Amazon Basics Pop-Up Review

Performance Comparison

Livability

The Amazon Basics model is a commercial tent with a max height of 8 feet and 97 square feet of sun protection. The tent offers three adjustable heights, allowing for more clearance or increased shade. The max height, while offering more clearance and headspace, decreases the stability and durability of the tent, due to the fact that when the legs are fully extended, the joints have less support.

Ease of Setup

Like all of the commercial style canopy tents, we recommend using two people for installation. Out of the box, you're required to attach the fabric to the frame which adds additional time to the first installation. However, once this is done, subsequent installations are relatively fast. With two people, we averaged a setup time of 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

The button system, since it has no quick or easy release, is on the difficult side. When sliding the frame completely to the top a lot of force is required. The frame itself doesn't feel as smooth as others, and at its max height, the legs feel as if a stiff breeze will cause them to snap.

Wind Resistance

The frame feels unstable and, in the severe wind, didn't instill confidence. This feeling gets even worse when the tent is extended to its maximum height. The quality of stakes and guy-lines are poor which limits this shelter ability to withstand the wind.

Durability

The Amazon Basics canopy is supported by high-grade steel, white powder-coat finished frame which helps prevent chipping, peeling, rust, and corrosion. The fabric is polyester but the Amazon description itself warns not to leave out in prolonged rain or strong winds. Joints and components didn't feel sturdy during the setup process, and the corners, where the metal hit the fabric, appear as if they would wear through after multiple uses.

Portability

Weighing in at 44 lbs and 2 oz, this is one of the lighter canopy tents reviewed, and the carrying case comes with wheels. This makes transportation easier when compared to tents like the Caddis Rapid Shelter, which is heavy and comes with a wheelless case.

With that being said, the bag material itself was not made from the highest quality of materials and the tiny wheels won't perform off of smooth, even surfaces. The two hand straps offer an additional transportation option, but they are not designed with hand comfort in mind, often digging into your palm from the weight of the tent.

Best Application

Best for the occasional, fair weather day, this tent will keep a group out of the elements, although it most likely won't hold up for extended periods of time. We would recommend this shelter for the occasional family gatherings rather than for keeping your products safe and out of the elements for regular farmers' market use.

Value

The cheapest of the canopy tents tested, this is an attractive access point if you're shopping on a budget. If you need a tent to rely on, however, this may not be the best tent for you. The EZ-Up Pyramid is more of an investment, but definitely better quality.

Conclusion

The cheapest commercial tent we reviewed, the Amazon Basics Pop-Up is a great access point if you simply want an occasional shelter to get your family out of the sun. With that being said, this shelter is not the best in inclement weather, and from our experience feels neither easy to setup or durable.