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Hi, can anyone help me to make up my mind.  We have bought a Khyam XL Execelsior but unfortunately as we are novices to camping went in not really knowing which tent to buy.  I am concerned that this tent does not have a SIG, and after reading on the message board this is very important.

I can take this tent back as still in cooling off period.  What do you think would a SIG be better than not a SIG, would the rain get in, or would it be draughty.  I believe the Khyam is a good tent which hopefully will stand bad weather.  This is the first ever camping weekend I have ever gone on so want to get it right.

Many Thanks

Hi, and welcome.

There's been a great deal of debate on the whole "SIG or not" thing, do a search...

I've got an XXL Excelsior, which I love.
It has never leaked, not even a drop (touch wood), and has stood up to some pretty foul weather admirably.
If you've got the loose groundsheet you have options available to you, depending on conditions.
If it's hot and dry, we don't bother with the groundsheet at all. You get plenty of ventilation this way, with nice green grass in your living area. Do you really want a SIG in the middle of summer?
If we're expecting wind and rain we'll peg the storm flaps internally, and have the groundsheet on top - even my wife has had to concede that it's just like having a SIG if pitched properly.

The Khyam's are really well made, offer comfortable accommodation in all conditions (see above) and quick and easy to pitch,

Everyone seems to have an opinion on the SIG issue. All I can say from my perspective is that I'm really, really happy with the Khyam...

Thanks Andywelsh for your reply, the bedroom department has a SIG  which I am glad about, its just we have dog so hopefully if pegged down properly he wouldn't be able to get out, and after reading many messages about the beasties getting in without a SIG slightly puts me off, (but many experience campers would say "thats camping" )

Would I have to put some type of tent/awning strap over the tent?

I can't say for definite that your dog wouldn't be able to escape, I suppose it depends how big / determined he is.

We've not really suffered from bugs in the Khyam any more than we do in our Coleman (with a SIG). Bugs get inside tents, that's just the way it is.
Try to keep either the doors or mesh screens on your bedroom pod closed all the time - I don't mind the odd bug in the main tent, not so keen in my bed.

Sorry, I don't get what you mean about putting a strap over the tent...

No worries, you certainly don't sound thick!

You don't need to put any strap across the top of your Khyam.
Honestly (I know I'm biased) they're brilliant tents. They really are foolproof to erect and offer loads of space. We (me, wife and nearly 2 year old daughter) love ours to bits.

Give it a go - camping's brill! You've got a great tent which will allow you to take off for a weekend (or more) away with the minimum of preplanning.
I reckon we're owed a halfway decent summer this year, it would be a shame not to make the most of it.

Thanks traffman for your reply, glad someone had the same worries as me.  The bedrooms have a SIG so thats something and andywelsh stated to keep the bedrooms closed so that no creepies can get in.  Any ideas on sleeping bags or just take a duvet as read through other posts some air beds sink in the middle and also did you have to buy extra ground pegs or did you get enough with your tent?

Once again thanks for your advice