A Life Outdoors with DARCHE

SWAGS-FIRE-PITS - ROOFTOP TENTS - 4WD ACCESSORIES

GEAR SPECIAL E-MAGAZINE

EM CATALOGU

AY 2020

AUSTRALIA’S TOP QUALITY BRAND NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE darche.com

.au

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ell, if you are a frequent reader of TURAS Camping and 4WD Magazine channels, you will no doubt have seen some photos or videos of our team using or demonstrating some DARCHE products. We are big fans of DARCHE here at TURAS, and are glad that we have been able to help to bring this brand and its high quality range of products to the attention of our readers in Europe and beyond.

In Australia, the name DARCHE is synonymous with quality and innovation, and the company produces a range of camping and 4x4 touring equipment and accessories, including Tents, Swags, Roof Top Tents, Awnings, Sleeping Gear, Furniture, Gear Bags, Fire Pits and more. Product design is overseen by experienced product developers and passionate staff who are keen outdoor enthusiasts with sound knowledge and experience to match. With an unmatched attention to detail and focus on quality, DARCHE has been revolutionising the 4WD camping and touring market for nearly 30 years. Beginning with shaking up the (then-traditional) swag market with the introduction of the Dome style swag, which is now the most recognised style swag around the world. Founded almost 30 years ago by DARren O’Dwyer and his wife CHEryl, the DARCHE brand is still going

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strong and enjoying an expansion internationally as more and more people become aware of its high quality, tough wearing and long lasting range of products. DARCHE uses superior quality materials in all of its outdoor gear range and constantly develops, researches and refines new materials and technologies to ensure DARCHE products remain leaders in terms of innovation, quality and durability.Now that these products are being seen by the international camping and touring community they are also becoming more widely available worldwide with distributors now in Europe, the Far East, the USA , Mongolia, Thailand and Japan. TURAS is proud to participate in this effort to bring DARCHE products to the attention of a wider audience in Europe and beyond.

We hope that you enjoy our special celebration of the joys of ‘’a Life Outdoors with DARCHE’’.

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AOUTDOORS LIFE WITH DARCHE EM CATALOGU

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DARCHE CATALOGUE Find out more about all DARCHE new arrivals, plus the next generation of your favourite gear that will be launching throughout 2020........ darche.co

m.au

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he number of people getting into 4WD touring in Europe and beyond is definitely on the increase, with more and more adventurers looking for alternative ways to travel and to get off the beaten track. And with this growing interest in 4WD touring/overlanding over the last few years, we have started to see an increase in the number of people using awnings as a key accessory to their 4wd’s and touring vehicles.

Awning designs for vehicles have come a long way in recent years and now come in all shapes and sizes. They are simple to attach to your vehicle, all you need is either a roof rack or roof bars with attaching mounts and when fitted you will have easy access to instant

shelter from the sun or rain.

As product designers and manufacturers continue to compete in this growing market of adventurers we have seen a number of innovative awning designs enter the market in the last few years.

With a long heritage in swags and tents, it was a natural evolution for DARCHE to expand its 4X4 touring offering.

Constructed and engineered to specifically suit Australia’s rugged touring conditions, the extensive range of camping accessories also includes some impressive awnings that include the Eclipse 270, the Eclipse 180° and the recently launched and very impressive Eclipse 2525.Lets have a closer look at some of these high quality products.

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e s p i l c E 270

AWNING

we take a closer look at this impressive awning that is now available in Europe

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ROBUST

E H C R DA clipse

270Eing & Awn ls Wal

DARCHE have taken the concept of an enclosed walled awning to an entirely new level with the Eclipse 270°Awning. Over two years in development and now available in Europe and worldwide the Eclipse 270° Awning is a class leading design that stands out when it comes to innovation and the sheer amount of space that this awning with its attached walls covers.

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THE EYE CATCHING ° 0 7 2 e s p i l Ec

Constructed and engineered to specifically suit Australia’s rugged touring conditions these awnings are made from top quality materials.

The eye catching DARCHE Eclipse 270° Awning has definitely reached new heights when it comes to providing optional walls and a very generous sheltered space. The Eclipse 270° Awning will have you and the kids more than covered from unexpected showers and from those hot sunny days. For those of you who have a family you will have plenty of space to shelter from the elements and set up camp under with a very impressive 11.5m2 of covered area to relax under.

With the optional walls erected, a whopping 20.5m2 of sheltered area can be achieved. Each optional wall can be set up as a wind and weather breaker or as an upright awning extension, allowing the Eclipse 270° Awning to extend further up to 4.2m in total, featuring 2x pivoting alloy telescopic poles which are neatly stowed along the rafter when packing away.

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THE ULTIMATE 4WD TOURING

AWNING

Designed as a freestanding unit to ease set up and pack down only, the Eclipse 270° Awning is easily set up by one person.

Hinged from both ends, the huge Awning spans along the full length of the vehicle as well as the rear. Made from DARCHE’s proven and hard wearing proofed poly cotton ripstop canvas, a strong light weight box tube alloy rafter system, and pivoting from heavy duty steel and alloy swivel hinge system, the Eclipse 270° Awning definitely holds its own and

certainly will turn heads at the campground.

