What are the differences between 'Open Air' and 'Touring' covers?

What would be the weight for an “open air” cover as compared to the “touring” variant? Would taking an open air cover for touring be advisable or is the fabric too “robust” for folding in a pouch? I would expect that the heavier fabric is nicer to handle?

Cambrai Open Air and Touring Covers are cut to exactly the same patterns, so they cover the same areas and have the same quality of manufacture and standard of fiit.

We have two different Touring fabrics: A lighter weight version of our ‘Open Air’ fabric, or a slightly lighter weight polyester. The polyester is available in white colour only.

As an exaple, a PA28 cover in Open Air will weigh about 6kg, a touring cover about 4.5kg and a polyester touring cover about 4kg. A C172 cover in Open Air will weigh about 6.5kg, in Touring Fabric about 5kg, and in the polyester around 4kg.

All the fabrics are a little ‘crisp’ when they are new, but within a week or two will soften up considerably, making them easier to pack and taking up less space. The weight, of course, won’t change!

You’re right, the open air fabric is the nicer handle, and it is the most robust of all our fabrics, but please don’t get the idea that its monstrously big or heavy – they really are not. The touring covers will pack into about 2/3rd of the space of an open air cover, but its not a massive enough size or weight saving to sway your decision.

In my opinion, the Open Air covers represent best value for money, as we know you will get anything up to ten years of life from them – even more in some cases - and if your aircraft is regularly or permanently parked outside, that’s the one to go for.

Michael.