Canopy or shade tent?

[joecorgi]

Well, I'm lucky enough to have been gifted a canopy or a shade tent (like http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-%C2%AE-Solar-Shade/dp/B000FEI4LS) for Christmas for our use at agility trials and camping (couldn't decide where to put this thread). I get to choose which one I'd like, since it couldn't be put back on a plane with me.

I was looking for some help with the pros/cons of each, since I know many of you own one or both! Anything you wish you knew when you were shopping?

[Jespah]

I vote canopy - more room to stand under them and you can get that solar silver mesh stuff to attach to the side for further shade protection. :SMILE:

Deb

[Bobbie]

Canopy:more room, better shade, more versatile
Shade tent:light, easier to set up and carry

So it depends in where you trial. Where I did we could leave them up overnight so it was not too big a hassle but I always had to have help setting it up or it took forever. They also do poorly in high wind. But you can stand up, lots of room for an expen or crates or company.

[Kassie]

We have an EZ up. We need help, but neither of us is able bodied. At a couple of places where we were this summer when we asked for help, the response was "oh good, it's an EZ up" We watched people really struggle with some.

[Bobbie]

I have an Ez up and believe me, it isn't. Some other brands seem much easier. But the designs keep changing. Straight legs give more shade than slant, reflector interior is cooler.

[jeepgal]

I say canopy and make sure legs are straight. You get more sq.ft. of shade and protection. And with straight legs, they but up next to others easier without a gap in between them.

[MVons]

After having a $99 pop up collapse (yes I should have sold it when someone asked, sigh), I recommend which ever one has the strongest roof posts.

[2CrazyCorgis]

I can see benefits to both. I am on my second agility canopy, my first was a Qwik Shade, very nice, thick poles with straight sides. It crumpled into rubble during a freak wind storm in Lynden, WA. My new one was a great deal and I really like it so far. It is a Columbia that I bought through Amazon, it is an adjustment with the slanted poles though. Once you get used to putting them up, and they are not so new and stiff, they are actually quite easy to put up. I can put mine up by myself in a pinch, but at agility trials there are plenty of folks willing to help and it is easier with two people.

I have a friend with a self-contained tent that I am jealous of. She whips it out and puts it up in no time. She can have her very well-behaved dogs loose in the tent, so they don't have to spend so much time in their crates or ex-pens. My dogs would bust out of that thing in no time.

Overall, I think a canopy is your best bet. You will want to get at least one shade cloth to put up during the summer. I have managed just fine with one, although some folks have enough to enclose the whole canopy. I just move mine around to wherever the sun is coming in - I don't like the closed in feeling anyway. I wouldn't spend a great amount on a canopy, no matter how sturdy it supposedly is, the NW winds can take it down at a moments notice. Always, always lower it if you are going to leave it overnight. And even if it doesn't seem windy, stake it down. I have personally had to dodge a somersaulting canopy coming across the agility course when a wind gust came through.

[travelers]

[QUOTE=2CrazyCorgis;

My dogs would bust out of that thing in no time.

[/QUOTE]

Howling like crazed wolves no doubt!:BIGGRIN"
Beth

[joecorgi]

Can I reasonably expect two able-bodied people to be able to manipulate a canopy? Any brands I should look for/avoid?

I'm thinking that's probably the route we'd go, but I also don't know how much of a price range there is on these things.

[2CrazyCorgis]

I don't think you and Nancy will have a problem once you figure out how it works. Price range is really wide, I tend to go somewhere in the middle. Although I have seen the cheapest pieces of crap still around after 15 years. I have a friend with a canopy that she couldn't have paid more than $50 for that has lasted her 10+ years. Go with what you think will work for you.

[Mickey48]

Ssshhh!+SHHH+
When looking for a canopy, you should also look at renaissance festivals or mediaeval times online shops.
These people are often camping for days in canopies when they visit festivals or are acting there for entertainmient, so they can tell you which one keeps you dry and stands other weather conditions like heat, snow, storm, etc. the best.
+CSITE+