There is something wonderful about getting away from home and enjoying time in the great outdoors.
Whether you are with a partner, a group of friends or family it makes a lovely change to enjoy some fresh air.
It’s well known that being outside is good for your health yet, with the problematic year that 2020 has been, many people have missed being able to enjoy outdoor recreation as much as they would have done in normal times.
You may want to go for a picnic, visit a country show or sporting event. Or you might fancy taking the family to the beach for the day. These days there is a form of shelter that is preferred when indulging in a day out – the pop-up canopy.
Tents are perfect for festivals, if you don’t have to carry them too far!
Of course, these are not just for use on vacations, but also when you have a stall at a show or an exhibition, where they can be the focus of your products. Usually open-sided, the pop-up canopy is like a portable gazebo, which comes in useful in a surprising number of occasions.
Statistics have shown that more people are taking days out in the UK (Staycations are still allowed) as foreign holidays have become difficult to enjoy during the recent pandemic, and this has led to an increase in demand for pop up canopies.
What do you need to consider when you are choosing one for yourself? Here’s our brief guide to the factors you need to think about before you buy.
The Pop-Up Canopy Explained
A pop-up canopy usually has four legs and a frame, with a canvas or other skin that can be open at all sides or some, depending on the design. As with pop up tents, they are designed to be very simple to erect and take down in a matter of seconds.
A luxurious tent which can be used for all occasions
If you check out these pop up canopy reviews you will see some excellent examples from the leading brands in the market which should give you a good idea of what to look for. Let’s consider some features:
Size – the standard size for a pop-up canopy is 10ft x 10ft. This should be adequate for family gatherings or giving cover for a group of friends. It’s also not too much ground space to get in the way of others. It’s advisable to check when you are setting up – especially at sporting and other events – that you are fine to be putting your canopy where you want it, and that you are not impeding anyone’s line of sight.
Weight – it’s easy to overlook the weight of the product when considering these canopies, but it’s worth remembering that you might have to park the car a long way from your desired spot.
The weight of a pop-up canopy varies according to its construction and the materials used. Among the reviews we mentioned the range of weights starts at a mere 18lbs right up to 70lbs. That’s quite a difference! Be aware that heavier models may be more robust, so it might be sensible to consider where and in what weather conditions you intend to use it.
If travelling, make sure you get a light tent!
Set Up Time – how long it takes to set your pop-up canopy up depends on the model and its complexity. With some, the time from getting it out of the bag to it being upright and standing is as little as 2 minutes. Even the models that take longer can be ready in 10 minutes, so there’s not a lot in it.
Waterproof – be aware that not all pop-up canopy models are designed to be waterproof (and even those that are may have open sides through which rain and wind will blow) so it’s sensible to check the manufacturer description before you buy.
Keep your kids dry by getting a waterproof tent, it’s worth it!
Cost – the price of a pop-up canopy can vary greatly depending upon quality, size and the accessories it comes with, so set your budget in advance and see what the best model is within your limits. They are not expensive, but it’s worth paying for a quality model that will last a long time.
A pop-up canopy is a great addition to your camping gear, too, so why not check them out and see which one is right for you and enjoy some quality time in the great outdoors.
And don’t forget that you could even create a mini-camping break in your own back garden! Cut your grass, add some beautiful light decorations, set-up the BBQ pizza ring and you are set to go!
