Broadstone Easy-Upâ„¢ Shelter, 12 x 12-ft
3.6
5
8
8
Great addition to your Camping Gear
I would definitely recommend this product to any of my friends.
We bought it just before heading out to a camp site that we knew had no shade (and no trees to tie a tarp to), so we purchased this one because it was a stand alone structure. Thank goodness we did!
It poured most of the time, and the shelter kept us dried and gave us shade when it wasn't raining.
In the Package:
The Shelter in its packaged form is heavy and pretty long/bulky. But I was able to manage toting it because of the wheels (I'm 5 ft, 100 lbs). But having someone stronger and bigger does helps.
Set up:
It does take two people to set this up.
The metal frame structure, is decently sturdy for its use (and for its price point).
Follow the instructions (which is pretty clear and easy to follow).
Try not to extend the width and heigh until both Top and Mosquito Net are in place, then extend it, it takes a little fidgeting to get all the structural legs to be at the right angle, width apart, etc. (but it's relatively painless to do so) Do this before you set the pegs in.
Note:
It rained, so we had to attach an extra tarp to one side of the tent.
Tips:
The top canopy leaked a little at the seams because we never sealed it (it rained before we could). So I would recommend sealing it when it's sunny and you have the opportunity to.
Mosquitos net helped with the bugs, but make sure you keep it closed or they can get trapped in there with you. Remember, it's shade for them too.
Structure was sturdy especially with the extra pegging. It was quite windy but we felt safe in it.
Take Down:
taking down the shelter was easier, just do everything in reverse. be gentle and handle with care when folding the frame close - MAKE SURE TO UNLOCK ALL LOCKING MECHANISM. You could break it if you don't.
Pros/Cons:
• Bulky Heavy, but you want it to be, so it doesn't blow away. Worth the extra weight.
• Top canopy needs sealing for waterproofing. Remember it's a shade shelter, not a house, so you need to prep it as you would any other piece of camping equipment
• Frame is finicky to set up and take down - Make sure to unlock all locking mechanism. Remember with anything that has moving joints/parts, you need to take care.
Overall, we are extremely happy with this purchase, best equipment to have (along with your tent) on any camping trip.
August 22, 2012
Great addition for camping
good little sunshade over our camping spot picnic table and saved our sanity for giving us a bug free spot to prep food and keep kids occupied and corralled while we are busy cooking. It lasted in sun and kept off the rain while we were seting up and tearing down campsite.
The two zips on either side made it easy to get in and out. Don't put it too close to the campfire though or you'll get a stray ember coming close and we melted a small hole in the mesh (our fault). Otherwise, it made a great addition to the trip. Easy to set up and tear down, its a bit bulky to transport but worth it once its up. Saved us the chaos we could hear from the other campsites when the rain was sporadic.
July 16, 2012
Do not buy this
If I could give this product zero stars I would. Biggest piece of junk at Canadian tire. The bug screen does not fit properly and will not even zip up. Cheap, cheap, cheap construction. If you don't break it in the first setup then you will the next time you set it up. Do not buy this.
June 30, 2012
Decent shelter!
This shelter has saved a few of our camping trips. When it rains, this shelter is enough to cover a camping table where 4 to 6 people can sit & enjoy. We hung a small LED light during the night to play board games while it rained.
This shelter is not so strong when it comes to windy conditions, although we did use it successfully during a major thunderstorm near Drumheller. We did have 2 German engineers camping with us. So here is what you do: You need to use every single tie down available & fix it to the ground. Use heavy pegs for the 4 poles. If you have a couple of SUVs park them to block the wind. Use additional nylon cables to tie the frame to the roof bars on your vehicle.
Keep in mind that this shelter is quite bulky.
June 4, 2012
Not Sure
I really really like this canopy as a sunshade.
But today we have used it in wind and it does not have wind valves, or whatever they are called. So we had to pull it down, because part of the frame was buckelling. And its not fun to try to take down, when there is any wind.
I am looking at the other models, to see if ANY come with wind valves.
August 24, 2011
Nice shelter
We used this shelter for a BBQ on our balcony, did a great job. we will use it in camping too. Great price, great value!
August 4, 2011
Great Camping Addition
We purchased the shelter to provide some covered area when camping and it has proven its worth on more than one occasion (not only in the rain but also in providing shade when camping in open areas).
It is very easy to setup apart from the fact that you do need to push with some force to get it to lock into place. It goes up and down very quickly which is great for camping because there is usually a lot to do when setting up and tearing down camp and this is one item that doesn't take long.
I do find it to be slightly short. I am 6'0" and I do need to slightly duck when walking under it or I will hit my head on it. If it was just a couple inches higher this would not be an issue (and I'm the only member of my family that has this problem with it). Contributing to this issue is the fact that the legs sit at outward angles (presumably for stability) and if you don't push them inwards when staking the canopy to the ground (or don't stake it at all) the roof line will sit even lower.
Overall a great purchase though. We haven't used the screen as there aren't really any bug problems in our area. It has held up fine in a few minor wind episodes but I would probably take it down if the wind really started to blow - I think that is common sense for any canopy.
April 15, 2011
Highly Recommended
Purchased the screen tent for camping when the bugs make it unbearable to be outside. I was a little concerned with how easy it would be to setup and take down. In actual fact without the instructions it is really simple to setup and it actually went back in the bag with ease. The construction is very good and when setup it is very sturdy.
Very happy with the purchase and would recommend it to anyone.
July 19, 2010
