We’ve all seen those amazing Instagram shots of tricked-out overlanding trucks with rooftop tents, or vintage pop-top campers with awesome side awnings. It’s kinda hard to achieve the same effect with your city hatchback or sensible family estate though. Fortunately, this easy-to-set-up vehicle awning from Kelty is here to change the game for your next car camp. With a universal fit that attaches easily to the rear or side of almost any vehicle, it offers shade and protection from the elements. Whether you’re kicking back with a cold one after your day's adventure or making a weekend of it, the Sideroads Awning has got you covered.
Universal vehicle attachment system easily connects to side or rear of most vehicles
Fits small hatchbacks, SUVs, 4x4s and vans – should fit almost any passenger or recreational vehicle
Sturdy fibreglass poles
Quick corners for lightning-fast and easy setup
Floorless tarp structure provides sanctuary from the elements and more room for fun
Secondary roof rack attachment straps provided as attachment option
Shark Mouth duffel for easy pack-up and cross-body transport
Seasons: 3
Capacity: 6+
Number of poles: 2 main, 1 brow
Packed weight: 4.03 kg
Peak height: 203 - 274 cm
Tarp: 68D Polyester / 1200 mm / C0
Poles: Fiberglass
You’ll probably find a Kelty pack or tent at every trailhead and campground in the 50 states, from Alaska to New Mexico. They’re one of the biggest and best-loved US outdoor gear brands.
In fact, American entrepreneurial spirit is in Kelty’s DNA. Just as Henry Ford is forever associated with the Ford Motor Company, Kelty is closely associated with its founder, Asher ‘Dick’ Kelty. A tireless inventor and passionate outdoorsman, Kelty developed a host of innovations in outdoor gear, including the first aluminium frame backpack, the first waist-belt, the first padded shoulder straps and the first zippered pockets. Those are all design elements that are still found on almost every quality trekking pack sold today.
In the 1960s and 70s, these technical advances were so ground-breaking that Kelty packs were carried on expeditions to Everest, K2, Cholatse and Antarctica. But just as importantly, Kelty’s affordable and widely available packs encouraged thousands of Americans to explore the backwoods and mountains of their own country. National Geographic Explorer Nick Clinch even wrote that he blamed Kelty for overcrowding the wilderness. “By taking the weight off the hiker’s shoulders and putting it on the hips, he took the misery out of the sport”, he explained. “[Kelty] made it enjoyable for people to go backpacking.”
Today, Kelty is still dedicated to getting everyone outdoors, with a wide range of sleeping bags, tents and other outdoor equipment – including, of course, its iconic packs. Even today Kelty still manufacture traditional external-framed packs, based on original Dick Kelty designs, alongside their modern internal-framed rucksacks. It’s a little nod to their founder and his part in America’s enduring love affair with the great outdoors
Perfect if don’t want to mount a permanent structure