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Best Portable Garage
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ease of Use
Putting together larger outdoor structures can be a real pain, so we wanted to ensure that we selected designs that were going to be easy to put together and tear down when needed.
One simple way to tell if putting it together is going to be a nightmare was to consult the reviews of previous users. They are going to be the very first one to detail the account of how difficult or easy it was to assemble, so we made sure that we selected designs that got high marks in ease of assembly. Another thing that we kept our eye on was the availability of the instructional manual. We noticed that some companies allow users to download a PDF scanned document of the instructions so that you can see what you are getting yourself into before you make your purchase. It’s important to note that none of these designs are going to be able to pop up easily on your first try. You should go in expecting it to take about 2-4 hours if you are working alone, and that time should decrease the more times to put it up and take it back down.
Durability
This was one of the most important features that we looked at, because no one wants to chase down their gear as it blows down the street on a very windy afternoon.
To ensure that we selected design that were going to be able to stand up to harsh weather, we looked at the materials that were used. Steel tubing that measured to be about 1.5-2 inches thick is going to be one of your better options for frames that are going to need to hold up a good deal of snow if you live in a snowy area. Frames that have steel tubing under 1.5 inches are still going to be sturdy, but they just won’t be able to hold up the weight of heavy snowfall. Another thing that we looked at was how well they were going to be able to be staked into the ground. There were some options out there that provided users with great staking systems, but we noticed that some of the others were a little lacking. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the product is bad, it just means that you might have to take a little extra time and buy some extra materials to keep it in place on those windy days.
Materials
In order for a product to be able to withstand some pretty nasty weather, it is going to need to be made from high quality materials and components.
For the canopy, you are going to want something that is not only waterproof and windproof, but you are also going to want something that is going to offer a good deal of UV protection, because it is most likely going to be set up in a place where it gets direct sunlight. We found that the very best material that is going to be able to accomplish these tasks is polyethylene, or more commonly known as PE. Hands down, this is the best material for the job, and it is used by a majority of companies because it is affordable but it is also incredibly durable and easy to care for. For the frame on the inside, steel tubing is the way to go. Be sure that you steer clear of PVC pipes for interior frames. While this may save you a little bit of money initially, PVC is notorious for bending and becoming unreliable in high-pressure conditions such as high wind or heavy snow.
Size
The size of each design is going to determine two things- how much room it is going to take up in your outdoor space, and how much gear you will be able to hold inside.
From what we found, the standard size of most designs out there on the market is 10 feet wide and 20 feet long. These dimensions are going to give you just enough room to park a modest sized sedan or boat, but it may not be ideal for larger vehicles such as SUVs. For those that are looking to store away a larger vehicle, we recommend selecting a size that measures to be at 12 feet wide. This is going to give you just enough room without it feeling too cramped. If you need a ton of storage, there are also styles that measure to be double the the standard- 20 feet wide and 22 feet long. These are going to be great for storing two vehicles, but they come in at a price point that will double the price of the standard 10 feet by 20 feet, and they are often a little weaker due to the shallow pitch of the canopy.
Value
At the end of the day, we want to save you a little bit of money when we can without sacrificing quality.
We wanted to select a wide variety of pricing options for those that don’t have a lot of money to spend, to those that are looking to spare no expense. Designs that are on the more affordable end of the pricing scale often don’t have the same level of features that higher end options have- such as cross ventilation of even side panels. It is important to note, however, that even the more affordable options are typically made from the same high quality materials such as polyethylene and steel tubing. Higher priced options are typically priced that way because they have a lot of additional features such as zippered panels for cross ventilation and thicker 1.5-2 inch steel tubing to withstand more harsh climates. Plus, bigger designs that can hold more than one car are going to cost you significantly more as well.
Top 10 Picks
1. Abba Patio Direct
What we liked most about this design from Abba Patio Direct is that it is made from really durable and high-quality materials that is going to leave your car safe and protected, but is it also incredibly easy to put up and take down.
Read moreEase of use
From what we have read from previous users, this style is incredibly easy to put together and took most about 2.5 hours. It comes with detailed installation instructions, and potential buyers can even download a PDF copy of the instructions to determine if it is going to be something they will actually be able to assemble.
Durability
The quality of materials used means that this product is really going to be able to hold up during even the harshest weather conditions. There were a few users that felt that this unit was even able to hold up quite well during brutal Michigan winters.
