Canopy tents and similar protective temporary structures are great for outdoor activities and gatherings. Sometimes however they do not always protect us from everything in nature. On muggy days mosquitoes and other bugs can ruin a party or that tail gating excursion a little less satisfying. Thankfully there are a variety of canopy nets on the market to add that much more functionality to your canopy. A canopy net can come in an array of designs, colors and styles that can be purchased separately or with a canopy itself.
A sun canopy net is mesh or fabric screening that can be draped over a canopy to keep out bugs or other unwanted pests. Varying colors are produced, however the most common tend to be white or black. Some canopies come with nets preinstalled on them sometimes with zippers to form a tight seal. Nets are easy to see and talk through because they are basically just large screens or thin fabric.
One such product is a ten by ten black mesh screen room made to fit King Canopies. The mesh screen attaches to, and completely surrounds, the canopy, forming a protective barrier against mosquitoes and other bugs. The mesh is manufactured of nylon and attaches to the top frame of the canopy. It retails for around 60 dollars and is worth its weight in gold when the bugs start coming out.
A more unique product carried by brylanehome.com is the Cantilevered Canopy which stands nine feet tall to drape a light weight canopy roof and mesh screen over up to four or five people. This is different than a traditional canopy and netting because the canopy itself is a part of the mesh screen and there are no legs for it to stand on. Instead the canopy roof is dangled over you and your group with a long pole and arch. The canopy can be detached and folded with the stand left intact. Benefits here are that it is easier to set up than a traditional canopy. However, the drawbacks are that it is not as sturdy in case of rain or wind and the stand that holds the canopy must be weighed down with other materials like cinder blocks or bricks that are not provided. The Cantilevered canopy retails for about 150 dollars which is slightly cheaper than a decent traditional canopy.
Being outdoors with some sun and wind protection is great, but the fun quickly ends when mosquitoes come around. Instead of wasting money on that new canopy or by staying indoors, look for a canopy net to drape over it. If you have not purchased a canopy yet and are thinking of doing so, there are a variety of models that come pre-equipped with mosquito nets that help you make the most of your outdoor experience.
July 25, 2010
Sun Canopy