Canopy Comparisons

[kVox42]

My TD will be ready in a few more weeks and 'm getting psyched!! In the meantime I'm shopping around for all the things I've never needed for my extensive backpacking and hiking trips. Car camping is a little different.

I've looked all over the forum but can't find any posts about various types and brands of canopies, including quality, weight and price comparisons. I've gone to places like Cabela's, Camping World, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Walmart to see the options available. So far, I'm not terribly impressed by the quality and durability of what I've seen, (although granted, most are pretty cheap.) Anyone have a thoughts or experience on the topic?

BTW, among my criteria, I have to consider ease of set-up since there will be long stretches of my trip when I'll be solo, so I need something that I can set up by myself when necessary, even if it's a smaller unit.

Thanks
Soon to be the owner of a Geistwerks Phasma
Raleigh, NC

[Vedette]

Fore ease of set up, adequate quality, and good price??? Coleman 10' x10' is probably your best bet,,,,,,,,from WalMart.
We have a 12"x12' and a 10"x 10', and even though we love the 12x12 for our current needs, it is not as easy to put up and take down, Our 10'x10' can be put up by Sandi all by herself and stores in the back of the TV easier.
Good Luck with your new TD.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Shadow Catcher]

For quality and longevity I recommend http://www.pahaque.com They can custom make what ever you can imagine.

[Backroads4me]

Bob has his original blue topped "First UP" 10 by 10 and I have one tan "First UP" and then 2 tan "Mountain Ozark" 10 x 10's. Got the "First Ups" on clearance as Walmart was
switching over to the MO brand. Since I work there I got the other two with my employee discount, so they were pretty affordable.

As for durability---the "FirstUP" frames are heavier quality, with stouter couplings. Now discountinued, I occasionally see someone listing used ones (as well as the commerical grade 'Eazy UP's) on Craiglist or Ebay. The "Mountain Ozark"s are lighter, but the canopy tops on all of them seem to be about the same, and are interchangeable. Just this spring, I bought two gray/charcoal MO replacement tops as I didn't like the way the gold tops looked in the sun. Very bright and made me think of Las Vegas. I prefer to blend into the background. We've used these canopy frames for three years and numerous trips, through a couple of very hefty storms and they've held up quite well.

[steve cowan]

bye

[razorback]

Gander Mountain stores have a nice set up. 10 X 10 and comes with four mosquito sides, 3 hard sides and velcro around all four edges to connect with their auto canopy.
The auto canopy was designed for large suv rear openings. If it is very cold I attach the canopy to the open galley lid. it has bungee inside to fit quite tight to td.
the sides go to the ground and it is 10 feet long and velcros to the 10 X 10 shelter. Gives us a 10 X 20 shelter for lots of folks to visit and stay warm. I paid 160.00 in 2008.
Heavy duty thicker poles .
Larry

[deleted]

Unless someone here says they've had a real problem with this model I'm going to order this shelter ASAP. Looks incredibly easy for one person to set up in under a minute and is close to bug proof if you're looking for a shelter vs a standard awning. Not sure if it'll fit over the back end of a teardrop and allow easy entrance/egress to the galley. You can also add side panels to protect against wind and rain.



There are a few other styles and this site has the best prices I could find: http://www.landmsupply.com/department/sporting-goods/camping/screen-tents

After just returning from the CRA I am 100% convinced the best way to travel is with a bug-proof tent. I've wished I had one time and time again both at gatherings and single night stays. Out here in Michigan between the mosquitos, black flies, deer flies, and no seeums it is now a must have piece of gear.



I made a small (4'x5'), very easy to set up and tear down, mosquito tent/awning that comes off my awning rail for the CRA but it only fits one. . . Or two people if the other person is someone you get along with well enough to be in pretty cramped quarters with them To have a larger one would be nice in the evening so people could hang out and visit in comfort. That's my old sun-only awning doubling as an impromptu privacy screen when I wanted to take a nap one day.

[tony.latham]

My sister and bro-in-law picked up a Kelty Tailgater for their 'drop:


We were inmpressed with it and so on our third build –which was a wedding present– we threw one in "for the kids." I think they're perfect for that meal that needs shelter from either the sun or the rain. Easy one-person set up.

They're not bug proof but normally, we don't have bug problems. (Okay, twice this year but we're pushing twenty nights).

So we bought one. But it was a challenge since Kelty discontinued them. OUCH. Found ours on eBay. Wish I had some better pics.

Tony

p.s. Stacie: that thing you're buying looks great!

[halfdome, Danny]

My favorite canopy is the 13' x 13' Coleman.
The frame footprint is 10' x 10'.

It doesn't wrap over the edges like most canopies but acts much like the eaves on a house.
The difference is the ones that wrap over the frame will puddle up with rain and dump on some unsuspecting visitor.
The advantage of the 13' x 13' Coleman is it just drips along the edges as the rain comes down & doesn't puddle.
It also has sun screen protection and has large plastic handles for raising and lowering.
It sits on the counter top of our teardrop while traveling & while it's stored in our garage.
My first one was from Big 5 Sporting ($139.00) and I recently picked up the newer version at Costco ($119.00).
Costco is all out of them for the season.
It performs quite well in windy conditions, if staked down.
I always stake down the canopy to be considerate of my neighbors vehicles and trailer not to mention ours too.
Danny

[Midget]

We started with an 8x8 aluminum frame canopy as we wanted the light weight. After a couple of wind storms, it was toast. lasted a couple years though. We then picked up a Swiss Gear 10x10 with metal frame. It has lasted 5+years and has given us good service. We picked it up on Amazon. Later on we purchased 3 sides and when we go to the car races, we swing one side up on 8 foot poles with guy ropes to add more shade. It weighs a little more but it lasts.

Bob

[kVox42]

I just wanted to say thanks for all the response and input. Considering my needs I like the Clam idea (http://clamoutdoors.com/store/quick-set-by-clam.html) but there are lots of other good and creative options to consider. I may just go with rigging my Noah's tarp (which I've used for backpacking) for an over-the-galley configuration. Of course that doesn't help with bugs, so there's that to consider. At any rate, thanks for the info. I'll post something once I decide on which way to go and especially if I discover something not already covered.

Kevin (soon to be owner of a Gesitwerks Phasma TD: http://geistwerks.us/main/index.php/201 ... -26/phasma )
Raleigh, NC