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The best canopy tents provide portable coverage where and when you need it. We tested seven of the best models on the market to help you find the right canopy tent for your needs and budget.
Written by Andrew Potter
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Whether you’re looking for a sturdy backyard shade structure or a packable sun and rain shield for your next camping trip, canopy tents are a simple and effective way to optimize your time spent outdoors. To help with your future family hangouts, beach days, camping trips, and event hosting, we’ve tested the best canopy tents of 2024.
The canopy tents are surprisingly easy to set up and secure, providing quick and effective protection from the sun and weather. They’re great for personal use at the beach, in the backyard, or on your next car camping trip, and can be ideal for small businesses and start-ups. Caterers, craft fairs, farmer’s markets, and food vendors often use canopy tents for marketing and sales.
From classic pop-ups to newfangled tent canopies and designs, we tested seven of the best models on the market. At his home on a sprawling farm in Virginia, author Andrew Potter put each model through its paces during spring in the southeastern US. We examined important factors like coverage, ease of setup, portability, stability, special features, and best uses to find the best canopy tents for all users.
Keep reading to explore our list of the best canopy tents of 2024. To compare the specs and models we tested at a glance, check out our handy comparison table. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide and FAQ section to help you find the best canopy tent for your specific needs.
The Best Canopy Tents of 2024
- Best Overall Canopy Tent: Neso Party Tent
- Best Budget Canopy Tent: Crown Shades 10 x 10 Pop-up Canopy
- Best Pop-up Canopy Tent: Eurmax USA 10 x 10 Standard Pop-Up Canopy Tent
- Best Canopy Tent for Car Camping: Big Agnes Sage Canyon Shelter Deluxe
- Best Canopy Tent with a Screen: Coleman Back Home 10.5 x 9 Screen Canopy Tent
- Best Looking Pop-up Canopy Tent: Coleman Oasis 10 x 10 Canopy
- Another Great Canopy Tent for Car Camping: Eureka Tagalong Shelter
Best Overall Canopy Tent
Neso Party Tent
Specs
- Shade MaterialStretchy nylon/lycra
- Coverage11 ft. x 22 ft.
- Height8 ft.
- Set Up Time (2-people)10-15 minutes
- Carrying CaseBackpack
- Weight23 lbs., 7 oz.
Pros
- Versatile
- Lots of shade and coverage
- Easy to transport
- Rust-resistant aluminum poles
- Head-turner when deployed
Cons
- Water can pool on canopy
- Moderately expensive
Andrew Potter
The Neso Party Tent ($300) topped our list for its innovative design, ease of use, and remarkable versatility. Based out of Encinitas, Calif., Neso takes an innovative approach to an old-school concept, designing canopy tents that are incredibly easy to set up, shockingly portable, highly versatile, and stylish.
The Party Tent comes in a backpack-style carrying case, which makes transportation a breeze. At around 28.5 pounds, it’s also impressively lightweight for the amount of coverage it provides. At 11 x 22 feet, it also happens to be the largest of all the canopies we tested, providing more than double the shade of a traditional 10 x 10-foot pop-up.
You have the option of using the included sandbags or ground screws as anchors so that you can set up on surfaces ranging from the beach to the backyard. To erect, you start by laying the canopy out on the ground and extending the six anchor straps. Then, you either fill the sandbags, or screw in the ground screws, and then attach the included carabiner to the anchor. The six posts snap into place easily and are positioned two feet from the corners and side anchors.
The nylon/lycra canopy material is stretchy, allowing you to prop up the material from underneath easily. As you go, you can adjust the anchor tension with the daisy chains on the straps, meaning your initial anchor placements don’t have to be perfect. The canopy is water-resistant and has a UPF 50+ sun protection rating.
On a rainy day, the tent beaded water very well, but after a few hours, the canopy was collecting water due to its stretch. It was easy to push off to the side, however, and the canopy refrained from leaking. Because of the unique material, it was silent in the wind and didn’t budge when gusts came through. When it gets really windy, there’s no frame to break, and it won’t go flying away and crashing down the way traditional pop-ups can.
