Guide To Choosing The Right Gazebo

In Australia, we have some of the best camping conditions anywhere in the world - amazing locations and great weather for much of the year. But no matter how good the conditions are, if you're camping for more than a night or two, you will want a shelter beyond a place to sleep. That's where a camping gazebo or gazebo tent (as some people call them) comes in.

A gazebo is a lightweight, packable shelter that is easy to set up and provides ample headroom, and space for cooking. Camping gazebos come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so working out which is best for you can sometimes feel like a bit of a minefield. Let's take a look at what to consider when choosing the best gazebo for camping.

Quick Links

• What To Consider When Choosing The Right Gazebo For Camping
• What Makes The Best Gazebo For Wind And Rain?
• What Makes The Best Portable Gazebo That's Easy To Put Up?
• How To Choose The Toughest And Most Durable Gazebo
• What Size Is Most Suitable For A Gazebo?
• Gazebo & Awning Accessories To Elevate Your Setup
• How To Look After Your Gazebo
• Types Of Outdoor Shelters

What To Consider When Choosing The Right Gazebo For Camping And Outdoor Events

1. Weatherproof for wind and rain: The purpose of a gazebo is to protect everyone from the elements whether it be harsh sun, rain or wind, so it must be able to endure whatever is thrown at it.
2. Portable: A portable gazebo provides flexibility to set it up anywhere so you can host events in any scenic location.
3. Easy to put up: Gazebos should be simple and easy for anyone to set up regardless of their size and strength.
4. Durable: Quality materials and strong construction mean it will last season after season, giving you value for money.

What Makes The Best Gazebo For Wind And Rain?

The primary purpose of a gazebo is to protect you from the elements, so it's super important that it does this well. You'll want the gazebo to be waterproof but don't forget to also pay attention to the UV rating to ensure it protects you from the sun during summer.

To ensure your gazebo will keep the rain off in bad weather, look for a waterproof rating (the higher the rating the better). In heavy rain, water can pool on a gazebo roof, creating leaks and drips. To prevent this, look for gazebos that feature anti-pooling designs and keep water flowing down the roof.

Canopy

A durable canopy will usually be made of thicker fabric. The thickness of the fabric is given in denier (D) and canopies usually range from 150D to 420D. Higher-denier fabrics also provide better protection against wind, rain and sun. Stitching will also impact the durability of a fabric, so look out for quality stitching, double stitching and patches on areas where the frame connects with the canopy.

A great example is the Dune 4WD 3X3 Gazebo Canopy, which is built for tough Australian conditions, is made from strong 420D polyester and has a rating of UPF 50+.

What Makes The Best Portable Gazebo That's Easy To Put Up?

The ideal gazebo should be easy to transport and easily set up. The size of the gazebo affects how portable it is due to its bulk and weight, but quality has a part to play too. Better quality gazebos will often be constructed with thicker poles and heavier canopy, making them weigh more and take up more space when packed.

When deciding what's best for you, think about who will be transporting and setting up the gazebo and how far you expect to have to carry it. It's also worth paying attention to the quality of the bag - some bags include wheels for easy transport, while a flimsy bag will only make things harder when it comes to carrying the gazebo and packing it away.

Thankfully, nearly all camping gazebos nowadays are pop-up and can be set up in minutes, such as the OZtrail Deluxe Original Gazebo 3x3 which features an easy-to-set-up frame.

How To Choose The Toughest And Most Durable Gazebo

Like most camping gear, gazebos vary a lot in terms of durability. The best gazebos can withstand tough Aussie elements when it matters most. When you're looking at the durability of your gazebo, the two main factors are the frame and the canopy:

• Frame: When assessing the durability of your frame, look for materials such as powder-coated steel or aluminium. These materials are rust-resistant and designed to withstand the elements over time. Also consider anti-ponding bars, as they prevent water pooling in the canopy and prevent damage over time.
• Canopy: Look for a canopy made from UV-resistant materials with a water-resistant or waterproof coating. These will prevent you from getting wet or burned throughout the day.

What Size Is Most Suitable For A Gazebo?

When it comes to choosing the size of your gazebo, think about how you want to use your outdoor shelter:

• For outdoor dining - how wide and long does it need to be to fit your table and chairs?
• For food and drinks - how many coolers and bags need to be kept in the shade as well?
• For camping - does it fit in the campsite along with your tent, car etc.