As awnings go, this one definitely stops you in your tracks, it’s the sheer expanse of sheltered space provided when the walls are attached thats gives this awning a unique selling point.

This awning is now availableworldwide for more information on the impressive Eclipse 270° click here.

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ECLIPSE 2.5M SIDE AWNING

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AWNING TENT

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n amazing complement to the DARCHE Eclipse 2.5M side awning is the new 2525 Tent Annex.This tent , which attaches neatly under the DARCHE 2.5M awning (or under any 2.5M awning) provides a lot of additional space in your camp setup, and could be used as a place to eat or as a sleeping room with excellent ventilation. All of the tent seams are heat sealed to prevent water ingress, and the

210 denier mould treated ripstop polyester oxford material provides durability, and reduces the weight placed on the awning rafter arms and legs when compared to heavier poly cotton canvas options.

We found this material to be a dream to setup and to pack away. The tent comes with a 250gsm PVC zip on/off floor.

The sides of the tent feature a door and gusset window which allows for ventilation in wet

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conditions and also a generously sized side door. A large 1.9M rear door allows for easy access to your vehicle from inside the tent.

We recently took this tent annex on a fishing trip and found it very quick and intuitive to setup, and it provided a covered space for us to work in and to shelter from the very strong sun.

special zipped panel is provided which allows for the panel to be inserted into a channel on the awning and then zipped onto the tent providing a tough and durable seal between the front of the awning and the tent. The tent has its own Integrated Roof which provides a layer of insulation between the tent and awning.

We pitched the awning and the tent in less than 10 minutes, and pitched our Dusk to Dawn swag inside the annex and still had lots of room left over to store gear or to sit inside.

The two side doors double as

The tent attaches to the awning poles using a number of tough velcro straps, and at the front a

huge insect free windows, and also provide a 3 way door system for the tent.

The tent and floor come in a quality ripstop bag, and are so light and portable that you will never choose to be without the annex on any trip.

THE ECLIPSE VEHICLE AWNINGS PROVIDE INSTANT SHELTER

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G N I N W A E D I S M .5 2 E S P ECLI

e r u t n e v d A Built for

The robust range of Eclipse vehicle awnings from DARCHE provide instant shelter, and now come with super flex pivoting hinges which help to reduce component stress and failure which are all too common with awnings made with inferior components.

The fabric on the awning is super tough mould treated 12 Oz/ yd² proofed poly/cotton ripstop canvas and a massive 2000mm water head, the Eclipse awnings are engineered to perform and

last. The awning is designed to maximise protection from UV light and direct sunlight, the twin channel alloy profiles allow for the secure and space saving pack away of the two supporting , black anodized alloy twist lock poles.

The tough 600gsm laminated PVC transit cover features a No.10 self-repairing coil zip, eliminating zip jam whilst providing robust protection against road grime, dust, and weather.

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1. Twin channel alloy profiles allow secure and space saving pole pack away. 2 super tough mould treated 12 Oz/yd² proofed poly/ cotton ripstop canvas 3.Tough velcro straps 4.Super flex pivoting hinges and black anodized alloy twist lock poles

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DARCHE

2525 res featu

3-Way entry Doors Double as huge insect free windows

Easy vehicle access - huge 1.9 M wide door

TENT ANNEX Integrated Roof - Provides a layer of insulation between the tent and awning

Tough Construction 210D Polyester Oxford Tent

550GSM Zip-Off PVC Floor

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Technical Details 2525 Tent Annex

• Additional protection from the elements • Can be used as an eatery or sleeping room • All seams are heat sealed preventing water ingress • Available in 2.5m wide and ideal when paired with the Eclipse Awnings • 210 denier mould treated rip-stop polyester oxford material provides durability, and reduces the weight placed on the awning rafter arms and legs when compared to heavier poly cotton canvas options.

• 2000mm water head PU coated • 250gsm PVC zip on/off floor • Sides feature a door and gusset window allow for adequate ventilation in wet conditions, and a generously sized side door • Rear door allows easy access to the vehicle • Large front mesh window with roll up blind can be erected for additional shelter • 8 adjustable tension straps • Sturdy No.8 coil self-repairing zip and nickel eyelets • Thick gauge pegs • Pair with Eclipse Annex Adjustable Pole (170- 240cm) - sold separately • 2 year warranty

QUALITY

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We have attached the new Generation 2 Eclipse 180 Degrees Awning to one of the TURAS 4WD’s and have been putting it through its paces over the last few months. The new DARCHE Generation 180 awning with optional walls has been developed as a follow up on the previous and hugely successful 180 Eclipse awning model. With a number of NEW features that include a new high quality Aluminum hinge system, a new 320gsm poly/cotton grid ripstop canvas and a new lightweight box tube alloy rafters, the Generation 2 Eclipse 180 awning just got even better.

Hinged from both ends, the awning spans 6m along the side of the vehicle and looks the business.

Walls

In previous issues of the magazine we have covered how the Australia Camping gurus DARCHE have taken the concept of an enclosed walled awning to an entire new level with the development of the pole pivot systems that give you extra covered camping space, and this concept is also available with the new Generation 2 180 Eclipse model.

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1. The high quality velcro straps release the awning quickly 2. The NEW Aluminum hinge system. 3.

