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Stay cool and comfy in the shade.
Credit:Southern Living / Nellah McGough
In This Article
Southern Living / Nellah McGough
What makes a sunny day even better?
Extra shade from a pop-up canopy.
You canuse pop-up canopies for tailgating, beach days, camping, or backyard entertaining.
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Plus, there are different types of pop-up canopies with various features that go beyond providing shade.
We left it outside overnight and by morning it was still in the same spot (undamaged).
Dimensions:8 x 8 feet, 10 x 10 feet|Material:150D PU-coated fabric, steel frame|Weight:36 lbs.
Credit: Southern Living / Jonathan Castleberry
With a length and width of 10 feet, this pop-up canopy is great for large groups.
However, the supportive bottom of the frame is strong.
Even without instructions, we were able to figure out the setup.
Dimensions:10 x 10 feet|Material:210D Oxford fabric, steel frame |Weight:32.3 lbs.
This canopy comes with a variety of components, like ropes, four stakes, and four sandbags.
Even though there weren’t any written instructions, it still was easy to set this canopy up.
Due to the size, we do advise that you have someone else help you with setup.
The only downside of this canopy is its weight.
On the other hand, the setup and take-down process was simple and quick.
Overall, this pick is also versatile enough to use for abackyard barbecueor picnic.
On hot, sunny days, it provides great coverage from the sun.
And, the airflow can easily be adjusted by putting up or taking down the sidewalls.
With UV protection and a large top, you’re free to relax for hours withoutgetting a sunburn.
At the beach, this canopy was never damaged by high winds or UV rays.
Assembly and disassembly was very quick and straightforward (plus the instructions were easy to understand).
We also found that the height may be too low for taller individuals.
The fiberglass allows the poles of the canopy to be more flexible (according to the seller).
Dimensions:11.5 x 9.8 feet|Material:Polyester, fiberglass frame|Weight:21.5 lbs.
It’s the perfect addition to anytailgating eventbecause it easily attaches to your cars trunk.
It is light, weighing only 2.53 pounds, and is water- and UV-resistant.
Dimensions:6.2 x 4.7 feet |Material:210D silver-coated polyester fabric|Weight:2.53 lbs.
It comes with a canopy fabric top, steel frame, and storage bag.
The storage bag does not have wheels, but this item isnt too heavy at 26 pounds.
you’re able to also attach sidewalls to this canopy, but youll have to buy those separately.
To set up this canopy, spread the steel frame.
Then, under the canopy tent, push up on the reinforcement center pole.
Dimensions:5 x 5 feet|Material:Polyester, alloy steel frame|Weight:26 lbs.
It has a durable water-resistant 150D Oxford fabric cover and steel frames, and offers 50+ UV protection.
Plus, the double vents help improve airflow and keep it stable during windy conditions.
The frame and fabric top comes with a wheeled carrying bag, stakes, and ropes.
Although this pop-up canopy is great for holding more people, it doesnt have any protection from bugs.
And keep in mind that rainwater may pool on top of the canopy.
Dimensions:13 x 13 feet|Material:150D Oxford fabric, steel frame|Weight:45.9 lbs.
Also, its definitely tricky to get it back inside the carrying case.
Dimensions:10 x 10 feet|Material:Fabric top, steel frame |Weight:36.9 lbs.
It’s perfect for those who love to entertain since it can comfortably fit six guests under it.
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It’s a spacious canopy that can be easily transported (even on hard surfaces such as pavement).
Plus, you’re free to customize it since it comes in various colors and patterns.
We evaluated the coverage based on whether the canopy provided enough shade from the sun and other elements.
Credit: Southern Living / Nellah McGough
For durability, we inspected the material and took note of any damage that occurred.
Material
Most pop-up canopies have a fabric canopy top and steel or fiberglass frame.
A higher denier means that the fabric is thicker and more durable.
Ratings of 1500mm or higher are considered waterproof.
Some canopies also offer UV protection.
A UPF rating of 50+ is considered the best, as it protects against 98% of UV rays.
All of our picks have fairly quick setup and take-down processes, but some are more straightforward.
The release mechanism greatly indicates how much time you will spend setting up and taking down the canopy.
All of our picks, though, have very straightforward directions.
Features
The features of a pop-up canopy will depend on what youre using your canopy for.
Sidewalls are another feature to consider.
Mesh sides are better for airflow, but both options will help keep out bugs and rain.
However, it severely limited airflow, making it significantly warmer inside of the tent than out.
We also which the stakes were a bit longer to better secure it at the beach.
She recommends choosing canopies that have a frame created with durable materials, like steel or aluminum.
Lastly, a canopys ease of use does actually contribute to its sturdiness.
Ensure the canopy has a reliable locking mechanism and the setup instructions are clear and user-friendly.
Is a straight or slant leg canopy better?
Straight-leg canopies typically offer better stability and resistance to wind because of their vertical support, says Boogman.
Straight-leg canopies generally have more shade and take less time to set up.
In contrast, slant-leg canopies are more spacious and portable.
They tend to take up less space and are suitable for smaller areas.
What color canopy is best for sun protection?
Boogman says a darker canopy will provide more sun protection than a lighter-colored canopy.
They are specifically designed to block harmful UV rays.
How do you clean a pop-up canopy?
After use, its important to clean off your pop-up canopy to ensure that it lasts a long time.
The first step is to remove visible dirt and debris.
you could do this by brushing the dirt off with a sponge or rag.
Callahan recommends checking for any tears, rust, or broken parts on your canopy as you clean.
Next, fully clean the top of the canopy by spraying it with water.
For a spot treatment, use a sponge and dip it in soapy water, and scrub off debris.
Never use bleach, harsh dish soaps, laundry products, or spot removers.
Its also a good idea to clean the frame with a gentle cleaning solution.
After that, fully dry the canopy with towels or rags.
When not in use, storing it out of the sun is a good idea.
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Callahan adds that its also important for you to refer to the manufacturers instructions when dismantling the canopy.
If you break the canopy down the wrong way, you fire off the risk of damaging it.
Where should I store my outdoor canopy?
Credit: Southern Living / Mary Shannon Hodes
Once youre through with using your outdoor canopy, its important to store it properly.
This takes extra time but is well worth the effort.
We suggest keeping it in a room temperature closet or storage room thats easy to access.
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