Easthills Outdoors Instant Shader Deluxe XL Easy Up 4 Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter - Extended Zippered Porch Included

Update - I've upgraded this to 5 stars, around the 5th time I raised and lowered this I finally figured it out to where it takes less than 2 minutes. See video. There is a problem with water leaking through the windows when it rains - same issue with the flap windows instead of zipper.With 3 kids playing soccer in spring and fall, and swim meets in the summer, its really nice to have a shelter when it's cold and windy. This is *very* large - jumbo sized - enough that you can actually have 4 chairs inside and about half a dozen kids sitting in front on the" porch."The "porch" is simply an extension of the floor, but significantly increases the usability - not only do you have a place to extend your legs or have kids leave their gear and bags (and off the wet grass) but it also zips up to make a closed area if you wanted to change. I expect we'll use this feature when we go to the beach this summer.The stake loops work well but there are several sand pockets so you can keep this down at the beach. The windows don't zip closed or open - there are toggle-loop attachments for both open and closed, so you aren't able to completely close off a cold breeze. There was a steady wind, and while the window flaps kept most of the wind away, you still had a strong draft.I dinged this a star because of the windows but also because it's a bit more work than I expected to raise and lower. I suspect part of this isn't the fault of Easthills design and may be just a result of having such a large canopy - the size with the higher roof means you have less leverage when you are trying to lock the arms in the up position.There is a trick to remember when collapsing -the legs fold to be more compact, but you have to pull them apart a little before they will fold.If the video quality here is poor, you can find the HD version at YT - just search for yrwu12345 Easthills

I won't be able to try this collapsible sun shelter on the beach for a few more weeks, but we set it up here at home a couple of times to see if it's going to be easy enough to use - and we can't wait to have this option on the beach!First of all, it's REALLY easy to set up. The easy to follow directions are attached to the bag, so you never lose them, but I think one time of setting it up and you'll not even need the directions. Pull it out of the bag, undo the strap that's holding it all together - and let it fall around the center piece. Spread it out, fold out the legs so they are straight, then just grab the drawstrings at the top and pull up and apart. This slides two pieces together which in turn snap the legs into place. The first time it feels a little stiff, and takes a little strength, but once you get the feel, it's much easier. Basically, that's it! Couldn't believe it was that easy - no unfolding bungeed poles and sliding through sleeves, no running around the structure fitting the pole ends in holes...just pull up and out! Disassembling is even easier, with a marked spot on the poles showing where to put pressure with your thumbs while holding the pole above. Really couldn't be simpler.Beyond that, the details are well thought out - stakes are included if you want to add some anchoring, as well as pockets on the bottom exterior of each wall that you can fill with sand. I love the extra touch of making the sides of these pockets velcro so when it's time to go you can easily empty the sand. I'm not sure if the stakes are long enough to add a lot of anchoring in sand, this remains to be seen. Another bonus is the ability to completely close up the structure - covering windows and zipping the porch up to close in the front - giving you a bit of privacy on the open beach. I think the size is nice - sun shelter's I've seen before have all been so small they don't offer much space, and larger ones have been more involved in the set up. I once watched a group of 4 people struggle mightily to set up their canopy - and then collapse, exhausted and sweaty in the little bit of shade they got with the open sides.I'm really excited to use this in a few weeks - we'll have a 2 and 10 year old on our family trip and could use some space to get out of the sun and keep a few things out of the sand. Upon set up and checking out the features, I'm quite pleased with this little tent, I'll update my review based on true beach and hot sun test when we return!

We've used this on over 12 beach outings now. It's holding up, and sheltering us from the sun. If you keep the sun slightly to your back, there is enough shelter to keep everything two folks in the shade using half-beach chairs. It does unfold and go up in about 60 seconds. And, it another minute to put in all the stakes, and about 2 minuets to set the cords if it's wiindy. It's never taken more than 4 minutes to setup. When taking it down on a beach, I've found that it's easiest to collapse and loosely fold. To return it to the case, you have to wrap it somewhat tightly, and that's hard to do on the sand. I tend to carry the loose tent to a sidewalk, paved area or parking lot to shake it out well and tightly roll it somewhere where I'm not picking up sand as I roll it. You certainly could roll it right on the sand, but you'd probably pick up quite a bit. I'd enthusistically recommend this over any other umbrella, shelter, or shade umbrella with those tie down flaps/windows. I've tried several. This one makes the cut, and I feel like I had my value out of it within 6 uses.... since rentals are about $15 on most beaches.

Great large tent but one rod broke on the 9th consecutive use under normal beach conditions. Easy to assemble and disassemble once you get the hang of packing it up. Very disappointed to find the snapped rod when trying to put it back up. Given the price expected greater quality and life. The bag handle was starting to fray and small holes were appearing. Although not the tent itself not great that the bag used to protect it is so cheaply made. Still waiting for the return to register on the Amazon end after two weeks.

easy to erect light weightgood for shade on the beachplenty of room for kids