Vango 2016 AirAway Awnings

Vango 2016 AirAway Awnings

Vango have released their range of 2016 AirAway AirBeam awnings for both caravans and campers, earlier than usual due to the high demand of last season!


Vango is a British company with 50 years experience in the outdoor world. They have been the market leaders for ages, and after 12 years of development, in 2011 the AirBeam was introduced.

The AirBeam's attraction is that all awnings and tents in the range have inbuilt beams encased in a highly robust, double-skinned sleeve system that creates a stable structure when inflated. The beams inflate in a matter of minutes, and every      model is weather tested, ensuring that they are of  exceptional quality, highly durable and most importantly, waterproof. The awnings all come with a kador strip, meaning they can attach to many different fittings, including J-rails, wind out rails and awning channels.

So what's new about the 2016 range?

With Vango's new Sentinel fabrics, the range of denier within the awning models is much larger, spanning from 70 denier to 420, making the 70 super lightweight, and the 420 super durable!

Vango have also introduced the Galli, which is a larger, more usable space for an awning than ever before. They have also discarded the Sapera, developing it into the Kela Deluxe, which is of a higher quality and features a new removable, zipped sun canopy.

Watch our reviews of all the models written about on our YouTube video here.

Sizes

Tall

Low

Standard

Previously, there were two models of the awnings, the Standard (205cm to 235cm) and the Tall (235cm to 290cm), however due to popular demand, this year they have introduced the Low model (180cm to 210cm) across the range - a height which is better suited to vans such as VW Transporters and Mazda Bongos, which the AirBeam drive away awnings are most attractive to. Some awnings have also got different widths, accommodating the larger family and vehicle. 

IDRIS II AirAway Awning

The Idris is the lightest in the range, with a lightweight, 70 denier fabric, perfect for people who are on the move. It comes with a convenient carry bag, and the choice of attaching additional bedrooms. The Idris is small enough to be convenient, yet big enough to give a usable living space. It has a linked-in groundsheet, increasing air circulation within the awning and reducing condensation.

The prices start from around £380 for the Idris, and it is best suited for camper vans, motor homes and smaller caravans, making it ideal for fairweather campers who will only be using it now and then, or serious campers on a budget!

Shop Idris II

KELA III AirAway Awning

The Kela comes in all size ranges possible, making it easier to tailor to your needs. Starting with the Low and ranging to the Tall, the Kela also comes in an XL Standard version - nearly 1.5 meters wider than the others. This provides any family with the space they need, while being made of 420 denier double ripstop fabric giving it the robustness it needs, not just from the elements but from those destructive humans otherwise known as children!

The awning also features Vango's patented TBS II (Tension Band System) to keep the awning stable in bad conditions, and for when the weather is looking better they have their own pockets into which they can be tucked away neatly. These protective measures are reinforced with a set of storm straps and a bracer beam (connecting the two main beams), ensuring maximum comfort and peace of mind when the wind picks up. The sewn in groundsheet makes sure that when the ground is wet, your feet are not!

Inside, the awning has zipped privacy curtains, with a door on each side of the connection tunnel, making a perfect area for storage and it will help keep the awning and your vehicle clean and dry. 

Starting prices are expected to be around the £500 mark, which is a steal for such a robust and versatile awning!

Shop Kela III Low    Shop Kela III Standard

Both the Idris and Kela are available to view (as last years models) on our website!

Standard XL

Kale III Low - Kela III Standard

KELA DELUXE

With all the same basic features as the Kela, the Deluxe boasts a longer living area with a detachable sun canopy adding another meter onto the awning. It also has huge windows at the front, so even when the sun canopy is not in use you can still benefit from both the views and the daylight.

The Kela Deluxe comes in two different widths - the 310cm Low and Standard, and the 380cm Standard and Tall, like the Kela allowing you to tailor your awning to your needs. 

The Deluxe 380 models have the option to convert into not 1 but 2 bedrooms side by side, perfect for the bigger family.

