The Best Pop Up Shade

Buying Guide

From barbecues and tailgates to camping trips and beach days, pop-up shade tents are essential protection from inclement weather. And luckily, cumbersome canopy shelters that require a mess of heavy parts and a complex assembly process are a thing of the past.  Because modern models are equipped with single-unit, collapsible frames and folding roofs, they can be set up and taken down in a flash (in some instances, just a minute). Most even come with convenient carrying cases for easy storage.

Pop-up shades are available in an assortment of shapes and sizes, from a 6-by-6-foot shelter for two or a 12-by-12-foot tent for 10. The majority of pop-up canopies are either square or rectangle, but you can find some in hexagon and octagon shapes. Lightweight frames are often constructed from aluminum, while stronger canopy frames are made from powder-coated steel. When choosing a frame, consider what you plan to use the shade for; aluminum varieties may work for general uses (e.g. a day at the lake), but the heavier steel frames are more suitable for all-weather protection.

Polyethylene, polyurethane, polyester and vinyl are the most common materials used to produce canopies, and what yours is made of will affect how well it performs and the product’s price. For example, pop-up shade tents constructed with weather-resistant polyurethane (a type of plastic found in bags and bottles) — which is lightweight yet offers stellar protection from UV rays and moisture — are ideal for camping and other outdoor activities. While polyester is water-resistant and offers mild UV protection, it offers less defense from the elements than the other materials. But the material works well for smaller tents since the lightweight material makes them easier to tote around in a bag.

Features to look for when shopping for a pop-up tent include carrying bags with straps or handles that allow you to transport the shade, adjustable legs that offer three to five height options, weighted bags or sandbags to provide extra stability, and sidewalls or bug netting.

If you plan on using your pop-up shade in inclement weather, make sure it has proper ropes and stakes for stability. For extreme conditions, weights or sandbags are a must.

Do not machine wash the roof of your pop-up shade. To clean the canopy fabric, clear off any debris and rinse it with warm water; avoid using a pressure washer or high-powered hose. If needed, use a mild detergent for spray cleaner to wash off any residual dirt. Allow the canopy to dry completely before storing it away.