Types
There are two types of pop up tents: coiled and umbrella. The coiled tent, just as its name states, uses a large coiled spring as its frame. The tent is then built around the frame. The umbrella style uses struts that are structured like that of an umbrella with the fabric walls and a floor sewn in.
Erecting the Tent
Due to the ease of use, these tents are a very popular choice for campers. To set up these types of tents, the user only needs to remove the tent from it’s storage container. The tent will then pop up. Although the tent sets itself up, the camper must secure the tent in place by pegging down the corners. The camper then has to tie ropes to these corners and peg down the ends.
Closing the Tent
While these tents are quick and easy to set up, it seems that taking them down is a lot more difficult. To pack up the tent, the camper simply needs to fold the tent back into it’s pre-popped shape, and return it to the storage bag. While this sounds easy enough, many campers struggle to keep the sections of the tent folded as they move on to the next fold. Often as the camper tries to place the tent back into the bag it will begin to unfold as well. Another downfall of these types of tents is that they cannot be carried on a backpack, due to their large and bulky size.
Pop-up tents are a popular camping or party-hosting shelter known for their ease in setup and take-down, typically taking between three and 10 minutes, depending on the type. Small pop-up, beach-style tents make for quick camping or shore lounging shelters while larger pop-up canopies are great for picnics or parties.
Pop-up Beach or Camping Tents
Several pop-up tents on the market make great temporary shelters for backyard overnights with the kids or shady beach loungers.
One type involves an already assembled and attached pole structure that rests like a spider at the tent’s top. This style resembles traditional dome tents when erected but requires far less work. Remove the tent from its pouch and completely unfold the material until the tent bar structure is exposed and facing upward. Begin to lift the bar structure from the center, and the poles will begin to dome upward and snap into place, completing the tent setup. Pressing release levers or force typically can be applied to reverse the steps for take-down. Follow the manual when available, but most of these tents can be figured out quite easily.
Another common type of pop-up tent is the twist-and-snap variety. This style often comes folded in a circular pouch. Setup on these is a breeze, but take-down can be more problematic. Simply unfold this type of tent. It should begin to open up like a sort of spiraled accordion until it’s complete. To take it down, apply pressure to the flexible bars and begin to fold it in layered circular patterns until it can fit back into the pouch or case. This can be tricky, though, and some of these tents never seem to regain original take-down size and shape.
Pop-up Canopies
Pop-up canopies are larger structures used for shelter and shade during such events as parties, outings, garage sales or craft fairs.
Place the metal frame upright and gently begin to open it like an accordion until partially expanded. Now unfurl and place the canopy cover over the partially extended frame, centering it and attaching the Velcro corners or pin grommets (depending on the model) to each frame corner.
Open the frame the rest of the way, keeping fingers away from the potentially pinching action of the accordion bars. When fully expanded, the frame should lock into place or may require the installation of locking pins, again depending on the type. Canopy legs can then be adjusted to the desired height. Once underneath the standing canopy, use the Velcro strips or other fasteners on the lower part of the canopy cover to attach it to the frame cross bars. This will help keep the cover from blowing off in strong winds.
To take down the canopy, undo all Velcro fasteners and disengage all locking mechanisms in the corners before reversing the setup process.
Pros and Cons
Pop-up canopies and tents are great for play or when fast and easy are the orders of the day. However, these structures are not always the sturdiest for long-term camping in inclement climates or high winds. Know before you go whether pop-ups or traditional pole-structured tents that stake down to the ground fit the intended use best.