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E-Z Up Pyramid Review

Spending your weekends sitting along the sidelines just got a whole lot cooler
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E-Z Up Pyramid Review
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Price:  $299 List
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Manufacturer:   E-Z Up
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 24, 2022
77
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 13
  • Functionality - 25% 8.0
  • Ease of Set Up - 25% 8.0
  • Protection - 20% 8.0
  • Craftsmanship - 15% 8.0
  • Portability - 15% 6.0

Our Verdict

The E-Z Up Pyramid is a high-grade, 10x10, cathedral-style canopy that is perfect for blocking the sun at any outdoor sporting event. Establishing your ideal spot on the sidelines just got easier. The EZ Up's roller bag features large wheels and a wide-set wheelbase, allowing it to easily jump curbs and plow through grass until you reach your final destination. It has three height adjustments, and its interior truss system stays out of the way, providing plenty of headroom. Even your tallest friends won't need to duck. Four massive metal stakes combine nicely with the canopy's heavy frame and keep the EZ Up firmly planted on the ground during wind gusts. This canopy is great for everything from corporate gigs to emergency command posts, but we like it best staked along the sideline. Compare it to top competitors in our review of the best canopy tents.
REASONS TO BUY
Pinch-free setup
Steel frame
Adjustable
Repels water
Excellent roller bag
Easy to set up
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Wheel assembly is mostly plastic
A little wobbly at full height

Compare to Similar Products

 
e-z up pyramid
This Product
E-Z Up Pyramid
Awards Top Pick Award
Best for the Sidelines
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Canopy Tent
Top Pick Award
Best Camping Canopy
Top Pick Award
Best for Adventure
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Price $299 List
$199.98 at Amazon
$260 List
$198.86 at Amazon
$360 List
$319.99 at Amazon
Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$137 List
$99.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
77
83
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63
Star Rating
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Bottom Line This canopy can go just about anywhere, but a grassy sports field was our favorite place to set it upIt will set you back a few extra bucks, but this canopy is built to lastThis tent is easy to use, delightful to sit under, and setting it up can become mildly addictiveMake a list of everything you've always wanted in a lightweight adventure canopy and chances are this one checks most of the boxesThis isn't as rugged as its peers, but if you only need a simple shelter and can treat it with some care, this one will consistently offer you the all basics
Rating Categories E-Z Up Pyramid Eurmax Standard 10x10 Clam Outdoors Quick... Eureka Tagalong She... Caravan Canopy V-Se...
Functionality (25%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Ease of Set Up (25%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Protection (20%)
8.0
9.0
10.0
7.0
7.0
Craftsmanship (15%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Portability (15%)
6.0
6.0
6.0
9.0
5.0
Specs E-Z Up Pyramid Eurmax Standard 10x10 Clam Outdoors Quick... Eureka Tagalong She... Caravan Canopy V-Se...
Measured Weight 54.1 lbs 51.2 lbs 33.9 lbs 5.9 lbs 32.1 lbs
Measured Peak Height 10.4 ft 11.0 ft 7.5 ft 6.3 ft 9.2 ft
Floor Dimensions 120"L x 120"W 120"L x 120"W 140"L x 140"W 132"L x 108"W 120"L x 120"W
Design Type Pop-Up Pop-Up Pop-Up Free-standing Pop-Up
Pole Material Steel Steel Fiberglass Aluminum Steel
Number of Poles 4 4 Poles integrated into tent material 2 4
Packed Size 62"L x 8"W x 8"H 64.2"L x 11.7"W x 11.5"H 72"L x 8"W x 8"H 23"L x 10"W x 6"H 53"L x 9"W x 8"H
Main Material Polyester 500D polyester Poly-oxford Polyester Polyester

Our Analysis and Test Results

We love this canopy. After weeks of testing in a wide variety of locations, the EZ Up remained one of our favorite canopies on the list. It's well-built and easy to use. In short, it does what it's supposed to and does it well.

Performance Comparison


e-z up pyramid - even at its lowest setting, the ez up still offers a lot of head...
Even at its lowest setting, the EZ Up still offers a lot of head room, making it comfortable for 5-7 people.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Functionality


We found the E-Z Up very functional and awarded it accordingly for this metric. Weighing in at about 54 pounds, it's a little lighter than canopies of similar quality, so it's a bit easier to set up and maneuver. Its stand-out feature is the proprietary Wide-Trax Roller Bag which dons two large, wide-set wheels. The wheels are the largest we've seen, allowing the EZ Up to plow through uneven terrain. Although large, we found this canopy very easy to transport from car to sideline. We feel the roller bag is the EZ Up's greatest feature and, therefore, a key component to its day-to-day functionality.


