Accessories and awnings
There’s always a splendid array of new kit at the February show, and here is our pick of some highlights
Bradcot
Bradcot’s Modul-air awning, which like all of its products is fully made in the UK, has the great benefit of being able to be used as a porch or a full awning. Instead of buying another awning, you simply add zippable sections to increase the size.
The awning is made with fully breathable Tencate fabric, and has five years of UV degradation cover and a lifetime guarantee on all of its beams. It also features a cleverly designed adjustable pegging-point system – should you hit a rock while pegging out the awning, you simply slide the peg along and then try again.
bradcot-awnings.co.uk
Coleman
Camping specialist Coleman’s stand featured a couple of camping shelters, including the new Shelter Air M (above right) . The inflatable Air M (£499.99) measures 3 x 3m and comes with four ‘zip and roll’ sunwalls pre-attached. These can be rolled up to provide more ventilation, or converted into an awning. There are clear windows in the roof and sunwalls, and it comes with fully taped seams and a 3000mm hydrostatic head. It’s easy for one person to pitch, using the supplied dual-action pump.
The Event Shelter Air L (above left, £599.99) now has Fastpitch air poles for the main frame, for easy one-person set-up with the dual-action pump. Valves can isolate poles if are punctured. Measuring 3.65 x 3.65m, the Air L has fully taped seams and similar waterproofing to the Air M. It comes with storm straps and guying points.
colemanuk.co.uk
Doréma
Suitable for larger caravans, Doréma’s 4m-wide Siesta (£1399) is spacious and has the headroom of a more traditional model – unusual in an air awning. Inside, there’s a removable front panel to form a verandah effect, and a separate annexe (£349), which includes an inner tent and can be attached on either side.
All panels can be zipped out and it comes with a high-volume handpump, rear leg poles and a carry bag.
dorema.co.uk
Campingaz
New this year, Campingaz’s lightweight (2.9kg) Bistro Grill (£99.99) is a good alternative to the disposable barbecue. It has a non-stick coating, grease tray and 940 sq cm diecast aluminium cooking surface, which conveniently is easily removable for washing.
The wok-shaped Campingaz 360 Grill CV has an aluminium diecast reversible ribbed griddle, which can be flipped over for pancakes or removed to expose the pan support for stove cooking.
Great on campsites, where you have 360º access, so you can sit around it in campfire style. It’s compact and weighs just 4.4kg, ideal for leisure vehicles.
The new Campingaz Attitude 2Go (£229.99) is a more substantial tabletop barbecue. For campsite chefs looking to cook more than a few sausages, the lid can be closed, so it can be used to roast.
It comes with a large thermometer set into the lid. It’s fairly chunky, weighing 13.9kg, but that extra weight helps to provide additional stability.
campingaz.co.uk