From £730, the Kela Deluxe makes camping an easy, practical luxury, with the size of a bigger awning minus the hassle of putting it up!

Watch our video review of this years Kela and the Kela Deluxe here.

Shop Kela III Deluxe

GALLI AirAway Awning

The Galli Awning is new to the AirBeam awning range this year, boasting nearly a 5 meter length that runs down the side of the vehicle, giving a huge living area while utilizing the space on the campsite pitch. This awning is a perfect example of Vango's design skills, with it being contemporary and innovative while still being effective and versatile.

Made from the 420 Denier, this awning is just as strong as the Kela models, while having the option for 1 or 2 bedrooms at the rear of the awning, still leaving room for living space at the front. 

Flexibility is one of the most important factors in a drive-away awning, and with a side door in the connection between the awning and vehicle, that is what the Galli gives. As with the Kela, this separation also helps to keep both awning and vehicle clean and dry, and gives extra space for muddy wellies!!

The Galli is available in the three main heights, ranging from £800 to £850. This awning gives you a lot of stability and space for your money, and it is sure to be a quick seller this season!

All of last seasons van awnings are available to view on our website, Vango and otherwise! Check them all out to get an idea of what this years stock will be like...but bigger and better!

Shop Galli AirAway Awning

Caravan AirAwnings

RAPIDE

The modest Rapide focuses on quick inflation, low weight, convenience and an innovative design. It features just one Single Superbeam, paired with the strong Comfort 150 fabric and a bracer beam in order to give sufficient stability with an amazingly fast pitching time. 

The single beam has a much larger diameter than the regular ones, so don't be put off by this. It is a quality that is particularly attractive to people who are frequently on the move, as it only weighs 17.9kg in a small pack size. 

Although small, there is an option to upgrade from the 250cm length to the 350cm - so people who require just that bit more space can benefit from its low weight as well. For a small awning, it also has 2 large diamond windows at the front, flooding the living space with light, but with zipped up curtains for when the weather isn't quite so pleasant to look at!

The Rapide comes in at £375 for the 250 and £430 for the 350 - considering the fabric and the speed of inflation, a brilliant price for a lot of quality!!

To see more pictures and information on all of last years caravan awnings (and this years when we get them!), visit our website here.

Rapide 350

Rapide 250

VARKALA

The most renowned of Vango's awnings, the Varkala has been enhanced this year with the 420 denier ripstop fabric, making it more robust than ever before. It's pre-bent beams mean that this seasons' model has a more practical and usable living space. It has also been given massive windows and as with the Rapide, the zipped curtains - useful if you choose to add in the optional bedroom space. All side windows have a full mesh option, meaning you can get the fresh air without the bugs! 

2016 also sees the Varkala with new front doors, giving you total flexibility with the doors able to be unzipped from the top, rolled to the side or even fully removed. 

As well as the optional bedrooms, there is the choice to add hanging storage and a hanging coat rail in order to maximize the space.

The Varkala does come in 4 different sizes this year - the 280, 360, 420 and 520, however at Penrose Outdoors we aren't stocking the 520, but if you think the 520 is the one for you then simply let us know and we can get one for you with no issues. The awning starts at £650 up to £750, giving you a brilliant all-rounder that caters for any family size.

If you are interested in ordering the Varkala 520 from us, please click here for our contact details!

Varkala 420

Varkala 280

KALARI

Introducing the Kalari! The most luxury of all Vango awnings this year, the Kalari is made of the incredible Sentinel Luxe 600 denier fabric, providing protection from the most extreme of conditions and a sensational level of quality. Similarly to the Varkala, the Kalari utilizes the pre-bent technology - except it is paired with the extra stable Superbeam. This gives this exceptional awning more usable space and makes it the most secure of Vango's range of awnings. It features huge vista front windows with a curved shape, giving both excellent views and great living space. Like the Varkala, the multiple openings of the doors give great flexibility and also include the zipped privacy curtains. With lantern hanging points, diamond clear windows and mesh side windows with PVC covers, the Kalari is all of Vango's best features rolled into one amazing, premium package. 