Materials
The canopy that is going to keep the rain and debris off of your car is made from a polyethylene material that is considered to be rain, wind, and snow proof, and it is UV resistant as well. The poles are made from a very strong white powder coated steel that measures to be 1.5 inches.
Size
Once assembled, this design measures to be 12 feet wide, and 20 feet long. The inside without the pitched tent measures to be 6.7 feet, and with the canopy is measures to be 9 feet high.
Value
What we liked most about this design is that it comes in at a price point that runs in the middle of the road. It isn’t the most expensive design out there, but it isn’t the least expensive either.
Overall
If you are in the market for something strong and sturdy to get you through the winter storage months, and you aren’t willing to pay the price tag of some of the higher end options, this design is going to be your best bet.
2. Quictent
This option from Quictent is great because it is incredibly versatile, and it is made from high-quality materials that are going to hold up quite well even in bad weather. Users find that it is quite easy to put together, and its versatile style makes it perfect for more things that just vehicle storage.
Read moreEase of use
From what we could gather, there were some users that found this design can be a little difficult to assemble. Spring-loaded poles can sometimes be a little tricky to pull back and get into place, so you might need to employ the help of a friend to get this unit assembled before the weather changes.
Durability
While the quality of the materials are great and will keep the wind, snow, rain, and damaging UV rays off of your vehicle, some users have had a little bit of trouble keeping it from blowing away in high winds with the materials provided. If you opt for this design, be sure that you take a little extra time to ensure that it is really staked into the ground!
Materials
The canvas used for the canopy is made from incredibly thick and durable polyethylene that is going to be perfect for keeping all of the elements on the outside. The poles, as well as the connectors, are made from a high-quality white powder coated steel that will not bend and break.
Size
This unit is just a little bit more narrow than some of the others that we have seen, so you might have issues with larger vehicles or boats. The front measures to be 10 feet wide (which is a little more narrow than most, and runs about 20 feet long- which is pretty standard.
Value
One of the things that we liked about this design is that it comes in at a more affordable price point than the Abba Patio Direct design. Plus, it comes with a pretty robust warranty on many of the pieces and parts that hold this design together, so if something fails on you within the first year, Quictent will send you a replacement part free of charge.
Overall
For users that want something simple and more affordable than most, this is going to be one of your better options. Just keep in mind that it is narrower than most, and it will require just a little more effort keeping it staked to the ground.
3. Topcamp
This design from Topcamp gets an A+ in portability. It is incredibly easy to put together, and it also comes with a carrying case with a wheeled bag that makes it easy to travel or even put away in storage in the off season.
Read moreEase of use
What users really liked about this model is that it is incredibly easy to assemble. Instead of fumbling with a bunch of loose poles, this unit has a spring loaded frame that unfolds much like an umbrella. This means that users will only need to employ the use of their time (and a few tools) staking it to the ground.
Durability
This design is a little bit more delicate than most, and may not be ideal for extremely high winds or heavy snowfall. The good news though is that it can fold up pretty quickly if you notice that it is struggling.
Materials
This unit users 1 ÂĽ inch steel tubes for the canopy frame, and it uses thinner legs to hold it down to the ground. The canopy is made from high quality and sturdy nylon that is UV resistant.
Size
Measuring in at 10 feet wide and 20 feet long, this unit is the standard size out there that will be able to fit most average size boats or cars, but it may be a little tighter for larger SUVs.
Value
The cost of this option runs about in the middle of the road in terms of price. While it isn’t the most expensive design that we have seen, it isn’t going to be one of your more affordable options either.
Overall
One of the things that users really liked about this option is that it comes in in beige color, which is a little unconventional considering that most designs are either white or black. This makes it a great place for storage, but it also provides a little bit of style as well.
4. Caravan Canopy
If you have been a little gobsmacked by the price tag on these designs, you might be pleased to find that this simple option from Caravan Canopy is going to give you protection from the sun and rain, and it is offered at one of the lowest price points of most of the other designs out there on the market.
Read moreEase of use
Due to the fact that this unit has such a simple design, it means that it is also going to be fairly easy to assemble. All of the poles fit together quite nicely, but it is going to take you some time and patience to find a place for all of the shapes and sizes of poles.