For its size, we feel the Neso Party Tent is fairly priced, easy to transport and set up, and if you’re on the beach with other, traditional pop-up tents in view, you’ll be sure to incite some jealousy. This tent could be utilized at a family campsite, for events, or even as a semi-permanent backyard canopy. Overall, we think Neso designed the best canopy tent we tested with the Party Tent.
Best Budget Canopy Tent
Crown Shades 10 x 10 Pop-up Canopy
Specs
- Shade MaterialUPF 50+ 150D Silver-coated canopy
- Coverage10 ft. x 10 ft.
- HeightCanopy edge: 6 ft., 2 in., Apex: 9 ft., 4 in.
- Set Up Time (2-people)10 minutes
- Carrying CaseRolling bag
- Weight37 lbs.
Pros
- Easy setup
- Professional look
- Sandbags for security on pavement
- Reasonable price
- Lots of color and pattern options
Cons
- Not the sturdiest feel
- Wouldn’t recommend in high winds
Andrew Potter
The Crown Shades 10 x 10 Pop-up Canopy ($141) is about as traditional as a pop-up tent can get. It provides sun and rain protection for setting up a table for an event or market, and its ease of use makes it one of the best pop-up options on the market.
Four corners spread easily, and after draping the canopy over the top and securing the corners with Velcro, the apex seamlessly presses into place from below. Four included sandbags strap to the posts, and you’re done! The legs extend to three height positions with the lower edge of the canopy up to as high as 6 feet and 2 inches — with much headroom inside.
The vented apex provides ample airflow for comfort and helps prevent the canopy from being swept upward by the wind. It did scoot around a bit on a windy day before we weighed it down, but that’s typical of this style of canopy. It also comes with guy lines and stakes to pin it down even further.
At 37 pounds, it isn’t the lightest canopy around, but it’s a reasonable weight for the pop-up style. It weighs over 20 pounds less than the Eurmax described below, so it’s a bit easier to deal with during transport. It also comes with a cover bag to keep it tidy and has wheels so you can roll it across firm surfaces.
It also comes in a wide array of canopy color and pattern options, so you can choose what best suits your style or needs. Our biggest concern with the Crown Shades 10 x 10 is that it just doesn’t feel quite as robust as some heavier-duty models, which could impact its durability. Still, at $141, it’s a great deal.
The Crown Shades 10 x 10 Pop-up Canopy is a simple and relatively sturdy option for farmer’s markets, craft fairs, or other events where you’d like to set up and tear down quickly. With the sandbags, you could even leave it up on a porch for seasonal shade. If simplicity and affordability are on your list of priorities, this pop-up canopy is a great choice.
Best Pop-Up Canopy Tent
Eurmax USA 10′ x 10′ Standard Pop-up Canopy Tent
Specs
- Shade Material500D Polyester Meets CPAI-84 Fire Certification
- Coverage10 ft. x 10 ft.
- HeightCanopy edge: 7 ft., Apex: 11 ft.
- Set Up Time (2-people)15-25 minutes
- Carrying CaseRolling bag
- Weight61 lbs.
Pros
- Industrial grade materials
- Classic look
- Sturdy posts and latching mechanisms
- Fully featured
Cons
- Door/window wall might need custom anchoring in windy weather
- Enclosed feel with walls on
- Heavy
Andrew Potter
If you’ve ever attended an outdoor wedding, you’ve probably seen the Eurmax 10 x 10 Standard Canopy ($259) in action. Eurmax has been a staple in the events industry for years now. With a quick setup time, a professional aesthetic, and included features like removable walls and a quality rolling storage bag, it’s easy to see why.
The 10 x 10 Standard Canopy is erected like any traditional pop-up tent. Given its hefter construction and industrial-grade materials, it’s a bit heavier than most at 61 pounds. That said, the carrying case has wheels attached to the base, so you can simply roll it to the destination. The four corners expand, and then you toss the canopy over the top, using burly velcro straps to secure the corners.
