E-Z UP Pyramid instant shelter canopy

*SERENITY BUS PROJECT IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM

​Today our family had the unique opportunity to attend the Ocoee River Championships at the Ocoee Whitewater Center in the Cherokee National Forest. This was the location of the whitewater competitions during the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics.  We knew one of the competitors so it was especially fun waiting for him to come down the whitewater course with his team.

It was a beautiful sunny day for the competition and we enjoyed soaking up the rays for a short while.  Then it got hot, very hot, and for a family that does not tan easily we needed shade and quick.  Fortunately, we had been to the Ocoee Whitewater Center before and we remembered that there is not any shade right next to the river so we had thrown our canopy into the back of our truck as we left the house.

A few minutes later we found ourselves relaxing under shade next to the Ocoee River with perfect views of the competitors.

The biggest positive for our E-Z UP Pyramid Instant Shelter Canopy is its durability.  It is extremely sturdy and it does a very good job in many types of weather: sun, rain, and wind.  We have used the tent at a variety of venues:  baseball games, soccer games, camping, outside church functions, at today's whitewater competition, and most importantly as we work on our school bus project.  Southern Tennessee summers can get quite hot and the canopy has been a wonderful way to stay out of the sun while prepping for work on the bus.  It provides ample shade.

It is also does very well in wind and in rain storms.  Recently, a hard rainstorm popped up during an outside church event.  Our canopy was set up next to several others.  The canopy beside ours was having problems with water collection on the top of its less durable roof.  Our canopy had no issues at all with the deluge of rain that was pouring down on us.
​
However, with the incredible durability of this canopy comes a few problems.  At 48 pounds, it is very heavy to move.  When folded up, the bag it is stored in has wheels, so that helps a lot.  I, a woman who rarely exercises, can transport the canopy without a lot of effort because of the wheeled bag.
 
This weight also makes the canopy difficult to assemble.  I am not able to assemble it by myself because at 5’5” I do not have the necessary height nor the needed strength to make this canopy pop up.  Most of the time Brian and Gavin are with me when the canopy is needed and they assemble it.  If I am without the boys, when needing to use the canopy, which has happened, I have to wander around and find someone that looks like they have been exercising recently that is also tall and beg them to take pity on me and help me set up my canopy.  On the positive side, this particular canopy has been a great way to meet people, although it can be time-consuming to find just the right random person to help with the canopy assembly.

Another issue, at $219, the E-Z UP Pyramid Instant Shelter Canopy is more expensive than many other canopies.  This was not a factor for us because our canopy was free.  My parents bought our canopy brand new, used it one time, became frustrated with the weight which makes it difficult to assemble, and promptly gifted it to us.

In conclusion, if you are a tall, exercise buff or have easy access to this type of person that can help you set up your canopy, then the E-Z UP Pyramid Instant Shelter Canopy is perfect for you.  I totally recommend that you buy it.  We have loved sitting under ours on many different occasions and in several types of weather.  It is actually one of Amazon’s top rated canopies.  I have included the Amazon link here:  *

---

If you would like a lighter option for a canopy, at 31 pounds, I would recommend the E-Z UP Sierra II 10x10 Canopy.  At $105, it is also much cheaper to purchase.  It is also one of Amazon’s top rated canopies.  Click on the following link to find it:  *

---

Best wishes on your next outdoor adventure!

---

Please share our post with the links below. Thank you so much!