3 Features You Need in a Camping Canopy

Most canopies are easy to set up and take down and offer great protection from the weather or other elements. (Coleman/)

A portable canopy is useful everywhere from your backyard to the beach and beyond. The ability to pop-up some protection against the sun or rain can save a gathering in inclement conditions. From yard parties and garage sales to camping or the lakefront, a portable shelter is the best way to ensure you won’t get weathered out or sunburnt while enjoying the outdoors. Evaluate these key features when choosing a portable canopy.

Rolling Storage Bag

If a canopy is especially heavy, make sure it has wheels on the back to make transportation easy. (Abccanopy/)

Some outdoor canopies are portable in name only, and so heavy they make dragging them more than a few yards less fun than just enduring the rain or sun. But the fact is, increased weight usually means increased stability, especially in high winds. If a canopy comes in at more than say, 40 pounds, look for a rolling storage bag to make transporting easier.

Easy Set-Up

Some canopies are easier to erect if there are two or more people helping. (Eurmax/)

Realistically, a portable canopy almost always requires a second person to help with the set-up. However, in general, you should be able to erect the structure in under five minutes. Telescoping poles with thumb-operated catches make raising the canopy to the perfect height easy.

Stake-Out System

A canopy that has tie-down lines will be extra solid in windy conditions. (Coleman/)

Some canopies are sold with tie-out ropes and stakes, and some are not. Regardless, make sure that the canopy at least has double-stitched loops or rings to rig your own lines. Models sold with sand-bag weights that attach to the legs offer an extra level of stability in windy conditions.