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Kelty Sun Shade

bandman

New member
I was thinking about purchasing a Kelty Sun Shade. I saw several at the Gillette rally and wondered what others thought. I know that Kelty makes both the medium and the large. Either would be large enough for some shade where trees do not exist and also large enough to put the bike under . Any recommendations? Are there alternatives to the Kelty that don't take alot of room and are also quality products? What say you?:dunno
 
An alternative is a MSR Wing tarp. They use two poles and multiple stake out points.

More motorcycle friendly but it looks like it is being discontinued
Parawing

For large groups
Outfitter Wing

Either one is very stable when pitched correctly

This is one is pitched low to the ground. The std height would be have another section in the poles.
3931452_PhXoH-M.jpg


I've used the parawing quite a bit and have been very satisfied.

Another option is the Mtn Sun Touring Moto Cabana

It's a pitiful picture on the site but it has one pole and uses your tent for the opposite anchor point. Here is a photo of mine being used with a pyramid tent to give you a better image of how it looks. It's tough to tell from the photo but the covered area in front of the tent is large enough to shelter two bikes.

68348499_tt6Gg-M.jpg
 
I've only experience with the Kelty 12x12. I bought two of the smaller poles (6 ft?) as they break down and pack smaller.

<img src="http://www.snafu.org/smbc/trips/2008/sequoia/p-20080906-0921-4299.jpg" title="Kelty tarp for shade">

That image shows the tar set up to provide shade. I used one of the poles, the other three sides supported by trees.

// marc
 
I have owned and used both the MSR Parawing Fly nad the Kelty units.

Both are great tarps for shade and protection. the winds in Wyoming last summer at the rally were a challange, but the Kelty stood up well.

That being said, I sold both of them and went to the Mtn Sun Touring Moto Cabana after witnessing their use at the rally in Gillette. Really slick single post system with plenty of room in front for lounging or parking a bike if you chose to do so.

I look forward to using it this summer.

You really can't go wrong with any of the above mentioned options.:dance
 
Bandman....Have used a Lg Kelty Sunshade for a few years now and they are worth their weight in gold. And expect many friends when the rain comes along.
 
The only downside I see to using your tent as an anchor point is if a storm comes while you are out riding....

Wind takes down both if they are hooked together.
 
I have the medium Kelty Sunshade and love it. I've had it for 3 or 4 years. It withstood the storms in Lima with no problems. My only complaint was the original storage bag was made out of a slick nylon material which exited my bike at 70 MPH. The cover was wasted, so I replaced it with a Helen2wheels bag. Now everything is great!:thumb
 
I've had a Kelty Large Sunshade for many years. Traded the Noah's tarp on it.
I think it's much more useful when out in the middle of a field, as most BMW rallys seem to put us to camp.
It doesn't need any trees to tie off, completely free standing.
Mine also survived the storms in Lima, and many others.
My only complaint would be that I've had several of the poles break at the ends, like a green fracture - they split.
Kelty has replace two free of charge, but I have another one that needs replaced.
I haven't seen the Sunshades advertised in Campmor lately, wondering if they stop making it.
I don't leave home without my Large Sunshade.
jason
 
Kelty sunshade

Thanks to all who wrote back. I ordered the med. Kelty. I get it tomorrow. I plan on using it on the beach in Sarasota right now as the U.P. is still under a blanket of snow. I'll report back about how well it works out.
 
Thanks to all who wrote back. I ordered the med. Kelty. I get it tomorrow. I plan on using it on the beach in Sarasota right now as the U.P. is still under a blanket of snow. I'll report back about how well it works out.

On the beach, I use 1X4X12 inch pieces of wood to anchor the tarp in place of stakes. Drill a couple of holes in the wood and run cord through the holes and tie into a loop. Bury the wood in the sand perpendicular to the pull from the tarp with the loop exposed (about 1-2 feet down depending on the sand) and use a carabiner to attach the line from the tarp to the exposed loops.
 
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