Opinions on shelters/canopies please!

[mrsabbott]

We are looking to get a canopy to use when tailgating at the car races (DH is a fanatic!) and to use while camping.

I've been looking online and was surprised at how many options there are.. but maybe I'm just making things complicated!

I've noticed the "pop up" kind seems to be the way to go.. the easier the better. But are the screen houses a better option? Can you actually grill under them or should we look into the regular canopies that you can buy "walls" to? DH is leaning toward the regular canopies but I'm thinking shelter from bugs and stuff!

Also, what are your thoughts on the straight legs verses the slant legs? Is one more stable then the other? Is there even a difference?

Are there certain brands that you recommend? We're looking for something that is sturdy and will last us awhile!

We were looking at this one here:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/ShelterLogic-10-x-10-Slant-Leg-Pop-Up-Canopy-with-Storage-Bag/20415907
DH especially loves the checkered flag design. They also make one that looks like an American Flag. Is ShelterLogic a good brand? I looked on their website and they make those sturdy shelters that you use as a portable garage and those super large tent structures that DH said he slept in while deployed.. maybe not that brand but like them. So I'm guessing their small shelters would be sturdy??

 

[letsgoreds]

We go with the 'EZ-up' brand, would stick with 10x10. Our legs are straight, might make it easier to fit in tighter spots. We use ours at swim meets, and place them side by side, so that would be more difficult with angled legs.

I would avoid the cheaper ones, it really seems to be that you get what you pay for with them. We purchased ours at an outlet in our area (Hayneedle.com).

 

[Born 2 Fish]

I agree with letsgoreds.
We like EZ-up also.

I reck'n you can cook under a screen'd pop up but I have read on these very boards (some time ago) about a experience that said the screen was extremely combustible (they found out the hard way)