The Clam Quick-Set Escape was by far the toughest canopy tent we tested. It’s made with reinforced polyester and heavyweight no-see-um mesh, and it comes with the strongest stakes we’ve seen on any tent. The Clam also sets up and folds down with remarkable speed—we timed the process at 60 seconds. However, this model is too big to fit in the trunks of most sedans, and the muted colors look good when it’s sunny but can feel a bit gloomy if it’s already rainy out. Not sure which canopy will deliver the best bang for your buck?
The Woodlands Screen House also has the advantage of eight guylines, whereas the Screen House Shelter includes none. Several REI reviewers who bought both the tent and the fly for rain protection note that the fly has only two walls, leaving much of the tent exposed. The add-on fly for our runner-up pick, the L.L.Bean Woodlands Screen House, offers four-walled protection, though it’s also more than twice as expensive. A lower roof makes this shelter feel notably smaller than our top pick, but it’s also durably made and ready to pair with a superior rain fly (sold separately). One mad idea often begets another, and that is how this $34.95 purchase came about.
At first, I was a bit concerned about setting it up on my own, but I quickly discovered that it was surprisingly convenient to assemble. The tent is spacious, making it perfect for larger families or groups of friends. Despite its numerous advantages, the Ozark Trail 6-Hub Pop-up Screen House is not without its minor drawbacks. For example, the roof may require some extra effort to set up, and the carry bag can be quite long when folded. However, overall, this screen house is a fantastic addition to any outdoor event, providing a comfortable and bug-free space for you and your guests to gather and enjoy.
Though all of these shelters are self-standing and staking them may not be strictly necessary in calm weather, it’s wise to always do so in case the wind picks up unexpectedly. Before staking out a tent, make sure all of its doors are zipped closed to avoid staking it too tightly and straining the zippers. Like regular camping tents, these camping gazebos are not intended to be left up for extended periods, as the fabrics are susceptible to UV damage. The canopy tent has mesh walls on all four sides and an edge of polyester fabric (also DWR treated) at the ground that deters mosquitos and other critters from invading from below. Like many tents of this type, the REI Screen House Shelter has a fabric hook in the center of the ceiling that accommodates a small lantern or other light.
The red and gray combination of the tent makes it stand out among other camping tents. 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.
First things first, the Interpon AkzoNobel powder coating gave the screen house a protective layer that has definitely earned its keep in my backyard. The champagne aluminum frame added a touch of elegance, though I must admit, I haven’t had much luck keeping leaves and dirt off the surface. However, I did notice that the tent was not entirely waterproof during our camping trip. It managed to hold up during a downpour, but there were a few instances where water dripped in through the ceiling. It proved to be a minor inconvenience, and I think it might be worth investing in a waterproofing spray to help prevent any future leaks.
The weight of the water actually bent several poles on the roof and one leg. This probably could have been prevented by adding more yellow support poles to the roof. The fiberglass frame, while lightweight, can be a bit tricky to set up, especially in windy conditions. The setup time is a reasonable 15 minutes, but it might take a bit longer if you’re a beginner like me.
It’s a tale of a roller-coaster ride through the great outdoors, but with a few too many bumps along the way. While the tent’s ventilation was more than adequate, it’s not ideal for colder climates. The insulation of the tent could use some improvement ozark trail canopy since it doesn’t offer warmth even during chillier nights. The L.L.Bean Woodlands Screen House has a much more consistently glowing history of online reviews than does the REI tent. The add-on rain fly and tent-floor combo is also well liked.
Don’t be fooled; this is one of the most important aspects to consider, as it determines the amount of sweat and frustration a model will induce upon its owner. One thing we learned over our months of testing is that a heavy tent with a poor carrying case can be a real challenge. Akin to the Clam Quick-Set Escape is the REI Co-op Screen House Shelter. The Screen House is far more portable but less rugged than the Clam, and it also offers a fully enclosed system that keeps bugs at bay. Overall, I highly recommend the Ozark Trail 12-Person Cabin Tent with Convertible Screen Room for those looking for a spacious, versatile, and comfortable camping solution. It’s a great choice for families and friends who want to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.