General Canopy & Tent Buying Guide
If you type the word "canopy" or "tent" into any search engine the effect is similar to being smacked in the face by a ton of books. You'll find instant canopies, party tents, garden canopies, camping tents - and those are just the ones you've heard of. There are so many different types of outdoor shelter that it can be hard to even know which type you need, much less pick a specific model. So if you're suffering from a bit of Internet search overload and could use a little help navigating the world of tents and canopies, check out the following guide. Once you know a bit more about your options, it will be much easier to determine what kind of shelter will work best for you.Shelters for Parties and Outdoor Events
More canopies are dedicated to housing outdoor parties and events than to any other purpose. Consequently, they come in the most varieties and boast the largest collection of names. There are, in fact, so many party shelters that it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between them. Below is some basic information about the different types.Instant and Pop Up Tents
Outdoor shelters don't get much more user-friendly than pop up canopies. They can be set up and taken down extremely quickly - think minutes, not hours - without the aid of any tools. Most of the time the assembly process is so simple that it requires just a single person. Transporting instant tents is also remarkably easy. They're very light for their size and are quite compact when collapsed. It's not unusual for small models to weigh as little as forty pounds and fit into the trunk of the average car. Many also come with convenient carrying bags.
That doesn't mean, however, that pop up canopies are the right choice for every situation. The ultra-light construction and simple set up that makes them so easy to use also makes them less durable than other types of party tents. They're not suitable for use in extreme weather and you wouldn't want to leave them standing for long periods. Generally speaking, you shouldn't even leave them out overnight.
Overall, instant canopies are best suited to situations where portability and ease of use are more important than durability. They're also a good option if you're on a tight budget since they're the least expensive of all the party tents.
Pole Tents
Pole tents are supported by center and perimeter poles and rely on the tension from stakes or anchors to keep their tops stable. This makes them stronger than pop up canopies and more suitable for long-term use. They are, of course, heavier than their instant cousins, but they are considerably lighter than other heavy-duty event canopies. Similarly, their set up procedures, while not quite as simple as those of a pop up, are still relatively quick and easy.In terms of size, they probably have the largest range of all the party tents. There are smaller models for business and personal use as well as truly massive ones for corporate galas. And, because many manufacturers offer tops in more than one color, finding a shelter with the look you want is usually fairly easy. Pole tents also provide the most cost-effective way to shelter large areas, making them particularly popular amongst tent rental companies.
There are, however, a few downsides to using a pole tent. Because the tension from stakes is the only thing keeping their canopies from collapsing, they can't be installed indoors or in any other location that won't permit full anchoring. They also require a fair amount of clearance - sometimes as much as six feet on each side - making it impossible to use them next to buildings or other structures. Plus, the center poles that are integral to every pole tent tend to limit visibility and interfere with layouts involving large objects.
Tension Canopies
Tension canopies work just like regular pole tents; they're supported by perimeter and center poles and rely on the tension created by tie downs to secure the roof. They also possess the same strength, relatively light weight, and user-friendly assembly processes. In fact, the only significant structural difference between these two kinds of shelter is the height of their peaks. Tension tents, also known as "high peak" tents, feature much taller peaks than regular pole canopies. This gives them a more dramatic look that is perfect for formal events. Those tall peaks also make tension shelters more aerodynamic, allowing them to provide better wind resistance and drainage. They're ideal for long-term use and many models can even act as permanent structures.
Unfortunately, because they are a form of pole tent, tension canopies are subject to the same limitations. You can't use them indoors or next to existing structures. And, though they may have a spacious, open feel, their center poles can still interfere with visibility and make certain layouts impossible.
Frame Tents
Frame tents are specifically designed to avoid the structural limitations of pole tents. They use tubular metal structures to support their canopies rather than the tension from stakes and consequently don't require the same kind of clearances or anchoring as pole models. It's possible to use them right next to buildings as well as indoors. Frame tents also don't require center poles, allowing them to easily accommodate events that call for complete visibility or complicated layouts.In order to get that installation flexibility, however, you have to be willing to spend a bit more and give up some practical conveniences. Frame tents are considerably heavier than other party tents and are therefore harder to transport. They are also much more complicated to set up and require very specific hardware. As a result, frame tents are really best suited for events where flexibility is more important than ease of use and economy.
More Information
Are you interested in learning more about party tents? For a more detailed comparison of the different types of party shelters and information about how to choose one, check out our Party Tent Buying Guide. Or, if you already know you want an instant canopy, take a look at our Pop Up Canopy Buying Guide to learn more about your options.Shelters for Storage
Like party tents, storage shelters have a variety of names. Instant sheds, portable carports, and instant garages are all part of this category. You'll also frequently find portable boat and RV shelters in this group. Regardless of what they're called, though, most storage tents can protect a wide variety of items. They're ideal for sheltering vehicles, industrial equipment, and outdoor supplies. Larger models also make good temporary workshops and shelters for livestock. And, if you're looking for an outdoor shelter that can multitask, a storage canopy may the way to go since some of them are designed to double as party tents.Need more information about selecting a storage tent? Our Portable Garage and Carport Buying Guide and Semi-Permanent Canopy Buying Guide can help you determine your needs and find a shelter that can satisfy them.
Specialty Shelters
Most outdoor shelters are designed with very generalized purposes in mind. Even party tents, which are created exclusively for outdoor recreation and entertaining, can be used for many different kinds of events. There are a few types of specialized tent, however, that can really only serve one purpose. Below is a bit more information about the most common ones.
