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. The higher-priced models often weigh more or offer better construction technology. Increased weight is generally the result of more durable and stable materials like steel and higher-denier tent canopies. Determining which features you need in a canopy will help you choose which one provides maximum efficiency at the right price.
Its stiff frame doesn’t bend or sway during heavy breezes and stays put as long as it’s staked down or weighted by its five built-in sandbags. We also really like the E-Z UP Pyramid, Coleman 10×10 Sun Shelter, and the ABCCANOPY Patio Pop Up. All three models offer the same shade coverage as the Eurmax, but their roller bags don’t offer the same quality. To ensure the longevity of your Ozark Trail Screen House, proper maintenance is essential. Regularly clean the screens and frames, and consider applying a protective coating to the materials to shield them from the elements. It is also essential to secure the screen house properly, especially in windy conditions.
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?
They allow us to convert the screen room into a bedroom on one trip and a bug-free front porch on another, making this tent incredibly versatile. The 190T polyester fabric provided great shade from the sun, and the included zippered storage carry bag was a thoughtful addition for easy transportation and storage. Like the REI and L.L.Bean canopy shelters, this Clam tent has a generous fabric skirt at its base that is designed to keep determined insects—and pooling rainwater—out. If we were camping somewhere infested with mosquitoes or no-see-ums and could fit the Clam in our vehicle, we’d prefer it over any of our other picks. The whole thing is remarkably easy to set up, even for one person; the family at the next campsite was amazed at my tent prowess when I set it up solo. Takedown is similarly simple, though Clam provides an instructional video if you need help.
This massive, 10×10 fully enclosed canopy packs down small and only weighs 13 pounds. It’s the ultimate mosquito net that is also lightweight and compact enough to hitch a ride on any adventure trip. After weeks of testing, we have thrown a few penalty flags on the field.
It always cost more than our top pick, but the price has gone up another $150 since we first tested it. Kalee Thompson is an editor covering health, fitness, baby, and kid gear. She has personally tested a dozen tents and an equal number of hair dryers. We love the size of the tent and we used it for a week with no problems. The second time we set it up one of the poles snapped and now I can’t find where I can get replacement poles.
However, the weight of the tent was something I had to consider. At 16.7 lbs, it may not be the lightest option, but the included carry bag made transportation and storage much easier. I like that it’s made to fold up compactly so it can easily fit into the back of my car when I’m heading out for a day at the lake. However, as much as I appreciate the design and functionality of this tent, I’ve encountered a few drawbacks. Firstly, the mesh room lacks a floor, making it less useful for keeping insects at bay.
Our most portable models are the Sun Ninja, Neso 1, and Eureka Tagalong Shelter. These models are all 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. So it is important to distinguish that not all lightweight and portable products are equally high in quality. Before making a purchasing decision, you should carefully consider your specific needs and preferences.
These two shelters are the same size and shape (7-foot peak height, 17 pounds) with an almost identical design. The cap-like roofs on both models provided far less shade than we wanted, especially in the beating desert sun. Finally, these shelters feel noticeably smaller than any of ozark trail canopy our picks. We also tested and liked the Coleman Mountain View 12 x 12 Screendome Shelter; it was an also-great pick until Coleman discontinued the model. Our shade-loving experts poured over hundreds of the best canopy tents available before choosing 14 for side-by-side testing.
It is of poor design, in that this could be avoided using 2 more yellow, curved roof poles which would not allow the rain to puddle on the roof. My husband and I were in the screen room, keeping the rain from puddling for more than a half hour. We used it to put it over a little swimming pool for our children and it works great.