This canopy is extremely sturdy and well worth the money, in that sense. You definitely need at least 2 people to raise it, as it's heavy and well-constructed. I use mine for vending and we've been in the rain twice with no issues. No leaking, nothing. It dries pretty quickly, as well. And, if you leave it in your vehicle, soaking wet, and run into your house and forget to go back out to air it out, it doesn't grow mold or mildew or get gross within 3 days of rain. Just open it up in the fresh air and it dries quickly.

I've used the side pieces to keep out direct sun and they were extremely easy to attach, the velcro is strong, and they definitely kept me in the shade.