Camping Tents
For many people, the mention of the word camping tent evokes images of a traditional A-frame like the one they erected while earning their camping merit badge, but there are really quite a few different styles. When searching for a camping tent you'll find dome-shaped, house-shaped, and even tunnel-shaped models. The key to choosing the right one is knowing what kind of camping you're going to be doing. Check out our Camping Tent Buying Guide if you need help determining your needs.Screen Houses
The primary function of screen houses is to protect you from insects, though most can also offer partial sun defense. Some are designed more like party tents and are meant for home or casual use, while others are more like rugged camping tents and can be easily carried from place to place in a backpack. There are yet others that attach to the side of your house or RV in order to create a bug-free outdoor space. As with selecting a camping tent, the type of screen house that will work best for you will depend on where and how you plan to use it.Children's Play Tents
Children's play tents are designed to inspire just what their name suggests: creative play. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes; you'll find models intended to resemble castles and cars as well as ones with animal themes. Some even feature ball pits and built-in games. Unlike when you purchase other kinds of shelter, there aren't really many things you need to consider when choosing a play tent. As long as you make sure the model you purchase doesn't have any exposed metal and provides adequate ventilation, you shouldn't have any problems. The only things you need factor into your selection are your child's interests and your budget. Just keep in mind that, while most models are suitable for use both indoors and outdoors, they're not really intended for rugged camping.
Animal Tents
These miniature tents are designed for campers who frequently take their small pets on their outdoor adventures. They don't come in the same variety as regular camping tents so the selection process is more about finding a size and appearance that work for you rather than picking structural style. In terms of features, the only things you really need to look for are proper ventilation and a large door for convenient access; everything else is just a matter of preference.Other Shelter Categories
Outdoor Canopies
Have you ever seen a shelter labeled as "outdoor" and thought, "An outdoor tent? Wait a minute, aren't all tents outdoor tents?" Well, you're right. Technically, almost all tents and canopies can be used outdoors; the "outdoor" label is just a way for manufacturers to classify their products. You'll find all kinds of party and storage shelters listed this way. The only types you won't usually see categorized in this manner are camping tents and children's play tents. Of course, these are intended to be used outdoors as well, but many companies place them in separate categories because they're so specialized.Enclosed Canopies
Shelters in this category have been packaged with the sidewalls necessary to turn them into fully enclosed structures. The kind of tents featured in these sets varies, but most packages contain pop ups or portable garages. Occasionally you might find a small pole or frame tents. If you have any interest in getting sidewalls, these packages are definitely worth considering. Just remember that while deciding to buy one of these sets will allow you to save money, it will also drastically limit your selection because manufacturers only offer them for select tent models.Why would you want to add sidewalls to your tent? Well, the most basic reason would be to enhance weather protection. Enclosing your canopy makes it much easier to ensure the safety of any belongings you're storing and keep your guests from being buffeted about by winds during a party. Sidewalls are also helpful for situations where you're interested in creating a sense of privacy or giving your tent a more building-like look.
Portable Tents
This is another tent grouping that can be somewhat confusing. All canopies are, in reality, designed to be portable; some varieties are simply more convenient to transport and store than others. Shelters labeled as "portable" are typically amongst the easiest to move from place to place. They tend to be relatively light for their size and feature simple assembly processes. In terms of dimensions, most fit somewhere into the small to medium range because there's a limit to how easily you can transport even a well-designed large tent. Pop up tents, garden canopies, portable garages, and portable carports are all considered part of this category.Garden Canopies
As with many other tent classifications, there are no official guidelines as to what makes a particular structure a garden canopy. Some manufacturers use the "garden" label to identify products that are designed with an emphasis on aesthetics and features intended to enhance outdoor recreation. It's not unusual to find garden tents with decorative valances and built-in bug screens. There are other manufacturers and retailers, however, who consider any tent capable of functionally improving your outdoor living space to be garden canopies. Therefore, you'll also find portable garages and carports included in this category. Sometimes you'll even find shade sails, which aren't really structures at all.
Shade and Shade Sail Canopies
This is another canopy group that is very broadly defined. It includes most of the shelters capable of providing sun and UV protection. Pop ups and other instant-style party tents are considered part of this category, as are many portable garages and carports. If that list sounds familiar it's not your imagination; you'll often find the same shelters listed as both shade and garden canopies.One of the simplest types of canopy in this group, and one that you might not know much about, is the shade sail. Shade sails are literally pieces of material that can be secured to trees, parts of your home, or other structures in order to create a shaded area. Setting them up typically doesn't require any tools and takes only a few minutes. This makes them ideal for travel and situations where you need instant short-term shelter. They're also helpful if you want to shade an unusually shaped area where it would be difficult to fit a standard canopy. Just remember that while they are weather-resistant, they're not going to provide the same kind of rain and wind protection as more traditional shelters.
Starting Your Search
Unfortunately, understanding your options is not the same as knowing what shelter to buy. You're still going to have to do a fair amount of planning and product research, but at least you now have an idea where to start looking. And, if you're still feeling a bit overwhelmed, here are a few things you can do to make the selection process even easier:- Decide exactly what you're going to use your shelter for and where you might like to use it. This will help you choose the best tent for your situation and determine if you're going to need any accessories.
- Calculate how much you can afford to spend on a new shelter. By determining your budgetary limits before you start hunting, you'll keep yourself from wasting time looking at products you can't afford. You'll also avoid the unpleasantness that occurs when you find a tent that seems to be perfect for your situation, only to discover that it's completely out of your price range.
- Consider how much effort you're willing to put into setting up your tent. The amount of time and work required to set up a shelter varies widely by style so it's good to know what your assembly preferences are before making a purchase.
- Determine at least a rough estimate of how much room you'll have for your shelter. After all, it won't matter how well your tent suits your needs if you don't have the space to set it up.
