Spending time outside with your family and friends is always something to look forward to. Whether it is for the holidays, celebrating a special occasion, or just a weekend with nice weather, outdoor hangouts are always a blast. Not only do you get to spend time with loved ones, but chances are there is also delicious food, music, and fun on the menu.
While getting together outside is certainly fun, we all know that the weather does not always cooperate. Heat, wind, and rain can instantly ruin an outdoor party. The good news, however, is that a good canopy tent can save the day. These tents provide shelter and shade for your guests, food, and even audio equipment. Best of all, most canopy tents are a breeze to set-up. To help make sure you are ready for your next outdoor party, here is a look at the five best canopy tents.
5 Best Canopy Tents
5. Quik Shade Expedition Instant Canopy
The Expedition Instant Canopy Tent by Quik Shade is one of our favorite canopy tents. It is incredibly easy to set up, extremely durable, and provides instant shade on hot summer days.
The frame arrives pre-assembled, so when setting it up, you only need to press the release pins to extend the legs. The pins also give you the ability to adjust the height, with three different options available. The frame is constructed from light-weight steel and is powder-coated to prevent corrosion. Also, to prevent the canopy tent from blowing over, there are four steel stakes that securely anchor it into place, providing additional strength.
Because canopy tents are regularly exposed to the sun, wind, and rain, the durability is important. In some tents, the weather exposure can cause the materials to degrade over time. The fabric 150D covering is resistant to rips and tears, as well as UV exposure. The bright colored top does not fade due with prolonged exposure to sunlight, regardless of which color you choose.
Measuring 10 x 10 feet, there is plenty of room under the canopy for guests, buffet tables, or even a small band. With this canopy tent, you will be ready for whatever the weather brings to your next outdoor party.
Pros and Cons
4. Coleman Canopy Tent
The Coleman Canopy Tent is designed for anyone that loves throwing parties outside. It comes with plenty of room, sets up in minutes, and is priced to fit most budgets. It’s also a favorite with consumers.
There is a lot to like about this Coleman sun shelter. It can be set up in minutes, simply extend the legs and lock them in place. For added security, four anchor lines will keep the tent upright even during sudden wind gusts.
Outdoor parties in the summer are a great time, except when it comes to the heat. The hot sun can ruin food and cause guests to feel uncomfortable. Not only does the canopy provide 50+ UPF protection, but it also has a vented roof to improve airflow and allow heat to escape. Guests and food stay cool and comfortable on hot summer days.
Measuring 13 x 13 feet and with a center height of 9’ x 7”, you have 169 square feet of shade for you and your guests. The Coleman Canopy Tent also comes with overhanging eaves for additional shade.
Easy to set up thanks to the 1-piece frame design, and with plenty of room underneath, this canopy tent will help make any backyard party a success.
Pros and Cons
3. ABCCanopy 13×13 Canopy Tent
The ABCCanopy 13×13 Canopy Tent is one of our favorites. It is designed to look great while still being very functional. The elegant design adds a touch of class to any outdoor event. It is also roomy enough to hold up to 10 people comfortably.
Like most canopy tents, this one is a breeze to set up. It also comes with anchor ropes and stakes to keep the tent firmly in place. If you need added stability, there are four weight bags. Just place a bag on each of the legs to help weight the tent down.
Not only is the canopy designed to block up to 99 percent of UV rays, but it’s also fire-resistant. The frame is constructed from lightweight steel and is resistant to corrosion. This canopy tent is designed to last through years of outdoor events.
There is plenty of room underneath the 13’ x 13’ canopy. It comes with a top vent to improve airflow and allow heat to escape. You and your guests will stay cool underneath the canopy, even during the “dog days of summer”. Wide eaves provide additional shade without enlarging the tent’s footprint.
With an included one-year warranty, affordable price, and room enough for ten, this canopy tent is the perfect addition to any outdoor event.
Pros and Cons
2. Coleman All Night Lighted Canopy Tent
The Coleman All Night Lighted Canopy Tent is a great choice for outdoor gatherings or camping adventures. This canopy comes with an attached set of lighting, which means your outdoor parties can extend far into the evening. The LED lighting set really sets the tone and creates a perfect, relaxing ambiance. You can adjust the brightness as needed. You also have the choice of running the lights off of the included rechargeable USB pack or using standard batteries.
This Coleman Canopy Tent features an impressive quick setup design using technology that is similar to pop up camping tents. Just extend the legs and secure the anchor lines. The feet at the end of the legs are wide and flat for added stability. Thanks to the pinch-free design on the telescoping poles, setup is also pain-free.
The canopy tent does have a small footprint at 9 x 9 feet but it still provides 81 square feet of shade. You can easily fit tables, chairs, guests, or even music equipment under the protective canopy. Bumping your head on the canopy ceiling will also not be a problem, because with a height of 9 feet, there is plenty of headroom inside.
Like all Coleman canopy tents, the Instant Lighted Shelter is well-constructed and built to last. The steel frame is lightweight and rust-resistant, while the durable canopy provides shade and UV protection.