Unlike some other pop-ups, you can’t simply push the top up and into place from beneath. Each corner has a latch that needs to be manually clicked into place, after which the center apex pushes upward with ease. While this adds an extra step, it’s also one of the reasons why this canopy tent feels so much sturdier than others. If you choose to use the side walls, they have to be zipped and velcroed to the corner posts, which adds time to the setup but provides additional sun and wind protection when you need it.
Three height options — up to 7 feet at the lower canopy edge — make this tent ideal for a range of commercial uses. One of the included walls has a zip-out window and door, which is ideal for serving food to guests. In windy conditions, this open wall can blow around a bit, so we’d recommend finding a way to stake it down at the corners. The canopy itself is CPAI-84 fire retardant certified, water-resistant, and provides 99% UV protection
The Eurmax Standard Pop-up comes in a wide array of canopy color options and five sizes between 8 x 8 feet and 10 x 20 feet. If you’re hosting an event and would like an easy-to-set-up food or beverage station or selling your wares at weekend craft fairs, the Eurmax 10×10 Standard Canopy is a no-brainer. It’s not the cheapest, but you get the assurance of an industrial-grade canopy along with a professional look.
Best Canopy Tent for Car Camping
Big Agnes Sage Canyon Shelter Deluxe
Specs
- Shade MaterialPolyester taffeta with 1500 mm PU water-resistant coating
- CoverageFloor area: 100 sq. ft., vestibule: 29 sq. ft.
- Height84 in.
- Set Up Time (2-people)10 minutes
- Carrying CaseClassic tent bag
- Weight12 lbs., 10 oz.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Packable
- Guy lines attached to shelter
- Accessories make it extremely versatile
Cons
- Not the best for extreme weather
- Accessory walls and mesh insert sold separately
- Expensive
Andrew Potter
The Big Agnes Sage Canyon Shelter Deluxe ($450) isn’t much heavier than a backpacking tent and compresses to a similar size when packed up. It’s easy to deploy in a pinch and is the perfect size to cover a picnic table or kitchen setup. For car camping and hybrid use on the go, we can’t imagine a better pop-up tent.
To set up, you simply spread out the canopy and stake down the four corners. A webbing frame makes it easy to pull into place once you’ve got one side staked down. Two, long poles cross over the top of the tent to make up the primary frame.
A medium-sized pole goes through the lip at the front to create an extended vestibule, and a pole goes from its apex through the roof of the tent for additional stability. After that, you can stake the tie-downs as needed for additional stability, and you’re done.
With 84 inches of head space at its highest point, the average person can stand comfortably beneath the roof. Rain beaded down the sides, and the vents overhead prevented the wind from shifting the structure. Big Agnes offers up to four accessory walls for the Sage Canyon (sold separately), so you can easily turn this tent into a fully enclosed structure as needed.
Weighing in at 12 pounds and 10 ounces and folding down to a tiny 8 x 28 inches in its storage bag, the Sage Canyon Deluxe is about as portable as a canopy tent gets. It hardly takes up any room in your vehicle, and it’s a reasonable size to carry with you to some far-off hike-in hang-out spot. It isn’t cheap, but the quality and functionality help to justify the asking price. Big Agnes also sells the smaller Sage Canyon Shelter ($300) and the Shelter Plus ($350).
Big Agnes is one of the premier tent makers in the industry, so it’s no surprise the Sage Canyon Shelter Deluxe is so well designed. We could see this tent being used for camping, beach days, relaxing in the backyard, and more. With an easy setup and lightweight materials, it’s the perfect pop-up tent to throw in the car and bring along on your next adventure.
Best Canopy Tent with a Screen
Coleman Back Home 10.5 x 9 Screen Canopy Tent
Specs
- Shade MaterialUPF 50+, material not specified
- Coverage10.5 ft. x 9 ft.