For an extra £200, you can elevate the Kalari even further by adding a blackout annex on the side - meaning you don't have to compromise on space if you have more people than usual staying with you. 

At £900, the Kalari isn't cheap but that doesn't mean it's not great value. The fabric alone is worthy of a price like that, never mind all the small extras that turn camping into glamping! That price is for the 420 model, however Vango are producing a 520 model as well, and as with the Varkala 520, if you want it, we will do our utmost to get it for you!

View last years model of the similar Varkala on our website!

Kalari 420 with Annex

Kalari 420

We will be getting all awnings featured here in store in February 2016 - so keep your eyes peeled, or if you're super keen to get one before they sell out (which they did surprisingly quickly last year!), give us a ring (01872 270213) or drop us an email (sales@penroseoutdoors.co.uk) and we'll stick your name on one as soon we get them in!
If you have any questions about any of our products, please don't hesitate to get in touch and ask - there will always be someone around to give you quality, knowledgeable advice!  

Paramo Big Event

Paramo - The Big Event

To coincide with the Black Friday Sale weekend we are also offering some fantastic savings on all our Paramo clothing. If you haven't heard of Paramo before, then you've been missing out on one of the best and well respected brands in the world of technical outdoor wear. Founded by the father of NikWax waterproofing, Paramo's clothing offers industry leading waterproof and breathable fabrics that is the choice of many outdoor rescue services.

Read about the fabrics and technologies in more detail here - Paramo Brand Guide

Paramo Prize Draw

Enter the Paramo Prize Draw in-store to be in with a chance of winning your choice of any Analogy Jacket in the range!

Free Torres Gilet

Free Torres Gilet to the first 2 customers that buy a non discounted Analogy Jacket.

Click here to browse Paramo.

BLACK FRIDAY SALE

Black Friday Sale at Penrose Outdoors

The biggest day of online spending is nearly upon us!! With the British public alone expected to spend over £1 billion this year, you can get your slice of the savings with us online AND in-store, keeping you up to date with the latest ski, snowboard and outdoor gear trends!

We are offering a massive 15% off our huge range of outdoor gear, and an even bigger 20% off ALL our ski and snowboard clothing and equipment.

With these huge deals ending at midnight on Sunday 29th online, and the shop closing at 4pm, be sure to act fast or miss out on these great promotions!!

Thermarest Tréo Chair Review

Thermarest Tréo Chair

To be honest its not often something exciting happens in the world of folding chairs but the arrival of Thermarest's Tréo chair is most definitely an exception. Thermarest have deconstructed and then re-designed the camp chair from the ground up, and in doing so they have created something really quite interesting.

SHOP Thermarst Tréo

The Tréo comes packed in a hard plastic case that is roughly 26 cm by 11 cm and weighs just over 1 kg which isn't amazingly light, so this isn't a chair for ultra light backpackers. Then again its not that heavy either and will suit general campers as well as wild campers in need of a seat other than the floor. Packed, it looks neat and not unlike a time capsule, giving no hints to its true purpose. When opened, the contents look more like the ingredients of a small tent rather than camp chair. However the poles and Nylon seat are easily assembled and what resides is a remarkably comfortable chair. The bucket shaped seat can take up to 113 kg and the composite tripod legs feature non slip feet suitable for use on sand, dirt and rocks. The seat is also positioned at a sensible height making getting in and out of the chair easy. While similar looking to butterfly-style camp chairs that have been around for a long time, Thermarest's effort is definitely an improvement that is comfortable, looks cool but at £82 maybe a little expensive for some.

Berghaus Stormcloud Jacket

Berghaus Stormcloud Jacket

The Stormcloud jacket from Berghaus is the perfect option for those looking for an extremely lightweight, versatile, waterproof jacket, which doesn't lack on style and is incredibly eye catching. Designed for both men and women, this neat little jacket is the perfect accompaniment for walking around town, the beach or on a full blown hike.

