Quik Shade Expedition

If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty, portable shade canopy that can handle the elements, look no further than the Quik Shade Expedition series from Abbott Collection. As an outdoor enthusiast and shade canopy aficionado, I’ve tested my fair share of canopies over the years. And let me tell you – the Expedition stands out from the rest.

In this comprehensive buying guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Expedition canopies so you can decide if it’s the right shade solution for your needs. We’ll look at the key features, available sizes, portability, weather protection, cost, customer reviews and more. Let’s dive in!

What is the Quik Shade Expedition Canopy?

The Expedition is Quik Shade’s most rugged and durable canopy line designed for frequent outdoor use in demanding conditions. It’s built with commercial-grade steel frames and weather-resistant fabric to provide ample UV protection and shade coverage.

The Expedition sets itself apart from other Quik Shade lines like the Compact, Instant Canopy, and Recreation canopies due to its reinforced structure and UV-resistant coated polyester top. The Expedition is designed for campers, outdoor enthusiasts, sporting events, beach days – anyone who needs serious shelter from the elements.

Key Features of the Quik Shade Expedition Canopies

So what exactly makes the Expedition canopy unique? Here are the standout features:

• Commercial-grade steel frame – The main frame uses heavy-duty steel with a powder-coated finish to prevent rusting and corrosion. This makes the frame much more stable and durable than aluminum frames.
• 300D polyester canopy top – The top is made from weather-resistant, UV-protected 300D polyester that blocks 99% of harmful UVA/UVB rays. It’s also coated to keep water from seeping through.
• Reinforced stress points – Stress points on the frame feature extra thick reinforcement for added wind resistance. Less frame flex means better stability.
• Adjustable height – Telescoping legs allow you to adjust the canopy from 104” down to 88” to suit your needs. Versatility is key!
• Extended canopy eaves – The top extends beyond the frame on all four sides to provide extra shade coverage and rain protection.
• Carry bag included – Comes with a roller bag with handles for easy transport and storage.

How the Expedition Compares to Other Quik Shades

As Quik Shade’s most rugged canopy, the Expedition stands out from other options like the Compact and Instant canopies in a few key ways:

• More durable steel frame than aluminum frames
• UV-resistant fabric provides better sun protection
• Reinforced stress points on frame for wind resistance
• Taller and more adjustable frame height
• Can withstand light rain and moisture better
• Carry bag allows for easy transport unlike instant setup models

The tradeoff is that the Expedition weighs more than compact and instant canopies. But for frequent outdoor use, the Expedition’s durability and weather protection can’t be beaten.

Available Sizes of the Expedition Canopy

One of the great things about the Expedition is that it comes in a range of sizes to accommodate different group sizes. Here are the dimensions for each model:

• Expedition EX50 – 10′ x 10′ area, 104”-88” adjustable height
• Expedition EX60 – 10′ x 15′ area, 104”-88” adjustable height
• Expedition EX90 – 15′ x 15′ area, 104”-88” adjustable height
• Expedition EX120 – 15′ x 20′ area, 104”-88” adjustable height

The range covers solo use up to large gatherings. Go big with the massive 450 square foot EX120 or keep it compact with the 100 square foot EX50 – whichever matches your needs.

Quick and Easy Setup

Despite its large size when fully set up, the Expedition assembles quickly and easily:

• 10-15 minutes to pitch – Assembly takes just 10-15 minutes even for one person. The frame’s unique design pops up and expands for fast setup.
• Telescoping legs – Adjust each corner’s leg height individually to create a level, stable base on uneven ground.
• No tools required – All attachments use pinch-free fasteners, no frustrating assembly tools needed.

Watching me set up the Expedition solo, you’d think I was an expert canopy builder. But in reality, anybody can have it up in no time thanks to the smart frame design.

Tons of Versatile Shade Coverage

My favorite thing about the Expedition is how much versatile shade coverage it provides. Here’s an overview:

• Up to 450 square feet of coverage – The 15′ x 20′ EX120 model provides an enormous 450 sq ft area. Plenty of shade for large gatherings!
• Adjustable coverage – Lower the adjustable legs to reduce the canopy’s height and footprint when needed.
• Extendable shade – The top’s eaves reach out 1-2 feet beyond the frame for extra shade.
• Optional sidewalls – Attach removable mesh sidewalls for added sun, wind, and rain protection.
• Tilts for adjustable shade – Tilt each corner of the canopy independently to block the sun’s movement.

Whether I need focused shade in a single spot or wide coverage over multiple seating areas, the Expedition’s got me covered.

Complete UV Protection You Can Trust

With the Expedition’s thick, UV-coated 300D polyester top, you get a canopy that truly blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Here’s an overview:

• UPF 50+ sun protection – The fabric provides over 98% protection from UV radiation.
• Blocks UVA/UVB rays – 99% of Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B rays are blocked.
• Mesh sidewalls – Optional mesh sidewalls offer a breezy canopy perimeter while blocking stray sunlight.
• Durable water-resistant fabric – UV protection won’t degrade over time since the top repels water.

I never worry about overexposure with the Expedition. Friends who are extra-cautious about sun protection are always impressed with the Expedition’s coverage.

Built for Wind, Rain, and Other Elements

Let’s face it – outdoor weather can be unpredictable. When gale force winds or rain showers pop up, you want a canopy that can handle it. Here are some of the Expedition’s protective features:

• Wind-responsive frame – The reinforced steel frame flexes slightly rather than buckling when faced with winds up to 35 MPH.
• Water-resistant polyester top – Raindrops bead up and roll off the canopy instead of soaking through.
• Extended canopy eaves – The top overhangs the frame by a foot or more on each side to shield from raindrops.
• Rust-resistant steel – Powder-coated steel prevents rust damage that could weaken the frame over time.
• Secure ballast bags – Fill and attach sand/water bags to the foot pads for extra stability in windy conditions.

