Canopies
On This Page
Top Picks
How we choose: The best canopies highlighted here were selected based on 25 reviews of 8 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.
How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.
If you've used a canopy that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.
Disclosure: Trailspace never accepts payment for gear reviews, product placement, or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, Trailspace may earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of running the site.
Kelty Sunshade
This Shelter should be considered an all around shelter for a variety of activities such as outdoor parties, camping, at the beach, or ANY event where you want dependable shelter. I have used mine as a shelter over picnic tables while car camping with the family several times. I have the large shelter. Kelty makes a medium and a large. The large shelter I have comfortably housed 6 people in a very hard rain in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park at our campground. We all sat at the picnic table with the shelter over us, and because of the shelter going so low to the ground around the legs, kept all of us very dry, even in some slight blowing rain.
Read more: Kelty Sunshade reviews (4)
Kelty Cabana
Great roomy shelter that will fit a family of 4. Perfect for the beach. Gets a little stuffy inside if oriented away from air flow.
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble and take down
- Roomy
- Good features for privacy
Reasons to Avoid
- Air circulation
- Tent pole sleeves are delicate and easy to damage
I purchased this model sun shelter to use at the beach. It is a very good shelter. It requires 3 tent poles to put up and can be assembled by one person in about 5 minutes. It can be more challenging on a windy day. The shelter is very roomy. Two adults and two small children and one small dog fit inside comfortably. It provides good shade. On days with little wind, it can get stuffy inside even with the front completely open. If the opening is not oriented to catch the wind like a sail, it gets hot in there as the ambient air heats up and doesn't move around. The floor is a great feature and keeps you and your belongings fairly well protected from sand and dirt.
Read more: Kelty Cabana reviews (3)
PahaQue Teardrop Dome
Excellent Customer Service. Well worth the money for the well made, waterproof (not resistant) products.
Reasons to Buy
- Customer Service
Reasons to Avoid
- Website could be better
I did some research on the R-Pod dome tent from Forest River or the PahaQue tent dome. I called Forest River they told me based on the information that my kedar rail was white and not black and the year 2011 that I had the smaller kedar rail 9mm and would need to upgrade my rails which was an extra 30 buck on top of 500 for the R-Dome. Was it waterproof I asked? Forest River answer NO it's water resistant. Does it have a tent bottom? Forest River NO there is no bottom. So this leads me to PahaQue, a bit more money but it's waterproof, has a tent bottom, and everything zips apart you don't want to use.
Read more: PahaQue Teardrop Dome review (1)
More Reviews of Canopies
Trailspace reviewers have shared 25 reviews of 8 different canopies.
or add yours
Other Types of Tents and Shelters
Find more tents and shelters reviewed in these related categories:
Four-Season Tents
3-4 Season Convertible Tents
Three-Season Tents
+7 more types
Review Your Outdoor Gear
If you've found this site helpful — or if we've missed something important — please consider paying it forward by some of your favorite outdoor gear.
Why? From professional gearheads to outdoor novices, everyone has an important point of view to contribute. will support the outdoor community and help others find the best gear.
Trailspace reviewers are outdoor enthusiasts like you: hikers, climbers, paddlers, backcountry skiers, and trail runners who share our experiences with the gear and clothing we rely on to get outside. Learn more about Trailspace