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my first tent had  no sewn in  ground  sheet  and  it was  a  pain in the  wet  weather.  but  we bought  an  outwell  hartford  xxl  which is  a  very large  tent  with sewn in  ground  sheet  much  easier  but  we  do put  another  sheet  underneath  to save on the  bottom of the  tent  getting muddy if  it does  rain.

Our first tent didn't have a sewn in groundsheet and with windy conditions was extremely draughty so we opted to buy a Vango Diablo 600 with sewn in groundsheet. Even the porch groundsheet which isn't sewn in attaches via toggles above ground level (except round the openings). Should be much cosier!

I've read the whole thread (Phew!) and been very interested by the debate, even though it's a bit irrelevant for us as we have a trailer tent!

Nobody has mentioned one factor, which I find very surprising. Surely a separate groundsheet is much better for the ground?

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I first went tenting (30 years ago!) with guides, we were told that the aim of any camper should be to leave no trace that you were there. We had to roll up not only the groundsheet, but also the side walls of our tents every morning  to allow the ground to breathe.

You can buy breathable groundsheets for your tent which allow the grass to survive even if you're camped in the one spot for a fortnight. I don't see how you could achieve the same with a SIG.

Quote: Originally posted by good intentions on 23/8/2006

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...Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I first went tenting (30 years ago!) with guides, we were told that the aim of any camper should be to leave no trace that you were there. We had to roll up not only the groundsheet, but also the side walls of our tents every morning to allow the ground to breathe...

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What about fire hazards, would it not be better not to have a Sig or would a tent light up that fast that it would not matter which one you had. I have had both types, I like the Sig but feel safer without it who knows?

Tincan

HI DOTTYDOT

we`ve just returned from wales (cardigan bay) with our sunn valley 8 with SIG ,our friends joined us with there tent cant remember what make it was but it didnt have a SIG. weather wise it tended to be quite windy at times ok for us, unfortunatly for our friends it proved to be to uncomftable  for them with the wind blowing around there ankels . and even worse it made them cut short there holiday by 2 days because they were simply fed up feeling cold. im sure that having a tent without a SIG has some advantages but i personally wouldnt do without one.

SORRY I MENT MOLLY9 

Good thread... been reading it with a lot of interest...

My problem is that most SIG tents have to be put up inner first, and as a shorty, this can prove very difficult trying to get all that material dragged over the top once the tent is erected.

My ideal tent would have SIG, Pitch outer first, have 3 bedrooms and a covered/seperate porch area for cooking in.

The Aspen 700 would be perfect if it was inner pitch first, but I think the Sun Valley 8 has all my requirements? Can anyone confirm or recommend something?

Thanks

Quote: Originally posted by adams.family on 04/9/2006

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The Aspen 700 would be perfect if it was inner pitch first, but I think the Sun Valley 8 has all my requirements? Can anyone confirm or recommend something?

 

Adams Family - sounds like you have found your perfect tent in the SV8.  We have one and it is fantastic.  We have just had a wet and windy weekend in Scarborough and we stayed dry, warm and comfortable throughout.  Best thing with SV8 was that we could leave all the wet dirty stuff in the porch without contaminating the inner tent which stayed perfectly clean and dry. 

Only thing is I would still have reservations cooking inside the porch as it is a confined space, though we have cooked under the awning (front door held up with the poles).

You will not be disappointed with the SV8 and of course it pitches and strikes in one go.

Gaz...........