Unless you are a camping/hiking enthusiast, you may not have heard of Swiss Gear. Infact, their parent company, Wenger, has been in business since 1893. They make this little pocket knife you may have heard of: The Swiss Army Knife. After their success with knives, they branched out into watches, then tents and camping gear. Later they added a line of high quality hiking boots. Now they are applying their knowledge of hiking and camping tents to backyard gazebos.

This 10 x 10 Gazebo has been designed for portability, durability and functionality. It only takes a few minutes to set it up or take it down. It is lightweight and easy to carry. The Screenhouse has a tubular steel frame that is strong enough to withstand high winds and provide a rigid shelter.

The Swiss Gear 10′ x 10′ Smart Shade Screenhouse has telescoping corner posts that provide upright support, while a series of connected scissor-like pivoting joints create the upper support. When unfolded, the steel tent frame creates a smooth canopy roof with fascia curtains covering the framework. It also features patented easy release buttons that will not pinch your fingers during setup and take down. The gazebo’s canopy fabric is a heavy duty 210D polyester covering that is water repellent and treated with a special UV resistant coating for long lasting durability.

Click the photo for more information & to buy the Swiss Gear 10′ x 10′ Smart Shade Canopy

In recent years, portable canopies have become very easy to use and affordable, making them a popular option for many. It is a great way to add a shaded area for outdoor get-togethers, helpful when you have a yard sale, useful for businesses at outdoor events, and canopies are also an inexpensive way to add a deck awning.

Portable canopies can be found at Wal-Mart, usually in the camping or outdoor department. Home Depot and other home improvement stores also sell a variety of portable canopies for any budget. The standard size of portable canopy 10’ x 10’, but 10’ x 12’ canopies are available, too.

The canopies come in standard colors like green, white, gray, blue, black, or red. It’s not uncommon to find one with the logo of your favorite sports team. The average price for a portable canopy is usually right around $100 each. I recommend purchasing one that comes in its own bag. Most do, but double check to be sure it’s included in the price. Many of the bags have wheels and a handle, which makes them even more convenient to use.

You seldom need tools to erect these types of tents. They are easy to set up and it usually takes about 15 minutes. The entire frame top is often one piece and you simply spread it apart. After opening it up, you attach the canopy top to the frame top. When you are shopping for your canopy, make sure you understand how the top attaches and that you’ll be able to do by yourself. After the top is on, you attach the legs to the frame. The legs are adjustable and snap together. You can increase the tent height in increments. One person can usually put up the canopy alone. If you’re vertically challenged, you’ll probably need help setting it up, although in a pinch, you can use a ladder.

On calm days, the canopy doesn’t usually need to be tied down. Bricks, concrete blocks, or some other heavy material will do the trick to keep it from blowing away. In severe winds, it is usually best to take the canopy down and store it indoors.

To take the tent down, you lower the legs & remove them from the top frame. You don’t have to take the canvas top off. Just fold the frame together with the canopy still attached. It will fit back into most bags all in one piece. This will save you time when you set your portable canopy up again.

Your canopy top can be pressure-washed to keep it looking like new. And ff you want to turn your canopy into a gazebo, mosquito nettings and sides are available at many stores along with canopies. The sizes are usually standard and fit most portable canopies. Whether it is for shade or shelter from the rain, you’ll get a lot of use out of the portable canopy.