Camping Panda
Summertime camping is wonderful, but basking in the sun for too long isn’t healthy. Seeking shade during peak hours is a must, but what to do if your tent gets too hot? Easy, take a pop-up canopy with you.
Not only it provides shade, a canopy also provides shelter, should it suddenly start to rain. With this in mind, check out our rundown to find the best pop up canopy for your gang.
Waterproof
Is it well protected from rain?
Windproof
is it well protected from wind?
Size
Is it adjustable?
Set Up
Is it easy to set-up?
Portability
Is it easy to carry?
Usability
Is it easy to use?
Lifespan
Is it build for years to come?
Durability
Is it sturdy enough?
15
Hours Researched
19
Products Evaluated
6k
Reviews Considered
4
Sources Researched
Suitable for anything from camping to picnics to commercial events, the ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy is one of the most sought-after on the market. A wide footprint makes it perfect to cover three larger camping chairs or four tables.
Easy to pop up, it boasts an umbrella design. All you have to do is to attach the canopy to the frame with the Velcro tabs and erect the structure. The canopy comes with four sandbags, stakes, and ropes, for added balance and wind resistance. Fully waterproof, it can protect you from all kinds of weather.
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The CROWN SHADES folding canopy is similar to our top pick, in that it’s an umbrella canopy. It boasts an easy installation and take down, but what impresses is the patented leg design that allows you to adjust the legs for seamless set up on uneven terrain.
The same technology also lets you adjust the shade angle, so you can enjoy the outdoors comfortably from dawn to dusk. Lighter and easier to carry, this pop up canopy also impresses with an attractive price tag.
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The Eurmax Ez can be easily crowned as the best pop up canopy around. It is designed to withstand whatever the weather is throwing at it, from the desert sun to heavy rain. A heavy-duty frame and canopy ensure great resistance and durability.
Three height adjustments and 1-person set up enhance versatility. But its greatest highlight are the side panels, that allow you to turn the canopy into an enclosed – albeit floor-less – shelter. Heavy but designed to last, this pop up canopy is perfect for car or RV camping.
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Providing a shaded area of 100 square feet, the CORE Instant Shelter is another great choice for picnics or car camping. It’s lighter than most canopies this size, and like the CORE tents, it’s very easy to erect.
The canopy is made from the same fabric the brand’s tents are made of. It’s not fully waterproof, but resists light to moderate rain. As you can expect, the fabric provides UV protection, while two vents on top ensure better air circulation. The instant shelter packs compactly for easy transport and is suitable for both temporary use while camping or to keep up all summer long in the garden.
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The main difference between the CORE above and the EAGLE PEAK is the slanted design of the legs. Due to this feature, this canopy only shades 64 square feet, despite its 10′ x 10′ footprint.
On the bright side, the slant leg design allows you to take advantage of every inch of shaded area. The fabric is UV- and water-resistant, so you can enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather. We also like that it’s light compared to other canopies of similar size. No doubt, much easier to carry to your campsite.
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If you liked our premium pick but find it too heavy or too expensive, then this instant canopy could be the best one for you. It comes from the same brand and boasts similar features, with the sole difference being the lack of side panels.
Perfect to use in warm weather, the Eurmax Ez boasts a heavy-duty frame and comes with fully waterproof canopy. It’s suitable for avid campers who love extended trips, and is also perfect for commercial purposes. Obviously, the lack of walls trims off some weight and lowers the price tag, making it a perfect alternative to our premium pick if you only care about the shade.
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Coleman is one of the most popular camping gear brands, proposing products that always manage to stand out. Such as this screened canopy tent that comes as an alternative to the rectangular models.
We particularly like its hexagonal design, that brings a breath of fresh air in the camping world. The canopy not only provides shade and shelter, it also keeps the nasty bugs away, thanks to the screened sides. Easy to set up and take down, it’s a great choice for groups up to 10 people.
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The Ohuhu EZ is one of the best pop up canopies for campers on a budget. It is relatively light and packs compactly for storage and transport, yet it provides a shaded area of 64 square feet.
Like the EAGLE PEAK, it has a slant leg design, with the top measuring 8′ x 8′, while the bottom measures 10′ x 10′. The canopy is not as durable as other options around, but if you only camp a couple of times a year and don’t want to spend too much, this is undeniably a worthy choice.
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Made to last, the MASTERCANOPY is another pop up canopy that deserves your attention. It offers a similar footprint as our top pick, as well as the same shaded area thanks to the straight legs.
Boasting a sturdy frame and heavy-duty fabric, it can withstand all elements. It won’t protect you from storms, but should keep you dry in light rain, if there is no wind blowing from the sides. Available in several colors, it is an excellent choice for groups of 6 to 10 people.
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Designed with backpackers in mind, the ABCCANOPY Backpack Pop-Up Canopy is proof that camping canopies don’t have to be cumbersome. Sure, it’s far from being a perfect hiking gear, but it’s still lighter and easier to carry than most pop-up canopies around.
Providing 49 square feet of instant shade, it’s a perfect choice for couples or families of four to enjoy the outdoors. The backpack carrying case also makes it easy to carry it to your campsite. Durable and inexpensive, this pop-up canopy is a perfect choice for campers on budget.
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Pop up canopies are also referred to as instant canopies. This is because they had evolved from old heavy tent design that requires complicated instructions to set-up to pop ups that can be ready in a few minutes. The modern best pop up canopy comes in frames as a single unit with sophisticated telescoping legs and high quality folding roofs.
Pop up canopies keep you weather protected regardless of your outdoor activities; whether it be a barbeque, your child’s soccer game or a yard sale. Pop up canopies come in all shapes and sizes, some simple while some with many features, so you can purchase one specific to your needs. We are here to lessen the burden on you, this buying guide will help you choose the best pop up canopy fit for your needs.
