SheltaPod

Like all the best bits of outdoor gear, SheltaPod started out with a gap in the market and a sewing machine. Founder Julie Ritson was a seasoned van-lifer who just couldn't find a decent awning. The ones on offer were too bulky, dwarfed her little camper, and were such a faff to put up that it wasn't worth bothering for an overnight stay. So she made one of her own.

The idea of that first SheltaPod was to create a versatile, multipurpose awning that wouldn't spoil the view from the van and was easy to erect single-handed. Soon her prototype was turning so many heads that Julie decided to crowdfund a production run, and the rest is history.

Since then, the SheltaPod has been repeatedly refined and upgraded – mainly based on feedback from the campers who are out on the road using it day-in, day-out. Endlessly adaptable, it can be a sunshade, al fresco dining shelter, living space or bedroom, all the while remaining true to those original goals of being compact and easy to put up. You don’t even need a van, since it’ll fit pretty much any vehicle.

In 2019, SheltaPod took things to the next level by teaming up with WildBounds favourite, Tentsile – creator of the genius futuristic tree tents. The partnership has brought with it a whole heap more upgrades, including improved materials and more ethical manufacture.