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. In the case of the Eurmax and E-Z Up, they 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.
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are issued to the original form of payment; some exclusions may apply. The Tagalong and Caravan V-Series scored slightly lower than our top scorers, but they still have straightforward setup processes. Setup for both is simple; however, coleman canopy they scored lower because of additional variants that affect the overall ease of the process. 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 even gave extra points to canopies that also protected against bugs. Heavier cathedral-style canopy tents can often be challenging because of their weight; however, most are fairly simple to deploy. The Eurmax and E-Z Up are counted among these heavier tents, but setting them up was surprisingly straightforward. If you’d rather have your shelter geared more toward camping, we’ve also reviewed the best camping tents and top backpacking tents on the market. Likewise, if you need a comfortable seat, place to prep your food, or the best cooler, we’ve got you covered.
These tents can quickly become pricey, so focusing on quality versus cost is a great idea. Our most portable models are the Sun Ninja, Neso 1, and Eureka Tagalong Shelter. All of these models are thinner, fold-down styles that weigh far less than the larger canopies on our list.
The Screen House is far more portable but less rugged than the Clam, coleman screen tent and it also offers a fully enclosed system that keeps bugs at bay.
Ft. (14.86 sq. m) of overhead shade or use it as a wall to block the sun, wind or rain. The welded steel feet are big enough to stand on while you set up the shelter and keep the shelter stable on concrete and asphalt. Once it’s up, the canopy and swing wall’s UVGuard™ material offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun’s dangerous rays, and a vented roof releases heat so everyone stays comfortable.
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 you can spend a bit more and want a more traditional cathedral shape, the Caravan V-Series is a good choice. We are also very impressed with the overall value the Coleman 10×10 Sun Shelter brings to the table. Typically, the lower-priced options in this category will work for the short term.
We also chose canopies optimized for camping, spectator sports, and adventure. From there, we tested each product for several months in Utah and California, subjecting them to sun, wind, and rain. All the while, we assessed key performance metrics such as functionality, ease of setup, protection, craftsmanship, and portability.
The Easy Up is actually the lightest in our list of top scorers, but it has a longer packed size, which affected its overall score. Don’t be fooled; this is one of the most important aspects when it comes to the amount of sweat and frustration a model will induce upon its owner. If there’s one thing that we learned over our months of testing, it is that a heavy tent with a poor carrying case can be a real challenge. The Pacific Breeze Easy Up didn’t score as highly here, but we were impressed with its ability to handle the wind. Its stiff frame doesn’t bend or sway during heavy breezes, and it stays put as long as it’s staked down or weighted by its five built-in sandbags.