Designed as a freestanding unit for easy setup and pack down only.

(The Darche Eclipse awning canvas is rated UPF 50+, the highest achievable rating possible).

BUILT FOR Adventure

The two pivoting alloy telescopic leg poles are cleverly and neatly stowed along the rafter when packed away but also making it easy to deploy when setting up the awning.This awning can easily be set up by just one person.

Another advantage includes being able to provide additional shelter for those who want to roll out a swag under the awning or even set up a small tent under the additional expansive space at night.

The addition of side walls to this top quality awning offers a number of advantages including acting as a windbreaker, providing an enclosed sheltered space that allows the kids to play in comfort sheltered from the sun or while waiting for a shower of rain to pass. The additional wall completely enhances your base-camp by providing a space where you can cook and relax without worrying about the elements.

With walls fitted and anchored down, an impressive 16.5m2 of coverage can be achieved depending on the height of your vehicle.

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ORIGINAL

Awning Walls Features & Specifications • 1300mm wide zippered door on center panel • Zips separating panels allow for various wall configurations • 260gsm poly/cotton grid ripstop canvas • 1500mm PU waterproofing with HF seam sealing • Pegs and guy ropes included • Dimensions: 9500mm L x 2250mm H (Bottom length) • Packed down: 500mm L x 400mm W x 120mm H • Weight: 7kg

an impressive

16.5M OF

COVER

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Weight

The new 180 Generation awning weighs in at 20kg and is covered by a 2-year manufacturers warranty.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor.

The Darche Eclipse awning canvas is rated UPF 50+, the highest achievable rating possible.UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is a rating system to indicate the UV (Ultraviolet) protection provided by fabrics. UPF measures how much of the sun’s UV radiation is absorbed or “blocked” by fabric, effectively protecting the skin underneath. UPF ratings range from 15 to 50, and a higher UPF rating indicates greater protection. Garments that are rated UPF 50+ offer excellent UV protection, this is as good as it gets when it comes to awning protection.

Mounting

This awning also comes with heavy duty mounting brackets that can be attached to most roof rack systems. The Eclipse 180° Awning can be mounted to either side of your vehicle and is ideal for dual,single and space cabs as well as general canopy and wagon setups.

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ICONIC

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here are a number of reasons why roof top tents have started to become more popular in recent years. The main ones being that you can set them up quickly, they keep you off the ground and for further convenience they can be folded up with all your sleeping gear inside i.e. sleeping bag and pillow. More and more people throughout Europe are now discovering the  benefits of using rooftop tents as more of us are looking to get out of our towns and cities and off the beaten track away from it all more often.With tents like the DARCHE Panorama 2 you can stargaze while lying in bed by simply unzipping the sky window in the roof of the tent giving you views of the night time sky.

DARCHE Panorama II RoofTop Tent -

The Panorama 2 is the ultimate touring rooftop tent. Uniquely featuring a zippered sunroof for star gazing and enhanced air flow, its low profile pack down design aids vehicle handling whilst creating less drag.

Aluminium checker plate base, frame lugs and compact centre pivoting yoke, provide exceptional strength whilst reducing weight.

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The Panorama 2 is one of the higher end rooftop tents on the market and it comes with an annex. Â Â If you buy one of these you are paying for a high quality touring rooftop tent that offers the superior build that is associated with all Darche products.

One of the unique selling points of this rooftop tent is that it features a zippered sunroof for stargazing. We have used this feature a lot during the summer and we love the idea of being able to unzip the roof to study the milky way with the kids before sleep, not to mention it allows for additional airflow on those hot balmy nights.

A ROOM

M WITH A VIEW oly GSM proofed P 0 4 3 ts n te e h T earing vas is hard w n ca op st ip R Cotton

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Canvas

The tents 340 GSM proofed Poly Cotton Ripstop canvas is hard wearing and is guaranteed to keep you dry in wet conditions.

We have yet to use the tent in colder wintry conditions but we will be reporting on this in the winter edition of the magazine.

Frame

The aluminium checker plate base, frame lugs and compact centre pivoting yoke, provides exceptional strength and this is another feature that sets this tent apart from others on the market. Also, the re-engineered baseboard incorporates a new honeycomb filling reducing condensation build up under mattress, it’s insulating and energy absorbing and has a high strength to weight ratio and it’s all developed to be durable, non-delaminating and non-corrosive.

Low Profile

The Panorama 2 is ergonomically designed and has one of the lowest profiles of any rooftop tent on the market at just 250mm hence reducing wind drag when driving. This shortness in height will save you on fuel costs on those big journeys and will reduce the overall height of your vehicle allowing you to get under obstacles easier and giving you a better center of gravity when hitting the trails.

The compromise here is that the mattress is not as thick as other tents on the market but this can be overcome by using the Darche self inflatable mattress.

ENGINEERED FOR

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A perfect camping

set up

Annex

The  Annex comes with a strong 550gsm PVC zip off bucket floor that can be quick attached to the annex with the high quality zips.

The annex also packs up very easily into the provided bag. The annex provides a number of entry options/windows that also give excellent ventilation for those hot nights. With the option of using the DARCHE telescopic poles you can open the annex windows using various combinations. The Annex dimensions are 2500mm long and 2000mm wide offering plenty of room for shelter and storage.

