Awning review: Outwell Ripple 380SA

The popular Danish company continues to develop and enhance its inflatable awnings offering and here, Nick Harding sets up the 2020 version of its mid-range Ripple

Single-point inflation and plenty of good options make this an appealing awning

IF YOUR OUTDOORS background includes family camping, it’s more than likely you’ll have heard of Outwell tents. The Danish company has a strong background in this sector, especially here in the UK. And that’s also what holds it in particularly good stead with its more recent caravan awning offerings.

There’s a growing portfolio to choose from, with the Ripple 380SA reviewed here part of its Nordic Shore collection (not to be confused with its Nordic Coast models). As well as the 380, there are also 320 and 440 variants, all with that same ‘smiley face’ appearance.

The SA in the name stands for Smart Air, which means single-point inflation.

That’s a good start, meaning you can inflate this awning by attaching the manual pump (newly designed for 2020) at any valve and pump up the whole unit in one go, thanks to the interconnecting beams.

Other than that, you need some 44cm of rail attachment to connect the Ripple.

The single front panel is removable, as are the two side panels (something to bear in mind when you’re putting up any awning like this, as it can help having a lot less bulk and weight to contend with).

The Ripple certainly boasts a superior main fabric. Outtex HD is a Taslan polyester with a particularly dense weave that

makes it akin to polycotton. It’s also highly water-resistant, thanks in part to features such as taped seams.

They do like their ‘Systems’ at Outwell – with the Ripple 380SA you get:

Pole-free Seal System, whereby the fabric fits tight against the caravan walls

Height Adjustment System, to help in adjusting levels when pitching on uneven ground

Integrated Advanced Air System, which refers to the beam framework and optimises overall performance, including the standing height.

Add to that tinted windows, zipped curtains, a draught skirt with two storage pockets, clipon storm straps, two upper vents with internal covers, rain protection covers over the side doors, and insect-proof mesh. There are also the usual annexe, carpet and footprint options.

And if you want to continue the Outwell theme, you might also like to investigate the firm’s extensive catalogue of camping gear, too!

VERDICT

Excellent awning, plenty of attractive features and a good feel of all-round quality.