[MR] EZ up type tents

[Megan Shogren]

We've used a 10x20 EZ up style (not EZ up brand) for merchanting for the better 
part of 3 years.  The one and only time we had a problem with it was the first 
time out, when we had insufficient stakes and a gust front came through with 40+ 
mph winds.  It ripped the stakes out of the ground, picked it up, and bent a 
couple of the legs.  They were inexpensive to replace, and we switched the 
stupid little coathanger "tent stakes" for a combination of 12" nail+washer 
(center legs) and 16" hand-forged stakes (corners).  When it looks like there 
will be seriously heavy weather, we break out the 42" circus tent stakes, and 
cross-rope the tent to them.  The upsides- 2 people can set it up in a few 
minutes (easier with 4), one person with planning and care can do it in only 
slightly longer, and it's compact.  Also, relatively cheap ($300 or so off 
eBay), but still a heavy-duty steel frame.  The biggest downside became obvious 
when we got our (significantly larger) canvas pavilion done.  The sun beats 
through the synthetic roof and heats it up dramatically.  Sunforger doesn't do 
that...

-Kat Ferneley