- Height9 ft.
- Set Up Time (2-people)15-25 minutes
- Carrying CaseWheeled carry bag with shoulder strap
- Weight48 lbs., 11 oz.
Pros
- Screened enclosure keeps bugs out
- Wheeled carry bag
- Steel posts are sturdy
- Extra guy-lines for stability
- Two entrances
Cons
- Screen can tear if you don’t take care during set up and take down
- Moderately expensive
Andrew Potter
The Coleman Back Home 10.5 x 9 Screen Canopy Tent ($275) isn’t the cheapest pop-up tent on the list, but it seems like a good deal when you’re getting a fully screened outdoor room. This sturdy pop-up is ideal as a backyard addition or on your next buggy car camping trip. Coleman sized it to fit comfortably over a picnic table, so it has you covered when you want to dine outdoors and the bugs do too.
Six sturdy posts spread out from the center like a traditional pop-up, at which point you can toss the canopy over the top and secure the corners. Because of the included sidewalls, it’s easy to pull into place. If you’re setting up the tent solo, it’s fairly easy to get underneath and push the center hub apex up until it snaps into place using Coleman’s One Peak technology. From there, it’s simply a matter of securing the canopy and walls to the frame with the tie-on lashes.
Coleman puts stake eyelets at each post, making securing the main structure to the ground easy. The attached guy lines can be extended, staked, or tied off as needed. With all the guy lines secured, we watched the tent from inside the house as a storm blew through, and the Back Home didn’t budge.
Taking the Back Home down is also pretty easy, just be sure to pay attention to the mesh panels so they don’t get pinched, snag, or tear when breaking down. At nearly 49 pounds, the Back Home 10.5 x 9 is fairly hefty, but the included wheeled carry bag makes it relatively easy to move around. Coleman also makes a 15 x 13-foot version of the Back Home if you need an even bigger screened-in space.
The screened walls are a real plus in the warmer months. We left the Coleman Back Home set up for over a week, enjoying sunset co*cktails and snacks without having to worry about mosquitos. If you live in a buggy region but want to enjoy the outdoors sans bug spray, the Back Home is one of the best pop-up tents available.
Best Looking Pop-Up Canopy Tent
Coleman Oasis 10 x 10 Canopy
Specs
- Shade MaterialUPF 50+ canopy, material not specified
- Coverage10 ft. x 10 ft.
- Height8 ft., 8 in.
- Set Up Time (2-people)10 minutes
- Carrying CaseRolling bag
- Weight37 lbs., 14 oz.
Pros
- Easy set up
- Overhanging eaves offers extra coverage
- One Peak push for set up
- Nicer looks than other pop-up canopies
Cons
- No anchor-points on posts
Andrew Potter
Another traditional pop-up, the Coleman Oasis 10 x 10 ($190) sets itself apart from the competition with a unique look. While most pop-up canopies look somewhat industrial, the Oasis manages to look a tiny bit classier with overhanging eaves that add a little extra coverage beyond the edge of the frame.
Like other pop-ups, the Coleman Oasis is a breeze to set up and take down. Coleman’s One Peak technology makes erecting the Oasis stress-free once you’ve got the canopy attached to the corners. The Comfort Grip locks on the posts offer pinch-free assurance as you raise or lower the posts to the desired height. With more staking options, it’s also a bit more versatile than the Crown Shades in terms of where you can set it up, along with having a more casual look.
We really liked how the canopy extended beyond the frame. Not only for its slightly classier look but as water beaded off during a storm, we didn’t have to worry about splashing or pooling. And the vented roof offered some much-needed airflow on a humid afternoon after the storm passed.
Coleman’s steel frames offer an assurance of up to 35 mph winds, and we got to watch it in action as it successfully maintained position. The posts hopped around a bit, but the stakes held. If unexpected weather forces you to retreat, you can expect the Oasis to still be there when you return. If you need additional coverage, Coleman makes a 13 x 13-foot version of the Oasis as well.