Durability
The bad news here is that durability is a bit of an issue. While the canopy is going to be great at keeping rain and debris off of your car or boat, a heavy gust of wind may cause you troubles at keeping the fabric attached to the frame.
Materials
Using 1.375-inch steel tubing, the frame is going to be a little on the thin side when you compare it to some of the more expensive designs. The good news here is that it uses a heat sealed polyethylene canvas material (the same material you will find in the higher end models) that will protect the contents from harmful UV rays.
Size
The side of this unit is pretty standard, and measures to be 10 feet long and 20 feet wide.
Value
Sure, this unit has a few problems, but these problems may be excusable to you when you notice the price tag of this design. It carries a price tag that is almost â…“ of the price of some of the averagely priced options, and it still uses some of the same materials as the higher end designs.
Overall
Sure, this design has a few shortcomings that might not make it ideal for harsh climates, but if you consider the incredibly affordable price tag, you might consider giving this design a try to save a little bit of money.
5. kdgarden
While this design from kdgarden isn’t going to have the same aesthetic appeal as some of the other options that we have seen, it is going to make up for it’s looks with superior quality and durability.
Read moreEase of use
If you are working alone, most users found that set up takes them about 4 hours, and can drain a lot of their patience. A good way to sidestep this potentially frustrating experience is to have a friend come help you, and it should cut this time in half.
Durability
As far as being able to withstand some pretty harsh climates, this product really shines. It is made from some really high-quality materials from the canopy to the metal frame that is going to stay put no matter how harsh the weather can get.
Materials
The frame is constructed from some really high-quality 1.5-inch steel tubes that simply screw together by hand. The canopy is made from a very high-quality triple stitched polyethylene material that is waterproof, windproof, snow proof, and offers superior UV protection. Plus, the darker material is going to leave your vehicle nice and comfortable in the shade at all times.
Size
This unit comes in the standard size of 10 feet wide and 20 feet long. The pitched canopy also measures to be 8 feet high from the base to the tip.
Value
The cost of this unit is going to set you back about the same amount that you would spend one of other average priced, high-quality designs that we have seen.
Overall
The only downside that we have seen with this design is that it is a little less attractive than some of the higher end designs that we have seen, but in exchange, it offers a lot more protection from the elements than most, which may be more important to some users.
6. Outsunny
What we liked most about this option from Outsunny is that is made from high-quality materials that are going to be able to withstand the elements, and it is also made to be just a tad wider to accommodate most size SUVs and boats.
Read moreEase of use
Shipping in two separate boxes, there are quite a few pieces and parts that users will have to assemble, which can take quite some time, and could deplete your patience a bit. We feel the best way to assemble this unit is to have a friend or family member come help to make the process a little faster and easier.
Durability
This unit really shines when it comes to holding up in the elements. It is made from high-quality materials that are going to work great at keeping the rain, wind, debris, and snow off of your gear while away in storage for the season.
Materials
Outsunny uses the highest quality materials to make their products. This design is constructed from white powder-coated steel tubes for the frame, and the canopy is made from water-resistant polyethylene that also provides a UV barrier.
Size
What we liked most about this design is that it is built to be just a bit bigger than your average size, which means you can fit more gear inside. It measures to be 12 feet wide (two feet more than your standard size) and 20 feet long.
Value
The cost of this unit is just a little bit more expensive than most- if you decide to select the grey design. The beige option is actually quite more affordable, and has a price tag that is in line with many of the other similar designs out there on the market that is made from the same types of materials.
Overall
For users that want to marry function with design, this option from Outsunny is going to be one of your better options without breaking the bank.
7. ShelterLogic
What users really like about this design from ShelterLogic is that it has a sleek exterior that will look nice on a campsite or in your backyard, and users found it to be very easy to put together and take down.
Read moreEase of use
From what we have read, many users found this design to be quite easy to assemble and take down. Included with purchase is a set of very easy to decipher step by step instructions that are going to make it much easier to set up, even when you are working alone.
Durability
While this unit may look pleasing on the outside, it comes at the cost of durability. There were quite a few users that felt that this design didn’t really hold up all that well in windy conditions, and the thickness of the frame is a little thinner than most.
Materials
The frame is constructed from powder-coated steel tubes that measure to be about 1.375 inches thick. The canopy is made from a triple layer of ripstop nylon that is considered to be waterproof, tearproof, and offers superior UV protection.