We also loved the pull-pin slider function and the toggle-style height adjusters on the E-Z Up. Together they make it very simple to raise and lower the canopy and to lock and unlock during setup and tear down. Additionally, these safety levers play a huge role in avoiding pinched hands and fingers during operation.

e-z up pyramid - pull-pin activated sliders are easy to use and offer a pinch-free...
Pull-pin activated sliders are easy to use and offer a pinch-free setup and takedown.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

This 10x10 canopy offers 100 square feet of shade when the sun is directly overhead. During earlier and later hours, when the rays are at an angle, the E-Z Up can be lowered or slanted to provide additional coverage from the sun. At peak height, the point of its cathedral ceiling sits at 10 feet 5 inches, resulting in a 6 foot 11 inch maximum birth under each valance.

e-z up pyramid - off-setting the height adjustment on the the ez up create a sloping...
Off-setting the height adjustment on the the EZ up create a sloping effect which can go a long way at keeping out afternoon sun.
Credit: Jason Wanlass


Sun is no match for the E-Z Up. Its thick polyester fabric effectively blocks rays, resulting in very little residual glare into the eyes. Additionally, the underside of the canopy is reflective, which helps keep the canopy slightly cooler. The fabric effectively blocks UV rays, and the manufacturer states that it meets CPAI-84 and NFPA-701 fire-resistant requirements.

e-z up pyramid - from morning until evening, the sun was tempered by the e-z up. it...
From morning until evening, the sun was tempered by the E-Z Up. It even effectively blocked hot, desert sun through the entire day.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The E-Z Up is held in place by a powder-coated steel frame which sits flush against the interior side of the canopy, allowing for maximum headroom. After weeks of use, we feel five to seven people can comfortably sit under this canopy with enough room left over for gear and a large cooler.

e-z up pyramid - head space is not a problem with this canopy. the trusses sit flush...
Head space is not a problem with this canopy. The trusses sit flush against the fabric giving everyone plenty of space to move around - or to strangely stand with their hands in the air.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Ease of Set Up


Although large and fairly heavy, we still awarded the E-Z Up high marks for ease of setup. This tent deploys smoothly and efficiently with two or more people, and one of our testers was able to set it up solo in 1 min and 30 seconds.


To raise the E-Z Up with more than one person, unzip and remove the roller bag, grab one leg of the canopy and simply walk backward until the canopy stops expanding. With a firm grasp on one leg, push up on the canopy's truss system until the sliders click into place. During our timed tests, we found that four people could set up this canopy in less than a minute.

e-z up pyramid - two people can set up the e-z up with ease. simply grab a leg and...
Two people can set up the E-Z Up with ease. Simply grab a leg and walk backward. During out tests we set up this canopy nearly 20 times and every time is was just as easy as the last.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

As previously mentioned, the pin-activated sliders allow users to easily lock the frame into position. Unlocking the sliders during tear down is just as easy — just pull the pins to release the frame. From there, collapse the canopy by grabbing one of the four legs and walking forward until the canopy becomes a tight bundle.

The E-Z Up's roller bag easily pulls away from the canopy, leaving...
The E-Z Up's roller bag easily pulls away from the canopy, leaving it positioned on its feet and ready to be expanded.
Although much faster with two people, many of out testers could set...
Although much faster with two people, many of out testers could set up this canopy solo in under two minutes.

Protection


The E-Z Up was built to withstand sun, rain, and wind. After weeks of testing, we confidently awarded this canopy high marks for protection. We often used our E-Z Up in windy conditions, and with the help of an industrial fan, we also simulated wind conditions during our testing. Through it all, the E-Z Up stood firm. We feel its cathedral-shaped ceiling, combined with the added weight of its steel frame, helps keep this canopy securely on the ground, even during more powerful gusts.


Another contributor to this excellent wind resistance is the four massive metal spikes included with the canopy. They are easily some of the most substantial spikes we've ever seen, and they go a long way toward stabilizing the E-Z Up when wind speeds increase.

e-z up pyramid - four solid-steel stakes fit perfectly into the feet and do an...
Four solid-steel stakes fit perfectly into the feet and do an excellent job at keeping the canopy firmly on the ground.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The E-Z Up performed well during our rain tests; however, it didn't perform as well as we anticipated. After being drenched with water for 5 minutes, we saw small amounts of water seeping through the canopy's seams. The seams do not appear to be weather taped, and although there wasn't a lot of water that made it through, there was enough for us to give it lower scores for our water-specific tests.

A backyard hose and spray nozzle worked great to simulate rain and...
A backyard hose and spray nozzle worked great to simulate rain and water the grass at the same time.
When tested for sun, wind, and rain, the E-Z Up scored the lowest...
When tested for sun, wind, and rain, the E-Z Up scored the lowest for water resistance out of the three. However, it still repels water better than many of the products we studied.