Mounting Kit

Universal mounting kit included

Cover

600gsm PVC coverThe Darche Panorama 2 Rooftop Tent with Annex has a simple set up procedure and can be erected by one person (see video). The 5 minute setup simply involves releasing a couple of straps and using the telescoping ladder as a lever to pull the tent down. Guide ropes are utilised to secure it in place.

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nts on rche roof top te a D e th of e n O LandCruiser a Britz Safari

DISTINCTIVE

Darche do not compromise when it comes to quality.

As a company Darche is dedicated to building and supplying high quality products and coupled with their ongoing R&D and the development of innovative designs this dedication has seen them successfully win the contract to supply, in Australia, the fit out of rooftop tents on some of the Britz recreational touring vehicles, notably the Britz Safari LandCruisers. For those of you who have used recreation hire vehicles like Britz with rooftop tents attached you will be

well aware of the use and often abuse these products often receive. They need to be built tough in order to be able to withstand the number of recreational travellers who use these rooftop tents in all types of weather and conditions.

Prior to choosing Darche as the supplier of rooftop tents for the Safari LandCruisers, Britz conducted comparison tests on many brands of well-known rooftop tents in Australia and after careful consideration, chose Darche to partner with.

In 2017, Darche also designed and successfully tested with Britz a new 4 person canvas Safari ground tent to be used in conjunction with the Britz Outback Toyota Hilux. As a result, a large number of new Britz Safari Hilux SR models are fitted out with Darche safari tents.

Darche are very proud of their partnership with the Britz Brand and work closely with key Britz personnel, receiving real time feedback that assist them to continuously improve on the product’s performance.

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ATTACHING the

PANORAMA 2 ROOF TOP TENT

ANNEX

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A high-quality Annex can be attached to the Panorama 2 and we are going to have a closer look here at how easy it is to attach it to your deployed tent.

Those of you who use annexes know how beneficial they are particularly when you travel with young kids. They also add additional shelter, luxury and convenience to your camping set up.

Basically, for those of you who

have not used one they offer additional sheltered space underneath your rooftop tent.

Annexes hang from the area of the roof tent that folds out and enclose the area underneath the tent including the roof tent ladder. They generally come with a floor that helps to seal the room from the elements and can also help to keep out unwanted visitors such as bugs and other unwanted creatures.

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1Attach annex to tent base 2. Zip around the base of the tent.3. Attach the seperate PVC floor to the base of the tent.

The quality of your annex really depends on the type of tent you purchase with some cheaper models not always guaranteeing that they will keep the rain out, and there’s nothing worse than waking up and finding your belongings on the floor of your annex all wet after a downpour.

High quality Annexes like the one that fits onto the Panorama 2 offers a perfect living space where you can shelter in the event of harsh weather, it is also the perfect solution for cooking in and providing a play and changing place for young children in bad weather (WHEN COOKING ALWAYS ENSURE YOU

HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION).

Other uses include storage or it can even be used as an additional room where the kids can sleep and leave the parents to the comfort of the roof top tent.

The DARCHE Panorama 2 Annex comes with a strong 550gsm PVC zip off bucket floor that can be quick attached to the annex with the high quality zips. The annex also packs up very easily into the provided bag. The annex provides a number of entry options/windows that also give excellent ventilation for those hot nights. With the option of using the DARCHE telescopic poles you can open the annex

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windows using various combinations. The Annex dimensions are 2500mm long and 2000mm wide offering plenty of room for shelter and storage.Large 90cm W x 140 cm H annex windows.Strong and fine insect mesh throughout Attaching the Annex is quick and simple, firstly you should secure the ladder to the base of the tent using the strap provided, this will prevent the

ladder from getting in your way. Then simply remove the annex from the bag and zip the annex to the base of the tent frame, when this is done you can then zip the PVC bucket floor to the base of the annex, peg it down and that’s it. The zippers are a very high quality.Like all DARCHE products this is a high qulaity bit of gear.

DURABILITY

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darche.com.au

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INNOVATION

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wags have evolved significantly over the years, from very humble designs to some very innovative options that come in all shapes and sizes. Helpfully you can now find these camping products on roof racks and in the back of 4WD vehicles as a result of recent availability, all over the world.

So, where did it all begin? Way back in the 1800’s in Australia a Swagman was known as a roaming and mostly seasonal agricultural worker who did odd jobs on farms including labour work, rounding up and shearing sheep. They mostly slept outdoors where they lay

on a piece of canvas and threw a blanket over themselves at night, to keep warm. When they moved on, they then rolled up the blanket, their belongings and the canvas together, threw it on their backs, and headed off for the next job, and that’s where the name for modern day ‘swags’ came from. During the great Depression in Australia swags became even more popular as unemployed men made their way across the Australian continent in search of work and mostly slept in swags. When these men found work, in a lot of cases, their swags would still remain their shelter for the night, that with a billy (tin can for cooking), some clothes and

und for o r a n e e ave b s Swags h 00 year 2 y l r a e n

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YOU RE GUARANTEED A GREAT NIGHTS SLEEP tcher e r t s a n o g a w s a in

personal belongings, that was pretty much it. Today, swags are still very popular in Australia where campers and tourers store them in the back of their utes or on the roof rack of their 4x4 as they explore and search for the best campsites. In Europe and in the US the swag concept is still a very new one and one that we are still trying to understand. The first thing we think of when we see a swag is the size in comparison to a tent but having used both over the years the TURAS team soon recognised the benefits of using a swag. In fact, our swags

are now our first choice of accommodation when not using our roof top tents. And now, thanks to Australian companies like DARCHE we are getting to see swags up close in the British Isles, Europe and the US as DARCHE swags are now available through various distributors world-wide.

