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Camping or partying at the beach is paradise—until the sun is too intense. Or the bugs begin biting. Or the sky cracks with an unforeseen storm. Then, you want to run indoors. But what if you could prevent such misfortune by setting up a humble canopy tent? It might not seem like much protection, but canopy tents are versatile, portable, and a total life-saver when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
But if you want to find the best camping canopy tents, you are going to need to do some research. Luckily for you, we’ve done the work already! Below, we have listed four of the best canopy tents available to help you decide.
Best Canopy Tents for Camping and Outdoor Activities Reviewed
What is a Canopy Tent?
A canopy tent is, essentially, a tent without permanent walls (or without walls). Canopy tents have at least 4 metal legs, depending on the size, and a pyramid-like roof. The common size is 10×10 ft, but commercial canopy tents can be twice or three times as large.
Canopy tents, also known as canopies, can up the relaxation factor of any campsite. Since you can pop open a canopy tent almost anywhere, you will have instant shelter from the elements, wherever you go. For instance, you’re at the lakeside, enjoying a summertime barbecue when, suddenly, thunder clouds roll in. You open the canopy tent to keep your party dry while the rain falls. The same can be done for intense sunshine at the beach.
Either way, canopy tents are beneficial. No matter what you have going on outside, a canopy can keep you and your friends and family cooler and happier throughout the day.
Best Canopy Tent Reviews: What Are The Best Canopies?
Without further delay, let’s get right to the reviews and ratings of the best canopy tents. You will find that there is a variety of styles, from canopies without sidewalls to those with additions for privacy, customization, and more. Yet, only a select few are going to be worth the cost.
We have rated the best canopy tents on a scale of 1 through 10 by looking at material type, style and shape, frame type, durability, and overall features. Each factor is essential—and says a lot about the quality of the tent. Here are our favorite canopy tents:
Best Overall Canopy Tent: Eurmax 10×10 Pop Up Canopy
Looking for versatility, durability, and just a bit more protection than your average canopy tent? Check out the Eurmax 10×10 Pop Up Canopy Tent. This is simply the easiest canopy to set up and takedown because of the one-click assembly. There is a thumb lock that allows you to push the legs down and lock them into place. So no tools are needed, and you can even do it alone. If you need more clearance in the middle of the tent, you can also adjust the height of the legs by three levels.
Made from 500D polyester with a waterproof polyurethane (PU) coating and sealed seams, this canopy tent keeps out both rain and blocks around 99% of all UV rays. The best part is the CPAI-84 fire-retardant certification—just in case your barbecue gets a little crazy.
Want even more privacy than what the three walls provide? The Eurmax tent comes with additional pieces for walls with Velcro strips, so you can set up an enclosed space with a single access point. The three color options—white, black, and blue—add to the element of customization. You also get a carrying case that is big enough to carry the tent but also everything you will need: ropes, stakes, poles, wind straps, and the additional fabric. The wheels and heavy-duty construction make transporting the tent hassle-free.
What we loved, though, was the customizable aspects of the tent. You can remove or add sidewalls or even hang a valance banner from the loops for advertisements or announcements. It is one canopy tent that covers all the bases for camping, parties, and commercial events.
Best Overall Runner Up: ABC CANOPY Pop Up Commercial Canopy Tent
You can also call this “the best weather resistant canopy tent.” The ABC Canopy Pop Up Commercial Canopy Tent comes packed with quality—quality materials, that is. Made with strong PU fabric with a 50+ UPF rating, you never have to worry about getting fried in the sun. The canopy roof is also 100% waterproof. Other materials include black powder-coated steel legs that are rust-resistant and brackets constructed from 100% nylon. That makes the frame 20% stronger than similar canopy tents.
To add to the overall durability of this model, there are built-in guy lines that you can anchor into the ground at the corner of the tent to keep it in place. When even those guy lines are not enough, you get four sandbags to weigh down the weight. There will be no moving this canopy tent.
It is also spacious and large enough for 6-8 people standing and one small table for 4 people. You never have to worry about too many people huddling together in a small tent.
You can set up the tent within seconds, thanks to the pop-up construction. Only one person is needed to get the tent standing, and there is hardly any effort needed. When you are done using the ABC Canopy Pop-Up Tent, you can pack it into the included wheeled bag for easy transportation. If you need the tent to be higher, there are three height levels: 89 inches, 93 inches, and 97 inches, similar to the Eurmax tent.
