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We use a couple of ethnic type rugs we got from Ikea years ago. I think they are called Dhurries. Not sure about the spelling. They are more like a thick woven blanket and fold up rather than roll up like rugs and so take up less space. Our friends use a piece of that eco friendly, breathble awning carpet on their SIG.

Carol

I think they mean to protect the inside of the groundsheet from furniture ect ,we just use a couple of those waterproof backed picnic rugs !

Suppose im going to have to rethink that one in the Aspen !  anyone got the number for allied carpets ?

Hi

I think it was someone on here a while ago that mentioned about reed matting, similar to those mats you sunbathe on abroad, but you can get bigger ones so they said, i have some spare underlay that was left over from when we had the new living room carpet laid, about a roll and a half, I think I will try that out this summer(if summer ever gets here ).

 Steve. 

We put a ground sheet down first then put your tent up this keeps your sig clean . when you erect your tent.Put a picnic blanket down(inside)

When you take down your tent your tent and sig will be fairly clean and you can brush the other ground sheet clean or wait till you  get home and hose it clean and hang it on your washing line hope this helps

We use a combination of waterproof backed picnic rugs and traditional blankets from Ecuador which my OH brought back from a trip there.  I love the Ecudorian blankets as they are so thick and warm.  We fold them and put them flat in the boot before we put everything else on top, therefore they take up very little space in the car.

I must either be drunk or thicker than what I thought.  Are you all putting these "carpets" under the SIG or inside the tent on top of the SIG.  Im going camping for the first time in a long time (first time alone with kids) and Im trying to fit in as many tips as poss lol.

Its easy...buy a cheap tarpaulin about the size of your tent. Like this... You will probably get one locally cheaper. Cut it about 6 inches smaller all round than your tent. you could even go as far as putting eyelets in using one of these.

Set off. Get struck on A30. Get stressed. Arrive at pitch. Scratch head and have cuppa. Peg out said cheap Tarpaulin (slightly smaller than your tent). Move / drag / haul into right position. have cuppa. Erect tent. have cuppa. (Can you see the recurring action here...)

Inside tent lay out chosen floor covering(s)...ie persian rugs, camping blankets, dodo feather duvets, shagpile axminster wool twist...whatever you like. Have cuppa. Some even lay blankets under the inner tents to insulate. This is a good tip. Do not ignore. We use an old rubber backed rug, but will be obtaining a cheap pure cotton mat for the door. We have a company that comes into my office to exchange the rugs (which just happen to be the said soft cotton ultra absorbent type) so might ask the chap if he has any "old" ones he can exchange for contraband goods of unspecified form. Anyway back to the matter in hand...and have a cup of tea before spending a long night visiting the loo because of excess tea consumption.

Have a good time. I have not one atom of doubt that you will.