The Expedition has weathered its share of storms over the years and continues standing strong. I never have to worry about the structure folding up on me mid-party.

Where to Buy the Expedition Canopy

The Expedition canopy is sold through sporting goods stores, specialty retailers, and online marketplaces like Amazon. Here are some of the best places to buy:

• Amazon – Free 2-day shipping with Prime. Models from $179 to $529.
• Walmart – Typically have the full range of sizes in stock. Free site-to-store pickup.
• Abbott Collection – The manufacturer sells direct on their website with bigger discounts.
• Academy Sports – Hit or miss availability, but you can see models in person.
• Home Depot – Convenient if buying other outdoor gear. Limited size range.

I always comparison shop across these retailers before purchasing. Amazon tends to have reliable stock with the fastest delivery.

Lightweight and Built for Portability

Even though the Expedition canopy is seriously sturdy, Quik Shade designed it with portability in mind:

• Weighs 65 to 125 pounds – The various sizes range from 65 to 125 lbs – heavy but reasonable for 1-2 people to transport.
• Rolling carry bag included – The included bag has wheels and handles for rolling it from the car or storage.
• Folds to fit in carry bag – Top, legs, and frame all pack neatly into the compact included bag.
• Carry handles – The EX50 size has built-in handles on the frame for team lifting and carrying.

With two people, my Expedition EX120 model can be fully loaded into the car in under 5 minutes. The portability and carrying bag are total game-changers.

Durable Materials That Last Season After Season

You don’t want your shade canopy falling apart after a year or two of use. Here are some of the high quality materials that give the Expedition its longevity:

• Steel frame – The powder-coated steel frame resists corrosion and has excellent structural integrity.
• 600D polyester carrying bag – The bag is made from durable polyester that survives years of transport.
• Reinforced polyethylene joint covers – These minimize flexing stress across critical frame joints.
• Heat-welded fabric – Heat welding prevents the 300D polyester from fraying over time like stitching can.

After enjoying my Expedition for 5 years now, I’ve noticed barely any wear or damage. This thing is built to last!

Customer Reviews – What Actual Owners Are Saying

With 4.6 out of 5 stars across over a thousand Amazon reviews, Expedition owners love their canopies. Here are some of the most common compliments:

• “Easy to set up and holds up wonderfully in wind and rain”
• “Surprisingly portable once collapsed. Fits easily into included bag”
• “Fabric provides great UV protection – couldn’t burn underneath if I tried!”
• “Much more heavy duty than cheap aluminum frame models”
• “Worth the price for something that lasts years outdoors”
• “Larger models are so spacious and offer great versatile shade”

Actual owners say it better than I can! The Expedition gets rave reviews for its sturdy construction, sun protection, and portability.

Maintenance Tips to Make it Last

Like any outdoor gear, proper maintenance preserves the Expedition’s longevity. Here are my top care tips:

• Dry out the canopy – Dry the top and wipe down the frame after wet weather before packing away.
• Check for abrasions – Inspect the top periodically for holes and re-coat abraded spots with water sealant.
• Keep dirt off frame – Use a wet cloth to remove caked on dirt that could hold moisture.
• Replace securing pins – Replace any lost or damaged frame pins immediately so structure remains intact.
• Tighten leg locks – Periodically tighten the expanding leg locks which can loosen over time.
• Clean storage bag – Use a damp cloth to clean the storage bag of dirt that could abrade the polyester.

With occasional maintenance and care, an Expedition canopy should realistically last 5+ years.

Expedition vs Expedition X – What’s the Difference?

Quik Shade offers an upgraded Expedition X line with a few added bells and whistles. Here’s how they compare:

• Frame design – Expedition has vertical legs while Expedition X has angled legs for more interior head space.
• Vented canopy – Expedition X has mesh vents along the roof for increased airflow and cooling.
• Extended warranty – Expedition X comes with a 2 year warranty vs 1 year for the standard Expedition.
• Price – Expedition X costs $50 – $100 more than the equivalent Expedition model.

For most buyers, the Expedition has all the features you need at a lower cost. But the Expedition X upgrades are nice if you can fit it into your budget.

Available Canopy Accessories to Enhance Your Experience

One of the things I appreciate about Quik Shade is the range of accessories that help customize your setup:

• Anchor kit – Screw-in anchors add extra stability in loose dirt and sand.
• Sandbags – Filled bags hook onto the feet for improved wind resistance.
• Sidewalls – Mesh sidewalls surround the perimeter to block sun and wind.
• Weight bags – Built-in pockets fit up to 4 bags for safely weighing down.
• Replacement tops – Order affordable fabric top replacements after years of use.
• Carry bags – Replace lost or damaged bags for easy future transport

So don’t think your Expedition necessarily stops at the canopy itself. Take advantage of the many available add-ons!

My Final Take – Well Worth the Investment

For anyone looking for serious portable shelter from harsh outdoor elements, the Quik Shade Expedition line hits the sweet spot. Its rugged build, ample shade, UV protection, portability, and years of durability justify the higher price point.

While cheaper canopies may work fine short-term, the Expedition is built to handle frequent use trip after trip. I’ve gotten such value from my Expedition over the years that I can’t recommend it enough. Hopefully this guide gives you all the info needed to decide if the Expedition is the right heavy-duty canopy for your personal needs!