And while this design is tailored to rocking, it’s not a good choice if you prefer to sit up straight.

Usually, the best camping canopies can serve a variety of functions, although some tarps have clear restrictions. It’s easy to pile on extra features, but annoying to have to extract yourself from a cocoon of cupholders, pockets, and straps.There is some construction involved; you’ll need to fix the high strength aluminium alloy frame into place (it slots together much like tent poles) before attaching the fabric seat part. While you can spread out on the grass, it’s not ideal for long periods and especially at night when you could become a trip hazard to your fellow campers.

Underneath, you’ll have 87 square feet of protected area, enough for a few people to sit comfortably. It will take up a large amount of space in a small car, and might not be the best choice for those who are space and weight-conscious while packing for their next camping trip. A seat height of 46cm, depth of 48cm, and width of 58cm makes it large and spacious while the hammer paint-coated steel frame supports up to 330lbs. When the mosquitoes get bad but you still want to stay outdoors, a screen house is the perfect solution. Hailing from the hemlocks and hanging mosses of Washington State, Senior Editor Nick Belcaster is an adventure journalist following threads of stories across the West.Whether you’re hoping for something to take to the beach like the Neso Grande Sunshade or something for more versatile camping uses like our top pick the REI Co-op Kingdom Porch, a camping canopy is the perfect solution to more livable camp setups and enjoying outdoor events.

If you’re only away for a couple of days and want to save space for more important things - cough beer cough - this is a great option. Fitted with a cupholder in each arm, it also collapses down and fits into a carry bag for easy portability. A smaller camping shelter option, the Big Agnes Whetstone is ideal for shade protection at the beach or having a protected space to sit and sporting events. However, it’s perfect for car camping, day trips to the beach, or simply setting up in the backyard for a BBQ night or for kids to play. If you’re bringing your camping canopy to your summer cabin or family picnic where you won’t have to carry it very far, getting a larger and heavier model makes sense.

Again, going back to best use, how you plan on using the camping shelter will determine what sort of features you’ll want to look out for. At 1 pound 2 ounces, the Quarter Dome SI Tarp is a bit heavier than our top pick for a lightweight camping canopy, but it’s still light enough to be a good option for backpackers. The canopy shade attached to this outdoor chair is also adjustable to control the amount of light falling on your face. For example, if you’re planning on getting a pop up tent for picnics and BBQs, you’ll want to plan on having enough space for chairs, or possibly a table, and coolers. Although it certainly isn’t the lightest chair on the list, we were still impressed with how easily it packed up.

In addition to the screened sides, the perimeter on the bottom is made of solid fabric to help keep out beetles and other crawling insects. The aluminum frame utilizes strong hinges, and presents no pinch-points that you could easily snag yourself on. Although this shelter won’t do much if it starts to rain, it’s a great choice for sporting events or sunny days on the beach. Other considerate features on this outdoor folding chair include two cup holders (one on each armrest) and a storage pouch.Inspired by the bog-standard camping chair’s folding design, it elevates the outdoor experience with a suspended canvas seat and comfortable sponge padding for a perch so comfy it will leave all your fellow campers green with envy. With the larger protected space, your car camping set-up can become much more livable and comfortable for longer excursions. The chair has a sling-back backrest and seat on a quad-style steel frame and is covered overhead by a canopy shade. And if you go too quick, you can pinch your fingers — like if you’re trying to quickly hop out of your chair if flighty embers kick up out of the campfire, which happened to us.