We travel from extreme area to extreme area—one too hot and sunny and the other cold and rainy. We do try to avoid snow and freezing temps, though! One thing that has helped us still enjoy the outdoors in both hot and/or extreme weather is this pop-up canopy tent.
The best pop-up canopy tent
One of our RV neighbors had this pop-up canopy tent set up to use as sun shelter in Arizona. They told us they had done some intensive research before they bought it. We took advantage of their research and bought the same one. I’m glad we did! We’ve had it for four years with some heavy weather and it’s still holding up.
It is wonderful for shade in the hot and windy desert as well as shelter in rainy and cool northern summers. We did add side shades to block more sun. When we don’t need them, we just roll them up and use bungee cords to fasten.
In really windy weather we just lower the whole unit so it’s closer to the ground. If extreme wind is predicted (over 30-40 mph), we quickly remove the cover and leave the “skeleton” up. We also bought a couple of sandbags to secure it, so we don’t need to use the included staking ropes. One person can assemble, raise and lower it, but it is easier with two people.
We also added this rechargeable light and some solar firefly lights for nights.
If you’re looking for a pop-up canopy, I recommend this one. We couldn’t be happier with ours!
##RVDT1803
I have one at home and I’ve never used it, a friend borrowed it for graduation party. My son and DIL have one they take camping to use on the shore of the lake/river as a sun shade for when they want to get the kids out of the sun.
We own 4. Use them at dog trials. One is 10 x 20. We have more than one dog. Another reason we now own a 40′ DP. Need the storage area below and a Wrangler toad.
We carried one around for a few years. We used it once. We gave it away. Before you invest in money and space, make sure you’re going to use it.
I have one of those and have used it many times. However, it is a pain in the back to set up by yourself. Now I use a Gizelle popup screen tent. I light it with Luci solar lights.
I love Luci lights. Best portable solar lights IMO.
and I want a Gazelle – what a great pop-up shelter!
Staying exclusively in the PNW I agree.
But…in the Western deserts the skeleton will blow away and do damage to someones rig or person.
Good item for windless campgrounds though.
We have been using a pop up to augment our experience for several years now, camping year round in the PNW. Usually get the cheap ones from a local Sporting goods retailer, just because we are so hard on them. Quite often sitting by the fire with a looooong stick, roasting dogs or marshmallows in the rain. Other times it goes over the picnic table, to provide some weather protection. We camp mostly in the State Parks, using our bumper pull TH as a TT. Glad to see you sharing such a great idea.
I have one similar to that one. I set it up as my kitchen. Put dish washing station, grill, and griddle under it. Have also used it to go watch grandkids play baseball on hot sunny days. They aren’t too heavy, and it fits nicely in the boot of my motorhome.
While nice, these things are big, and weigh A LOT.
We were dumb and bought two….hardly use them now, and yes- heavy!
I had vents (2), opposite of each other, put in at the top to prevent lifting of the canopy when a gust of wind blows through. Best choice is to buy one with vents…
Nice, but apparently you have way more storage area than most of us.
Hopefully you turn off those lights when you retire for the evening?! Thanks in advance, enjoy the stars!