About to buy our first "family" tent; now we have a 2yo & 4yo with us, the days of 2 man backpacking tents are long gone....
Visited the Yeomans camp show in the snow last weekend, and coupled with reading around online, we think we're settled on the Outwell Montana 6P.
But I was wondering whether people consider the footprint and/or carpet as worthwhile additions ?
Aside from the extra cost, I assume they add more bulk to lug around in the car; so wanted to know if they're really beneficial or not.
Thanks for any info !
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The footprint is essential in my opinion it keeps the tent groundsheet clean and gives added protection. It takes up very little space. Its also great for positioning when pitching . Carpet keeps the floor very cozy and warmer....we have both.
The footprint is a template of the tent floor which is why it makes positioning on a pitch easy, the material similar to the tent groundsheet . The carpet is easy to sweep.and I usually give it a wipe with soapy water and hang on the line when I'm at home to freshen it up a bit.
------------- DJ
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Hi
A footprint whether it be a genuine one or a tarp really does make life easier not only in positioning the tent but also keeping the bottom of the SIG clean as they are a nightmare to clean when muddy without dirtying the rest of the tent, they also give a bit of extra protection from stones etc
------------- Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Everything has been said before, but since nobody ever listens we have to keep going back and saying it all over again and again and again
We have a 6P (2012) with all optional exras and I a very glad we purchased the footprint, we use it to position out the tent before pitching. When taking tent down, its stops the bottom of the tent from getting wet/muddy (as well as us when we roll tent up).
As for the carpet, I would sooner have it then not have it. It does provide some comfort and warmth but these were downgraded compared to the 2011 model. I have no idea if the new 2013 design is same quality as 2012 or inferior, all I know is it has the Outwell logo pattern now.
Both footprint and carpet pack up quite well and don't need huge space.
We also have the Front Awning and Front Extension, if you can only get one get the Awning as the Extension is only really a shield over the door due to new front design.
I wouldnt be without either. The foot print is def good at getting the positioning right. Last year we camped where the pitches were gravel. We put an extra cheap tarp on top of the footprint. It cut out the rough stone puncturing the floor. Was even better once the carpet was laid.
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