From a couple of guys that take lots of trips and entertain outside all the time, we have learned the hard way with canopies that you get what you pay for. And looking other forums you see all sorts of talk about, my 2nd and 3rd canopy. Been there, done that.
We gave up on the $99 10x10 type of canopies. Even with taking good care of them, then bend, warp, etc. For not a lot more money, the better canopies have heavy steel (not aluminum), better canopy tops and more sturdy to the wind. There is a reason why an Easy Up 10x10 is $179 and the First up (sold at Walmart/Kmart) is $85.
We are currently having a blast with a Swiss Gear 10 x 15 canopy, that we jokingly call the circus tent. It is quite heavy (60+ lbs), rock sturdy and very weatherproof. It laughed in the face of a 40mph wind. We got ours from Amazon for $220 last year with free shipping.
[img width=360 height=286]http://www.wengerna.com/stuff/contentmgr/files/1/960b5a70fa9bf3ef41f5e95d5ea1a052/image/sg33052_int_sku.png[/img]
Product page at Swissgear/Wenger:
http://www.wengerna.com/content18904
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The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything that they have! |
I have had a 10X10 EZ up for probably 7 years now. Like Phil said, EZ up is the real deal. They are durable and last. DW and I bought a cheap $40 one that we used for shade on our deck that we left up all summer. What a POS. But it kept the wife happy for the summer.
I used my EZ up primarily for flea markets before I started camping. We have the solid sides and it would keep our stuff semi-dry when it rained (there was always a mist or a dribble that finds its way inside).
Depending on the size, I would not get sides. When you put sides on a 10x10, it becomes a tight fit. Now if you had a 12 x12 or a 10 x 15, then I would go with the sides.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
Below is a picture of ours. I got it at Gander Mountain for $75 at a end of season sale. It is made by eureka. Takes 5 minutes to set up and the front and back door can be tied open. It is nice if the bugs are bad.
[img width=448 height=336]http://kellyandysgang.webs.com/photos/Kozzy-Rest---June-2009/Pup%201.jpg[/img]
I use a 10x20 portable carport from Northern Tool. I also have the sidewall kit for it, one end even has a zippered vehicle size door. I can't remember putting all 4 wall up at the same time. We usually put an open end at the pup, and hang a wall (rolled up) on the side we expect the weather from. I keep the curtins and top in a duffel bag, and built a box for the frame parts. I even went at far as color coding the 3 main frame poles, ridge, rafter, & legs, with electrical tape. We can assemble it in the dark. Almost. Makes for a huge dry area.
With help, about 30 minutes or so. Doing that in the dark isn't the easiest thing to do, but can be done. It does get easier the more you do it, though. The reason I color coded the different "sets" of poles was to make it easier to do in low light/dark. All the poles have numbers stenciled on them, but reading them by flashlight is next to futile. What I did was assemble the frame, and for each type of pole, put tape around the pipe on either side of a union. Then, i wrote the color/pole type on the inside of the box I made.
OH, and if you are going to use it in a windy area, be sure to tie/stake it down. The first one I had ended up on a friends roof at the house after I loaned it to him for a wedding reception. Wind gust turned it right over.
I have a First Up 12x12 that I have had for 7 or 8 years now. It has even survived 4 deaf kids trying to steal it.(I did have to take it all apart and straighten the arms out) It takes all of 3 min to set up. Keep in mind when deciding that there is all ready plenty to do to set up, be careful about how much more time/effort you add onto your basic everyday camp. I got out of camping years ago do to having soooo many bells and whistles to set up that camping became more work then enjoyment. Keep it simple as possible.
http://www.coleman.com/coleman.....038;brand=
[IMG]http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd504/MatthewinGA/ColemanInstantScreen10X10.jpg[/img]
Coleman Instant Screen 10 X 10
Pros: it's was a gift, so price was right. EZ open, EZ close. storage bag, loop to hang light, two way zippers, two entrances.
Cons: small, narrow at the top, low head room, might not fit larger tables.
3 out of 5 ***
Dual purpose.
[IMG]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/yobtya1/78%20Apache%20Roamer/Kerr%20Lake%20Rec%20Area%20Dec%2031%202010%20Jan%201%202011/010111_Apachetarp.jpg[/img]
[IMG]http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb265/yobtya1/noahs_pole.jpg[/img]
I can move this over the pup or anywhere along my site. I bought four more poles since the first photo. I'll be able to "tilt" the tarp as I see fit.
Product review
we have a 10x10 First Up and have had no issues with it. We like that fact that it has stronger square legs as opposed to others that are round and bend easy. We also just bought the screen walls and solid walls for it which are suppose to help support the legs too. Nice thing we like is that the legs are straight up and not angled towards the center.
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