The setup for both was simple; however, they scored lower because of additional variants that affected the overall ease of the process. In particular, the Tagalong takes additional time to complete. The aluminum poles are quite long and awkward to maneuver, and it takes extra time to slide them through the fabric sleeves and bow them into place. We found the V-Series just as easy to set up as ozark trail canopy the other cathedral canopies we tested; however, it scored a little lower because it still incorporates spring-loaded adjustment pins to lock it into place. These pins are a little harder to use, especially during takedown, and they are more likely to pinch the skin. Over the years, we have utilized an impressive team of experienced canopy tent users, from market vendors to beach lovers.
The legs extend to give the top peak a height of about 8’10” which will be plenty of headroom for anyone underneath. Our lower scorers in this metric generally received lower scores because of their weight and size. However, it’s important to note that some canopies are not as portable because they’re constructed of higher-quality, heavier, and thicker materials. Canopies in this category are the Eurmax, Quick-Set Escape, E-Z UP Pyramid, Caddis Rapid Shelter, and Caravan Canopy V-Series. The Eurmax and E-Z Up both received lower portability scores because they are heavy and more difficult to lift from the car to the ground. Likewise, they are larger and more difficult to fit into a smaller vehicle.
We are also very impressed with the overall value the Coleman 10×10 Sun Shelter brings to the table. It’s slightly more expensive than the cheapest options on our list. Still, we feel its price point is nearly perfect considering its quality and performance, specifically its extra features and beefier design. Not sure which canopy will deliver the best bang for your buck?
Some canopies perform well in one or two of these areas, but we gave the highest scores to those that could expertly handle all three functions. We even gave extra points to canopies that also protected against bugs. This canopy gives 64 sq ft of coverage with an SPF of 50+ and features an easy-up design with telescoping legs, so it can be set… With all that in mind, we found more than a dozen tents that met our criteria.
We also hosed the tents down to see if the material was water-resistant and strong enough for an afternoon thunderstorm. The results of the unbiased and exhaustive review are presented here. The Pacific Breeze Easy Up is a beach tent with a half-dome design and enough space to shade one or two adults. Its one-pull setup requires more muscle than anticipated, but overall, it is hassle-free and takes only seconds to erect. At 5.4 pounds, it’s the lightest canopy in our lineup, making it very portable. We like the built-in sidewall pockets, attached floor, and roll-away side drapes.
Another key aspect of functionality is the extra convenience features provided by various models. For example, hanging loops, storage compartments, and built-in pockets make canopy use easier and more organized. 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. If you can spend a bit more and want a more traditional cathedral shape, the Caravan V-Series is a good choice.
We also timed setup and breakdown times for each shelter, and we repeatedly zipped and unzipped doors and windows, looking for annoying snags. In early March, we took our second trip to the oceanside Sycamore Canyon Campground (PDF) near Oxnard, California. A later check of the weather at nearby Point Mugu Naval Air Station confirmed top recorded wind gusts of 40 miles per hour. A canopy tent is a purchase most regular car campers consider after stocking up on the basics.
I kiss my sleeping bag liner goodbye and tell myself I will get to try out being more like a true ultra-lighter for the remainder of trail. Though I am not terribly happy about it, my pack feels like a feather after cutting another 2.5 pounds, and that seems worth it. The Pacific Breeze Easy Up didn’t score as highly here, but we were impressed with its ability to handle the wind.
Likewise, the Pacific Breeze Easy Up does not require additional assembly. It springs into place with just the pull of a single chord, similar to opening an umbrella but in reverse. The simplicity of this design makes it easy for one person to produce an instant sunshade in seconds.
From youth football and soccer fields to motocross tracks and cross-country meets, this canopy fits the bill. If you spend much time on the sidelines, we think the E-Z Up is the perfect way to catch some shade while you cheer on your athlete or team. At the forefront of features, this canopy has a roller bag with large, wide-set wheels so one person can easily pull this beast across gravel, dirt, or grass. The E-Z Up also has a simple setup and can even be deployed solo, depending on age and strength. Its heavy steel frame and massive metal stakes easily hold this shelter steady, even during wind gusts, and glaring sun and rain are also no threat. The Caravan Canopy V-Series bridges the gap between quality and budget-friendly better than any canopy we’ve examined.