We could see the Coleman Oasis 10 x 10 utilized on the beach, park, back deck, or at a campsite. Because the posts don’t have any anchor points, however, it wasn’t as ideal when we set it up on a hard surface. That said, you could easily strap some aftermarket sandbags to them if necessary. Overall, the Oasis is a great pop-up tent for basic sun and rain protection and comes with a 1-year warranty.
Another Great Car Camping Canopy Tent
Eureka Tagalong Shelter
Specs
- Shade Material50+ UPF Taffeta
- Coverage50 sq. ft.
- Set Up Time (2-people)5-10 minutes
- Carrying CaseTent bag with shoulder strap
- Weight7 lbs., 3 oz.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy setup
- Webbing base holds the shape well
- Packable and easily portable
Cons
- No ceiling vent to reduce wind drag
Andrew Potter
The Eureka Tagalong Shelter ($260) came in a close second as the best car camping pop-up tent. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and would make a great companion on the road. It also compresses into a classic tent bag with a shoulder strap and weighs just over 7 pounds, making it great for carrying to the beach or a sunny outdoor concert.
The setup is similar to the Big Agnes Sage Canyon but even simpler. The Tagalong only has two cross poles, creating an x-brace overhead. With webbing attached to the four corners, it’s easy to lay out and stake into place.
A taffeta canopy offers about fifty square feet of shade, making coverage comfortable for two to four people. The inner height of the Tagalong Shelter is a bit lower than most at 6 feet and 3 inches, plus it slopes slightly from front to back. This makes it a little less ideal for taller people who want to stand up inside — it works best for lounging on the ground or in chairs.
Optional guy lines offer stability for windy days, but we didn’t find them necessary on a mild day. If staking isn’t an option, optional sand anchors come attached to all four corners. While quite similar to the Big Agnes Sage Canyon we tested, the Tagalong doesn’t provide quite as much coverage. That said, it costs almost $200 less, so that’s a tradeoff to consider depending on the amount of coverage you think you need.
With a 50+ UPF rating assurance, this is an ideal pop-up tent for a day at the beach, lake, or park. Of all the options on this list, the Eureka Tagalong was the easiest to set up and take down, and its portability makes it one of the best pop-up tents to have on hand.
Canopy Tent Comparison Chart
| Canopy Tent | MSRP | Shade Material | Coverage | Height | Carrying Case | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neso Party Tent | $300 | UPF 50+ stretchy nylon/lycra | 11 ft. x 22 ft. | 8 ft. | Backpack | 23 lbs., 7 oz. |
| Crown Shades 10 x 10 Pop-up Canopy | $141 | UPF 50+ 150D Silver-coated canopy | 10 ft. x 10 ft. | Canopy edge: 6 ft., 2 in., Apex: 9 ft., 4 in. | Cover bag and wheels | 37 lbs. |
| Eurmax USA 10 x 10 Standard Pop-up | $259 | 500D Polyester Meets CPAI-84 Fire Certification | 10 ft. x 10 ft. | Canopy edge: 7 ft., Apex: 11 ft. | Rolling bag | 61 lbs. |
| Big Agnes Sage Canyon Shelter Deluxe | $450 | Polyester taffeta with 1500 mm PU water-resistant coating | 64 sq. ft. | 7 ft. | Classic tent bag | 12 lbs., 10 oz |
| Coleman Back Home 10.5 x 9 Screen Canopy Tent | $275 | UPF 50+, material not specified | 10.5 ft. x 9 ft. | 9 ft. | Wheeled carry bag with shoulder strap | 48 lbs., 11 oz |
| Coleman Oasis 10 x 10 Canopy | $190 | UPF 50+ canopy, material not specified | 10 ft. x 10 ft. | 8 ft., 8 in. | Rolling bag | 37 lbs., 14 oz. |
| Eureka Tagalong Shelter | $260 | UPF 50+ Taffeta | 50 sq. ft. | 6 ft., 3 in. | Tent bag with shoulder strap | 7 lbs., 3 oz. |
How We Tested Canopy Tents
At GearJunkie, we love being outdoors but we know that adapting our outdoor space to our needs can make our experience even better. When the sun is shining, wind is blowing, or some weather rolls in, we’re always happy when we’re prepared to protect ourselves from the elements. Over the years, we’ve learned that canopy tents are a great way to shield ourselves from the sun and changing weather.