Where it all began (DARCHE) Widely recognised as the company that have taken the design of swags to the next level DARCHE introduced the Dome Swag nearly 25 years ago. Designed to withstand harsh Aussie con-

ralian An Aust

n

Swagma

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ditions, the DARCHE swag range keep you comfortable all year round, no matter where you camp. Based in regional Victoria over 26 years ago, DARCHE revolutionised the traditional swag market with the introduction of some very innovative models. DARREN O’DWYER, the founder of DARCHE with his wife CHERYL (DAR-CHE), embarked on an eastern seaboard journey. Wanting a shelter arrangement that was quick, practical and easy to stow, Darren used his imagination and created a canvas shell with fibreglass poles and the dome style swag was born with his creation being the talking point at many camping spots throughout their journey. On his return,

A Swagm an

take shelt er in a tr ee

Darren decided to showcase his new creation at a hunting and firearm show held at the Melbourne Exhibition Building. Using nothing more than a simplistic foldable card playing table as a prop, Darren soon become inundated with order requests from both Hunters and campers alike.

Using Australian supply chain partners at the time including Bradmill, Charles Parsons (who now own the DARCHE brand), KS Textiles and ABC foam makers, DARCHE had become the leading swag and canvas converter in Australia, at one stage being the largest converter of 100% cotton canvas in the country. Lets have a closer look at some of these awesome swags on offer.

ir y in the a l p s i d Swags on urne Australia o DARCHE in Melb m o o r w Sho

SWAGS

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give you s g a w s e of and size HE rang C e p R y A t D e e h Th nt r needs choice o u o of y y t t i n u e pl ll s that wi of swag

Types of Swags

With interesting and progressive designs like the Dirty Dee, the Dusk To Dawn and the Nebula now all available worldwide. These DARCHE swags are feature packed with proofed poly/ cotton ripstop canvas, heavy duty waterproof PVC bucket floor and 50mm high-density covered foam mattress, that sure is a big improvement when it comes to comfort in comparison to the first prototypes..

The Dirty Dee

We have been using the DARCHE Dirty Dee for nearly two years now and we have had plenty of opportunity to use it in different environments and weather including -15 in the winter months. This innovative design offers a multitude of doors and windows which provide plenty of ventilation on those hot summer camping nights.

The ridge pole trigger locking system developed by DARCHE makes the Dirty Dee swag the ultimate freestanding tourer. Near vertical walls and all-weather awnings, functionality, durability and comfort have been combined into an all-round outdoor adventure companion.

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This roomy swag is made from 420gsm proofed poly/cotton 16mm grid ripstop and offers generous headroom within.Other features include access to the undercover front awning, seam sealed internal seams, 4 internal storage pockets and anodised 7001 alloy 8.5 Dia poles with hard wearing polesleeves.

Like all DARCHE products, the materials are all of a very high quality.

The carrier bag is a generous size and easily accommodates the swag when packing away.

A big selling point for us was the 50mm covered hi-density foam mattress and the trigger locking ridgepole system. The thick mattress means you will be guaranteed a comfortable night’s sleep having said that the size of the mattress does make the swag bulkier but well worth it in our view. The trigger locking system is a great idea allowing the swag to stand freely without needing to use the supplied guy ropes. This is a great solution for those who enjoy a bit of comfort when camping. All up perfect for extended 4WD touring or a quick weekend ofcamping getaways.

LEADERS

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The Nebula

Is it a tent or is it a swag?, out a couple of years now the Nebula is a very generous 2 person freestanding canvas hybrid, purpose built for any outdoor adventure. The Nebula like the Dirty Dee and the Dusk to Dawn just sings quality and comfort, the innovative design makes for a functional four season all weather robust shelter. Uniquely constructed as a single skin canvas, you can also attach the included fly sheet. This is a big swag that combines the space of a tent with the comfort and durability of a swag, it also just happens to look the biz. In general if you can get over the size of a swag in comparison to a tent and get used to throwing them onto your roof rack, in the back of your trailer or in the back of 4your pick up, you will never look back.

IS IT A TENT OR IS IT A

SWAG

e h t n o e r k e c i cl ideo h v

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n 16mm o t ot c / y l po 420gsm anvas c p o t s p i grid r

eers have n i g n e E H C R The DA ght into u o th of lot a put se swags designing the

COMFORT The comfort these products offer in our opinion far outweigh the extra space they take up. We have had too many nights of poor sleep crashing out in tents on hard ground and as we get a bit older these swags just bring a whole new dimension to our camping. You will feel very comfortable sheltering in these on a rainy night, in a snowstorm or on a hot summer night with the options of just closing the midget mesh and enjoying the panoramic views. Add a stretcher into the mix by placing your swag on it and in our view this set up is pretty hard to beat when it comes to comfort, in fact this set up in our view offers one of the most comfortable night’s sleep we have ever had.

