Light weight non attached awning options?

[outbackogre]

The current weather in Melbourne has me thinking about my touring (no van) setup.  I normally live out the back of the car (it's a Mitsubishi of course), with small tent and self inflating camp mat.  I'm happy with this setup but it has no cover for inclement weather, and I don't want to install roof racks just for an awning.  I'm tempted to buy an instant gazebo but these can be heavy and bulky.  Then I saw the Oztrail Hiker Fly - https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/oztrail-hiker-fly
I know it means mucking around with poles and pegs, but I'd only erect it when really needed.  Anyone tried one of these or something similar?

[edz]

Could you fashion up a door / roof gutter clip on sail track arrangement that is in two pieces and use just a silver poly tarp thats got a sail track cord sewn into one side., that and two poles and a couple of guy ropes wouldnt take up too much room / take too long to put up ..
Could even do away with the sail track part and use webbing straps clamped by the doors instead / though may get water inside the doors by  wicking in through the webbing over the door seals .
Either way its light and easy and some shelter to sleep / sit under and could add clip on side walls of 75% shade cloth for a bit of privacy / weather protection .

[petrolburner]

I have a snow peak hexa tarp on order from Drifta.

It should turn up early next week.

For the shade on offer they pack down very small and are quite lightweight.
I have used gazebos I. The past and they are a great option but agree they can be heavy and clunky to pack.

[Anakist]

Anaconda has an awning that suction cups onto the car. Could try that.

www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/tents/gazebos-screens-shades/dune-4wd-quickstop-awning/p/BP90040784

James

[Alan Loy]

I have the larger camper fly and find it very handy.  The thing I like the best is its small size and weight when packed.  Much easier to use than a heavy tarp.

[Fizzie]

I've got a BCF Wanderer RV Shade http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wanderer-Instant-RV-Shade-Brand-NEW-Boating-Camping-Fishing-/252526147158 lying in the junk room doing nothing if you'd like it

Your's for postage or Swagmail

[outbackogre]

Thanks for the replies everyone.  Fizzie, most generous of you, but I think I'd like something that's free standing, so I can drive away and leave it erected in a standing camp situation.  The Snow Peak tarps are impressive and so is the price.  I'm very tempted to try the hiker or camper fly, especially given that the smaller hiker fly needs only 2 poles.  Alan, has your fly been water proof?

[westvic]

Then I saw the Oztrail Hiker Fly - https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/oztrail-hiker-fly
I know it means mucking around with poles and pegs, but I'd only erect it when really needed.  Anyone tried one of these or something similar?

Yep I've got one and I find it a real pain to set up. Concept is nice but tricky setup especially if you are on your own.

[Alan Loy]

Alan, has your fly been water proof?

Yes its waterproof.

Personally I prefer to use to use poles so the setup can be versatile.  I attach it to the van, car or convenient tree where possible and I use an drill and coach bolts rather than pegs, so I am reducing the work necessary.  The bigger fly allows me to attach it to the other side of the car and drape it over the roof and still have reasonable coverage.

[GBC]

I use this guy’s jungle hammock and fly setup. He builds gear for various armed forces etc. the PU tarps he makes are slightly heavier than SIL nylon, but also more robust. I would recommend his gear in a heartbeat.
My hammock and fly is 5 yo and is still like new and it gets well used.

http://www.mosquitohammock.com/

[outbackogre]

Thanks again folks.  Lot's to think about.   

[Bird]

Looks like a good idea



... but how good when the wind picks up and its raining then a normal gazebo is a bitch like that too... guy in the club nearly lost his Oztrail gazebo at Beachport in a storm of lots of strong wing and rain with all the walls attached.

[outbackogre]

I agree Bruce.  I'd only use it for rain and sun protection.  If the wind whipped up too much I'd pack away all the fragile stuff and retire to my little tent (or into the car if things got really wooly).   

[Bird]

Can you get low profile roof bars for those - instead of complete rack or the high ones...

maybe look for some used Rola racks - give you something to mount an awning onto... they are good. like http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=400.msg915405#msg915405

[Alan Loy]

... but how good when the wind picks up and its raining then a normal gazebo is a bitch like that too... guy in the club nearly lost his Oztrail gazebo at Beachport in a storm of lots of strong wing and rain with all the walls attached.

I find if I put a rope over things they stay put.  It's a hangover from my tent days but I always tie things down as well as up, I've lost more tarps from the wind getting under them than any other way.

[GBC]

Rig it close to the ground and it will go ok. If you want to get ideas about rigging small tarps join a hammock camping forum or get books such as ‘the ultimate hang’. Mine has been through some solid weather. When you are in a kayak miles from anywhere it is kind of in your best interest to make it work for you.