The 6 Best Canopy Tents of 2024 Tested & Rated

We didn’t expect such an issue with a product that otherwise seems well-designed and durable. Camping with family has never been this enjoyable — the Ozark Trail 12-Person Instant Cabin Tent with Screen Room has exceeded my expectations. The set-up is a breeze, even for someone like me who’s not much of a handy person.

The 100 square feet of interior space provided ample room for my family and friends to enjoy the great outdoors. One thing I noticed, however, was that the tent wasn’t entirely waterproof. While it held up well against light rain, a few drops managed to find their way inside.

However, there was a downside to this tent, as we faced a minor issue with a leaky roof during a sudden thunderstorm. It was disappointing to see that even with the rainfly on, water still dripped through. A handful of REI customers complain that the tent is not stable in strong winds.

Made from rugged materials like polyester and powder-coated steel, this screen house is built to withstand various weather conditions. Its mesh construction also offers excellent ventilation, keeping the interior cool and comfortable during hot summer days. Overall, the ozark trail chairs 14X12 is an excellent choice for those seeking a functional and comfortable outdoor living space. Since 2015, I’ve tested camping shelters and large car-camping tents on weekend trips involving more than a dozen families, and I have talked to dozens more about their tent travails.

ozark trail screen house

In our tests one camper took less than 10 minutes to put it up on the first try. Two shorter aluminum poles cross to support the roof while four longer poles join to the roof poles at the top of the tent and slide into pegs at the ground. The tent roof is made of polyester taffeta treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating. The walls are made of fine no-see-um nylon mesh edged with polyester taffeta. This polyester material is less susceptible to UV damage than the nylon that previous versions of this tent incorporated, but it generally has a feel that is not quite as soft. Despite the change in fabric, this REI shelter still weighs just 13 pounds, several pounds less than many others of this type.

Goes together well, but as soon as we got a little shower…. Total collapse, hubs (2) shattered and two sets of poles completely destroyed. Not sure if I should order replacement parts or not, maybe I should ozark trail screen house just consider this a waste of money, and cut my losses while I can. This tent is only $47 at Walmart, however that is not the point. The hubs on the tent and the construction of the design are worthless.

All the while, we assessed key performance metrics such as functionality, ease of setup, protection, craftsmanship, and portability. We hope you can use this comprehensive and unbiased review to help you find all the shade-seeking advice you need to make the best purchasing decision. I recently tried out the Leisure Sports 14′ x 12′ Enclosed Screen Tent and it has become a game-changer for our family’s outdoor adventures. The canopy has a UV protection rating of UPF 30, which is perfect for protecting us from those harsh rays when we’re camping or enjoying a barbecue. The mesh walls are ideal for keeping bugs at bay, and setting up this tent is a breeze with the included fiberglass poles, nylon tie lines, and steel stakes.