The jacket features an adjustable hood with draw cords at the back and sides so the hood can be drawn around the face to keep out any wind and rain. At the font of the jacket you will find two zipped hand pockets with ample room to store your mobile, wallet or any other bits you may have on you.

Mens Stormcloud Jacket Carbon

Womens Stormcloud Jacket

There is a traditional Velcro adjustable cuff tab on each sleeve and there are also draw cords on the inside of the jacket so that the hem can be adjusted-preventing any gusts of wind finding its way inside.

The jacket is made using the AQ2 technology- essentially made up to two parts; the inner and outer. The outer has a durable, water repellent finish, which makes the jacket completely waterproof and breathable. There is a polyurethane coating on the inner of the jacket. 

Not only is the Stormcloud windproof and waterproof, the AQ2 fabric is also extremely breathable. This allows for any build up of heat you'd get through walking and exertion to escape through the fabric, helping to regulate your body temperature. 

With a weight of just 285g, you won't get weighed down by this really light jacket! It also comes with a net compression bag so when the sun comes out and it's too warm for a jacket, just simply roll it up and store it in the bag. This will minimise space in your rucksack or just makes it easier to carry rather than having it draped over your shoulders or wrapped around your waist. 

The coloured zips and draw cords featured on the jacket are of a contrasting colour, adding striking detail to the jacket.

Gel Fuel for camping stoves, any good?

Why use gel Gel fuels over gas?

If you haven't already heard of gel fuels you might be thinking 'Gel as a fuel for camping stoves, bit weird, what's wrong with gas, paraffin or petrol?'. And I agree, when I first came across it I was a little bemused by it all. That was until I was given a demonstration on how it works which completely changed my opinion of it and I now think of it as a genuine alternative to other fuels in the right situation.

The techy bit

The gel itself is an bio-ethanol that is formed by the fermentation of sugars derived from corn, wheat and sugar cane and is completely biodegradable. This means that from an ecological perspective, it is both environmentally friendly and sustainable which is a good start. Another benefit is that when the ethanol burns, no toxic or harmful substances (or horrible smells) are released into the atmosphere, just tiny amounts of water vapour and carbon dioxide. The fuel is also skin safe and even acts as a mild antiseptic.

As bio-ethanol gel comes in super tough sachets that are obviously unaffected by altitude unlike pressurized gas canisters that can be a difficult to light at higher altitudes. When lit, the gel burns from the outside layer in, and as a result once the gel is extinguished, it is cool to the touch and wont burn if touched. The sachet, being malleable is also easy to stash in a rucksack or cooking pot taking up very little space.  

Using gel as a fuel

There are dedicated gel fuel stoves available but it can used in any spirit/meth burning stoves such as Trangia's. Essentially the fuel could be used with any appropriate cooking tin and pan holder/riser. Unlike paraffin or similar liquid fuels there's little danger of spilling the gel fuel as it is so viscous (very thick and gooey). It's so thick in fact that it is great for starting fires as the gel stays put on top of kindling and does not run off on to the ground. The gel is easily ignited by fire steel or matches, starting with a gentle flame that increases in heat and size till the gel starts to crackle, roughly signifying the gel is ready to cook over. This gentle ignition maybe preferable for some over a gas stove's tendency to burst into life through a small fireball if it hasn't lit immediately!

The downsides

While gel has many advantages over other fuel types the main sticking point that most wild campers just wont get over, is that it takes considerably longer to boil, say, a litre of water, compared to a gas stove. Some climbers and hikers will undoubtedly favour Jet Boil systems and the like that boast 90 second boil times that let them cook and go. That said, gel fuel is comparable to both meth and alcohol fuels boil times.

