Some models also come with removable walls or side panels for added versatility and customization. It’s essential to choose the right size of canopy based on your specific needs and the number of people or items you plan to shelter. They offer a convenient way to create an instant shade or shelter, making them a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Their ease of use, portability, and affordability have made Ozark Trail Canopies a popular choice for those seeking high-quality outdoor protection without breaking the bank.
And you can unzip the front door, remove it, and neatly stash it into one of the tent’s internal pockets—a useful feature if you’re feeling sociable. Some campers might find the Wawona 6’s footprint unwieldy in smaller campsites, or they might simply prefer a tent with a more straightforward design. If you want a six-person tent made with high-quality materials but a traditional profile, we recommend the similarly priced Big Agnes Spicer Peak 6, or Nemo’s Aurora Highrise 6. Unfortunately, you have to buy a separate groundsheet for the Wawona 6 and for most other tents its size as well.
The geodesic structure of the Base Camp tents is built to withstand wind and rain. It has two main that thread through sleeves, stretching between the four corners of the tent. Generally, we like clip-on designs better, since those are easier to put together, but in the case of the Base Camp models, the sleeves add extra tension and stability throughout the tent fabric. There are also two poles that arch over each doorway and down the sides of the tent to add extra shape and support; these attach to the tent body with clips. Overall, these poles—all of them aluminum—contribute to a particularly sturdy structure, with or without the rain fly. During our testing, our Base Camp shrugged off both a rainstorm and a desert windstorm as if they were nothing.
The tent weighs just 16 pounds, less than any other family tent we tested for this guide. The biggest material difference between the Sundome and our other picks is its crunchy, tarp-like polyethylene floor. The other tents in this guide all have bathtub-style tape-seamed polyester floors, which is the standard among high-quality tents. The Sundome’s tarp is clearly a budget material, but for what it was, we found it user-friendly.
Two large vestibules add nearly 40 square feet combined—that is, 18.75 square feet on either side. However, there were a few drawbacks I encountered during my camping trip. The tent’s durability was questionable, as it sustained damage due to strong winds, with the ties between the tent and the canopy ripping off and the pole bending. This resulted in a partial collapse of the tent, which forced an early end to the camping trip. The 16′ x 16′ size provided ample shade and weather protection, and the 50+ UV protection shielded me from the sun’s rays. The canopy held up well in 20–30 mph winds, and the adjustable shades were very handy.
While it’s held up under normal usage so far, I can’t help but feel a bit concerned about how long it’ll last. It’s a trade-off I could live with, considering the hammock is so comfortable and easy to set up. On multiple occasions, I noticed drainage issues that caused the structure to sag and collapse under heavy rainfall. I had to replace the top with a more durable and waterproof version to prevent damage.
The canopy’s coverage is ample enough to fit multiple people comfortably under its shade. The ability to easily set it up and take it down is a major plus, making it perfect for a variety of outdoor events, including camping trips, picnics, and beach days. ozark trail chair The canopy’s 50-plus UV protection is undoubtedly a plus, but I found that the top vent was loose, causing water to pour in during a storm. Additionally, one of the poles snapped while setting up the canopy, which led to a slightly negative experience.
While it works well in most situations, it can act like a parachute in high winds, causing the canopy to flap around erratically. This can be a bit unsettling and might require some extra effort or even a ground stake to keep it stable. I recently spent a sunny afternoon lounging under the Ozark Slant Leg Canopy, and it was an absolute delight. The 10′ x 10′ space was perfect for my small backyard, providing just the right amount of shade without taking up too much room.