--- title: "Three Features You Need in a Camping Canopy" description: "As much as you might try to plan and coordinate, there are always some things that are beyond your control on a camping trip. Things like the heat, foul weather, or even protection from anything raining down from the trees above can turn a fun trip into a miserable experience. If you've endured a trip like that, you might consider brining a canopy on your next outing. Most are inexpensive, easy to set up, and a great solution when a lot of people need to gather under a massive umbrella. If you've thought about a canopy, here are some features you should keep in mind as you shop, along with a few models that perform great." date: "2019-10-10" modified: "2019-10-10" authors: - name: "The Editors" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/the-editors/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/3-features-you-need-in-camping-canopy/" categories: - "Camping Gear" - "Gear" tags: - "Evergreen" - "Gear Reviews" --- # Three Features You Need in a Camping Canopy ![]() ![People underneath a 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. 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. 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. 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.