller bag with all of the accessories. The most popular product in their line is the 10×10 Instant Slant Leg Tent with a blue canopy top.
These caveats aside, this is still our number one when heading out to the playing field. We also really like the E-Z UP Pyramid, Coleman 10×10 Sun Shelter, and the ABCCANOPY Patio Pop Up. ozark trail canopy tent All three models offer the same shade coverage as the Eurmax, but their roller bags don’t offer the same quality. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times.
You may want to compare the Easy Up against the Qipi Beach Cabana, the Eureka Tagalong Shelter, and the Neso 1. We also really liked the Neso 1, although it isn’t as sturdy, especially in the wind. We also recommend the Pacific Breeze Easy Up or the REI Co-op Screen House Shelter. Leader Accessories is one of the highest-rated pop-up shelters on the market, but is it the right one for you?
If your budget is tight, the Pacific Breeze Easy Up is an inexpensive beach canopy that provides the essentials for a quick, hassle-free setup but may not be built to endure many summers of use. If you can spend a bit more and want a more traditional cathedral shape, the Caravan V-Series is a good choice. We are also very impressed with the overall value the Coleman 10×10 Sun Shelter brings to the table. It’s slightly more expensive than the cheapest options on our list.
Likewise, the Pacific Breeze Easy Up does not require additional assembly. It springs into place with just the pull of a single chord, similar to opening an umbrella but in reverse. The simplicity of this design makes it easy for one person to produce an instant sunshade in seconds. Simply fill the four attached anchor bags with sand or smooth rocks, stretch the canopy into an X-shape, and prop it up with the provided tent poles.
As for the Caravan V-Series, we feel it provides excellent coverage from the sun. However, its thinner frame rocks a bit during wind gusts, and it doesn’t have weather-taped ozark trail canopy tent seams, so it tends to leak a little during heavier rain storms. These tents can quickly become pricey, so focusing on quality versus cost is a great idea.