The tent is water resistant and offers 50+ UPF protection with 64 square feet of shade. It’s worth highlighting that despite the advertised dimensions of the 10×10 Ozark Trail, because this is a slant leg shelter the ozark trail instant cabin top only measures 8×8. You’ll be able to comfortably fit up to 4 chairs underneath the 64 sq. Although we always recommend using anchors such as weighted sand bag or stakes with guy lines attached to the top corners.
Others are shaped like an umbrella with tie-downs and stakes to secure them. Some models resemble half-dome tents that provide shade without view obstruction. Pop-up canopies are available in sizes that range from small 4-foot-by-4-foot models to wedding canopies that span well over 10 feet by 20 feet. You want to think about what you need to do to set it up, determine whether its size and weight are impediments to transporting it, and note what accessories are available.
We set this canopy up for a graduation party in a Pacific Northwest downpour, and it performed beautifully. Every canopy was set up and broken down several times to test the release and slider mechanisms as well as how well the canopies fit into their provided storage bags. The canopies were also carried, loaded, and unloaded into vehicles and a garage to test the design of the bags and the manageability of the weight. A wheeled bag is the best for easy transport and compact storage when not in use.
There are other sliders/release mechanism designs on our list that work incredibly well. However, of all of 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. The water-resistant, fire-resistant, silver-coated cover withstood heavy rain and light wind.
Adjusting the height with the push-button mechanisms was simple, protecting us from pinched fingers. Hook-and-loop straps secure the canopy between the poles for added stability. Once set up and with a person at each corner, we could carry this canopy around to move it. While it is large, it’s relatively lightweight for the size of the canopy. Three different heights give you lots of variety for weather protection. The easy pinch-free push button system can be quickly lowered if the wind picks up.
In windy conditions high stress is applied to each side and the frame begins to break down at the unreinforced joint connectors. The mesh covers all sides, so bugs stay out, and sidewalls that attach with hook-and-loop closures are available for purchase for some privacy or wind protection. We also liked that one person can collapse the canopy without trouble. Simply press in on the center of each side and pull the polls together.
The configurations can change based on need, allowing for versatility. For example, on a sunny day, users can choose to have two sidewalls on the backside to provide extra shade. We tested this canopy on a mountain camping trip where it rained and blew for 24 hours. The canopy protected the cooking area and stayed in place with the help of the included stakes and tie-downs. The hot sealing tape on the seams proved its worth, keeping out all water despite constant rain.