For our canopy tent buyer’s guide, we tasked frequent GearJunkie contributor Andrew Potter with testing seven of the best models we could find. Andrew currently lives on a large farm in Virginia, where he spent months testing these canopy tents in the highly variable spring weather of the southeastern U.S. With everything from decks, patios, grassy lawns, the back woods, you name it, Andrew has the ideal testing ground for using these tents on a wide range of surfaces and situations.
To determine the best pop-up tents, Andrew paid close attention to every detail from set up to take down. He looked at everything from the coverage area to ease of setup and quality of the build and compared ease of use to functionality.
Pop-up tents are notorious for turning into wind sails in harsh weather, so we left them out for at least a night while some variable southeast spring weather was rolling through. We looked at waterproofness, sun protection, appearance, weight, portability, and anchor systems. Whatever your concerns, we’ve addressed them.
With an overwhelming number of brands and styles available today, it can be difficult to make a definitive decision. We made sure to test best-selling tents, innovative designs, and hybrid pop-ups to ensure this list is comprised of the best canopy tents on the market. As new and interesting models hit the market, we’ll be sure to test those, too, to keep this guide updated with the best canopy tents for all users.
Buying Advice: How to Choose a Canopy Tent
To know what type of canopy tent to purchase, it’s most important to consider your intended use. Are you looking for a simple and easily portable shade for the beach or park? Or do you need something suitable for parking lots at swap meets or the farmer’s market?
Is packability a concern, or are you okay with something heavier? How big does your canopy need to be? By answering some simple questions, you should be able to zero in on the model that will work best for your needs.
All of the options on this list are fairly versatile, but some — like the Eurmax 10 x 10 — have an intended function where they excel. Below, we’ll outline the basic features and functionality of canopy tents to ensure you’ve made the necessary considerations.
Coverage and Clearance
Depending on what you intend to use your canopy tent for and how many people or what you’re trying to cover with it, size is an important consideration. For both shade coverage and height clearance, size absolutely matters. On this list, the coverage ranges from 11 x 22 feet (Neso Party Tent) to 8 feet (Eureka Tagalong). Knowing how many people you’ll have to house under the canopy is a simple, but important consideration.
All of the pop-up canopies we tested were 10 x 10 feet in size. This is pretty much the standard size that works for most people’s needs. If you need something smaller or larger, most pop-ups come in a range of sizes so you can pick what works best for you.
For example, the Eurmax USA Standard Canopy can be ordered in five different sizes between 8 x 8 feet and 10 x 20 feet. Similarly, the Crown Shades pop-up comes in a smaller 8 x 8 foot size, while the Coleman Oasis comes in a larger 13 x 13 foot size.
Beyond the coverage area, the height of a canopy tent may play a role in how useful it is. Do you want to be able to stand up and move around so you can cook under your canopy, or will you mostly be sitting on camping chairs or at a picnic table?
The Eureka Tagalong has the lowest standing space beneath at 75 inches, whereas the average height of the other options is around 80 inches. Some, like the Eurmax, have cross supports paralleling the ground, whereas others, like the Coleman Back Home, have a conical roof that offers more headspace in the center.
Setup
Depending on where you’re erecting your pop-up tent, both the set-up time and style can be critical. All of the models we tested are pretty quick and easy to set up, although some are a bit easier than others. The Eureka Tagalong, for example, sets up like a traditional camping tent but only requires two poles, and it can be up and secured quickly. For beach days where claiming a spot before relaxation is a priority, the Tagalong is ideal.