Conclusion 

Gel fuel is safe, small and easily transported, it's also really cheap compared to the previously mentioned Jet Boil systems. So if you don't mind waiting a little for your cuppa, instead enjoying your environment and the experience of cooking outdoors, gel fuel might be worth considering for your next wild camping expedition.

Slingshot Wakeboards & Bindings

Slingshot Wakeboards & Bindings

New for 2015, Penrose Outdoors now stocks a range of wakeboards and bindings from Slingshot with unparalleled craftsmanship, pro-rider lead design and ridden by some of the world's best riders such as James Windsor, Oli Derome and Corrie Dyer. Whether you’re riding behind a boat or hitting a cable park Slingshot have a board for every rider. Here at Penrose Outdoors we currently have the Windsor, the Oli and the Whip wakeboard in stock, as well as the KTV and R.A.D bindings.

Full Columbian Gold wood cores provide great flex performance and compression response and the sweet, eye-catching 4D graphics make the boards stand out from any other boards on the market. Slingshot's Columbian Gold wood core has the highest compression response ever used in a wakeboard. Their wakeboards are also extremely environmentally friendly, using wood from local and sustainable forests. No PVC, Polyurethane foams or airborne solvents are used in the boards manufacture at all and the use of plastic top skins made from oil have been eliminated. And, for full green credentials, all the electricity used in the factory is created by wind and hydro-power.

Slingshot Windsor Wakeboard 2015

Named after pro Wake boarder James Windsor, Slingshot debuted the Windsor in 2014 and it's back for 2015. It has a medium flex between the feet helping the board maintain both shape and speed on high impact landings. The tip and tail channels help the board lock in for edging into air tricks and the ES base offers a controlled slide on the obstacles. Suitable for intermediate to expert level, the Windsor is perfect for all around rail park shredders awaiting big presses and additional traction for hard edging and air tricks.

Shop Windsor Wakeboard

Slingshot Oli Wakeboard 2015

Named after pro rider Oli Derome, the Oli board features subtle hourglass channels combine with chinned rails in the tip and tail to create big acceleration into the wake. The medium flex pattern is the perfect crossover between boat and cable riding, allowing for great presses in the park and an ultimate behind the boat performance. Aeronautic technology; the NACA TECH channels water like a vacuum from the centre to the tip of the board increasing the board speed and grip to the water, giving the rider edge control and reduced drag. The Oli is ideal for intermediate to expert riders seeking dynamic edging, maximum pop and soft landings in both park and riding applications.

Shop Oli Wakeboard

Slingshot Whip Wakeboard 2015

Packed with loads of new features and the ability to crossover between boat and the park, the Whip has been fully re-invented for 2015. The new design allows maximum finless traction while creating a smoother base and more contact surface for riding features. It is softer in the tips, which allows NACA TECH and cupped rails to press flat on obstacles for a better slide. Fantastic for the intermediate to expert riders who value powerful pop, controlled traction on edge, clean release off the water and ultra-efficient speed on and off edge.

Shop Whip Wakeboard

Slingshot KTV Wakeboard Boots 2015

The high performance KTV wakeboard boots use a Velcro closure system instead of laces so there is no time wasting when putting the boot on/taking off. The straps are lighter, strong and thinner to allow for more efficient tightening and a better flex in the boot. The KTV also have a bottomless base system for an unmatched foot to board connection.

Shop KTV Bindings

Slingshot R.A.D Wakeboard Boots 2015

You’ll certainly get noticed in the eye-catching blue R.A.D. wakeboard boots. Form fit for maximum comfort and performance, designed for both boat and cable riders. The dual zone closure system combines a laced lower with integrated Heel Hold Down System and a Velcro upper zone to allow for a completely customised fit. Slingshot’s bottomless base system creates the ultimate in foot to board connectivity, providing an improved "feel" on the water.

Shop R.A.D Bindings

LakeView Wake Park is Cornwall's newest wake park and is located on the the 5* Star Lake View Country Park near Bodmin - lakeviewwakepark.com