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 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.
This shelter employs high-grade, collapsible aluminum poles for its frame and comes complete with built-in guy lines and sandbags to help keep it sturdy. The polyester canopy effectively dampens the sun’s rays and is double-stitched and weather taped to keep out the rain. These tents can quickly become pricey, so focusing on quality versus cost is a great idea. Typically, the lower-priced options in this category will work for the short term. They usually weigh less, which is handy when lugging them around, but it generally means they are not as durable in inclement weather.
All three of these cathedral-style models offer three height settings. A wheeled carrying bag is included with the purchase but we’re somewhat disappointed in the bag itself. It seems to be made with a cheaper Denier polyester canvas and comes with a small zipper that spans from one end to the other.
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.
For retail purchases returned without a receipt, the refund will be issued as a store merchandise
credit at the lowest price within the last 90 days. Proper ID will be required in the form of a valid, state-
issued driver’s license or state ID card. Our most portable models are the Sun Ninja, Neso 1, and Eureka coleman sleeping bag Tagalong Shelter. All of these models are thinner, fold-down styles that weigh far less than the larger canopies on our list. Some, like the Tagalong, are lighter because of the high-end materials used in their construction. Others, like the Sun Ninja, are lighter because they employ less expensive materials.
Ensuring the longevity of your canopy tent shouldn’t be a daunting task, provided that you adhere to the necessary cleaning and storage procedures diligently. The Pacific Breeze Easy Up and the Qipi Beach Cabana came in just behind the top scorers. This is primarily due to their larger packed sizes, which makes them slightly more difficult to carry and store. The Qipi, in particular, has a much longer packed size and, at nearly 10 pounds, it’s heavier than the others mentioned above. The Easy Up is actually the lightest in our list of top scorers, but it has a longer packed size, which affected its overall score. Don’t be fooled; this is one of the most important aspects when it comes to the amount of sweat and frustration a model will induce upon its owner.
It does hike the price up quite a bit, but it is worth it if you know you’ll be using it a lot in the sun. We think the extra panel is a great idea because you can adjust it to block the sun from entering as it moves throughout the day. Plus, if you want to set up a stove underneath for cooking, it will allow any steam to escape. The second purpose is for improved stability through letting air flow through to stop the poles being uprooted.
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 coleman air mattress 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.
To be sure it fits properly, we always tell readers to verify compatibility specs before buying the substitute cover for your tent. The Coleman 13×13 canopy cover is made with a khaki-colored 150D polyester that provides a distinct shelter with its UPF 50+ UV Guard material. It filters out over 99% of ultraviolet rays that can damage skin, especially important for people sensitive to sunlight or those exposed to it for extended durations. Its guaranteed coverage offers worry-free beach trips and helps you focus on creating special moments with family and friends without being concerned about UV radiation.