The results of the unbiased and exhaustive review are presented here. The 4-pound, steel-framed REI chair has an attached carry strap, rather than a carry bag (which the other chairs have). After a couple of camping trips, we concluded that a strap is more convenient than a bag—it’s quicker and easier for a kid to grab the chair and go, without parental help.
Some canopies perform well in one or two of these areas, but we gave the highest scores to those that could expertly handle all three functions. We even gave extra points to canopies that also protected against bugs. The whole thing is remarkably easy to set up, even for one person; the family at the next campsite was amazed at my tent prowess when I set it up solo.
He spends his free time playing at local lakes, dunes, and campgrounds, where he routinely uses canopies for shade. He also is no stranger to the sideline, where he enjoys sitting under a canopy to watch family members play youth sports. Jason is also an avid car camper, hiker, and backpacker and has extensive knowledge of general outdoor gear. Our notes on this shelter are mostly positive — there isn’t much we don’t like about the Escape.
As for the Caravan V-Series, we feel it provides excellent coverage from the sun. However, its thinner frame rocks a bit during wind gusts, and it doesn’t have weather-taped seams, so it tends to leak a little during heavier rain storms. These tents can quickly become pricey, so focusing on quality versus cost is a great idea.
Our most portable models are the Sun Ninja, Neso 1, and Eureka Tagalong Shelter. These models are all thinner, fold-down styles that weigh far less than the larger canopies on our list. Some, like the Tagalong, are lighter because of the high-end ozark trail canopy tent materials used in their construction. Others, like the Sun Ninja, are lighter because they employ less expensive materials. So it is important to distinguish that not all lightweight and portable products are equally high in quality.
If you’re unsure which camping chair to buy, you can’t go wrong with the classic Coleman Cooler Quad Chair. If you want a lighter, more portable camp-style shelter, we highly recommend checking out the REI Co-op Screen House Shelter. The Eureka Tagalong Shelter is also a decent option but is not fully enclosed. Likewise, the Pacific Breeze Easy Up is very portable but limited in size. Kalee Thompson is an editor covering health, fitness, baby, and kid gear.
Typically, the lower-priced options in this category will work for the short term. They usually weigh less, which is handy when lugging them around, but it generally means they are not as durable in inclement weather. The higher-priced models often weigh more or offer better construction technology.