Five large weight bags attach and can be filled with sand to keep everything in place. Overall, this is a fun beach accessory that is great for guarding gear and valuables and offering periodic shelter from the sun. A quick and easy setup doesn’t have to come with a tradeoff in quality, and there is plenty more than just the roof vents making this a stable shelter.
If there’s one thing that we learned over our months of testing, it is that a heavy tent with a poor carrying case can be a real challenge. 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. And if you can step into the next price bracket, the Eurmax Standard 10×10 is hands-down our top choice. The added cost will buy you stronger materials and a structure that you won’t have to worry about falling apart for many years to come — if at all.
This aspect is highly convenient because you don’t need to deal with a bunch of confusing poles, not knowing where they should go, and trying to fit them into the bag for a snug fit. Something we like about both structures is that the inner frame can fold into itself to make quite a compact shape. It’s not bulky and once placed in the bag, it looks like it can fit easily into most standard car trunks. You could lean bags or coolers against these poles without worrying that they’ll take up much needed space. While we don’t see this as an extreme essential, it is a cool design aspect that we haven’t seen much from competitors. The biggest difference between the two is the actual shape of the pole legs within the frame.
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. We also noted special features, like quick-release coleman sleeping bag levers, that make setup easier. The Eurmax Standard 10×10 is very functional, followed closely by the E-Z Up Pyramid, Clam Outdoors Quick-Set Escape, and Eureka Tagalong Shelter. All four of these models maximize space and offer several features that make them very livable.
Another key aspect of functionality is the extra convenience features provided by various models. For example, hanging loops, storage compartments, and built-in pockets make canopy use easier and more organized. As its name suggests, the Eureka Tagalong Shelter is ideal for tagging along on any adventure where shade is needed. Its drawstring stuff sack offers a long strap that can be placed over one shoulder or across the chest, giving you hands-free mobility.
The Pacific Breeze Easy Up didn’t score as highly here, but we were impressed with its ability to handle the wind. Its stiff frame doesn’t bend or sway during heavy breezes, and it stays put as long as it’s staked down or weighted by its five built-in sandbags. If you’d rather have your shelter geared more toward camping, we’ve also reviewed the best camping coleman canopy tents and top backpacking tents on the market. Likewise, if you need a comfortable seat, place to prep your food, or the best cooler, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also tested the best fire pits for your outdoor patio or backyard. No matter what gear you’re in the market for, chances are we’ve got info informed by years of rigorous side-by-side testing.
Additionally, there is no easier set up than for the Coleman Instant Pop-up Canopy. During our testing, we liked the red release buttons, which helped us keep from pinching our fingers during setup and teardown. This tent packed down into a small carrying case, which made it easy to stash in the car and transport. 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.