If you don’t have a lot of time and just want to get the gist of this article, here’s the summary:
In my humble opinion, the Kelty Sideroads Car Awning seems to be a well-rounded option for those who love road trips and camping. Its versatility in fitting a variety of vehicles, the convenience of setup using Quick Corners, and the protection it offers against the elements are clear standouts. The weight and packed size make it easy to handle and store, whilst the absence of doors can be seen as either a positive or negative, depending on your preference for panoramic views or extra privacy.
However, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Ultralight backpackers, those who prefer a fully enclosed shelter, folks with very compact or large vehicles, campers who prefer setting up away from their vehicles, those who often camp in extreme weather conditions, or those on a budget might want to consider other options.
The Sideroads Awning, for all its perks, does have its limitations. It’s important to assess these alongside your specific needs and preferences before making a decision. All in all, it seems like an awning that could be a good companion for many, but not necessarily for all.
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Kelty Sideroads Car Awning Review: Who is it for?
After spending quite a lot of time reading about and considering different perspectives on the Kelty Sideroads Car Awning, I’ve gathered some thoughts on who might find this product to be a good fit for their needs.
First and foremost, people who love camping should find a great use in this awning. Given its universal attachment system and quick-clip buckles, it seems like a diverse array of vehicles, from tall vans and SUVs to smaller wagons, could benefit from it. The fact that it can be deployed at either the side or the rear of the vehicle makes it all the more versatile. So, if you’re someone who enjoys hitting the road and setting up a camp in the wild, the Kelty Sideroads Awning could be a great companion for you.
The awning also offers some pretty robust protection against the elements. The rounded canopy construction is designed to provide more shield from wind, sun, and rain than traditional square awnings. So, for those who often find themselves camping in areas with unpredictable weather, this awning could be a lifesaver. I think it could offer some comfort and shelter when the weather decides to throw a curveball.
Now, let’s talk about the setup. No one likes a complicated setup, especially after a long drive to the campsite. With the Kelty Quick Corners, it seems like attaching the canopy to the 3-pole system could be a breeze. I think this feature could be particularly appealing for those who want to spend less time setting up and more time enjoying their outdoor adventure.
Its weight and size, I believe, should also be considered. It’s 8 lbs. 14 oz., which in my opinion, isn’t too heavy for a car awning. This could be suitable for those who prefer not to carry too much weight on their travels. The packed size of 22 x 8 x 7 inches shouldn’t take up too much space either, so if you’re someone who likes to travel light and compact, this could be a plus.
The Kelty Sideroads Awning comes without doors, which could be either a pro or con, depending on your preference. Some might appreciate the open design, allowing a panoramic view of the surroundings, while others might prefer a bit more privacy or protection against insects. So, in this respect, it’s really about what you’re looking for in an awning.
Finally, the awning comes with a Shark Mouth carry duffle for storage, which I think is a nice touch. It’s always handy to have a convenient storage solution, particularly when your car is already packed with camping gear.
To wrap up, based on its features and specs, the Kelty Sideroads Awning appears to be a good fit for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly road-trippers and campers, who value versatility, simple setup, compactness, and effective protection against the elements. However, as always, everyone’s needs and preferences vary, so it’s worth considering all these factors before making a decision.
Kelty Sideroads Car Awning Review: Who isn’t it for?
Alright, so now, let’s dive into my humble opinions on who the Kelty Sideroads Awning might not be the best fit for.
If you’re an ultralight backpacker, to begin with, then this awning might not be your cup of tea. Although at 8 lbs. 14 oz., it isn’t the heaviest of options, I’d reckon it’s still more of a load than you’d want to carry on a backpacking trip. Remember, this isn’t a standard tent; it’s an awning designed to be attached to your vehicle, so it’s not meant to be carried on your back for miles on end.
Next, if you’re someone who prefers a self-contained, closed shelter, this might not be right up your alley. The open design, with no doors, means there’s less privacy and potentially more exposure to bugs and wildlife. This is something I think folks who are used to traditional tents with zipped doors might need to consider. The Sideroads Awning is more about offering shade and a bit of protection from the elements rather than offering a completely enclosed, private space.
The awning’s universal attachment system is touted as a feature that makes it compatible with a range of vehicles. But, if you own a very compact car or a large RV, I’m not totally convinced that it would fit as seamlessly. The dimensions and design seem to work best with medium-sized vehicles like SUVs and vans. So, if you own a Mini Cooper or a massive RV, you might want to look into other options or do a bit more research to ensure it would work for you.
And while we’re on the topic of vehicles, if you’re someone who likes to set up camp away from your vehicle, the Sideroads Awning might not be the best option for you. It’s designed to be attached to your car, providing an extended shelter off the side or rear of the vehicle. This means you have to park your car at the exact spot where you want your camp. So, if you’re the type who prefers to set up your shelter deep in the woods away from your car, this product might not be the most suitable choice.
The pole material is fiberglass, which is generally lightweight and affordable. However, from what I’ve read and heard, it’s not the most durable option out there. If you’re going to be camping in very high winds or rugged conditions often, you might want to consider awnings that use aluminum poles for increased durability.
Lastly, the Sideroads Awning doesn’t come cheap. If you’re on a tight budget, this might not be the most economical choice. There are alternatives out there that might not have all the bells and whistles but could still get the job done at a lower price point.
In conclusion, while the Kelty Sideroads Awning has some great features and is a good fit for many, it might not be the best choice for ultralight backpackers, folks seeking a fully enclosed shelter, those with very small or large vehicles, campers who prefer setting up away from their vehicles, those who frequently camp in extreme conditions, or those on a tight budget. As always, it’s best to evaluate your specific needs, preferences, and budget before making a decision.
Kelty Sideroads Car Awning Review: Conclusion
In my humble opinion, the Kelty Sideroads Car Awning seems to be a well-rounded option for those who love road trips and camping. Its versatility in fitting a variety of vehicles, the convenience of setup using Quick Corners, and the protection it offers against the elements are clear standouts. The weight and packed size make it easy to handle and store, whilst the absence of doors can be seen as either a positive or negative, depending on your preference for panoramic views or extra privacy.
However, it may not be the best choice for everyone. Ultralight backpackers, those who prefer a fully enclosed shelter, folks with very compact or large vehicles, campers who prefer setting up away from their vehicles, those who often camp in extreme weather conditions, or those on a budget might want to consider other options.
The Sideroads Awning, for all its perks, does have its limitations. It’s important to assess these alongside your specific needs and preferences before making a decision. All in all, it seems like an awning that could be a good companion for many, but not necessarily for all.