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Nebula features

2 person freestanding canvas hybrid.

Combines the space of a tent, with the com fort and durability of a swag.

Heavy duty companion for expedition and touring Use with or without the tropical fly/awning Four seasons, all-weather shelter with 360° panoramic views Near vertical walls with generous head space Convenient 4 –way entry Anodised 16mm alloy body and ridge poles 420gsm poly/cotton 16mm grid rips top canvas 800mm PU waterproofing with internal seam sealing Super-fine 125gsm insect mesh Heavy-duty, HF welded, laminated 600gsm PVC bucket floor 50mm poly/cotton covered high-density foam mattress Canvas carry bag included Dimensions: 2300mm L x 1550mm W x 1000mm H Weight: 22kg

A N I P U S SET

H S FLA e of a c a p s e s th e n i b and m rt o f m & Co o he c t h ag t i w s w a , t n of te lity i b a r u d

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HEAVY DUTY SWAG

T

he Darche ‘Dusk to Dawn’ Swag is another high quality, and quick to setup swag from the Australian outdoor equipment company.

The Dusk to Dawn 1100 Swag sleeps one person comfortably

and would be cozy for a couple.

The Swag is made from 420gsm poly/cotton 16mm grid ripstop canvas and has 800mm PU waterproofing with internal seam sealing.

There are two full length entrances on either side and both sides also have a super fine insect/mosquito mesh. The

ORIGINAL

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doors can be rolled up entirely allowing for an unimpeded view of the night sky , or alternatively with the use of (optional)awning poles either (or both) of the doors can be extended as an awning.

There are also two zip down windows at both ends allowing for good ventilation. The mattress is a very comfortable 50mm poly cotton covered high density foam mattress.

alloy trigger lock ridge poll.

We recently had the pleasure of spending a few nights in the woods in one of these swags , set on top of the excellent XL 100 stretcher and had a very comfortable night’s sleep.

The swag is roomy and spacious and the heavy canvas kept us warm and also allowed us to sleep a little late, even after the sun rose into The swag is quick to set up, the sky, something which when unrolled simply add the would normally have us suffotwo alloy poles on either end cating with heat from the sun and then lock in place with the in an ordinary tent.

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The Dusk to Dawn also comes You can learn more about the Dusk to Dawn by clicking on in a smaller (900mm) and a larger (1400mm) version with the link below. the larger version sleeping two people comfortably. These swags can be used on the ground, where they provide a formation , in re o m r fo very comfortable night’s sleep or can also be used over the click here XL100 stretcher, which we found to be ‘very’ comfortable, and which also gives you a lot more leeway in the types of terrain on which you can set up camp.

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G N I P E E L S ON A

R E H C T E R ST

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Its just over a year since we slept on the DARCHE stretcher with the swags and we all unanimously agreed that it was one of the most comfortable nights of sleep we’ve ever had in the great outdoors. We had often heard how comfortable this combo is and we were pretty much blown away.

They have been doing this in Australia for years and it’s a relatively novel way to camp in Europe. We are used to inflatable mattresses or sleeping mats mainly due to the fact that they do not take up much room in our vehicles. Our view is that if you have the room to store a swag and a stretcher on your roof rack or in the back of your vehicle, then it’s definitely a worthwhile option.

Some of the benefits experienced by us included being

raised off the ground, this gives you easy access to your sleeping quarters but also it makes it a breeze to take off your shoes or get access to your clothes and items from your travel bag before you go to bed. Also, for those of you who like to have a couple of beers around the campfire before you go to bed, leaving the swag in the middle of the night when nature calls is no longer a big deal, no more crawling out of the tent and trying to put your shoes on at ground level.

Being off the ground also means that you do not have to worry about camping on a damp and muddy ground which most of us have experienced, not sure which is worse being cold from the dampness or getting your gear ruined with the mud.

Comfort is also a big plus, with new designs and huge

ags eeping b l s of e g CHE ran retchers The DAR ned to fit the st g . are desi perfectly s g a w s and

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QUICK SET UP

improvements in the materials now being used in stretchers they are a much more comfortable option, with some products like the DARCHE XL-100 ULTRA offering padding and extra luxury.

Being raised off the ground also means that you don’t have to worry about lying on rocks or protrusions from the ground, this makes it easier to have a level pitch which is a big plus.

And lastly, the improvements

in design make these bigger stretchers more manageable when it comes to transportation and packing away with the improved quality in the materials used, they can be placed on your roof rack and away you go.

The cross leg system allows you to open and close these stretchers very quickly You wont fit this gear too easily into the boot of your mini car as they can be a bit bulky but if you have the space on your roof rack, in your

stretcher d n a of g a The sw you one e v i g l l tion wi amping combina ht sleep when c nig the best

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vehicle or in your camper trailer, this should not be an issue as most models fold down neatly. Other than that, we can’t really find any negatives, we have missed out on this type of camping over the years and certainly will be making up for it on future trips where the swags and the stretchers will now be one of our main setups. The stretchers you see here are the DARCHE XL-100 ULTRA

and the XL-100 The XL-100 ULTRA is ground-hugging in design, quick to set up and easily converted into a comfortable stretcher. High quality, the XL-100 ULTRA is constructed with a robust steel and alloy black frame, durable 600D poly fabric and comes with a convenient carry bag.