The canopy tent is just as easy to disassemble as it is to set up. Simply retract the legs, fold the frame, and slip it into the convenient wheeled carrying case. Whether you need shade for a backyard BBQ or at an outdoor event, the Coleman All Night Instant Lighted Shelter will easily set the stage for fun, during both the daytime and the night.
Pros and Cons
1. Core Instant Shelter Canopy Tent
The Core Instant Shelter Canopy Tent is one of our absolute favorite canopy tents. It comes at an affordable price point, has plenty of room inside, and only takes a couple of minutes to set up.
The straight tent legs easily extend with a press of the large button. Since you only have to push a button, pinching your hands or fingers should not be a problem. Anchor lines keep the tent securely on the ground. Extra-wide feet provide added stability.
This 10’ x 10’ tent has 100 square feet of shade. Thanks to the convenient carrying case, it is a breeze to use the tent for tailgating, festivals, and backyard gatherings. You will also appreciate the dual vented openings on hot summer days. During rainy weather, the taped seams will prevent any rain water from leaking inside, ensuring everyone remains dry.
Every aspect of this canopy tent is well-built and designed to last. The lightweight frame is constructed from rust-resistant steel. The strong steel provides strength to the entire frame, enabling it to resist bending and breaking over time, even with regular use. The canopy, which is 150D polyester fabric, is durable, weather resistant, and also resistant to fading. Additionally, the heavy-duty polyester material prevents the canopy tent from easily ripping during the setup or disassembly process.
Overall, the Core Instant Shelter Canopy Tent has everything you need to stay cool, dry, and out of the sun at any outdoor gathering or event.
Pros and Cons
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect New Canopy Tent
When you are looking to purchase a new canopy tent, there are a lot of different factors that should weigh into your decision. Below are some of the most important factors and features that you should consider.
Setup and Portability
Even if you are only using the canopy tent in your backyard, you still want it to be easy to set up. Look for tents that come with one-piece frames. Push buttons to extend the legs are also a great feature to have.
Additionally, you should also think about where you are going to use the canopy tent. If you plan on taking it to festivals and other outdoor events, you definitely want it to be portable. Lightweight steel frames and carrying cases will make it easy to take the tent to wherever the party is.
Durability and Weather Protection
If the tent only lasts for a season or two, you may have wasted your money. Along with a powder-coated steel frame, the canopy should also be weatherproof. Heavy-duty polyester is the strong canopy material but it’s often priced higher than other fabrics.
Also, you want the canopy to provide UV protection. Most are rated at 50+ UV or higher. If you are worried about water leaking from the top, look for a canopy with fully-sealed seams.
Tent Size
You can find canopy tents large enough to seat 100 people and more, along with smaller ones that comfortably provide shade for 8 to 10 adults. When you are considering what size canopy tent you need, think about where you are planning to use it. Additionally, you should also think about the purpose it will primarily be used for.
For instance, if you are planning to use it primarily for tailgating, fairs, and backyard BBQs, a canopy tent that fits around ten people will most likely be large enough.
Alternatively, if you plan to use a canopy tent for camping purposes, you may have different size requirements. Think about what will be housed beneath the canopy at the campsite. Will it be used to shelter tables of food? Maybe you plan to pitch the canopy above your camping tent. Oftentimes, families pitch a canopy tent next to their large 8-person camping tent to create an area for everyone to relax in the shade.
Extras
Some canopy tents come with extra features like LED lights in the top, along with vents for improved airflow. Other features to look for are anchor lines and ground stakes to keep your tent securely tied down.
Wide, flat feet at the end of the tent legs provide additional stability. If strong wind gusts are common, you can get added stability with a tent that comes with weighted bags. These bags are placed on the feet of the poles to hold them in place.
Canopy Tent FAQs
How do I know what size canopy tent I need?
The best way to decide on a tent size is to think about how it will be used, along with if you are planning on traveling with it. If you want to use the tent at fairs, festivals, and for tailgating, you probably do not want to haul a large canopy tent around.
If you are still not sure, the product description will be the tent size and square footage. Generally, if the tent size is 10’ x 10’, it provides 100 square feet of space, and should be able to comfortably fit between 10 to 15 adults.
Are canopy tents easy to clean?
Most canopy tents are typically easy to wash. The steel frame and canopy can both be washed off with a hose and a little soap. Just remember to let the tent fully dry before folding it up.
Can I take my backyard canopy tent to the beach?
There is no reason that you can’t take your canopy tent to the beach. These tents are ideal for use on the beach. The canopy provides plenty of shade from the hot sun, and the open sides ensure that you still get a gorgeous view of the water.
One problem you might run into is stabilizing the tent in the sand. Weighted bags on the feet will provide additional stability. The bags can also be attached to the poles if the feet are not wide enough.
Final Thoughts
Canopy tents are a great addition to any outdoor event. Even if the weather suddenly takes a bad turn, the party can still go on! The best canopy tents provide shade from the hot sun and shelter from the rain, hoisted by a strong, durable frame. However, it is important to choose a canopy that properly fits your needs. Before purchasing one, we recommend that you consider the size, construction material, ease of setup, and portability. Overall, our top recommendation for the best canopy tent is the Core Instant Shelter.
Do you have a question about canopy tents? Want to share some of your favorite tips and tricks for outdoor fun? We would love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
