Any car trip around the country is something you really need to prepare for. Australia is beautiful and filled with amazing places to see, but the weather is such that you really need to think ahead and be ready for anything that might come your way, especially if you’re planning on staying outdoors and camping, in which case you’ll need a bunch of equipment to make sure everything is going according to plan. Proper clothing, water, food, a hunting knife, flashlights – it all should be thought of and carefully packed before you even start the car, and that’s just the beginning of it.

If you love the outdoors but aren’t that keen on tents, there is something that can replace a tent quite successfully and give a whole new dimension to the camping experience! I’m talking about roof top awnings for your car. Awnings are a great way to stay protected while outside and be able to function with much more comfort and freedom than if you were staying in a tent. Not all awnings are made the same, though, so if you’re looking for something to replace the function of a tent and not just throw some shade for a while, I’d love to introduce you to walled roof rack awnings!

Walled Awnings: The Benefits

You can buy walled roof top awnings at retailers selling tents and other gear meant for campers and hikers. It’s best to go to a specialised store, as they usually stock the best brands and products of the highest quality. Plus, they usually have the best deals! As I said, there are many different kinds of awnings out there, but the walled awning is the only one that provides complete coverage, while still maintaining that special feeling you get when staying outdoors. Here are a few reasons why walled awnings are such a good idea and why you really need to invest in one before you’re off to your next destination!

Complete Protection

While other types of rooftop awnings provide that much-needed shade under the hot Australian sun and can even give you a makeshift wall to add privacy, walled rooftop awnings actually excel at both of these things. The walled awning is basically made up of several panels that can be put up whenever you’d like and taken down when you don’t need them. Unlike other types of awnings that don’t have this versatility, walled awnings let you choose which way you want to set them up.

If you’re wondering why you’d need walls at all if you’re in nature, think of a longer camping trip throughout multiple locations. Not every part of Australia is covered with trees – some are very sandy and rocky, which means that natural shade and protection isn’t really an option. With a walled awning, you’ll have that shade whenever and wherever. Furthermore, the walls can be switched up and tailored to the circumstances. High winds, rain, extreme sunshine – they won’t be an issue for you, wherever you are, because your walls are right there to protect you and your belongings.

Extended Living Space

Exploring nature and everything it has to give is always a wonderful idea, but there are some things that we humans just can’t live without. If you’re already on a trip with your car, that means that you carry around a lot of essential items that are important to you and your daily needs. Things like clothes and toiletries, sleeping bags, cooking supplies – you probably have them all stored in your car. Now, tents are fairly small, no matter what size you get, but they can get really stuffy, which means that you can’t really keep everything you’ve brought with you in them, making running to your car every now and then to pick something up a necessity.

With a walled rooftop awning, you won’t have to bother with any of that. You can set camp right by your vehicle and have everything you need at the tip of your fingers. If you think that you’ll have to be stationed right by the car, think again. Depending on the height of your vehicle, your walled awning can give you a safe, comfortable space that can span about 20 square meters, which is not a small number at all. This way, you’ll be able to move away from your vehicle, but still be under the protection of the awning, taking in the views and enjoying your trip in complete luxury and relaxation.

Safety & Privacy

I’m sure you’ve already done all maintenance on your vehicle before going on your trip to make sure everything is in order and the car is ready to take the trip with you. However, because it’s basically your moving home for the time you’re on the road, all your things are packed in there. As I said, if you’re staying in a tent, chances are that you’ll have to leave the car behind and move to a camping spot further away. This can be potentially dangerous as everything you’ve packed will be unattended.

With a walled car awning, your camp is right there, attached to your car, so you can keep an eye on all your things without worrying whether someone might try to break in and take something. It’s not uncommon for thefts to happen at camping sights, so if you’re someone who worries about this, a walled awning is definitely the way to go.

Furthermore, a walled awning will give you privacy from any other campers, allowing you to behave as if you were in your own home when you’re actually miles away, in the midst of nature. Isn’t that great? I’d highly recommend a walled car awning to anyone who’d love to mix the leisure and comfort a home can provide with the wonders nature can provide. These accessories aren’t heavy at all, and they don’t really take up much space when folded, even though they can cover vast areas once installed, so they won’t be an issue to pack and unpack.