The Best Coleman Instant Canopies Reviewed

Some of the most popular canopies on the market come from the Coleman Instant Canopy range, offering high-quality outdoor protection at competitive prices.

Today we’ll be looking at the 13 x 13 Instant Sun Shelter and the 10 x 10 Instant Canopy, aka the Coleman Pop Up Canopy.

Both are intended for all kinds of outdoor events, like beach parties, backyard BBQ’s, fishing and camping trips, picnics, and much more.

With each one boasting a speedy set up time with special weatherproofed fabric and sturdy frameworks, we want to discover if these canopy shelters truly deserve your money.

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Variety in use, designed specifically to be pitched and used anywhere with less than perfect terrain and substantial heat, yet considered to be a garden and patio canopy of sorts, suitable for social occasions and commercial stalls etc.

We want to know what makes it a standout when comparing it to similar top pop up canopies on the market today Dive in with us and learn everything you need to know about these popular shelters.

 

Coleman Instant Canopy Reviews

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Whether you’re looking for heaps of space or something a little more modest, these Coleman models offer choices that can suit many needs. Both in the range can be pitched in as little as 3 minutes with the help of one other person, plus it takes only 3 steps.

While the expandable pre-attached frame isn’t that hard to find these days, it’s quite an advantage here considering the prices for both are reasonable. These aren’t extreme heavy-duty models for intense outdoor conditions, rather it’s clear that they are made for use for more casual events like parties, gardening, at the beach, trade shows, sport gatherings, and so on.

Both have integrated UV block material to protect you from the sun which is the main goal here. They won’t protect you long-term in a huge rainstorm, but they’re not intended for that. As dependable structures with wonderful price tags, it looks like you’re getting great value for money here.

Coleman Instant Sun Shelter

Type Pop Up Canopy	Dimensions 156” x 156” x 9’7”H
Weight 47 lbs	Price $140 or over depending on where you purchase from.
Set Up Time 3 Minutes or Less with 2 People	Assembly Instant with Pre-Assembled Frame 4 Stakes & Guylines
Materials 150D Polyester with UV 50+ Guard All-Steel Frame	Pack Size 49” x 11” x 9”
Structure 28mm Steel Frame, Push-Button Joints, Welded Steel Feet	UV Protection 50+ UV Guard

Overview of Features

• Easy 3 minute set up
• UV 50+ protection
• Vented roof
• Patented steel framework with angled legs
• Welded steel feet
• Easy button joints
• Heavy-duty water repellent fabric
• 3 height settings
• Overhanging awnings
• Freestanding structure
• Roller bag included

 

What We Love – Our Top 3 Features

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Find out what we think makes these canopy tents different from similar ones on the market, and what we love about them. To make things easier to follow, we’ll be referring to the Instant Sun Shelter as Model 1, and the Instant Canopy as Model 2.

BOTH MODELS – Streamlined Set Up

Going up in under 3 minutes, the pitch for these models has been simplified to make things as easy as possible for the user. The accordion-style frame is common among instant models like these, and Coleman does it so well here. We like that it doesn’t feel flimsy or like it’s going to break at any moment.

Many reviewers online have expressed that they were worried about the framework quality to be subpar, but were in fact pleasantly surprised by the great quality. Even with the plastic joints, the rest of the structure is a sturdy steel, so it’s able to remain secure.

With big red ergonomic buttons to lock in each joint, we think that the manufacturer has truly considered the user’s safety to make a hassle-free process.

Versatile Styles

While similar in their traditional overall design, each model is different in their appearances. Model 1 has a more outstretched design with both the legs and the upper fabric. We love the overhanging eaves because they provide an increased amount of shade without taking up additional space on the ground.

You can leave some bags or other storage items away from the centre space, but still keep them covered. This is really handy for picnics and backyard parties where you need as much floor space as possible for tables, chairs, and standing areas.

Model 2 is extremely classic, with the modern twist of an option sunshade panel that you can purchase separately. Model 1 has a double roof, with a small opening at the peak.

We think that it gives it a slightly more contemporary feel, so it can be used at more sophisticated events as well as casual ones. Both are also slightly different in colours, so you can choose your favourite based on personal preference.

INSTANT SUN SHELTER – Innovative Framework

The biggest difference between the two is the actual shape of the pole legs within the frame. Instead of being straight up and down like most other models, this one has legs that angle outwards.

This gives it a lot more stability, as the pressure is weighted more evenly throughout. It also gives slightly more space in terms of the footprint.

You could lean bags or coolers against these poles without worrying that they’ll take up much needed space. While we don’t see this as an extreme essential, it is a cool design aspect that we haven’t seen much from competitors.