RELIABLE

DARCHE XL-100

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EM CATALOGU

DARCHE CATALOGUE Find out more about all DARCHE new arrivals, plus the next generation of your favourite gear that will be launching throughout 2020........

AY 2020

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.au

ROOFTOP TENTS

SWAGS AWNINGS

TENTS SLEEPING GEAR

GEAR BAGS & ACCESSORIES

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DEPENDABLE

T

he cleverly designed TRAKA 1800 table from Darche is built for campers on the move. Available in two convenient sizes the TRAKA 1800 being the larger table is another well thought out quality camping and touring product from Darche.

First up the table folds neatly in half with the four removable legs easily attached to the base of the table.The table is light

and can be easily stored on your roof rack or in the back of your 4WD or camper trailer. One of the real selling points of this eye catching camping table is the tables alloy surface, no more worrying about burning the surface of your table with a hot coffee pot or pan that has just come of your burner. The alloy tables surface allows you to place hot pots, pans, kettles etc and they won’t damage the tables surface.

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The TRAKA 1800 is easily cleaned and also provides plenty of working space when preparing and cooking up your favorite camping meal. Easily accommodating a family of six, everyone will have plenty of space sitting around this table and enjoy a barbecue on the beach or a couple of beers with friends after a days touring. After a couple of days camping simply remove the detachable legs secure to the base of the table fold it up and place the table in the provided bag and away you go, it’s as simple as that.

Key features include; Full alloy top – resilient to heat sources Impact resistant edges Easy to clean Light weight & space saving design Strong, sturdy and durable black frame Simple setup and pack down Folds compact with carry handle 2 year warranty Convenient carry bag included Dimensions: 1800 x 700 x 700 mm (open) 700 x 600 x 110 mm (folded) Weight: 10.76kg Colour: Black & Orange

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ortable fire pits are great for cooking on and keeping you warm all year round. In keeping with the leave no trace principles, you should take care when placing your fire pit on the ground, particularly in places where you are not allowed to have an open fire.

Keeping this in mind many of the new fire pits now on the market are designed to ensure that the ground underneath the

fire pit is well protected. When looking at purchasing a fire pit this should be considered but also storage of your fire pit should be an important factor.

There is no point in taking a large fire pit on your next camping trip if it takes up a whole bunch of space in the back of your 4WD or camper trailer. So how your fire pit can be stored in the back of your 4WD to reduce space is an important consideration, flat packed fire pit solutions are best option in our opinion. DARCHE have recently launched some new fire pits that

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imately 4.5 kgs and the larger include the DARCHE Stainless BBQ 450 weighs in at 11.5Kgs. Steel BBQ 310 or the larger BBQ These products are constructed 450 and the Stainless Steel Grill using a food grade stainless steel 440 which can be used in areas and are suited to most commonwhere open fires are allowed.

The BBQ 310 and the larger BBQ ly used BBQ heat sources.Also, 450 are a great solution for cook- the DARCHE Stainless Steel Grill 440 is suitable for places where ing your favourite camp grub you are allowed to have an open when either entertaining friends campfire. The simple throw over or family in the back garden or when camping campfire soluThe foldable design allows for and for keeption is perfect ing you warm simple setup, pack down and for cooking up on those cool- space saving storage in the a char-grilled er evenings. steak or to heat back of your vehicle your pots and The foldable pans over an design allows for simple setopen flame. up, pack down and space saving storage in the back of your The light weight foldable design vehicle or tucked away in your allows for simple setup, pack garage. The 310 weighs approx- down and space saving stor-

PORTABLE FIRE PITS

Constructed

using food grade

stainless steel

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All up, a fire pit is a must for us when going camping, a night camping just does not feel the same without the benefit of have a glowing campfire to set the scene, keep you warm and cook up your grub. For more details on the range of darche fire pits click here.

Feature & Specifications 450 Size: 450mm L x 450mm W x 440mm H.Pack down: 560mm x 80mm x 560mm.Weight: 11.5kg Grill: 304 stainless steel (foodgrade).Body: 201 stainless steel Grill area: 450mm x 450mm

Features & Specifications 440 Steel Grill Features & Specifications 310 Size: 440mm L x 320mm W x Size: 310mm L x 310mm W x 200mm H. Pack down: 450mm x 270mm H. Pack down: 360mm x 350mm x 30mm. Weight: 1.8kg 60mm x 360mm. Weight: 4.5kg Grill: 304 stainless steel (foodGrill: 304 stainless steel (foodgrade) Grill area: 440mm x grade). Body: 201 stainless steel 320mm Grill area: 310mm x 310mm

e r o m r o f e r e h k c n o i cli t a m r o f n i

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HOT

NEODW UCT

PR

STAINLESS STEEL

BBQ 310

Take the Darche Stainless Steel BBQ 310 from the campsite to the backyard as convenient cookware to feed your tribe or as a heat source to warm up your outdoor area on cooler nights. The foldable design allows for simple setup, pack down and space saving storage in the back of your vehicle or tucked away in your garage. Constructed using food grade stainless steel and suited to most commonly used BBQ heat sources, the BBQ 310 will perform for years to come.