The right size of canopy for you depends largely on how you intend to use them. A 5×5 feet pop up canopy is suitable for small scale gatherings like a fair or trade show. We recommend the ABCCANOPY Backpack Pop-Up Canopy Tent, the 7×7 feet size is just right for a small group of people inside. Also this pop up canopy was designed with the backpackers in mind, it is one of the lightest pop ups in the market and is designed with a backpack style carrying-case.
On the other hand, if you want to offer shelter from the sun or rain at a larger scale in your back garden you may want to opt for a larger size such as a 10×10 feet model. The 10×10 feet model is the common size among pop-up canopies.However, we love the ABCCANOPY Pop-Up Canopy, which is the larger version of the backpack counterpart above. This version boasts of an umbrella design, making it easy to set-up. The large footprint is enough to provide cover to four camping chairs with still enough space to move round.
If you look into our list, you can see that pop up canopies almost look the same. However they differ on the most important part, the materials used to build it. There are three parts of a pop up canopy; the top, frame and legs. Let’s check the materials used for each part.
Frame and Legs:
Most frames and legs are either built from aluminum or steel. Aluminum is a common choice for frames due to its lightweightness when compared to steel. Though it is light, it can bend easily unlike steel which is sturdier. Aluminum is also corrosion-resistant which makes it a popular choice for multi-season pop up canopies like Ohuhu EZ Pop-Up Slant Leg Canopy Tent.
We recommend the MASTERCANOPY Pop-up Canopy Tent if you are looking for a steel pop up canopy; its sturdy steel and iron frame will ensure that it will keep you protected from any sudden turn of weather.
Top:
There are two main materials used for the top; polyester and vinyl. Both types are durable and water-resistant. Polyester often cost less than their vinyl counterpart. Vinyl provides better UV protection and is more water resistant than Polyester. However polyester is the main choice for top material because it is cheaper but comparatively lightweight and weather-resistant properties.
How the legs of your pop up canopies are designed is one vital consideration when choosing the best pop up canopy.IInstant canopies come with either slanted or straight legs. Slanted legs are less stable than straight legs. Slanted legs design like the EAGLE PEAK Slant Leg Pop-up Canopy, offers a bigger space at the base. They take up more space while providing less coverage. Take this for an example: a 10 by 10 slant-leg pop-up tent will usually only offer 64 square feet of shade, while a 10 by 10 straight-leg model provides 100 square feet of shade. But it comes at a cost. Straight legged canopies like the Eurmax Ez Instant Canopy are more expensive.
It is also notable to check leg heights that are offered by your pop up canopy. The CORE 10’x10’ Instant Shelter has three leg height adjustment that can be used to accommodate taller guests or can be used to adjust the height of the pop up to provide a more stable shelter when the wind is too strong.
We are also quite impressed with the patent leg design of CROWN Shades Folding Canopy; the design allows you to seamlessly adjust the height of the pop up as well as the shade angle. The patented technology provides seamless set-up even on uneven grounds.
Keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable when you are outdoors. Choose a pop up canopy that can protect you from the sudden turn in weather. We like the Coleman Screened Canopy Tent, with its unique design using mesh walls this pop up can be used even during summer. It uses UVGuard technology to keep you safe from the sun’s harmful rays however this pop up won’t be able to protect you from heavy rain. To withstand heavy rain, we recommend Eurmax Ez Pop-Up Canopy which has side walls to keep you dry during rainy days.
For additional weatherproofing, you can use Scotchguard Outdoor Water Shield. It maintains fabric breathability thus prolonging water resistance characteristic even when during heavy duty use. And it repels moisture during use and in storage to keep protecting fabric characteristics until next use.
You may opt to buy sandbags for your pop canopy to ensure that they will not be blown away during strong winds. Sandbags can be easily attached to the legs of your canopy. It is recommended that if you will be using sandbags, to have a sandbag on each leg. Check out Eurmax Canopy Weight Bags.
Not all pop up canopies have side walls included in the package. Side walls are optional accessories but are of a great use. During rainy days, they provide extra protection against the rain and wind. Also when deployed side walls provide additional privacy for pop ups. During summer side walls can be removed to provide additional ventilation during the hot weather. The Eurmax Instant Sunwall has some interesting colors to choose from. But the best things about this side wall is its removable zipper that allows you ease of use when attaching to your pop up canopy.
The ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy is undeniably the best choice for most people. Covering 100 square feet, it provides an ample shaded area for lounging or eating. The fabric is both UV-resistant and waterproof, while the sturdy frame resists winds. This canopy also comes with anchoring accessories, including ground stakes, ropes, and even sandbags.
The prices can vary widely from around $50 for smaller, cheaper options to over $200, in the case of higher end models like the Eurmax Ez Pop-up Canopy.
Umbrella-style canopies are the easiest to set up and dismantle. Almost all pop-up canopy models on the list above fall in this category.
It depends on the roof fabric, and not all pop-up canopies are waterproof. To determine whether a fabric is waterproof or not, you should check the waterproof rating, expressed in mm. Typically, fabrics with a rating under 5000mm are not fully waterproof, but anything 2000mm and above can withstand heavy rain. If you want a fully waterproof tent, aim for a rating of 5000mm or above. However, they are all water resistant, and most of them will keep you dry in light to moderate rain.
An average pop up canopy measures around 8 and 9 feet at its highest point. At this height, it offers plenty of headroom, even for the taller individuals. In most cases, it is safe to assume that you’ll be able to stand and move freely without bending.