Traditional pop-ups, like Crown Shades 10×10, Eurmax, and the Coleman Oasis, don’t take long to erect, but the initial setup typically takes a little longer to attach the canopy over the frame. For subsequent set-ups and break-downs, you can often just leave the canopy on top which expedites the process.
Additionally, depending on the surface or the wind conditions, you’ll often spend extra time securing them. The larger the canopy, the more you’ll have to anchor it to keep it grounded.
Anchor Styles
If you’ve ever seen a pop-up canopy go flying in the air, then you know how susceptible they can be to the wind and the importance of anchoring them securely. Not only is a flying pop-up extremely dangerous, but it will likely cause significant damage to your investment.
The best pop-up tent on our list, the Neso Party Tent, gives you the option of sandbags or ground screws. If necessary, you could use both. Having both options makes the Party Tent impressively versatile and functional in both a beach and grass setting.
The Party Tent’s stakes really shine above the rest. The screws are strong, and as you twist them into the ground you can feel the resistance. Unlike normal stakes, you can yank on them without them dislodging. All of Neso’s tent models utilize these stakes, and for good reason.
All of the options on the list come with at least the option to use guy lines for stake anchoring, but that’s not an option on hard surfaces. The Eurmax Pop-up, for example, is designed for event use, and we’ve read that many regular users will purchase additional sandbags separately to ensure optimal security on a variety of surfaces. Yes, it already comes with sandbags, but adding more can give you extra peace of mind if you’re unable to anchor it down in other ways.
Both the Big Agnes Sage Canyon Shelter Deluxe and the Eureka Tagalong Shelter are more like camping tents than pop-up canopies. As such, they anchor to the ground by more traditional methods like tent stakes at the corners and guy lines for extra stability.
Portability
Depending on how and where you’re using your canopy tent, portability may or may not be a huge concern. All of the models we tested are portable, but they vary pretty wildly in terms of weight and collapsed size. All of them will fit into the trunk of your car or a truck bed, but some take up significantly less space than others.
In general, pop-up canopies are the heaviest and largest. This is due primarily to their larger metal frames. Still, they collapse down to an impressively small size for what they are. All of the models we tested also come with storage/transport covers and have wheels so that you can roll them across firm surfaces.
The models we tested range in weight between 37 pounds (Crown Shades 10 x 10) and 61 pounds (Eurmax 10 x 10), with the Coleman Back Home and Oasis falling in between those figures. Those weights mean that you probably won’t want to carry any of them for a long distance, but they are fairly easy to roll around or toss into your beach wagon or utility cart to get it where you need to go.
However, if you’re traveling, car camping, or hiking to a lake or beach spot, portability and weight are major concerns. Both the Big Agnes Sage Canyon and Eureka Tagalong are under 13 pounds packed and can easily be tucked away in a trunk or backpack.
If you’re not quite sure where you’ll be setting up camp for the day or your vehicle is already stuffed to the gills with other gear, a lighter and more compact option that’s easy to carry and transport may be the best option.
Surprisingly, the largest coverage canopy we tested, the Neso Party Tent, is shockingly portable. While it provides 11 x 22 feet of coverage, it weighs just 23 and half pounds and it collapses down into a storage bag with backpack straps. Even if you need to walk a considerable distance to get to your favorite beach or hangout spot at the park, Neso has made it easy to bring the Party Tent with you.
Walls and Screens
If you only need your canopy tent to protect from overhead sun and precipitation, then you may never need or want walls or screens. But if you’re setting up to sell some crafts at a local fair or want some additional protection from the wind or pesky bugs, then it might be worth looking into models that include walls or screens.
The Eurmax 10 x 10 Standard Pop-up we tested comes with optional walls that you can put on separately to create anything from a fully walled-in space to one that is wide open. If bugs are a concern, the Coleman Back Home Screen Canopy comes with mesh walls to help keep them at bay.