If you're thinking about getting a gazebo, they range in size from 2.4m x 2.4m, up to 6m x 3m, with varying heights (1.9m to 3.35m). Most gazebos have adjustable legs with three heights you can adjust to suit your needs. And if a large gazebo like the Dune 4WD Deluxe 6x3m Gazebo isn't enough space, always remember that you can create a huge undercover area for parties by putting up two or more gazebos.

Gazebo Accessories To Elevate Your Setup

To have the best protection from the elements, you may consider accessories for your gazebo to take it to the next level. Options include:

Removable Gazebo Walls

Most gazebos will also be compatible with optional gazebo walls. These are usually either solid, waterproof fabric or mesh. Walls offer great protection against the elements and are handy if you want some added privacy. Walls also make it easy to adapt to changing conditions and can be rolled up or down depending on the time of day and the weather.

When shopping for walls on your gazebo, just remember to double-check that the model you purchase is compatible with these add-ons. A good example is the Dune 4WD Deluxe Gazebo Mesh Wall, which can join multiple walls together due to handy zips on either end. If you are looking for a little more privacy, then the Dune 4WD Deluxe Gazebo Solid Wall is a perfect option and can also join multiple walls together on the go.

Gazebo weights

Gazebo weights are a must-have for any outdoor event. They are designed to keep your setup secure in gusty conditions. Investing in these gazebo accessories allows you to enjoy the event with your friends and family knowing that your gazebo or canopy will not fly away.

How To Look After Your Gazebo

There are a few important factors to consider to keep your gazebo at its best. You will need to regularly clean a gazebo to prevent the buildup of dirt, grime and mould. It is better to use a mild detergent and a soft brush or sponge and to ensure your gazebo is completely dry before storing it to prevent mould growth.

It's also generally a good practice to pull down your gazebo when it's windy. Gazebo structures, especially those with lightweight fabric canopies, can act like sails in strong winds and this can pose risks such as tipping over, structural damage, tearing and even pose as a safety hazard for people nearby. To prevent these issues, it's advisable to take down or securely anchor your gazebo when you expect windy conditions.

If you plan to use your gazebo in windy areas, consider investing in a sturdier gazebo with features designed to withstand wind, or use appropriate weights and anchoring methods to secure it in place. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for your specific gazebo model.

It's also not advised to set up your gazebo or awning during heavy rain, as most gazebo canopies are not designed to handle heavy rain. They are typically made from materials that may become saturated and sag under the weight of rainwater. This can lead to leaks or even structural damage over time.

If you need shelter from rain, it's better to wait until the rain subsides or set up your gazebo in advance when the weather is dry. If you anticipate using your gazebo in rainy conditions, consider investing in a gazebo with a waterproof or water-resistant canopy specifically designed for wet weather use.

Additionally, ensure that the gazebo is properly anchored and weighted to prevent it from being blown away or damaged by strong winds associated with heavy rain.

What Other Types Of Outdoor Shelters are available?

There are alternative outdoor shelters for your camping trip or outdoor event. Other options include:

Sunshades

A sunshade, sun wall or shade shelter creates a shaded camping chillout area, a shaded space for beach days, a protected area for picnics and BBQs and a play space for the little ones. Some sunshades come with a shade wall included for protection on windy days, and some have optional walls you can buy separately if you want them.

Awnings

Awnings are popular shelters because they can be attached to your tent for camping (if their attachments are compatible), as well as a 4WD for shade and rain cover at events and campsites. They provide extra living space outside your caravan or 4WD which can be used for dining, socialising or storage. This is particularly beneficial on longer trips or when travelling with a group. Awnings are versatile and can be adapted for various purposes, such as setting up a kitchen area, creating a play space for children, or storing outdoor equipment.

Find The Best Gazebos, Shades & Awnings At Anaconda Today

From cooking meals out of the wind and weather to having a shaded area for relaxing and watching the world go by, a gazebo or awning does take your camping experience up a notch. Just remember, a good outdoor shelter should last you for many years, so it's worth taking the time to make sure you get the right one for you the first time around.

Make sure you check out our Adventure Centre for more helpful tips and exciting destinations that you can visit with your friends, family and loved ones. If you liked our gazebo and awnings buying guide, then you might also like some of our other helpful articles such as:

• 5 Main Features & Why You'll Love The Dune 4WD Fridge Range
• Essential Camp Cooking Gear For Your Next Camping Adventure
• Ultimate Guide To Easy Camping Food Ideas
• Ultimate Camping Hacks, Tips & Tricks You Need To Know

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive range of gazebos, awnings & shades for your next outdoor adventure.