The best pop-up canopy for you all depends on the size of your group and how you plan to use it, but here are a few things to consider as you shop around:
Check out the material
For the canopy itself, it’s best to go with a tent that uses synthetic materials (such as nylon or polyester), as they’re better at protecting against sun, wind, and rain than natural materials, like cotton. Ideally, that fabric will also be treated with a waterproof barrier and UV protection, with a UPF rating of 50+ being your best bet (since that means it’ll block 98% of harmful rays).
Keep the weight in mind
Speaking of materials, the type of material used to construct the frame will make a big difference in how much your pop-up tent weighs. Canopies with fiberglass and aluminum frames tend to be lighter than those made with steel frames, but they also won’t be quite as sturdy, so just keep that in mind. Many heavier models will also come with roller bags, so that should make transporting them a lil easier.
Consider the size
With size, you should consider not only the square footage and height, but the dimensions of the tent when it’s packed up in its bag too. It’s important that your pop-up canopy offers enough coverage for everyone in your group—but you also want to make sure it’s compact enough when disassembled to fit on your back or in the trunk of your car. Just saying!