After a “phenomenal” (Outdoor Revolution’s description) first season, the Elan range of caravan awnings is back, better than before.

The main fabric is kept at a double ripstop, but its three-dimensional weave makes it feel like traditional awning fabric.

That said, it’s far lighter and therefore easier to handle.

Twin-needle stitching means, in effect, double the strength at the seams. They’re taped, too, with an increased tape size for this season.

This is part of an all-round beefing up. For example, the mudflaps have a more durable look and can be folded inside or out, depending on preference.

Storm straps and guylines are in a complementary grey – the former detachable. There are two of them, with five different fixing locations.

Outdoor Revolution reckons these caravan awnings will fit 99% of tourers.

There’s also the slimmer 280 version. But it’s worth checking – for the 340, you’ll need an awning rail of 362cm and you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t impede any windows.

The fun really starts once you’ve drawn it on to the awning rail, with a sub-two-minutes inflation time using the manual pump. It can be inflated from a single attachment point and the air tubes have a lifetime guarantee.

There’s a pop-in single roof beam – leave it ready inflated in the van if you have the space, to save a few seconds.

Thanks to its overall size and low weight (it is 22.2kg), the ease with which it can be put up is one of the Elan’s big attractions.

The side doors have mesh flyscreens, and each panel can be rolled back. There are zipped curtains and the windows are tinted, with fixed quarterlights.

The light-coloured roof reflects excessive heat, while details like rain channels for the zips are bound to come in handy.

If you want more overhead protection at the front, consider the canopy option.

The storm kit – steel pegs, two extra straps, a mallet with a peg-puller and so on – looks like another interesting addition.

Fixing points are also already here for some clever lighting options, including a nifty two-in-one lantern/UV mosquito killer with a USB charging point.

But the Elan offers enough as standard to start you off with an inflatable awning – right through to its clear instruction manual. Even a repair kit is included.

Unlike the awning itself, let’s hope you never need it.

This Outdoor Revolution awning measures 340cm x 280cm, has a fixing height of 235cm-250cm and a pack size of 78 x 36 x 36cm.

The following options are available: a canopy (£119.99), a two-berth inner tent (£69.99), a freestanding inner tent (£104.99), a Jet Stream electric pump (£59.99), a storm kit (£24.99), rear upright poles (£16.99) and a Lumi mosquito light (£18.99).