Tent Suggestions

nixxy311 · May 12, 2017

The past few seasons, we've lucked out with not having to buy our own tent as other parents had them. This All-Star season, we wanted to get our own and I'm having the hardest time trying to find one that will work.

Everytime I read a review, it says the legs break or bend due to wind or that it doesn't hold up to rain.

I was thinking 10x10 or 12x12. Any suggestions on something that won't break the bank but that is still sturdy? And not super complicated to set-up as DH is an AC so he may not be able to help me all the time.

Gags · May 12, 2017

If by tent you mean canopy - I'm curious as well. Straight leg? Angled legs? Are they waterproof? Are there any where you don't risk amputating a finger every time you put it up or take it down? And is the size measured from the canopy, or the footprint? (if the legs are angled, does an 8x8 canopy become advertised as a "10x10"?)

Ken B · May 12, 2017

Some thoughts/opinions:
-Good canopies are worth every penny (as well as the fold up carts.)
-Spend as much as you can for quality, or be ready to buy 1-2 per year.
-Vertical legs seem to set up better in most situations.
-I think all canopies have guy-lines. Use them if there is the slightest chance of wind. Tie them to a fence, gear wagon, a cooler, a milk jug filled with water or use stakes. I'd suggest throwing the included stakes in the recycling bin and go buy better ones at the sporting goods store.

Ken B · May 12, 2017

Gags said:
If by tent you mean canopy - I'm curious as well. Straight leg? Angled legs? Are they waterproof? Are there any where you don't risk amputating a finger every time you put it up or take it down? And is the size measured from the canopy, or the footprint? (if the legs are angled, does an 8x8 canopy become advertised as a "10x10"?)

Some of the nicer ones are pretty easy to extend and retract the legs with minimal risk. The cheapos are pretty sketchy! Most seem to be waterproof at first. The cheaper ones don't stretch the canopy enough and tend to pool water--not a good thing! I think they are measured by the foot print. I don't care for the angled legs...

999 · May 12, 2017

The angled ones have less coverage, either go cheap and know your gonna have to replace them, or get a nice straight leg one. A angled 10x10 is more like a 8x8 so 64sqft compared to a straight 10x10 at 100 sq ft.

WARRIORMIKE · May 12, 2017

buy a quality canopy that you can buy replacement parts for .

Lightning · May 12, 2017

If you deal with wind a lot, get one with a vented top. I've seen more than my share of canopies die needless deaths in the wind, including ones that were staked and/or weighted down.

Angled legs are a lot cheaper but I don't like them as much. Every 10x10 angled leg canopy I've seen is a 10x10 footprint with an 8x8 canopy, so you don't get as much shade. They also take up more room in the car - those angled legs are longer than the straight legs, so while our straight leg canopy is easy to pack the angled legs take up way more room.

BT3100 · May 15, 2017

Go to Harbor Freight.. They are on sale for $59. Get the $15 replacement warranty. They will replace it, no questions asked for 24 months.

wheresmycar · May 19, 2017

About to start our 4th summer all-star season with this one from Costco... Its a good, solid canopy. Has two screw in buttons on each side to keep canvas firmly attached to frame. Ours came with the side-wall kit included, which we've used a few times... kind of useful when sun is low, and you need extra shade.

https://www.costco.com/ProShade-Professional-Grade-10'-x-10'-Instant-Canopy.product.100329571.html

Link to side kit:

https://www.costco.com/ProShade-Zippered-Sidewall-Kit-for-10'-x-10'-Canopy.product.100329565.html

InsidePitch · May 20, 2017

I am finishing up DDs last TB season with a 5 year old el cheapo from Dicks. Pay attention to the weather, stake it down if necessary or tie it to the fence. It's thread bear along the overhead supports but still does the job. Oh and it was 49 on sale.

Tent Suggestions

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nixxy311

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