Camping canopies are the perfect way of providing some shelter, quickly and easily for a temporary period of time. They are ideal for weddings, parties, or trips to the beach with family and friends.
Many people use them in their garden during the whole of summer, only taking them down to store in the winter. The best camping canopies are easy to set up, made of quality durable materials, and provide protection from the elements. But what makes the best camping canopy stand out from the crowd?
The 5 Best Selling Camping Canopies
For your convenience, the below list shows the 5 best selling camping canopies currently for sale on Amazon.com. This list is automatically updated daily.
Camping Canopy FAQ’s
Our Selection of The 5 Best Camping Canopies:
Our reviews of the 5 best camping canopies will help you find the canopy that suits your needs. Whether that’s for a temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent camp, we’ve got you covered.
1. Quik Shade Go Hybrid Sun Protection Camping Canopy
The Quik Shade Go Hybrid camping canopy is the cheapest on review here but has plenty to offer despite the low price. This is a slant legged type of canopy, so remember that offer a smaller covered area than the same size straight leg type.
UV protection is provided by the 190T polyester canopy, giving a 99% UPF thanks to the Alumina protection. Integrated with the canopy is a single half-height sidewall to protect you from the wind.
Only the roof of this canopy is folding, while the legs are telescopic. Construction is from aluminum, making it corrosion resistant and great for using on the beach. Ease of use is one of the big plus points for the Quik Shade. It includes a storage bag that doubles as a backpack, making it easy to carry, and the aluminum construction keeps the weight down.
Pros
- Aluminum construction
- UV protection
- Water-resistant
- Includes one half-height sidewall
- Backpack storage bag
Cons
- Low height
- Additional sidewalls not available
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2. Eagle Peak 10×10 Slant Leg Pop Up Camping Canopy
The Eagle Peak 10×10 Slant Leg camping canopy is of a similar design to the Quik Shade canopy reviewed above.
Constructed from rust-resistant steel, the canopy is designed to unfold by pushing the center section with one hand. Once the canopy is opened, the telescopic legs can easily be adjusted using the locking leg sliders. It takes just a few seconds to set up.
The canopy cover remains attached to the frame at all times, so once opened, all you need to do is secure it to the ground. Made from 150D oxford fabric, the material is flame-resistant, water-resistant, and gives a UV protection factor of more than 50+.
Ease of use is a big plus point for this camping canopy, but the weight of the steel frame may put some people off.
Pros
- One-handed opening
- UV protection
- Fire resistant
- Wheeled carry case
Cons
- Heavier than aluminum type camping canopies
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3. Quictent Silvox 10×10 EZ Pop Up Camping Canopy
The Quictent Silvox is the first straight leg camping canopy under review. It is available in a range of eight colors and comes complete with four sidewalls. More than just a camping canopy, it can also be used as a fully enclosed gazebo or trade show stall.
Set up is simple, with a folding canopy and adjustable telescopic legs. The canopy can be up and ready to use within minutes. Made from 420D oxford fabric, the canopy is waterproof, offers an ultraviolet UPF of 50+, and also features a silver coating for heat reflection.
Four interchangeable sidewalls are supplied with the canopy. Two of the sidewalls feature large windows for light, one is a solid sheet, and one splits down the center to form two doors. The canopy can be used with as many or as few of the sidewalls as you wish.
The pop up frame is made from powder-coated steel, providing a durable corrosion-resistant finish. The coating should make sure the structure gives years of service without rusting.
Ropes and stakes are supplied to fix the camping canopy to the ground securely, and this is recommended in all cases.
The Quictent Silvox 10×10 is a great camping canopy for many situations, and the quality build will give a long useful life.
Pros
- One person set up
- Powder-coated frame for corrosion protection
- Includes four sidewalls
- Carry case with wheels
- Price – a quality product at a reasonable price
Cons
- Very heavy
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4. SONGMICS Pop Up 10 x 10 Feet Camping Canopy
The Songmics Pop Up Canopy Tent is a heavy-duty steel framed camping canopy, designed to provide shade from the sun. It’s intended to be used temporarily to provide cover for events such as weddings and parties.
Setting up the sturdy camping canopy is easy for one person, especially as the carry case has wheels. However, due to its weight, it is advisable to have an assistant. Once out of the carry case, simply pull the legs apart to open the canopy and then choose one of the four height settings on the telescopic legs. Now attach the supplied weight bags and fill them with sand to hold the structure down in windy weather.
The durable 420D PVC fabric is extremely strong and weather resistant. A waterproof coating on the outside protects you from rain, while the thick material gives an ultraviolet UPF protection of 50+.
This camping canopy is designed to last, with strengthened top poles, quality fabrics, and high-quality nylon plastic parts used throughout.
Pros
- Solid steel construction
- Quality canopy material for long life
- Supplied with four sandbags
- Carry case with wheels
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Heavy
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5. Eurmax 8×8 Feet Ez Pop Up Camping Canopy
Eurmax is one of the most respected camping canopy manufacturers in the USA. The Ez Pop Up Sport Tent continues the trend of quality products from the company.
The folding truss structure that supports the canopy is made from powder-coated steel for strength and durability. Three height positions are offered, using secure thumb-operated latches.
