Message Forums

Quote: Originally posted by scotty7367 on 07/5/2006

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ground sheet in the sleeping area YES but in the play/sitting area i prefer just grass, i find that if its wet you just walk grass and dirt in to ground sheet, but with grass it does not show and i have never got wet in that area even in the pouring rain and it smells better, maybe im just alone in that, let me know if i`m not please.

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SIG are a must if going anywhere abroad prone to sudden very heavy rain/thunderstorms when the rain can't drain away quickly enough cos the grounds so hard and dry. Year before last went to Ardeche and one day it rained so hard that any tent without SIG had a good few inches of water in the living area resulting in everything getting wet especially feet.  Tents with SIG kept dry though as it didn't rise high enough to breach the edges.

There are 2 main problems with SIGs that are common ( that I can see anyway ).  One is they can be damadged and are difficult to replace if beyond repair ( new tent ).  It can make cleaning difficult as it cannot be removed from the tent.  Both these problems can be overcome very easy by putting down a tarp first and we cover the inside as well.  We don't do this because we are worried about getting the SIG dirty or damamdged, we also do it because it makes it more comfortable for us.  Having covering on the inside of the tent not only protects the groundsheet but makes it extremely soft and warm.  We went over to a SIG tent about 3 years ago and I can honestly say that I have never had either problem.  I have definitiely never had the wind lift up the groundhseet and if it did, it just shows you how much draught it is keeping out. Definitely for the Montana, if the wind was lifting up the groundhsheet by that much it means it isn't pitched properly ( too loose ).

Going round displays, I have seen damadged SIGs on tents, but thats basically because people really don't care what they do to the display models.  I have also seen tents with rips everywhere ( not SIG tents ).

I think the argument is whether you like them or not.  If you weigh up the advantages and disadvantages, they are on evens with the advantages and disadvantages of seperate groundhseets.  It really is as simple as that,  you either like them or you don't.  Everyone has their own method of camping and none of them are wrong.

Quote: Originally posted by aitch on 24/4/2006

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First time with my Khyam Tourer 400 and am I glad that it's a loose lay. It was rather rainyat times, hence rather muddy and I've got it all to clean, yet. The ground sheet is outside waiting my attention. The tent will stay wrapped until my next outing as it's dry and clean.

I tuck the mud walls inwards and put the ground sheet on top of them so it's almost like a SIG without the disadvantages.

The bedrooms are SIG with mesh doors so they are insect free and in 4 days, pitched next to a stream, I only saw one creepy crawly in the tent and I just helped him on his way to the outside.

Very satisfied withe the Tourer 400. I put it up by myself which I wasn't too sure I could do but it was relatively easy. The only trouble I had was extending the bottom poles and lining up the "catch" with the hole.

H

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I believe tents with sewn in ground sheets are warmer.

They keep the small critters out (Hedgehogs, mice, squirrels etc..)

Also, saw a tent with 9 people in get flooded, standing water on the site flooded though, they got back everything was soaked. We were glad of the built in ground sheet then.

I would have said they aren't as cool in the heat but event built in ground sheets, most tents todays have very good ventalation.

Mark

sewn in wins hands down for me.  We were more than happy with the Outwell XXL...it kept us completely dry in monsoon weather a couple of years ago in August !....it's draught free and feels really cosy.

It's up for sale now though as we're downsizing now the family is flying the nest.  Check out For Sale board if interested. 

cheers

i would go for a SIG any day they are warmer and keeps out the wet.

Had one with out and got rid. cold and wet yuck!!!!!!!!