If you’re after a more portable option, the Big Agnes Sage Canyon Shelter Deluxe can be fitted with a mesh liner and/or accessory walls (sold separately) to dial it in for your needs.
Price
The canopy tents we tested range in price from around $140-450. As with most other outdoor gear, we found that there is a relationship between rice and quality, but in the case of canopy tents, the type of tent makes a difference as well. In general, pop-up canopies are a bit simpler and, therefore, more affordable. Even then, the models we tested cost between $140 and $275.
If you’re operating on a budget, the most affordable model we tested, the Crown Shades 10 x 10, absolutely gets the job done. The primary difference between it and the much more expensive Eurmax 10 x 10 is the quality of materials and construction.
The Eurmax simply feels much sturdier and durable, plus it comes with removable walls. If you’re a less frequent user, the Crown Shades will likely serve you just fine. If you’re a heavy canopy user or just want yours to last for years, then the Eurmax is probably the way to go.
Special features also tend to add to the price. For example, the Coleman Back Home comes equipped with screen walls. This makes it less surprising that it costs a bit more than a simple model like the Coleman Oasis. Similarly, the Neso Party Tent provides a huge amount of coverage in a super portable and versatile package, so its $300 asking price seems fairly reasonable.
Some of the more niche canopies made by industry-leading tent manufacturers are also on the higher end of the price scale. Not only are the Eureka Tagalong Shelter and the Big Agnes Sage Canyon Shelter Deluxe impressively light and portable, but they are also made with high-end materials and poles that help to make them that way. If packability and quality are high on your list of priorities, you may end up paying a bit more for it.
FAQ
How long does it take to set up a pop-up tent?
Set-up time varies based on the tent style, location, and how many people are on hand to help. Traditional pop-ups with rigid frames spread easily with two people, but if you’re alone, you’ll have to crawl beneath and push the center up. Or, in the case of the Eurmax, you’ll have to go corner to corner pushing the supports up until they latch.
The tent pole style options, like the Eureka Tagalong, take about ten minutes once you’ve gotten the hang of it. The Back Home is up in a jiffy, but you have to spend extra time extending and staking the guy lines. In general, we’d recommend setting aside about thirty minutes if you’re setting up a pop-up tent for the first time. Once you’ve developed an efficient system, they can be up and secured in as little as ten minutes or less.
How sustainable are pop-up tents?
Unfortunately, like a lot of outdoor gear, most pop-up tent materials aren’t recyclable. The nylon and canvas canopies don’t have much use beyond their intended purpose, whereas steel posts and legs could be repurposed at a scrap yard, and stakes and guy-lines are always good to keep around.
We weren’t able to find any options that use recycled materials, which most-likely comes down to the difficulty of manufacturing recycled, water-resistant canopies that are guaranteed to hold up to extended use. With that in mind, proper care and anchoring can ensure a long life for a pop-up tent, meaning you can get extended use and pass it on if you decide to upgrade.
How can I get the most life out of my pop-up tent?
Proper assembly and disassembly are probably the most important factors for durability, but other factors do come into play. If your kids are hanging from the supports, you’ll compromise the frame’s integrity. Likewise, if you’re setting up the tent in a hurry and don’t notice an obstruction preventing a leg from extending, pushing up on the tent can potentially cause irreparable damage to the frame.
Anchoring is also crucial. Pop-up tents are meant to stay on the ground, and once they go airborne in a windstorm, all bets are off. It’s also very important to pack up the tents properly. Folding the canopy neatly can minimize wrinkling and eventual cracking, and proper packing around the frame can prevent snags when you unpack it the next time.
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Andrew Potter
6 articles
Andrew Potter has been working full-time as a writer for nearly a decade and enjoys applying his skill set to gear reviews and articles for the outdoor industry. An avid climber, skier, backpacker, angler, and more, he knows firsthand what to look for in quality gear. Andrew has an MFA in Creative Writing, with several published short stories and a novel in the works. After spending a decade out West, he’s now based in Northern Virginia on the outskirts of Shenandoah National Park.