Best Camping Party Canopy Tent: Eagle Peak 13×13ft Pop Up Canopy Tent
For reasons other than this being the largest reviewed party canopy tent, the Eagle Peak Pop Up Canopy Tent is undoubtedly great. At 13×13 ft, you get a decent amount of sun coverage for 8 or more people (about 169 square feet). Yet, even if you think the size of the tent would make set up and breakdown unwieldy, it only takes a single person to do the work, thanks to the company’s Easy Peak Single Person Setup Technology.
In addition to the easy setup, you get the vented top for increased airflow and eaves that automatically extend. You can change the coverage by using the 3-position steel frame built into the straight-legged design. The canopy is certified CPAI-84 fire-resistant and water-resistant. That provides you with peace of mind during your parties and gatherings. But the reassuring quality doesn’t end there. Aside from being resistant to fire and water, the 150D canopy comes with UPF 50+ sun protection and sits upon a powder-coated steel frame with rust resistance.
One look at the M5 hardened, bolt-reinforced frame and nylon connectors, and you will understand just how well the Eagle Peak Canopy Tent will remain standing on blustery days.
You can bring this canopy with you wherever you go, too. A 600×300D carrying bag is included in the package—and the bag has wheels. When the canopy tent is folded down and stuffed into the bag, it will fit inside most vehicle trunks. That makes it the perfect tent for tailgating, family gatherings, and even the campsite.
If all that wasn’t enough, the Eagle Peak canopy tent comes with a 1-year limited warranty that protects you from any defects or issues. When you take a peek at the reasonable price, you will be shocked you get so many features at such a low cost.
Best Budget Canopy Tent: American Phoenix Portable Event Canopy Tent
You may have noticed that canopy tents can be relatively expensive. If you plan on using a canopy tent in the back yard or for more recreational activities, like lakeside camping, then you should check out the American Phoenix Portable Event Canopy Tent. Despite the low price tag that puts it at half the cost of other tents on this list, this lightweight canopy tent does a great job for a number of reasons.
First off, the ease of use is top notch. It easily folds up and down, eliminating assembly struggles. You can also choose from several different colors of the water-resistant Oxford cloth. The frame is rust and corrosion resistant. At the center of the frame is a reinforcement pole to keep the canopy standing strong in poor weather.
Other materials include a canopy of 420D polyester that has been coated in PU to block water and sun. The seams have been tightly sealed to stop any leaks from happening during rainstorms. Furthermore, while there are no sidewalls included, there are strips of Velcro on the underside of the canopy for sidewalls. You can easily purchase sidewalls for the American Phoenix Canopy Tent from the manufacturer.
The 10×10 size is large enough for a small group of people to gather. There are also 4 adjustable height positions: 9.5 feet, 9.8 feet, 10.1 feet, and 10.3 feet. And coming in at 47 pounds, this canopy tent is as light in the hands as it is on the wallet.
If you decide to order this tent, be sure to select the option with the carry bag. Otherwise, the canopy fabric could get damaged during shipping. In short, the American Phoenix Portable Event Canopy Tent comes at a low price but has everything a decent canopy tent should have: strength, quick set up, and durable materials.
Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider With Canopy Tents
Having gotten a chance to see the best four canopy tents, you probably have a decent idea about what things to look for when shopping. However, there may still be some points of uncertainty. To help you out, we have put together this additional buying guide with important factors to keep in mind and help you make the right purchase.
Canopy Material
One of the most essential parts of a canopy tent is the canopy itself. Without that, you would have four metal legs and regret. So, when you are shopping around for the best canopy tent, you need to really think about the environment you will be pitching the tent and what kind of weather you are going to face.
The majority of canopies are going to be made of polyester between 150-420D. The “D” means “denier,” and it tells you how thick the material is going to be. The thicker the material, the more protection you get. This isn’t synonymous with waterproofing, though. While denier can also measure a level of waterproofing, you want to make sure the tent is made of water-resistant or waterproof material, such as nylon, polyester, or has a coating or seal.
Also check whether the material offers UV protection. It might sound crazy, but there are some canopy tents that are not proofed against UV rays. Usually, those models are very cheap and not worth your time. Opt for a canopy tent with UV 50+ protection, since this will prevent everyone from getting slowly roasted throughout the day.
Shape and Style
The shape, style, and overall size of the canopy tent is determined by a couple of things: the design of the legs, walls, size of the canopy (or coverage area). Purpose, too, adds attributes for camping or beach parties.
