Beat the Heat with the Best Pop-Up Canopies
1. Nemo Bugout 12x12 Pop Up Canopy Tent - Editor's Pick
Nothing is worse than getting to a great spot next to the lake or in the park and then getting devoured by bugs. The Nemo Bugout Canopy tent is the perfect combination of shade and screens to keep the bugs out. If bugs aren’t a problem that particular day, the mesh sides can be rolled up into the top of the canopy to give you easy access in and out of the covered area.
Another cool feature of the Nemo Bugout is the ability to change the height of the canopy. So if you’re having a nice on-the-ground picnic you can use the stake points to dynamically change the height of the coverage. Additional trekking poles will help you make this a stand alone canopy solution if trees aren’t available. The Nemo Bugout Pop-Up Canopy Tent is available for $249.95.
2. Caravan Canopy Sports Cirrus Slant Leg Canopy - Budget Pick
Great for deer camp!
This is by far the most “traditional” style canopy on the list. It may not be the largest, but the slant leg design means that it offers a generous 64 square feet of coverage under its UPF 50+ sun-protection rated canopy. The Frame is durable and made from powder-coated steel and comes with a stake kit for protection against wind and to add stability.
The Cirrus Slant Leg Canopy comes with a convenient rolling carry bag so transporting to and from the setup spot is made easier. The Cirrus is also available in multiple colors including popular camouflage patterns like TrueTimber Strata. The Caravan Canopy Sports Cirrus Slant Leg Canopy is available for $99.99.
3. Rightline Gear SUV Tailgating Canopy
This one is great for a number of reasons and best used if you can get your hatchback equipped vehicle to where you’re setting up. For many this won’t be a problem but the concept is too cool not to include in this list because of how compact it is. The canopy features water-resistant fabric and taped seams for good durability and comes with 2 sandbags and a convenient carrying case.
The rear panel entirely covers the rear windshield of the hatchback so that even less sun makes it into your shaded area. Best of all this canopy sets up in just a few minutes and features less polls which means less problems. The Rightline Gear SUV Tailgating Canopy is available for $99.99
4. Big Agnes Three Forks Shelter
I’m a big fan of how Big Agnes adds a lot of value to their products for a very reasonable price. The Big Agnes Three Forks Shelter is no exception to that trend. The Three Forks Shelter is a dome style canopy that is big enough to cover an entire picnic table. If you’re looking for some extra coverage from the sun or need some privacy, side panels are able to be attached on two sides of the Three Forks shelter and are sold separately.
The Three Forks Shelter comes with pre-cut guy-lines for securing the canopy to the ground against wind and the webbing frame close to ground level helps keep the canopy rigid during wind and rain. Speaking of rain, the canopy is made from tent-grade Polyester taffeta with a 1500mm waterproof polyurethane coating. The Three Forks Shelter is available for $199.95, side shades are sold separately.
5. Quik Shade Solo Steel 170 Straight-Leg Pop-Up Canopy
I’m all for camping and adventuring solutions that can be handled by just one person. The Quik Shade Solo Steel lives up to its “solo” naming by being extremely easy to set up even by one person. This is possible because of the telescoping straight-leg poles with cam-lock levers which let you gradually raise the tent up on your own.
The Solo Steel tent canopy also provides you with a little extra shade in both directions regardless of the time of day. On each side there is an extended shade that can be set to either a flat angle, 45-degree, or downward 90-degree angle for either extending the shade or blocking the sun from the sides in either the early morning or the evening. The Quik Shade Solo Steel is available for $259.99
Straight and slant legs
You may have noticed that most pop-up canopies come with either straight or slanted legs. Which is better for you? Contrary to popular belief, straight-leg canopies tend to be sturdier and more stable compared to slant-leg ones. Slant leg canopies rely mostly on the slant of the legs for stability and tend to be made more lightweight and cheaper for less rugged conditions.
If the forecast for the day is calling for heavy winds, then you may be better off bringing along a more study straight leg canopy with guy lines or sandbags to keep it held to the ground.
Weighing down the legs
If there is any chance of wind, you should consider anchoring the legs of your canopy. A safe bet if you don’t have guy lines to keep the canopy secured to the ground is to have at least about 20 pounds on each leg. More is always preferable if you can get a hold of it but bringing along sandbags tends to be a pain in the butt. If you don’t have sandbags, water jugs, coolers, ammo cans and other equipment can often be used in a pinch to hold down your pop-up canopy against unexpected gusts of wind.
Is it waterproof?
Most pop up canopies can withstand some rain coming from directly overhead without much issue. If your canopy is made from Polyurethane then it’s a toss up depending on what kind of coating was used to “waterproof” the canopy. If you want to be 100% sure that water won’t penetrate the top canopy or any side additions you have, look for canopy material that is made from a vinyl-based polyester. You can coat it with Camp Dry, too.
How much wind can a pop-up canopy take?
It is different between the manufacturers based on materials. but the average is 18-30mph of wind before the structure will collapse. Some can take more, some can take less. And this is with a properly anchored canopy, too.
How long can a pop-up canopy last?
If left untreated, the average lifespan for an inexpensive canopy is 2-3 years. Treating it with Camp Dry, keeping it clean and taking care of it will increase the lifespan dramatically.
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