Fellow campers and sun-baked spectators consistently gravitated toward the REI shelter over the L.L.Bean. Though the two tents have the same footprint, the REI’s roof is 6 inches taller; we found that the higher ceiling made the REI shelter feel significantly roomier inside. A lower roof makes this shelter feel notably smaller than our top pick, but it’s also durably made and ready to pair with a superior rain fly (sold separately). The shelter has a 10-by-10-foot footprint—the most common size for tents of this type—and a peak height of 7 feet.
Getting our hands dirty with one of the best sun shelters on the market. Digging our toes in the sand under one of the best full-overhead coverage beach tents on the market. We also really liked the Neso 1, although it isn’t as sturdy, especially in the wind. We also recommend the Pacific Breeze Easy Up or the REI Co-op Screen House Shelter. A handful of REI customers complain that the tent is not stable in strong winds. Though the previous version came with four guylines—the stabilizing lines that allow you to stake out the tent for added security in windy conditions—the current version does not, which is inconvenient.
It sits lower than cathedral-style canopies, which more effectively blocks the sun’s rays as their angles change during the day. Its weather-taped seams and waterproof canopy also create an excellent barrier against rain. As for the Caravan V-Series, we feel it provides excellent coverage from the sun.
But with a ceiling that’s 6 inches lower, it feels smaller and darker. It always cost more than our top pick, but the price has gone up another $150 since we first tested it. If you want a lighter, more portable camp-style shelter, we highly recommend checking out the REI Co-op Screen House Shelter.
Likewise, the Pacific Breeze Easy Up does not require additional assembly. It springs into place with just the pull of a single chord, similar ozark trail chairs to opening an umbrella but in reverse. The simplicity of this design makes it easy for one person to produce an instant sunshade in seconds.
Canopies in this category are the Eurmax, Quick-Set Escape, E-Z UP Pyramid, Caddis Rapid Shelter, and Caravan Canopy V-Series. The Eurmax and E-Z Up both received lower portability scores because they are heavy and more difficult to lift from the car to the ground. Likewise, they are larger and more difficult to fit ozark trail canopy into a smaller vehicle. However, once on the ground, their roller bags make it extremely easy to pull them over concrete, dirt, and grass. These tents can quickly become pricey, so focusing on quality versus cost is a great idea. Typically, the lower-priced options in this category will work for the short term.
From youth football and soccer fields to motocross tracks and cross-country meets, this canopy fits the bill. If you spend much time on the sidelines, we think the E-Z Up is the perfect way to catch some shade while you cheer on your athlete or team. At the forefront of features, this canopy has a roller bag with large, wide-set wheels so one person can easily pull this beast across gravel, dirt, or grass. The E-Z Up also has a simple setup and can even be deployed solo, depending on age and strength.
Likewise, if you need a comfortable seat, place to prep your food, or the best cooler, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also tested the best fire pits for your outdoor patio or backyard. No matter what gear you’re in the market for, chances are we’ve got info informed by years of rigorous side-by-side testing. With all that in mind, we found more than a dozen tents that met our criteria. As another option, find this pop-up heavy-duty waterproof 10′ x 10′ canopy with metal frame and roller bag for $105.99. Overall, we think the Ozark Trail canopy serves its intended purpose – a value brand 10×10 instant shelter that caters to price conscious consumers looking for an affordable shade option.