PolTek Sun Canopy and attachments.
This is long because it is detailed. So I’ll start with the conclusion then if you are interested you can read more.
Brilliant! Simple and quick to erect. Excellent build quality and materials. Bags that are big enough to fit the canvas back into. Obviously designed by people who camp. Value for money and I think it will last.
I bought the sun canopy, plus the ‘extras’. Side walls, front panel, and the mesh enclosure. A review of each part follows.
The sun canopy comes in a drawstring bag that is big enough to get the refolded canopy back into without a fight. On unrolling the canopy two further bags are revealed, one holding the poles and the other the guy ropes and three pegs.
Putting the canopy up is simple.
Unfold and find the 6/7 mm Kador and slide that part into your vans ‘C’ awning rail and it is firmly anchored to the van.
There appears to be a long sleeve for a gutter attachment. (Though check with the manufacturer first). In my case the ‘sleeve’ also doubles as extra water proofing between the van and the canopy area.
There are three poles, two short and one slightly longer. All pole segments are spring connected so no messing about sorting them out.
The poles are spiked at both ends. The longer spikes point up. The shorter ones keep the pole in place in the ground.
Put the two shorter poles at the outside edges of the front of the canopy with the points through the eye rings on the corners. Tie the guy rope to the top and peg the other end in. The guys are generously long, and bright enough that someone would have to be really trying to trip over them!
The longer pole goes through the middle eyelet and is also held down by the guy rope. This longer pole is a great idea as it makes the canopy ‘peak’, so any rain runs off the sides rather than gathering in a pool.
Tip. The poles look very similar so just wrap a piece of insulating tape or similar around a section of the longer pole, then theres no trouble identifying which one goes in the middle.
Putting this up is easy. You can do it on your own. This has taken way longer to describe than it does to set up!
The canopy looks strong and durable. The seams appear strong and it’s generally well finished. There are robust zips and velcro on the canopy to allow for the sides and a front to be attached. Or the same zips can be used for attaching a ‘mesh net tent’ to the three sides.
The two side panels come in their own drawstring bag with a bag of metal pegs to secure the panels down.
As you unpack keep an eye how it was folded from the factory. Copying that makes it easy to fit back in the bag.
The panels each have windows and an internal curtain. So check the curtain side is facing inwards then use the zip to attach the side to the canopy. A velcro strip further attaches and weather proofs the join of the canopy with the sides.
At the front there are velcro loops to attach the panel to the poles reducing flapping in any breeze.
Again the sides are well made. All seams, including the window seams are strong.
I recommend getting the front panel to complete the unit, because this forms a snug enclosed space and helps to further increase the units stability.
The front panel has a door with a double zip so it can be opened conventionally or just the upper half can be opened for ventilation or nosiness. There is a window and internal curtain. More pegs are included.
The front panel attaches by zip at the top and velcro down the sides of the front panel and side walls. There are also velcro loops to attach the panel to the poles.
With the windows closed this gives a good private space.
I shall be looking for a suitable groundsheet.
There is one final option, a ‘mesh enclosure’.
Instead of the side and front walls this all in one unit zips to the canopy to form a three sided mesh tent with a front door. It comes with pegs and is a good option for warm environments and those midge filled evenings you sometimes encounter!
All of these options are well made. Well thought out. Easy and quick to erect and if you note how they were folded when you first unpack them easy to get back in the bags. I think this has been designed by campers. Not just a ‘desk top’ designed guess! Well worth the money and I feel they will last.
Remember if you are a first time camper this product is not a drive away awning. It relies on being attached to the van for much of its structural strength. It is ideal for touring, for overnights and short stays. Not for long term camping in one spot or if you need to nip to the shops!
This sun canopy is just what I wanted for overnights, touring etc. Very pleased with it and thoroughly recommend.