The canopy is made from a very strong 500D Oxford polyester, with a coating that blocks 99% of UV light for protection from the sun. In each corner is a D-ring to attach guy ropes and secure the canopy to the ground. All the canopy seams are heat-sealed to prevent water ingress, giving a 100% waterproof cover, and the canopy is certified as fire-retardant.
Supplied with the Eurmax Ez Pop Up Sport Tent are four sidewalls, one of which has a center zip to form doors. Also provided is a roller carry case, with large wheels to make moving the Eurmax around very easy.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Powder-coated frame
- Durable and robust canopy fabric
- Complete with sidewalls and carry case
- Waterproof
- UV protection
Cons
- Price
- Weight
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What to Look for When Buying a Camping Canopy
Canopy Material
Camping canopies can be made from a range of materials, including plastic and canvas. We consider the best all-round material to be polyester. It is strong, durable, and can be waterproofed easily.
Pay particular attention to the thickness of the material, measured in dernier. The thicker the canopy, the more durable and weather-resistant it will be, but this also adds weight. Also, check the seams. They should be heat-sealed to prevent leaks.
Finally, a canopy treated with ultraviolet light reflective material will help protect you from the damaging rays of the sun.
Frame Construction
There are two options for the frame material, either steel or aluminum.
Steel frames are usually a little heavier than aluminum, which makes them safer in windy conditions. The disadvantage to this is the added weight, making steel frames more difficult to move.
Another downside to steel frames is that it will rust quite easily if not adequately protected, and exposed to the weather. If you opt for a steel frame, be sure that it has an excellent protective finish to prevent rust.
Aluminum, on the other hand, is substantially lighter than steel but is more susceptible to damage. Strong gusts of wind can bend the frame or even lift the whole canopy off the ground.
A definite plus point for aluminum camping canopies is their resistance to corrosion. This makes them better suited for use on the beach, where the salt air could quickly cause a steel frame to rust.
Slant Leg or Straight Leg
Camping canopies have two frame styles, slant leg or straight leg. The main difference between the two types is the amount of cover they give. A 10-foot by 10-foot straight leg canopy will cover 100 square feet. A slant legged 10-foot by 10-foot version will only offer around 64 square feet of shade.
This is because the size of the canopy is always quoted according to the footprint of the frame, not the canopy size. A straight-legged camping canopy will have a much larger canvas area, but will also be more expensive.
Size
The most critical aspect of size to consider is the height. Manufacturers will quote the height in the center of the canopy, but the edges could be considerably lower. If you want to stand up, under the canopy, it is advisable to make sure the outer edge is six feet high.
Ease of Use
There are two choices here, either the folding, pop up frame, or the type of frame that needs to be dismantled.
Purely from an ease of use perspective, the folding frame is by far the best. The frame can be set up in seconds, and if the canopy is pre-attached, that’s all you need to do.
Frames that you need to assemble and dismantle for each use can be very time-consuming. This type of structure may be more durable than the folding version, so better for longer-term use. For temporary use of a day or so, we definitely recommend the folding pop up style frame.
Extra Features
- Carry case. Camping canopies and frames can be quite large, and if you intend to move it regularly, a carry case is essential. The case not only makes transportation easier but also protects the canopy from damage.
- Roof vents. During hot and humid days, heat will quickly get trapped in the roof of the camping canopy. Adequate ventilation will prevent this and also reduce the effect of strong winds on the canopy.
- Sidewalls. Many camping canopies come with the option of adding sidewalls. These can be very useful to protect you from the weather, and it also adds privacy.
Conclusion
The choice of camping canopies is very wide and varied. The best starting point when choosing one is to decide what you will be using it for. A canopy used just a couple of times per year will need different characteristics to one that is set up in your garden for the whole summer.
For short-term temporary use, the main criteria will be ease of use, low cost, and low weight. The Quik Shade Go Hybrid fits the bill perfectly for this. It is very lightweight, easy to set up and pull down, and durable enough to last several seasons.
If you need something that will look good for a long time, can be put to multiple uses, such as trade shows and outdoor shows, then the Eurmax Ez Pop Up Sport Tent is perfect. It is the most expensive here but uses high-quality materials, it looks great, comes complete with sidewalls and a heavy-duty wheeled case. The biggest downside is it’s weight, though.
In the middle ground, the slightly cheaper camping canopies reviewed here will provide years of hassle-free outdoor protection, without breaking the bank.
Camping Canopies Summary Table
Here’s a quick summary of the best camping canopies currently on the market. You can find our full review of each camping camping canopy a bit further down.
| Product | Canopy material | Frame material | Frame type | Waterproof | UV Protection | Weight (pounds) | Size (l/d/h in inches) | Sidewalls | Carry case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quik Shade | 190T polyester | Aluminum | Pop up | No | Yes | 14.8 | 84x84x70 | No | Yes |
| Eagle Peak 10 x 10 | 150D polyester | Steel | Pop up | No | Yes | 28 | 120x120x100 | No | Yes |
| Quictent 10 x 10 | 420D Oxford polyester | Steel | Pop up | Yes | Yes | 46 | 120x120x104 | Yes | Yes |
| Songmics 10 x 10 | 420D Oxford polyester | Steel | Pop up | Yes | Yes | 55 | 120x120x128 | No | Yes |
| Eurmax 8 x 8 Canopy | 500D Oxford polyester | Steel | Pop up | Yes | Yes | 57.8 | 96x96x133 | Yes | Yes |
This article was last updated on November 28, 2022 .
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