The Ozark Trail Multiforce ozark trail chair Multi-Tool is an essential companion for outdoor enthusiasts, DIYers, and everyday tasks. Combining durability, versatility, and convenience, this multi-tool is designed to handle a wide range of jobs with ease. At under 3 lbs, this is one of the lightest folding chairs on the market. A bit heavier around 13 lbs, this packable chair has an attached table for meals around the grill or campfire.
The aluminum poles are quite long and awkward to maneuver, and it takes extra time to slide them through the fabric sleeves and bow them into place. These pins are a little harder to use, especially during takedown, and they are more likely to pinch the skin. Heavier cathedral-style canopy tents can often be challenging because of their weight; however, most are fairly simple to deploy.
Additionally, its 600-denier canopy fabric is the thickest we’ve seen. Likewise, the roller bag is made from commercial-grade components and fabrics, and the frame is thicker and heavier than other canopies. Its fully enclosed design protects users from sun, wind, rain, and bugs, making it a perfect shelter for camping. It was followed closely by the Eurmaxand E-Z UP Pyramid, though neither has sidewalls for complete bug protection. We also really like the E-Z UP Pyramid, Coleman 10×10 Sun Shelter, and the ABCCANOPY Patio Pop Up.
These models are all thinner, fold-down styles that weigh far less than the larger canopies on our list. Some, like the Tagalong, are lighter because of the high-end materials used in their construction. Others, like the Sun Ninja, are lighter because they employ less expensive materials.
For example, hanging loops, storage compartments, and built-in pockets make canopy use easier and more organized. These tents can quickly become pricey, so focusing on quality versus cost is a great idea. Typically, the lower-priced options in this category will work for the short term. They usually weigh less, which is handy when lugging them around, but it generally means they are not as durable in inclement weather. The higher-priced models often weigh more or offer better construction technology.
Despite its size, it amazingly ships completely assembled and pops into place with just a few pulls and pushes. Likewise, the Pacific Breeze Easy Up does not require additional assembly. It springs into place with just the pull of a single chord, similar to opening an umbrella but in reverse. The simplicity of this design makes it easy for one person to produce an instant sunshade in seconds. Simply fill the four attached anchor bags with sand or smooth rocks, stretch the canopy into an X-shape, and prop it up with the provided tent poles. We found this setup process easy because it didn’t rely on many moving parts or analytical thinking.
While some have just the basics and serve their purpose as an outdoor chair, others have cup holders, footrests and lumbar support to keep you extra comfy. At first glance, the setup for the Quick-Set Escap appears quite daunting. However, it became our favorite canopy to set up after conquering a slight learning curve.
As a mom and a former middle school English teacher, she has spent the last 25 years looking for good deals for her home and the classroom. Actively engages with the outdoor community to continually improve and tailor products to real-world needs.
Our second grading metric involves how fast and easy it is to set up and take down each shelter, but it also considers how simple and intuitive both processes are. While we recommend a minimum of two people to set up most shelters, the ease of this process can vary drastically depending on the design and quality of materials. While being timed, we set up and took down each product a minimum of 10 times. We also noted special features, like quick-release levers, that make setup easier. If you can spend a bit more and want a more traditional cathedral shape, the Caravan V-Series is a good choice.