On the face of it, i wouldnt normaly bother with something as poncy as a carpet for a tent, but......as this new one has an integral ground sheet, i can see the need for protecting it in some way from chair/table legs etc.
Are these bespoke carpets up to much, and do they hold much water if they get wet by walking water in on foot or rain thru an open door??
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Picnic rugs for me too, if they get wet or dirty there easy to shake out, hang over the windbreak to dry, swap about, and wash well, they feel better - a bit softer when they have been washed, wouldn't like to try putting a carpet in the washing machine!
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The carpets/rugs are a big help in protecting the groundsheet when used with a footprint groundsheet, but they also make the tent warmer when the weather and ground are cold and makes sitting on the floor of your tent comfortable, preventing a cold bum.
The made-to-measure carpets are not cheap - that's for sure. But I prefer them. I would need at least two of the picnic rugs even for the modest living area of my Minny 4 I find that the picnic rugs can slip due to little friction between the rug and SIG whereas my Outwell carpet (partly due to the greater surface area in contact with the SIG and, therefore, greater friction) does not slip. I use the rugs in the bedroom pods.
I don't think that you can machine-wash the Outwell carpets but they are quite easy to wipe clean. They don't tend to soak up any spilt liquids. We have a strict "no outside shoes in the tent" rule - so dirt/mud is not an issue.
I have an outwell carpet and although expensive it is a great addition to our camping experience. It helps protect the groundsheet and also keeps things warmer. It is not rubber backed but has a similar backing to the picnic rugs mentioned above. Any liquid tends to collect on the surface and does not soak in so v.easy to mop up. I would definately recommend if you dont mind the expense.
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I used to have picnic rugs but they are no where near as cosy as the fitted carpet, and mine packs down to the same as as the two rugs I used to take. I found the rugs used to move about and ruck up where the carpet doesn't.
We have a fitted carpet for our Hartford XL, really cosy especially when lying on the floor playing with children. Not had any spills yet but as we take all wet gear off in the canopy dragging water in is not too much of a problem. I wouldn't be without it and it packs down to about the size of a briefcase.
We use the rubber type breathable groundsheet inside our Vango Aspen 700Dlx. Any spills etc just wipe off it and it is very warm under foot. Any bits that fall on it just fall through the tiny holes so you aint sweeping up every 2 minutes. You can get them in different colours for the colour coordinate people out there. They come in set sizes or cut the size you want off a 3 mtr wide roll and shape it to your needs.
Quote: Originally posted by Batchy Boy on 02/9/2008
We use the rubber type breathable groundsheet inside our Vango Aspen 700Dlx. Any spills etc just wipe off it and it is very warm under foot. Any bits that fall on it just fall through the tiny holes so you aint sweeping up every 2 minutes. You can get them in different colours for the colour coordinate people out there. They come in set sizes or cut the size you want off a 3 mtr wide roll and shape it to your needs.
Hmmm, ive been using one of these for its intended purpose up to now. Never thought of using one on the 'inside'. I bet theyre cheaper as well?
I have heard that the Vango carpets are not much cop, but now that I have managed to convince my better half I am keen to get something to put down and keep the tent cosy. Does anyone have any recommendations for an alternative to the Vango carpets? I don't really want to go down the tarp or picnic blanket route.
Quote: Originally posted by atko on 02/9/2008
costco ones are really good quality, very thick so doesn't move about.
I know this post was a while ago - but did you mean costco sell these breathable groundsheets on a roll? I haven't been for costco for a while but wasn't aware they sold camping bits? Would appreciate any advice on where to get hold of them - thanks!