Whether the legs are slanted or straight does nothing to affect the overall shape, but it does add resilience. Slanted legs look more pleasing, but straight legs add strength for every bit of footage. Meanwhile, slated legs only provide a ratio of protection. In other words, if you have a 10×10 ft canopy tent, you get around 60-65 square feet of protection.
This plays into the coverage area. Most canopy tents are either 10×10 or 12×12 feet. This might not sound big, but a 10×10 ft canopy tent provides enough space for 15 people.
Another design feature that is important is walls and screens. Whether you want protection from the elements or from pests, having some kind of barrier is smart. Walls prevent wind and rain from getting under the tent, while mesh screens keep bugs at bay.
Frame
Looking at canopy tents, you will notice that most frames are either made of steel or aluminum. There is a reason for this: durability and portability.
Aluminum is a lot lighter than steel, making it the ideal choice for those who want to maximize portability. One person can easily set up an aluminum canopy tent, too. The downside to aluminum’s lightweight, though, is its inability to stand up to greater wind speeds.
Steel, on the other hand, is much heavier and resilient than aluminum. Not only will your canopy stand up against harsher weather, but it will not corrode if it comes with a powder-coated finish. The problem is that steel is not as easy to transport and can be a hassle to assemble.
Durability
Materials, frame, and legs contribute to the durability of a canopy tent—and to versatility, too. Select a canopy tent that has proven sturdy construction and materials designed to handle the elements. Make sure the base is stable and that there are weights attached to the legs. The weights will prevent the canopy tent from getting blown about by the wind. However, not all canopy tents include weights, so you may have to buy them separately.
Overall Features
There are few, if any, people in this world who wouldn’t enjoy a tent with extra bells and whistles. Weights, attachable screens and walls are just a few. Other things you can search for include air vents for circulation while using the additional walls or pop-up construction to make life easier.
FAQ About Canopy Tents
1. Is a canopy considered a tent?
While we have been calling canopies “canopy tents” throughout this whole article, the question remains: what is the difference between a canopy and a tent? Are canopies tents? There are many instances where both words are used interchangeably. Canopies and tents are both non-permanent structures that can be pitched for protection from the elements. If you are going by the definition alone, then canopies are tents—a nontraditional kind of tent.
2. What is the difference between a tent and a canopy?
So, canopies and tents are kind of the same thing. However, according to the definitions of canopy and tent, there are differences.
A canopy is any structure that has a roof and supports (legs) but no fixed walls or sides. A tent is a fully enclosed portable structure with a roof. Portability is a similarity between both, but the lack of permanent walls separates canopies from tents.
Another difference is how canopies and tents are used. Canopies are often open air, meaning that people can come and go and are not contained inside. Meanwhile, a tent is often used for self-contained activities, like a circus performance or a wedding.
3. Are canopy tents waterproof?
Is the canopy water-resistant or waterproof? There is a difference. A canopy that is water-resistant will do well against moisture or morning dew, maybe even a slight drizzle or mist. In a heavier downpour, however, a water-resistant canopy is going to leak eventually. Some features will affect resistance, such as air vents and Velcro fasteners.
But really, it comes down to the fabric. Some fabrics are designed to be waterproof. Natural fabrics, like cotton and canvas, are waterproof for short periods. Synthetic fabrics, like polyester or nylon, can be more effective against water for a longer duration. Without a waterproof coating, even polyester, nylon, and acrylic will start to get saturated.
The best fabric for waterproofing would be a vinyl-based polyester with dielectrically heat-sealed seams. No water can get in for however long the rain lasts.
4. How long does a canopy last?
Depending on the quality of a tent, it can last a few years or a decade. Commercial grade tents may hold up for 10 years, but that is if they are not exposed to the elements throughout the year.
Tent fabric, no matter how strong it is, can still rip and get damaged during transportation, assembly, and disassembly. Make sure you are handling the tent properly during these times. When severe weather strikes, it is better to collapse the tent and bring it somewhere safe than risk the canopy getting punctured or torn.
You can also extend the life of your tent by washing down the canopy occasionally and replacing any broken connectors or fasteners.
Final Thoughts
We can agree that spending a day outside unprotected from the blazing sun and bugs, or wind or any other poor weather, puts a damper on the whole event. That is why it is such a good idea to have a nice canopy tent set up or on standby. Canopies are easy to assemble, lightweight, and very portable. They are a better option than heavier camping tents. But, since there are so many options, knowing which ones are the best can help you find the one that meets your needs faster. We hope these reviews and information were helpful.