After several weeks of use on the sidelines, in the mountains, and at the sand dunes, we can solidly say the sun is no match for the E-Z Up. Its hardy polyester fabric effectively cancels out the sun's rays, leaving dark, pleasant shade. The canopy is dense and reflective on the underside, protecting the eyes from the ambient glow of the sun through the fabric.

e-z up pyramid - the e-z up effectively blocks the sun, but it doesn't do as well...
The E-Z Up effectively blocks the sun, but it doesn't do as well with rain. Small leaks could be detected along the entire length of the seams which subsequently dripped down off the the crisscrossed truss.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Craftsmanship


Double-stitched seams, reinforced corners, and a powder-coated steel frame lead the way in making this canopy one of the most rugged and durable products on our list. In fact, even before we unzipped its roller case for the first time, we knew the E-Z Up was a cut above many of the rest.



We've lugged this beast through dirt, sand, rocks, and grass. It's been doused with water, sunbaked on 100-degree days, and thrown into the back of a pickup more times than we can count. Through it all, our E-Z Up still shows no apparent signs of serious wear and tear.

e-z up pyramid - overall, the e-z up has excellent craftsmanship - every seam is...
Overall, the E-Z Up has excellent craftsmanship - every seam is reinforced and double-stitched which inspires confidence and will aid in longevity.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Portability


Weight and packed size greatly influenced the lower scores here. The EZ-Up is a little too heavy for the average person to comfortably solo carry. Similarly, when stowed in its roller bag, the E-Z Up is more than 5 feet long and about the circumference of a wooded power pole, making it more difficult to load into smaller vehicles.


Overall, this canopy is more challenging to lift, maneuver, and store than many of the smaller models on our list. We feel some users will find lifting into and out of their vehicles difficult. Ideally, we recommend two people. However, the buddy system is no longer needed the moment the wheels hit the ground. The roller bag allows one person to easily pull the EZ-Up anywhere there's action.

e-z up pyramid - when the roller bag isn't appropriate, the e-z up can be easily...
When the roller bag isn't appropriate, the E-Z Up can be easily carried with the aid of two perfectly placed handles. We had no problem transporting our canopy down stairs, across boulders, and over deep sand.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

As mentioned previously, the Wide-Trax Roller Bag is a real game-changer and our favorite E-Z Up feature. The large 4-inch wheels are spaced 14 inches apart, creating an amazingly stable base. This bag rumbles through grass, dirt, and gravel with ease, making it our favorite bag for any outdoor sideline. The E-Z Up has multiple rubber-capped handles, which allow it to be comfortably free-carried by two people or easily pulled solo.

e-z up pyramid - the roller bag's wheels are the largest we've come across in several...
The roller bag's wheels are the largest we've come across in several years. They make taking overland routes simple, and kinda fun.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

However, the roller bag is not indestructible and must be treated with care. Our one complaint is directed toward the wheel apparatus. Minus the metal axle, the entire system is plastic, causing us to question durability. We were pleased to read that the manufacturer backs their product wholeheartedly, and from first-hand experience, we can say we have yet to see any glaring longevity issues after regular, basic use.

e-z up pyramid - although very wide and very effective, the entire wheel system -...
Although very wide and very effective, the entire wheel system - minus the axle - is made of plastic. We never saw any signs of wear and tear, but this was in the back of our minds.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Should You Buy the E-Z UP Pyramid Vented Shelter?


Little league enthusiasts will love this canopy tent. It's easy to pull across tougher terrain like grass, easy to set up, and provides a lot of shade. The EZ- Up will set you back some extra bones, but its higher quality won't let you down. The manufacturer states this canopy is also great for corporate events, exhibit booths, and command posts, and we agree. This canopy's stout design allows it to perform well in nearly any setting, but we feel it works best along the sidelines.

Sidelines is where the E-Z Up shines. It's super easy to transport...
Sidelines is where the E-Z Up shines. It's super easy to transport across the grass, it sets up quickly, and it stakes down firm to the ground.
The E-Z Up performs well in nearly every outdoor setting, including...
The E-Z Up performs well in nearly every outdoor setting, including just chilling in the backyard. While using our canopy, we never felt cramped or closed in.

What Other Canopy Tents Should You Consider?


If you are looking for the same cathedral-style, pop-up canopy but hope to find one with a lower price, we recommend looking at the Caravan Canopy V-Series or Coleman 10x10 Sun Shelter. If you simply want the highest quality cathedral-style canopy we could find, you should check out the Eurmax Standard 10x10. It's the tallest canopy on our list, and it has the highest level of craftsmanship.

e-z up pyramid - we never grew tired of pulling our roller bag. it was kind of...
We never grew tired of pulling our roller bag. It was kind of addicting to have something that's often difficult made so easy through successful design choices.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Jason Wanlass