 

Coleman Instant Canopy 10×10

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Type Pop Up Canopy	UV Protection 50+ UV Guard
Weight 26 to 28 lbs depending on size.	Price $75.99 to $299 or over depending on where you purchase from.
Set Up Time 3 Minutes or Less with 2 People	Assembly Instant with Pre-Attached Frame Optional Sidewall
Materials 150D Polyester with UV 50+ Guard All-Steel Frame	Pack Size 51” x 10” x 10”
Structure 28mm Steel Frame Push-Button Joints Welded Steel Feet	Dimensions 84” x 60” x 83”H 108” x 84” x 83”H 120” x 120” x 83c”H

Coleman Instant Canopy

• Speedy 3 minute or less set up
• UV 50+ protection
• Lightweight model
• Sunwall panel available
• Strong steel framework
• 3 height settings
• Easy push button connectors
• Heavy-duty water repellent fabric
• Welded steel feet
• Wheeled bag included

 

Main Review – Breaking Down Every Detail

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Structure

Unlike much cheaper ones on the market, these models offer durable full-steel frameworks that won’t snap or bend at a simple gust of wind. Even though the connecting joints seem to be made from plastic, the robust locking buttons look firm and easy to use.

Something we like about both structures is that the inner frame can fold into itself to make quite a compact shape. It’s not bulky and once placed in the bag, it looks like it can fit easily into most standard car trunks.

This aspect is highly convenient because you don’t need to deal with a bunch of confusing poles, not knowing where they should go, and trying to fit them into the bag for a snug fit. This one-piece frame is a great and smart design choice.

The structure of Model 1 differs from Model 2, as we mentioned in our Favourite Features section. The poles sit at an outward slant, instead of completely straight. With the added guylines and stakes, you are getting increased stability. This wide base makes it more difficult to blow away if there is a lot of wind.

Materials

Both the outer and inner materials used for these models are intended to give you great protection from mild elements.

150D polyester makes up the upper fabric, and the inner structure is all steel with welded steel feet for added stability. We wouldn’t consider these to be waterproof, as there is no mention of a waterproof rating.

We’d call this water resistant or repellent, which means they would protect from a small amount of precipitation. If you want more shielding, we suggest spraying them with a special waterproofing spray that you would use on tents.

The material also has a UVGuard, patented by Coleman, which helps to block the harmful rays of the sun. 50+ UPF protection to be exact. We think this is a smart addition because you’ll probably be using these to mainly get shade from the sun.

Installation

While not the fastest set up time we’ve seen, a process of 3 minutes or under is still quite fast. They suggest doing it with 2 people, which we think is accurate, but once you get the hang of it you could certainly do it yourself. Model 1 has an average weight, but Model 2 is much lighter and easier to lift around and extend the poles.

Another notable part about this process is that you have comfort grip buttons that attribute to the locking system. They help to keep things pinch-free, so you don’t get your fingers stuck when you’re adjusting the joints.

Multipurpose Roof

Exclusive to Model 1, there is a double-roofing design. It’s quite small, but there is a gap underneath the second top roof. This has two main purposes.

The first is that it keeps things cool when you’re standing inside. While you might think a fully open structure would be pretty ventilated as it is, things can get a little heated if there are a lot of people standing underneath.

Plus, if you want to set up a stove underneath for cooking, it will allow any steam to escape. The second purpose is for improved stability through letting air flow through to stop the poles being uprooted. Without the vent, there is a heightened risk for it to blow away if it’s not properly staked down as there is no outlet for the wind to go.

Shade Coverage

For Model 1, there are small awnings that hang over each side, without creating a bigger footprint or a heavier weight. You’re getting added shade without the bigger frame, 169ft² to be exact.

Model 2 has an optional sunwall that can be purchased separately. It does hike the price up quite a bit, but it is worth it if you know you’ll be using it a lot in the sun. We think the extra panel is a great idea because you can adjust it to block the sun from entering as it moves throughout the day. This model is also lightweight, even for the largest size.

Storage

Thanks to both of their attached frame designs, the structures fold down easily and quickly into a compact form. With the wheeled carry bag, we love that you can transport it so much easier than if you could only carry it. No straining your back or hurting your arms.

 

Most Asked Questions – We’ve Got You Covered

Does the Roof Vent Actually Keep The Coleman Canopy Cooler?

There’s a substantial difference if you are pairing it up against a canopy with no ventilation. A notable increased amount of airflow that you get from the vent gap in the ceiling. It can suck in cold air whilst letting warm air rise and escape.

How Well Do Coleman Canopies Hold Up Against Wind?

Even though these are freestanding, we always recommend that you should tie them down. You’re provided with ropes and steel stakes, but if you’re going to be in high winds then we suggest possibly using your own more heavy-duty stakes. Canopy weights that tie to the feet are also a great idea to weight them down if you’re expecting strong winds.

How Does the Sidewall Work on the Coleman Canopy?

The side panel comes already connected to the structure and it has two uses. You can use it as extra protection from sun, or swing it up and it will act as a huge awning.

 

Conclusion on Coleman’s Instant Canopies

No matter if you’re going for something simple or a littler more modern, the 13ft x 13ft Instant Khaki Sun Shelter and the regular Instant Canopy cover it all. While they’re not on the higher end range, we can conclude that they are excellent mid-range models at affordable prices.

They’ve got great quality materials, no cheap or fragile polyester, plus true steel frames that are made from telescoping poles. Both have fast installation times and follow 3 simple phases, plus you can so easily adjust them to 3 different heights using the comfort grip buttons that lock into place.

We love that you receive free stakes and tie down ropes, even though both structures are able to stand freely. You’ve got high UV protection and water resistance, so these are perfect for the warmer months where you won’t expect much rain.