Size
The size of this unit varies slightly from the standard options that we have seen. While it is just as wide as many of the standard designs- measuring in at 10 feet wide- it is just a little shallower than most, measuring in at just 15 feet deep.
Value
The cost of this design runs pretty par for the course. While it isn’t the most affordable option out there on the market, it is far from being the most expensive.
Overall
The size of this design isn’t going to take up that much room in your yard as some of the other designs that we have seen, but it also means that it isn’t going to be able to house all style and sizes of boats and automobiles.
8. SORARA
This design from SORARA is a little more expensive than some of the other designs that we have seen, but the additional features built into the frame of this unit makes it well worth the slightly added price point in our opinion.
Read moreEase of use
From what we have gathered from what past users have had to say, this unit is fairly easy to assemble. It comes with a set of instructions that is quite easy to read, and many users will be able to put it together on their own.
Durability
One of the things that we noticed about this design is that it is made to withstand some pretty hard climates. SORARA states that each piece that makes up their product has been tested to ensure that it will be able to withstand some pretty nasty weather conditions.
Materials
The frame is constructed from steel tubes that measure to be an impressive 2 inches thick- which is about .5 inches thicker than some of the higher end designs). The canopy is made from polyethylene, which is going to protect your gear from rain, wind, snow, debris, and harmful UV rays, as well as control the temperature on the inside.
Size
The measurements of this option are pretty standard from the other options we have seen out there on the market. It measures to be 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep.
Value
The downside about this design is that it comes in at a price tag that is a little bit more than some of the higher end designs that we have seen. However, we feel that the use of high-quality materials and craftsmanship makes it an excellent value.
Overall
If you are looking for something that has a great exterior appeal, but is also made from high-quality components that are going to keep your gear safe, this is going to be a great option if you are willing to pay the slightly higher price point.
9. DELTA
If you are looking to store a lot more gear than a singular car or boat, this double wide option from DELTA is going to be one of your better options. However, because it is twice as big means that it comes in at a price point that is twice as much as well.
Read moreEase of use
From what we could gather from previous uses, putting this unit up in very simple and easy. It comes with a set of instructions that are easy to read, and it also comes with a care manual to ensure that you get the most out of this product.
Durability
The materials used are of high quality and will withstand high winds and rain, but due to the pitch of the roof you may run into some issues with heavy snowfall. Due to the fact that this unit is a lot wider than most, it means that the roof pitch is a little shallower, which could lead to problems when the snow starts to pile up.
Materials
The frame is constructed from durable galvanized steel poles, but the connections are made from aluminum- which some users found would rust over the years. The canopy is made from high-quality polyethylene, which will protect your gear from UV rays, as well as water, and wind.
Size
What makes this design stand out from the rest is the size. It measures to be 20 feet wide and 22 feet long, which is double the size of many of the average units we have seen out there on the market.
Value
The cost of this design comes in at a price tag that is almost double the price of many of the smaller designs we have seen. However, if you take into consideration that this design can hold twice as much, it is actually a really great value.
Overall
For those that need something that can store a lot of gear in the off months, this design from DELTA is going to be one of your better options.
10. Peaktop
This design from Peaktop is great because it offers users a lot of style to their outdoor space, while also protecting their gear from the elements. It has a lot of features such as windows and cross ventilation that will keep your car comfortable, and it comes in at a really affordable price point.
Read moreEase of use
According to the reports of previous users, this design is quite easy to put together, and you might not even have to bribe a family member to come and help. It is shipped in two boxes, and the instructions that are included are simple and easy to follow.
Durability
The quality of the materials that were used as well as the reviews that we read from previous users make this design one durable unit. There were quite a few users that felt that this was able to withstand some pretty high winds and still remain intact.
Materials
This unit uses powder-coated steel tubes for the framework, and comes with the necessary assemble parts to hold it in place. The canopy is made from a high-quality polyethylene that will keep the wind, rain, and snow off of your gear, as well as protect it from harmful UV rays.
Size
The size of this unit is pretty standard. It measures to 10 be feet wide, and 20 feet long.
Value
One of the things that we liked most about this design is that it is priced just slightly below many of the similar designs that we have seen out there on the market.
Overall
If you are in the market for something that is easy to put up, and it going to look quite nice storing all of your gear until the weather breaks, this is a really great option that isn’t going to break the bank.
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