Hello all(I shamelessly did not use the forum search feature apologies there)The DW and I were noticing the different types of screened shelters folks were using this last time out.We're ready to shell out some dollars for one.A web search of course splays out around a billion choices.I would like to nap outside with the little yappy dawgs of ours close by.Are most of them a 2 person set-up?Are the type with a sewn in floor the best?Are the tent styles workable or are straight sides best?We were wondering what is working for everyone here that bothers to use one.

The only comment I have is DH bought one with 6 sides/no floor (I think as we've only put it up once @ home)and to me it was hot. Seemed to block the breeze, but this one does have quite a bit of fabric on it. If it had more screen and less fabric it might be better. He bought it used @ a flea market for on $35 so we didn't loose a whole lot as I don't think we'll use it much.

I've seen Easy Up screen rooms at campgrounds but never on a website or catalog. I just did a google search for them and found THIS

Walmart has the Ozark easy-up, not EZUP, but it is a decent quality and they have the screen sides to go in it.We did have a camper that had the screen room and it was just way too much trouble to put it up. We had an EZ-UP for several years (probably 8) and it was great, but pricey. ($200 for the tent and then about $50 for each of the screen sides.) It was easy to put up and take down and one person could do it, but was much easier with 2 people. We now have one of the Ozark with the tent sides. It wasn't as expensive, and this is our 3rd year using it and so far, so good. We will put the screen up occasionally, but not always. It takes about 20 minutes to put up with the screen sides on it.If you go this way, make sure you get one with straight sides - they are much easier to deal with.

We have a Coleman Instant-up screen tent and I put it up by myself. It doesn't have a floor, but if you stretch it correctly, the sides stay pretty tight to the ground. We actually had a bug free zone at a very buggy park last weekend!

We bought a Coleman one, but due to the sloped walls, a 10x10 is really more like a 6x6. So we spent pretty good money on a Paha Que screen room. Also 10x10, but the walls are fairly straight, and it's quite tall, so it's a lot roomier. It's a 2 person job to put up, although if you staked the four corners first, you might be able to do it by yourself. The various EZ Up screen rooms are very popular, but we wanted something that took up minimal room so we could pack it in our B+ MH. The Paha Que packs down to a very small package.We thought we wanted a floor, but almost none have them. And you shouldn't really need it anyway.

Needing a tent style screen room recommendation

daytona7
Explorer
Jul 23, 2013
12x14? That is almost big enough to host a wedding reception under and will be a royal PIA to set up and store. Especially for 2 people
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Check out Cabela's . They have a good selection in multiple sizes, shapes and prices.
deleted-2
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Again thank you everyone for the input!

DW bought the Wenzel Biscayne 12x14 from Amazon for 95 bucks.
Hope it's not a big hassle we'll see how it goes.
I guess it might be a love it or leave it kind of thing.

The last few trips out we started using our old worn and faded steel pole canopy.
We thot a screen room would be nice instead after the mosquito\pine beetle fun on our last stay.
daytona7
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
What most people do not realize is that with the EzUp and others, the screen walls are sold seperately. I'm looking for a new one as the one I traded for has a few rips in the top and the material is dry rotted.
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
daytona7 wrote:
You might want to try to find a Playhut Screen tent. They start in a 6'x6'x6'7"h on up to 12'x12'x6'7"h. They are spring loaded(?) and one person can open them but need 2 people to close and if, folded correctly only take up a round area of 3 foot. The EZee Up's are a royal PIA to set up if you have shoulder problems since you have to force the top up to lock it in. The Playhut web site shows they are not in stock but if you call one of their importers, you might be able to get one. I made a swap with a neighbor, 18 pack of beer for her's.

I have the 8x8 version of this setup, and though it took awhile to master am now able to set up/close it myself. The video at this link, though of a smaller unit, taught me the correct steps.

Truly an "Instant" setup, not much longer to take down once you know how, and folds down very light/small (at least relative to the much bulkier/heavier straight leg setups).
daytona7
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
You might want to try to find a Playhut Screen tent. They start in a 6'x6'x6'7"h on up to 12'x12'x6'7"h. They are spring loaded(?) and one person can open them but need 2 people to close and if, folded correctly only take up a round area of 3 foot. The EZee Up's are a royal PIA to set up if you have shoulder problems since you have to force the top up to lock it in. The Playhut web site shows they are not in stock but if you call one of their importers, you might be able to get one. I made a swap with a neighbor, 18 pack of beer for her's.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jul 21, 2013
Make sure your campground lets you use the screen room or you might have to use it on the prepared tent pad if you're in a national park. Screen rooms kill whatever grass there is and they're not allowed everywhere.
dewey02
Explorer II
Jul 21, 2013
Kmart has a12 x 12 screened gazebo in this week's Sunday sale flyer for $120.
Padlin
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
We bought the Eureka Northern Breeze figuring we'd get a really good one and cost be damned. It is certainly built to last and has handled heavy winds and rain without damage. It is also heavy (has rain covers on all sides), stores in 2 duffel size bags so it takes up a lot of room, and can't be done by one person. I also find with the screens down it gets hot, but then it keeps out the bugs as it's supposed to. Being 12x12 you need a big enough site for it.

We only take it along if we'll be on a site for a week, it's not worth the hassle for weekends. If I were to do it over I'd find a lighter duty one.
ghsebldr
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
I would suggest some shade cloth, the type used in the greenhouse industry. I use the 50% black knitted cloth that is 12' wide. Lets in plenty of light and breeze but keeps out the hottest sun and the flying pests. It folds up into a small trash bag an weighs a couple pounds at the most.
As you may have guessed by my forum name I manufacture greenhouses and just happen to have this cloth on hand in any length. PM if interested.