As much as I applaud the benefits of safari windows, it is disappointing they are not factory-fitted with blinds. During the day, the roof windows make the interior brighter, enhancing the feeling of space, and they can be tilted to improve ventilation. However, when the sun is up high, there is nothing to prevent it beaming through the roof and onto the driver and front seat passenger.

Whilst talking to several owners about their first travelling experiences, Christoph, an otherwise very happy driver, shared his woes after sitting in a midday traffic jam for three hours with no way to escape the sun as it burned through the window and directly onto his head.

BLIDIMAX

We’ve already expressed the benefits of the BlidimaX window blinds for overlanders, but this time I want to specifically discuss the safari window blinds.

Removed from their bag, the blinds are installed within two minutes thanks to five highly efficient suction cups in each blind. The mats fit perfectly inside the frame and do exactly what they are meant to. Namely, block out the bright sun and reflect its hot rays.

This is the no. 1 accessory INEOS forgot to add when they developed the popular safari windows. As my own experience, and that of others, has proven, a set of window blinds belongs in every Grenadier with roof windows.

Each blind is handmade from eight layers of highly effective insulation material. The outward facing layers can either be ordered with a silver reflective surface or a patented black material which, quite remarkably, is almost as efficient as its shiny counterpart.

The blinds, available either from BlidimaX directly or through selected retailers, are supplied as a set of two packed in a smart pouch. The BlidimaXeasy brand means they are an off-the-shelf solution, available in a dappled grey colour which blends well with the grey roof lining.

FROM €175 | BLIDIMAX

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WHAT IS BLIDIMAX

BlidimaX window insulation has gained international acclaim as being a perfect fit and highly efficient at protecting the interior agains external temperature extremes. For example, during a polar winter, termperatures of -30°C and lower are the norm, yet a customer noted +5°C inside his Defender. Similarly, hot summers see a temperature difference between the interior and extrerior of 20°C and more.

Each set is tailormade from no less than seven layers of carefully selected materials which are quilted and bordered with edging tape. Fixing eyes and rings are made of stainless steel and the supplied rubber suction cups, which adhere the mats to the windows, remain soft and flexible even after regular use.

BlidimaX products are available for a vast number of 4x4s, vans, trucks and trailers, and countless iterations of each model to reflect design changes throughout its manufacturing lifespan. If your particular vehicle is not yet on the list, then it will be added … The Blickdicht Manufactur goes the extra mile for its customers.

BLIDIMAX BLACK©

BlidimaX Black© is the top of the line set with a special black layer facing the outside. Now you probably think black insulation might be somewhat counter productive on a sunny day. Well, based upon years of use in my own Land Rover, I can confirm the patented black outer layer reflects most of the sun’s rays and still siginificantly reduces interior temperatures.

Another benefit of BlidimaX Black is the ability to darken the windows when camping in urban areas – unless you look closely, you hardly notice the black mats. On the other hand, the shiny reflective surfaces mostly used for insulation definintely undermines any stealth camping aspirations.

COLOUR COMBINATIONS

The surface material facing the interior of the car is available in eight colours: dark green, apple green black, indigo blue, wine red, light grey and dark grey. To add some contrast, the edging tape is available in ten colours: black, orange, light grey, navy blue, kiwi, fir green, bordeaux, cobalt, mud grey or red. FInally, the suction cups are available in seven colours: black, orange, red, cobalt blue, light grey, light green or transparent.

With that number of permutations, you will certainly find the right colour combination to enhance your interior.

THE GRENADIER SET

Based upon BlidimaX Black©, the very first set was made for a Grenadier Station Wagon with blanked out rear side windows and comprised a total of seven mats delivered with a custom-made bag tidy stowing.

Finished in apple green with a black border, the combination lends the interior a bright and friendly atmosphere.

Installation takes barely a few minutes and effectively prevents any interior light being visible from outside whilst fending off hot and cold external temperatures.

The overall appearance of the BlidimaX insulation mats is a perfect match for the attention to detail and quality standards INEOS invests in their own manufacture.

BLICKDICHT MANUFAKTUR | from €

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