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Is this a terrible tent?

Posted by Erin Vetter on May 13, 2015 at 3:29pm

Hi everyone! I'm and photographer currently purchasing for my first show in July. I have one other show currently lined up for the season, hoping to add more. As my business is new and may evolve over the next year, I'm trying to keep start up investment low.

I've purchased some used Flourish Mesh walls to use with a one-diamond EZ-up style tent. I'm looking at the tent below to go with the walls. Impact Alumix Instant Canopy. ~$250, comes with walls.

I'm sure it's not the absolute best, I'm not looking for the best. But I do need it to function. Any warning bells go off for you guys? Does anyone have any experience with this tent?

Thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10x10-EZ-Pop-Up-Canopy-Tent-Instant-Canopy-Commercial-Tent-with-Sidewalls/201321795451?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D30543%26meid%3D074c8364f5b441b8a7e3b9c70496eb7f%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D171360573706&rt=nc

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Alumix, Impact, canopy

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Replies

Tina Pietsch May 13, 2015 at 10:09pm

You can waterproof yourself with a spray product called Camp Dry. We coated a soft car top bag and it worked good. You can find in camping section of Walmart and such.
Erin Vetter May 13, 2015 at 6:25pm

Great info. Thanks Robert. Just to make sure I understand, neither the Impact or Sams ones are really great, but they are comparable and could make them work as long as I waterproof and add the 40lb weights. Just a sidenote, I'm thinking about skipping framing and just going with canvas wraps and standout mounts for shows.
Robert Wallis May 13, 2015 at 5:43pm

I won't sugar coat it; it's a lousy choice as is. The Sam's Club version of the EZ-Up has its flaws, but the main one, the same as the one you linked to, is that the canopies leak like a sieve in heavy rain. As a photographer, you are open to water damage from water drips falling off the underside of the canopy and struts which will land on framed pieces and soak into the mattes at the bottom of the glass.

BTW, the Sam's Club EZ-Up comes with sidewalls, sand bags, and feet plates for attaching larger weights, all for about $190.

I understand starting out inexpensive, but be forewarned that the best and immediate thing to do is to take the top to a boat supply outfit and have it waterproofed. In a windy environment, the EZ-Up or pop-up style of tents run the risk of legs collapsing, but if you're using mesh walls then you are using Sta-bars anyway. Use 40 pound weights on each corner to keep the tent anchored and you should be okay.
Erin Vetter May 13, 2015 at 5:22pm

Although...I have family coming to visit...maybe they could pick one up and bring it. Kendra- did it come with walls? What brand was it?
- Kendra Bennett > Erin Vetter May 13, 2015 at 7:14pm
  
  Yes my ez up came with walls. I know that aren't considered fantastic tents but I have had mine for 15 years and I do an average of 8 shows a year. I do have heavy weights and hope to up grade soon but it has served me well over the years.
Erin Vetter May 13, 2015 at 5:21pm

I live in a remote fishing village. The closest walmart is 2 hours, Costco etc is about 3 hours. It's kind of crazy, I know. But part of the charm on why tourists come here. Haha. :)
- Chris Hoyt > Erin Vetter May 13, 2015 at 7:18pm
  
  I understand that.
  
  The closest real Walmart is over an hour away, and there are no Sams, or Targets in the state. The closest Costco is 3 hours away in Burlington.
Kendra Bennett May 13, 2015 at 4:49pm

Not sure about your area but if you are wanting an EZ up they can be purchased locally. I bought mine at Sam's club for $200 Also Academy Sports has them for about the same price.
Erin Vetter May 13, 2015 at 4:01pm

Island Art Show on Hatteras Island, Outer Banks, NC. Being an island, we are prone to wind. The show regs do not specify that an EZ up is not allowed.
Camryn Forrest May 13, 2015 at 3:42pm

What location(s) do you plan to show in? Some shows don't allow EZups as they are prone to problems during high winds and storms.