Our lower scorers in this metric generally received lower scores because of their weight and size. However, it’s important to note that some canopies are not as portable because they’re constructed of higher-quality, heavier, and thicker materials. Canopies in this category are the Eurmax, Quick-Set Escape, E-Z UP Pyramid, Caddis Rapid Shelter, and Caravan Canopy V-Series. In the case of the Eurmax and E-Z Up, they both received lower portability scores because they are heavy and more difficult to lift from the car to the ground. Likewise, they are larger and more difficult to fit into a smaller vehicle.
However, its thinner frame rocks a bit during wind gusts, and it doesn’t have weather-taped seams, so it tends to leak a little during heavier rain storms. Our second grading metric involves how fast and easy it is to set up and take down each shelter, but it also considers how simple and intuitive both processes are. While we recommend a minimum of two people to set up most shelters, the ease of this process can vary drastically depending on the design and quality of materials. While being timed, we set up and took down each product a minimum of 10 times.
However, once on the ground, their roller bags make it extremely easy to pull them over concrete, dirt, and grass. The Caravan V-Series scores a bit lower and also isn’t as beefy as more expensive models, but feels roomy and is easy to move around thanks to a lower weight. All three of these cathedral-style models offer three height settings. This metric considers each shelter’s floor space and height, as well as any design element that may limit or enhance accessibility and maneuverability.
Its heavy steel frame and massive metal stakes easily hold this shelter steady, even during wind gusts, and glaring sun and rain are also no threat. Our shade-loving experts poured coleman sleeping bag over hundreds of the best canopy tents available before choosing 13 for side-by-side testing. We selected products best suited for farmer’s markets, corporate gigs, and beaches.
After weeks of testing, we have thrown a few penalty flags on the field. This product’s excellent wheel system is mostly made of plastic, and we wish it were constructed primarily of metal. Additionally, it packs up large and is heavy, making it difficult to find room for it in the trunk of just any car. It’s also more challenging to lift into and out of a vehicle alone, and although quite solid, the E-Z Up can be a little wobbly at full height. These caveats aside, this is still our number one when heading out to the playing field. If you’d rather have your shelter geared more toward camping, we’ve also reviewed the best camping tents and top backpacking tents on the market.
Some canopies perform well in one or two of these areas, but we gave the highest scores to those that could expertly handle all three functions. We even gave extra points to canopies that also protected against bugs. At first glance, the setup for the Quick-Set Escap appears quite daunting.
We even carried or rolled each tent 100 feet to see how much suffering it took to move them from point A to B. We also hosed the tents down to see if the material is water-resistant and strong enough for an afternoon thunderstorm. The results are the unbiased and exhaustive review presented here. The Caravan Canopy V-Series bridges the gap between quality and budget-friendly better than any canopy we’ve examined.
The OASIS 13 x 13 Canopy sets up easily using a one-push center hub with OnePeak technology. The robust steel frame withstands winds up to 35 mph when the canopy is fully staked and the vented roof releases trapped heat so you stay cool even when it’s hot out. Add coleman lantern extra weather protection to your sun shelter with the Coleman Sunwall for a 10′ x 10′ Canopy Sun Shelter Tent. The Eureka Tagalong is lightweight with stellar components, so if you want to be a bit more mobile with your canopy, this is one of our favorites.
From youth football and soccer fields to motocross tracks and cross-country meets, this canopy fits the bill. If you spend a lot of time on the sidelines, we think the E-Z Up is the perfect way to catch some shade while you cheer on your athlete or team. At the forefront of features, this canopy has a roller bag with large, wide-set wheels so one person can easily pull this beast across gravel, dirt, or grass. The E-Z Up also has a simple setup and can even be deployed solo, depending on age and strength.
Likewise, the roller bag is made from commercial-grade components and fabrics, and the frame is thicker and heavier than other canopies. The Tagalong and Caravan V-Series scored slightly lower than our top scorers, but they still have straightforward setup processes. Setup for both is simple; however, they scored lower because of additional variants that affect the overall ease of the process.