275mm MAX HEIGHT

205mm MIN HEIGHT

BBQ SPECS • • • • • •

Size: 310mm L x 310mm W x 270m H Pack down: 360mm x 60mm x 360mm Weight: 4.5kg Grill: 304 stainless steel (food-grade) Body: 201 stainless steel Grill area: 310mm x 310mm

Stainless steel

Flat pack design

4 adjustable heights

Stable heat shield

Portable carry bag

REDEFINE THE WAY YOU COOK. VISIT US INSTORE OR ONLINE.

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darche.com.au

LEAVE NO

TRACE Every country throughout Europe and beyond has different laws when it comes to wild camping and driving in remote areas and all of these laws should be respected.

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Never le ave rubb ish at y our campsit e.

A

s 4WD owners and people who love exploring remote areas and finding that perfect campsite it is very important that we are seen to protect and respect the environment and always take out what we take in. Every country throughout Europe and beyond have different laws when it comes to wild camping and driving in remote areas and all of these laws should be respected.As pressure on our landscapes from recreational use continues to increase it is now as important as ever for us all to abide by the Leave No Place principles. It goes without saying that the vast majority of tourers and campers do respect their environment but unfortunately we will also have a minority who do not and give us all a bad name.

The Leave No Trace principles is predominantly geared towards non-motorized use of the outdoors where transportation is made possible by human or animal power, but these principles should also apply to those of us who like to get off the beaten track with our vehicles and do some wild camping and the term Tread Lightly is often used.So what does that mean? Similar to the Leave No Trace principles, these are the Tread Lightly principles that we should all consider:

Travel and recreate with minimum impact

Travel on designated tracks only.

Never create new routes, expand existing trails, or cut switchbacks.

Avoid sensitive habitats Avoid muddy trails when possible as driving on them can further damage the tracks.

Respect the environment and the rights of others

Respect and be considerate of other users so that all may enjoy a quality outdoor experience.When driving, yield to horses, hikers, and bikers.

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W

e have to say, we love an organised kitchen and one of our bugbears when camping is not being able to find utensils etc when we need them as they are packed away in a box in the back of the vehicle or some other random place particularly .

Then along comes the DARCHE Stowaway Camp Kitchen. It’s just what the doctor ordered, lots of space to hang your utensils around your workspace or store in boxes in the shelves below.

The great thing about it for us is that everything is at arms reach and everything has its place.

Previously, during our camping trips we prepared our food on a pull out bench on the side of our vehicle and utensils & cutlery were kept in separate boxes and stored in a separate camp cupboard. This works fine but by the end of the camping trip, utensils went missing, stored in the wrong places, it was only when packing away we’d find the bottle opener we searched high up low down for during the trip.The DARCHE Stowaway Camp Kitchen has solved this issue for us.

You can store everything on display where it’s easily reachable and easily found when needed.

egetables v t u c o t sink Using the

Lots of spac e to store your utens ils

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We’ve been cooking outdoors a lot lately, in the back garden of course, and have been testing out the DARCHE Camp Kitchen. It can be set up in a matter of minutes and comes with workspace, shelving, hooks for utensils and even the kitchen sink! It’s a great height, perfect for both adults and little ones who like to lend a hand.

We set up our camp stove on the neat shelf attached to the side of the kitchen, allowing us to prepare the food on the workspace and literally toss straight into the pan.

Dirty utensils/pans etc can be put in the basin ready for washing when your meal is cooked and rubbish can be stored in the mesh storage basket attached to the side.

It even comes with a lamp holder to give your workspace light at night if needed. The whole thing folds down flat and is packed in a neat bag, easy to carry and store in your 4x4. The DARCHE Camp Kitchen will definitely be coming with us on our next camping trip and many more after.

16mm n o t ot c / poly s 420gsm p canva o t s p i r grid

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Features & Specifications

Make meals a breeze with our Stowaway Camp Kitchen. Tough and lightweight, it lets you prep everything in one spot and gives you plenty of room for cookware and utensils. Excellent working height means no more sore backs! While washing and cleaning up is easy with the integrated sink and dish racks.

• Integrated plastic sink bucket • Pull out tea towel holder • Foldable camp kitchen ideal for the family • Built-in hooks ideal for hanging utensils • Attachable light pole with hook • Hardwearing aluminum top • 2x wire baskets included with height adjustment options • Mesh storage basket or rubbish bin • Open Dimensions: 1650mm L x 1320mm H x 500mm W (Bench Height 820mm) • Packed Dimensions: 1030mm L x 150mm W x 530mm H • Weight: 13.1kg

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5

1. The Stowaway kitchen comes with a carrier bag. 2.Undo the latches to open the kitchen. 3.

Open out the kitchen legs and side shelf. 4.Attach the bottom shelf.

5. The side shelf is perfect for placing your burner on. 6. The flat packed design makes it easy to store in the back of your vehicle.

O E D I V W E N

Y A W A W O T DARCHE S

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