There’s no better feeling than pulling up at a scenic spot with everything you need right there with you. For many of us, that freedom is what car camping is about. An awning is an important part of that setup, because it gives instant shade and shelter. I’ve been testing the Kings 2.5 x 2.5 awning to see if it’s the quick, easy mobile shelter it promises to be. It’s a big piece of gear, so it has to be worth the space it takes up.
What’s in the box
A large 2.5m x 2.5m vehicle side awning with a waterproof, UPF50+ rated ripstop polyester canvas and a durable alloy frame.
What we like
- Large 2.5m x 2.5m coverage
- UPF50+ sun protection rating
- Waterproof ripstop polyester
- Durable anodised alloy poles
- Dual channel for walls and add-ons
What we don’t
- Heavy at 12.75 kg
- Mounting brackets not included
- Can be difficult for one person
Quick Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Adventure Kings |
| Material | 170GSM Ripstop PolyesterAnodised Alloy PolesCast Alloy Hinges |
| Colour | Beige |
| Weight | 12.75 kg |
| Size | 2.5 × 2.5 m |
| Sun Rating | UPF50+ |
| Water rating | Waterproof |
First look
When you first get the Kings 2.5 x 2.5 awning, you notice how substantial it is. The package is long and heavy, which says something about how solidly it’s built. The awning comes in a very sturdy black storage bag with strong zips and straps, so it feels secure and well protected.
The mounting brackets feel solid and up to the job. They aren’t included with the awning, but Kings often offers them as a bundle deal. The awning is too big to simply hold in your hands, but you can tell from its weight and materials that it’s serious gear built for tough conditions.
Materials & Build QualityMaterials & Build Quality
This awning is built to last. The main canvas is a 170GSM ripstop polyester, which resists tears and punctures very well. It also has a UPF50+ rating for protection from the sun’s UV rays. The frame has anodised alloy poles and cast alloy hinges.
The anodised poles are very strong and light for their size, and the cast alloy hinges are a big plus for durability and ease of use. The stitching along the seams feels very solid, and the waterproof material keeps you dry in a downpour. It’s built tough.
Ergonomics & WeightErgonomics & Weight
The Kings 2.5 x 2.5 awning is practical for something this size. At 12.75 kg it’s heavy, so getting it up onto a vehicle’s roof rack is a two-person job. Once it’s mounted, though, the awning is very easy to use.
The roll-out design is simple, and the poles extend smoothly and lock in place with a twist. It gives a lot of sheltered space, enough for a camp kitchen or a seating area for a group. You can comfortably fit a table, chairs and even a small camp kitchen underneath, all out of the sun or rain.
Performance & FeaturesPerformance & Features
Out bush, how your gear performs is everything, and this awning holds up very well in different weather. The UPF50+ rating gives good sun protection on a hot day. The waterproof ripstop polyester keeps the rain off and handles a downpour with no trouble.
The anodised alloy poles and cast hinges stand up well to light winds, but you should always use guy ropes for extra stability in stronger gusts. The dual channel is a smart feature that lets you add walls or other accessories. The best thing about the 2.5m x 2.5m awning is its size: it gives you a large and very usable sheltered area.
Conclusion: Adventure Kings Side Awning 2.5mx2.5mConclusion
The Adventure Kings 2.5 x 2.5 awning is a very good choice if you want a large, durable shelter for your campsite. It’s a big piece of gear, but the materials are good quality and the design is sensible, so it should last. It weighs 12.75 kg and is hard for one person to handle, and the mounting brackets aren’t included, though Kings often offers them as a bundle deal. It has performed well in sun and rain, and the amount of sheltered space makes it a great addition to a car camping setup.
A large, durable shelter that's a great addition to a car-camping setup.
It gives 2.5 × 2.5 m of UPF50+ shade in waterproof ripstop and has performed well in sun and rain. It weighs 12.75 kg and is hard for one person to handle, and the mounting brackets aren't included.
- Car campers
- 4WD tourers
- Families
Yes. You get 2.5 × 2.5 m of UPF50+ shade in waterproof ripstop, but no mounting brackets, though Kings often bundles them. It weighs 12.75 kg and is awkward alone, so it suits a solid roof rack and two people.
