On sunny days and clear nights, take off the fly and enjoy the sky through the tent’s clear mesh canopy. Some testers, though, thought the tent was stuffy when the fly was fully closed and the sun was out. Slant-leg canopies tend to have lighter builds than straight-leg models, but they’re often a good choice for uneven ground because the angled legs give them added stability. It definitely doesn’t feel heavy duty, but the angle of the legs did offer some advantages when we tested it on a camping trip. Best Choice Products keeps things simple and affordable with its pop-up canopy, which goes together in a quick three-step setup process.
For most fabrics, rip strength is expressed as a measurement of the diameter of the fibers in their thread, or a denier—the higher the denier, the stronger the fabric. We found 40 denier up to 150 denier to be typical for car-camping tents; you can read more about these measurements in gear manufacturer MSR’s blog post and in this Outside article. An avid hiker, camper, and long-haul road-tripper, Claire Wilcox has slept ozark trail shower tent in (and occasionally improvised) tents in 11 states. She covers outdoor gear for Wirecutter and worked on the most recent update of this guide, testing couples’ tents and family tents. A full rain cover, two vestibules, and an extra-sturdy pole structure make this the best choice for families who want to get outside in any weather. The first step usually involves clearing the space in which the canopy will stand.
Many models also include adjustable legs that offer two to five height options. Camping canopies that look similar to tents have lower 6-foot ceilings. They’re great to use for shade when sitting, eating, or relaxing, but they’re not meant for people to stand under for long periods of time. Setup was doable with two people, though one person could probably manage it. The only problem we had with setup was the traditional push-tab design.
This material often costs less than polyethylene or vinyl canopies and balances durability and price. Pop-up canopy material types often categorize these tent-like weather protectors. Polyethylene, polyurethane, polyester, and vinyl are the most common materials.
Canopies with tall legs and peaked covers offer more vertical space but leave more open space at the sides for the elements to get underneath the canopy. There are other sliders/release mechanism designs on our list that work incredibly well. However, of all of ozark trail instant cabin them, the pull-pin design on the E-Z Up takes the prize. The pull pins greatly reduce chances of pinching a finger or any other type of injury when sliding the frame into place. The legs have a push-button release mechanism that adjusts to one of two heights.
Though the Wireless’s fly kept water out of the tent’s interior, it took longer to fully dry once the rain stopped than some others we tested. If you don’t have time to let the fly dry before you pack the Wireless in its duffle, we recommend laying it out when you get home so it doesn’t mildew in storage. One night during testing, for example, clouds loomed in the distance with clear skies overhead. ozark trail instant cabin After we pitched the tent, the Mineral King 3’s adaptable fly let us leave half the mesh dome uncovered. At the first sign of rain, it took only a few seconds—and a quick hand stuck outside the tent—to unfurl the fly and secure it for a dry night’s sleep. When we awoke, we could roll back one part of the vestibule, make coffee, and watch the sky lighten even though it was still raining.
If you want a six-person tent made with high-quality materials but a traditional profile, we recommend the similarly priced Big Agnes Spicer Peak 6, or Nemo’s Aurora Highrise 6. Unfortunately, you have to buy a separate groundsheet for the Wawona 6 and for most other tents its size as well. Like most dome-style tents, the Wireless 6 withstands wind like a champ—it fared noticeably better than the Camp Creek 6 in 15-mph gusts. The continuous curve of the dome shape allows for wind to pass over and around it. You can also get a nice cross breeze going by leaving the vestibules open.