Pop-Up Tents with 50+ UV Protection

There are two important factors to consider when it comes to the fabric roof of your pop-up tent: UV protection and color-fade resistance. 

The first has to do with the tent’s ability to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. The second refers to the qualities of the fabric that keep it lightfast, even in prolonged sunlight.  

Let’s dive deeper into sun performance and unpack all the features you should look for when buying an outdoor canopy tent. 

You’re probably already familiar with the term “SPF,” which stands for “Sun Protection Factor.” Skincare products, like sunscreen, use the SPF scale as a measure of sun protection. 

Textiles, however, use a different scale. UV protection is usually indicated as a measure of UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). The UPF scale is used for everything from clothing and umbrellas to canopy tents and awnings. Like SPF, a lower UPF rating means less sun protection and a higher one means more sun protection. 

According to the UV STANDARD 801, one of the most stringent standards for textile sun protection, you can break down UPF values as follows:

• UPF 15 to 24: medium sun protection

• UPF 25 to 50: high sun protection

• UPF 50+: excellent sun protection

Note that the UPF scale stops at 50. Values above 50 don’t offer significantly higher protection and are usually indicated as 50+, the industry standard for canopy tents. Always pay attention to the UPF value of your pop-up tent and look for one that offers sufficient sun protection.