The Best Canopy Pop-Up Tents

Buying Guide

Whether you are heading to the beach for the day or perhaps tailgating before a game, pop-up tents are the best to keep you protected from the elements.

“Canopy tents are great for offering protection from the wind and sun. They’re also very versatile,” says outdoor and camping expert Shawna Newman, editor-in-chief of Active Weekender. “You can take them camping, to the beach, tailgating at the big game, or even use one to set up a booth at your local farmer’s market.”

One factor you’ll want to consider is size. How many people will be using your tent? Do you need a lot of space at the top in addition to floor space?

“It’s important that you buy the proper size pop-up tent, otherwise tall people will have to crouch when standing inside,” Newman explains. “A model with a cathedral ceiling is ideal for headspace.”

Additionally, you’ll want to look for quality. Look at the materials the tents are made from and the features they offer.

“The best pop-up tents are made of a thicker water-resistant polyester,” says Newman. “The thickness should be labeled on the product for you to see. The thicker it is, the more durable it is and the more rain it can handle. If you want maximum UV protection on sunny days, then the best options for this are the models with a UV-protection vinyl coating. Sidewalls, which offer protection from sun and wind, are another hallmark of a higher quality canopy tent.”

If sun protrection is the main purpose of buying a canopy pop-up tent, perhaps consider one that offers UV ray protection. You’ll find tents on the market with excellent 99% UV protection and two height options with adjustable legs. In addition, some of these tents are sold with convenient, water-resistant carrying cases.

If you are looking to “up” your tailgating game, you may want a pop-up that can withstand any wind or rain. Since you may not know the terrain on which you’ll be setting the tent on, it would be a good idea to find a canopy that offers a stronger steel frame or some sort of free-standing stabilizer.

The ABC Canopy Pop-up Canopy Tent has it all for tailgating. This 10 x 10-foot canopy features extremely durable material that offers UPF of 50 and UV protection. It not only comes with stakes for grassy or sandy areas but also four sandbags to attach to the legs for harder surfaces that the stakes won’t penetrate. Add the handy wheeled case that it easily slips back into, and you will have yourself an incredible asset for tailgating.

Now, if you are an event vendor and offer your services for outdoor events, you most certainly want to have a canopy tent that is not only beautiful in presentation but also protects your equipment from the rain, wind and sun.

For disc jockeys, bartenders and photo booth vendors, the best resolution for outdoor events is one with drop-down sides. This type of tent will surely keep you safe from rain and wind and give you the display you want. The added perk of sandbags for the legs provides stability through stormy weather, so you may wan to look for that feature. When it’s time to pack up, some models break down in a few easy steps and slip it into the rolling storage bag included.

When you want a simple tent that will give you coverage during your backyard cookout, look for a large pop-up tent that has a 13X13 foot spread. This tent allows for more mingling space underneath. A roof vent is also ideal, as it resists pooling when you have rainstorms. Some models even offer an unparalleled three-minute setup that will help prepare you for impending storm clouds in no time. Make sure the heavy-duty material is UV protective, and that the corner stakes are able to keep the canopy portion from flipping upwards in cases of wind gusts. In addition, look for a carrying bag that has wheels on the bottom for easy transportation.

• Aluminum frame tents are best if you are looking for a lightweight option that is easy to set up and break down. However, aluminum will bend easier if confronted with strong winds or rough use.
• When using your tent, just remember to add the sandbags and anchor the legs properly, for safety reasons. “A swift gust of wind will have it airborne if you don’t have those legs securely anchored,” says Newman.
• For an area that often sees tough winds and gusty weather, a steel frame canopy is the one to consider. The sturdy construction of steel will not allow for easy bending even in the toughest of weather.
• Although a dark color may be your first choice for your canopy tent, remember that dark color fabrics will retain heat. So, if you live in an area that is usually hot, try to go for a lighter color.
• Color will block UV rays better than a white canopy. So, if this is going to be primarily a beach tent, try for a light color to keep you protected from the sun but not sweltering in the heat.
• To give you a general idea of what the size means, a 10- by 10-foot canopy allows for roughly 16-20 people to stand and mingle, 10-12 around a table, and roughly 3-4 beach chairs underneath.
• Most canopies consist of polyester fabric. This comes in a variety of thicknesses. So when you see a rating for the fabric, it is referring to the thickness. The thicker the material, the better.