The spacious interior fit perfectly over a picnic bench in our local park, providing a comfortable and cozy space for our family of four. The Woodlands Screen House uses six lightweight aluminum poles, just like the Screen House Shelter. Like the REI model, the L.L.Bean tent uses polyester (ripstop, in this case), which is more resistant to UV damage and absorbs less moisture than nylon by weight.
Every stress point on the Quick-Set Escape is reinforced, and all its seams are double-stitched and taped. We feel the E-Z Up Pyramid is almost as well-made as the Eurmax; however, its ozark trail chairs frame and canopy materials are slightly thinner. Additionally, its roller bag’s wheel assembly is mostly plastic. Our hands-down winner in this category is the Eurmax Standard 10×10.
Despite the one inconvenience I experienced, I found it to be a great all-around product that has become a staple in my camping gear. Despite the fact that the tarp is designed to keep critters out, I personally found it to be useful more as a protective shield against the sun, wind, and rain. It was great to have the shark-mouthed duffel included as it made it easy to store and transport the tarp when I wasn’t using it. Additionally, setting it up was a breeze — the one pole, along with the stakes and guy-lines, made the process both quick and easy.
Additionally, the clips that hold the tent pieces together are dangerously stretched, leading me to worry about their longevity. While the other issues may not be as concerning, it’s the clips that have me on the fence about using this tent again. I’ve enjoyed its versatility and airy feel, but I’ll wait and see if these problems can be fixed before deciding whether to purchase it again. We also eliminated bulky, heavy shelters that are intended to be used as semipermanent backyard fixtures. Compared with our top day-tent pick, the L.L.Bean Woodlands Screen House uses arguably superior materials; it also comes with an unsurpassed warranty. But with a ceiling that’s 6 inches lower, it feels smaller and darker.
Upon arrival, setting it up was easier than I anticipated, thanks to the color-coded fiberglass and steel pole design. The mesh panels made the whole experience feel like an open-air movie theater, providing a 360-degree view of the surreal surroundings. The shade provided, complete with a cool breeze, was a welcome relief from the humid days and a refreshing contrast to the sweltering heat. Setting up the screen house was incredibly easy, thanks to the color-coded poles and plastic hubs.
Our notes on this shelter are mostly positive — there isn’t much we don’t like about the Escape. In addition to costing you a few extra clams, this product doesn’t pack up very small. When stowed in its carrying case, it could easily be confused with a winter travel bag carrying snow skis. Its packed size is more than six feet, making it difficult to fit into an average-sized car. But if you’ve got a big enough rig, this is a dream canopy tent to add to your campsite.