What do you use for a outside portable shelter?

I bought a wenzel 12 x 12 sun valley screen house. It sets up easy enough and fits back into the bag it came in. What I looked for was the most vertical walls to keep the rain out. After getting peppered by bug bites last winter traveling along the gulf this thing should be handy. Being a tc'er we have to be very careful with what we pack.

We use a Coleman 13' square easy up style canopy. It has a vent in the top so it doesn't trap heat.

we have a nice 12X12 screened in "room" with no floor, but hanging pieces to fill in at the bottom. Got it at Dick's sporting goods for about $85 on sale. It has outside poles with stretch string inside and they all fold up into a bag about 28" long. You can also tie back opposite sides from zippers for better ventilation. Can't remember the company name.

We use a 12x12 EZ up and always carry a large tarp. Im never embarassed over the tarp when its poring down rain and we have a huge dry area. I just hang out side watching every one else getting soaked or sitting in trucks or cars. The tarp is also great for a wind block, we get some pretty good winds here in the sierras.

I have used many types. I found the ez up awning ok but but its heavy to haul in a tc . If you set up in an open field without trees, you dont have much choice but to use a free standing awning.
When winds kick up, it can be challenging to tie/stake them down. ( i have seen some float and others sink in lakes) I guess you could attach swim noodles to the legs. :)

EZ awnings can also be found here :
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/browse/tents-screens-canopies.aspx?c=80&s=423&d=117

For now, (because i need to save weight) i'm back to the original set up using a very large tarp. I add side panels when its cold.

A center rope tied using a 'truckers knot' from tree to tree is the main support and either tie down sides to trees or use ground stakes . I sometimes have to use a combo of adjustable tent poles to support the sidewalls.
**** I added springs to the rope ends where they attach to the stakes. This allows movement of the entire system when the wind kicks up. Prior to using the springs, the wind ripped the stakes out of the ground.

IN the link below , I use this type of set up without the framework, i just use ropes and 2-4 adjustable poles. I use my ez up side panels as side panels for this set up as well. It blocks the wind and allows the use of a Mr. Heater on chilly nights.

You can also scroll these set ups to see if something here will work for you.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=tarp+tent+setup&FORM=BIFD&CW=1333&CH=553&USID=C0B9DF5059AF4DBD8837087740506809&RDUTC=130242502732070323#view=detail&id=BC312EA88AACC627CC8C7EE8DA5B744C9D25D475&selectedIndex=26

This is todays set up. 10x10 easy up woven plastic mat two fold up tables two coleman grills and 5 folding chairs. I have both mosquito mesh andsolid fabric sides for the pop up.

I have a 12x12 EZUP and a blue tarp. This gives me many options. I have used the tarp between the camper and trees or even wrapped the tarp around the EZUP to enclose the sides.

garryk6 wrote:

garryk6 wrote:
I have a 10x10 cover but has netting all the way around. It is big enough to put over a picnic table, and here in Alaska it keeps the bugs out while cooking and eating. I don't know the name brand, but I bought it at Costco. It was on sale for $85. Works good here in Alaska, and fits at the foot of my east-west bed. It also only takes 60 seconds to put up, and about 2 minutes to put away.

Garry

Here is the one that I have.
Screened tent

I have this one also. Paid about $100.00 for it and it rides under my camper overhang on my bumper with bungee cords to secure it. It is very easy up and down.

garryk6 wrote:
I have a 10x10 cover but has netting all the way around. It is big enough to put over a picnic table, and here in Alaska it keeps the bugs out while cooking and eating. I don't know the name brand, but I bought it at Costco. It was on sale for $85. Works good here in Alaska, and fits at the foot of my east-west bed. It also only takes 60 seconds to put up, and about 2 minutes to put away.

Garry

Here is the one that I have.
Screened tent

I only use it when it's really raining, and I hate to admit it but we have a blue tarp. Packs down small and works pretty well as long as you have trees to tie the corners to.