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Hi all,

Bit of newbie here and wondering if some experienced campers could help me out. I wanted to ask if anyone has any experience of the vango 2011 carpets?

I've seen some previous threads which mentioned that vango carpets aren't very good quality however i have a vango icarus 2011 tent that we are very happy with. It's stood up to pretty horrendous weather this year with no problems whatsoever.  I wondered if maybe they'd improved the carpet for the 2011 version?

Thanks

The carpets for 2011 seem to have a different construction. The 2010 versions were open weave tops with a padded interior and waterproof backing. We've found the 2010 version excellent - we even spilt read wine on it and some cold water and dabbing with a kitchen towel got the stain out in seconds. They are lovely and cushioned too, although this makes them a bit bulky. They certainly have more cushioning than Gelert and 2010 Kampa carpets. If you use something catchy over the carpet you could catch a thread, but this is also true of our Kampa carpet. Even with a 3 / 4 year old playing cars, planes and trains on the carpet the carpet is still excellent! The carpets are also made from much larger sections of carpets with joins invisible and bound underneath. The Gelert carpets are made from numberous smaller strips with binding tape very visible connecting them (which is probably why they are cheaper).

I cannot be 100% certain as I don't have a 2011 tent, but I am sure someone will let you know - but it looks to me as if they have gone now for a more fleecy type of carpet for 2011. Whether this can be classed as an improvement is probably down to personal preference. Some people prefer the fleecy finish.

We have a Vango 2010 carpet and an Outwell 2008 carpet (which has a fleecy finish like the 2011 Vango) and I actually prefer the Outwell as it feels warmer, and is easier to clean. The Vango 'open weave' top makes it harder to pick bits up off it....often a problem I have after consuming the odd packet of Custard Creams!

I throw the Outwell over the washing line and jetwash or steam it...never put it in the washer though as I know I can't get a replacement if I knacker it!!! Haven't had to take such drastic action with the Vango (yet!)

I have a vango 2011 carpet, but I've never seen any other kind of carpet close up to compare it too. It is fleecy, it's lovely and warm underfoot and lightly padded with a waterproof backing. I was a bit worried when I first brushed it as some fibres came up, but it only happened the first time. When I got it home we hoovered it clean and it looked great!

I'm definitely happy with it, but as I say, I've got nothing to compare it to.