We bought this playpen because, having looked around, we decided we wanted something that we could (a) use indoors and out, (b) take to relatives if we were out for an evening and (c) that had soft sides (I didn't like the metal ones as I had visions of lots of banged heads as our daughter began to toddle).
Whilst this playpen is a little bit expensive, it's worth every penny.
It comes with it's own travel bag and the canopy fits neatly into one of the sides of the actual playpen. There are a couple of little mesh pockets on the outside of it too to put toys or a water bottle into when it's up. The mesh sides mean air is circulating and it therefore keeps it cool inside. The additional UV protective cover is an excellent idea. You can have it completely across the playpen - it simply slots into groves each side then the rest is fastened with velcro - or you can have it partially open. Ideal for garden use. Of course, you don't have to use it at all :)
Another thing we needed was the ability to move the playpen around as we don't have a particularly big lounge. This fits the bill excellently! It is used during the day for when I need that bit of time to get dinner on or put the washing away. We really didn't want to put all our items up above 4' high ;-) Once our daughter has gone to bed, it's folded away and popped into a cupboard. Easy peasy!!
How easy is it to use I hear you ask. You remove the playpen from it's travel case and simply pull up on the handles on each side and lock it into place with the fastening mechanism. Done! It's that simple. Takes less than a minute to do. To close it down, release the handles and pull the centre tab in the middle of the playpen and it neatly closes up. Probably faster than even opening it :)
It's easy clean and I can see it being used for a long time to come as a playhouse!
Would highly recommend to any parent.