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We spent a very enjoyable month camping in France this year. Whilst abroad we noticed a number of fellow campers - mainly dutch - had this wonderful sun/rain shield. My description won't do it justice, but it was a large single sheet - sail like- some lightweight poles and some ropes. It looked incredibly flexible and could be used in a different shape depending on the direction of sun or rain. Much better than a gazeebo. Whenever we saw them they seemed to be in the light brown material favoured by the Dutch - so I wonder if they come from Holland. We'd love one for next year.

Any idea what I mean? Got a picture or website to help me? If you have one I'd love to know if it's as great as it looks.

Many thanks.

Neil

They are called sun sails and available in this country. If you google sun sails you should find some and there has also been a couple of threads on here so search this site and you should find some links.

Carol

 you mean like this...

 this is one of the sites i found that do them  

That's the kind of thing. Is there a portable camping version? They seem to be heavy-duty garden sails. Rather nice though.

I looked at the site Carol suggested but they don't seem to have them anymore. Nothing on Search.

I believe one of the tent manufacturers makes them - just not sure who.

Ta.

I saw these too whilst on holiday and really wished I had asked what brand they were. I have searched everywhere on the internet but not been able to find the exact one. The Outwell tarp is similar sort of thing but the material, size and colour were different on the Dutch ones.

If you do find them please post where.

You're right. The Dutch ones had a certain unique colour and style. I'm hoping one of the many thousands of site members might be able to help us. Surely somebody in the UK must have one (and hopefully love it!)

Fingers crossed.

Neil

Have a look at the Decathlon website and search for "Tarp". They are very like the Dutch versions.

Carol

Make one - very easy.

1) Get a canvas dust/paint cover from a decorating shop - actually it is nice canvas material and can be treated with waterproofing if you want. You can also dye it other colours if you so chose. I paid £8 for a massive 12ftx12ft.

2) Put some eyelets in it (fairly easy with a punch kit and a hammer). £4-5.

3) Get a couple of canopy poles - you can buy them or us spare ones from other tents.

4) A few spare delta pegs and some guy ropes and you have a canvas (much better than sythetic) sun sail.

If this isn't it - it's incredibly close - any other offers?

Just emailed them and got this response. Might help others.

A parabolic hexagonal shaped huge Tarp. It can be pitched and tensioned perfectly providing ample space for a large group, the MOONSHADOW benefits from specially reinforced guying points. Guy lines and pegs included.

It's a summer item from Jack Wolfskin and has now sold out for the season. Hopefully back on the website in the spring next year.

Check out the main manufactures website www.jack-wolfskin.com Still on there for you to view.

The price is £60 plus £15 for each pole.

As Big Bunny said, you can make one for about £15 plus poles which are 2 a penny in the camping shops. I think I am going to have a go at making one for our french trips.

Carol

Neil B, think the one I saw might have been a Vaude Tarp II (but using poles), one of the Dutch tents that had the tarp up was a Vaude too.

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