I go out to the rural part of the state where it is hot and dry. While this is amazing for evenings around the camp fire, the day time in the sun can be brutal. I can’t handle a full weekend in this type of condition. So I spent the last year looking for a budget friendly sun shade.
Please note, a stock image is included to provide you with a visual snapshot of this item that we could not capture otherwise. The actual product may be a different color or model. My other complaint was the height of the structure. ozark trail straight leg canopy Why not add a little extra height to make it more comfortable? This wasn’t the end of the world, but something I will consider with my next sun shield purchase. Did you know the product is coated with UPF 50+ protection?
I broke out the Ozark Trail Sun Shade on my first outing this season. It took me a few minutes to figure out that the flaps on the bottom are designed to be sandbags for use at the beach. I appreciated the directions being attached to the storage bag so they did not get lost or misplaced.
The included carrying bag does not have wheels to aid in transportation, but at only 29 lbs. We don’t find that to be a noteworthy drawback as the nylon handles and shoulder strap work just fine in carrying the tent. The Ozark Trail canopy very well might be one of the best selling 10×10 tent brands of all time. The easily recognizable logo has been seen by nearly everyone at youth soccer tournaments or beach vacations in recent years. One thing we love about Ozark Trail canopy tents are the accessories that can be added to the shelters.
There is only one shade, which can be put on either side of the sun shelter. You just angle the shelter where you need it, then attach the shade. It’s literally that easy and is very quick and efficient to set up.
It is made with a steel construction frame and polyester material for the canopy, which is in line with just about every shade tent on the market today. The weight of this Ozark Trail is lighter than most of the same size alternative steel frame canopy tents, coming in right about 29 lbs. An argument can be made as to whether this is good or bad. From a positive perspective, the lightweight design increases portability which is certainly important in carrying the tent to its intended location. From a negative perspective, the weight is indicative of a lack of high quality material and components used throughout the shelter.
The Ozark Tail sun shade comes with side curtains to cover the mesh on the side. I did not have these mounted in the photos posted with this article. The side curtains would function nicely for a windy beach setting. The product also comes with a tarp that can be put along the ground. This would be great for anyone that plans to sit down in the shelter. I need a break from the Pacific NW clouds and rain sometimes.
This will be coming with us to the beach and any sporting outings where we will be exposed to the weather. First off, this is an affordable solution for a sun shelter. It’s not jam packed with all the bells and whistles that some of the other sun shades have, but the price was right, and it’s more than serving it’s purpose. Trailspace’s community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top tents and shelters.
I had purchased the item about eight months before getting to use it. Customer service stated that it was past the point where the purchase ozark trail instant canopy populated in their system. Eventually they gave in and provided store credit. In theory this item has a one year warranty.