Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Camping under canvas - Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations

Topic: Fitted carpet, general carpet or a rug?

lynniep

25/3/2014 at 3:51pm
Location: Cambridgeshire
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 18/3/2014

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 24
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I'm a bit bombarded with camping decisions at the moment, having just bought a new tent (Maritsa 700)

I knew there wasn't going to be a carpet available, and I have been mulling over whether to invest in one that 'almost' fits (the nadina 600 carpet is the right shape but will be smaller in size)

Its also £69, which is ok, but still a lot of money when I'm forking out on other stuff too.

Will I regret not buying one that covers most of my living space?

There is a gelert carpet on sports direct that is only £24.

Its 235 x 320, so still a substantial size. It would fit down the middle of the tent like a runway with about 80cm gap on either side. Having seen pics on this site, and the floorplan of the Atlantis 5, I think the carpet will be tapered (in a similar way to the maritsa) rather than rectangular but I'm not sure.

There is also a waterproof backed rug on ebay for £20. Its 220cm x 300 so a bit smaller than the Gelert carpet. Probably lighter too. Possibly wont last though and therefore not worth it?

Please help me make my mind up!

Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!

spiritburner

25/3/2014 at 3:59pm
Location: NE England
Outfit: Citroen Dispatch Campervan plus tents

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/8/2004

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1625

Site Reviews Total:	21

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	1
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	2
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	2
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	2
Site Nights 2019:	6
Site Nights 2018:	0

Waterproof will get condensation underneath IMO. We just have an old rug for most of the living area. If we didn't we'd maybe buy one from Ikea. The OH likes it the most - I'm not bothered either way.

Mucker1884

25/3/2014 at 4:10pm
Location: Derby.
Outfit: Karsten 350+Awnings

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 01/7/2012

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9052
Tent Reviews: 5

Site Reviews Total:	40

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	6

I thought most, if not all, tent carpets had a waterproof backing. PE or similar? We lay ours directly onto our waterproof SIG, which will have another waterproof layer below that (footprint). All PE or similar material. Cant say I've noticed any condensation between carpet and SIG, nor between SIG and footprint, when we de-camp.

I'm also under the impression that a fair number of picnic blankets have a similar backing too?

Spiritburner said "IMO", I said "I thought..."

Anyone have any facts on this? Or further thoughts/opinions?

-------------
2024: 38 nights thus far...
2023: 47 nights
2022: 40 nights
2021: 30 nights
2020: Just 24 nights
2019: A personal best 50 nights
2018: Just the 30 nights
2017: 34 nights
2016: 32 nights
2015: 38 nights
2014: 34 nights
2013: 36 nights
From July 2012: 23 nights

lynniep

25/3/2014 at 4:14pm
Location: Cambridgeshire
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 18/3/2014

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 24
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Am a bit concerned with size too. Having seen the size of the tent when it arrived this morning I just thought OMFG its a good job I bought a roof box. Im guessing a maritsa/nadina carpet will be mahoosive even when folded.

Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!

Jukie999

25/3/2014 at 4:32pm
Location: Dorset
Outfit: Outwell Vermont XLP Vango Icarus 500

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/3/2009

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 173

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Some carpets roll down quite small, others are thicker/more bulky.
GoOutdoors quotes the Nadina 600 carpet as 'Packed size: L40 x H24 x W24cm'
Maybe check it out in person in the shop..... you will then be able to imagine how to pack the boot of your car

Personally I don't think it matters if the carpet doesn't go quite to the edges, but with small children you might not want the edge of it to be in a tripping zone !

Sarah

Francais

25/3/2014 at 5:26pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/6/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 12115
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	14
Site Nights 2018:	0

For our Cabanon, in order to protect the ZIG in the living area and SIG in the bedroom pod, I got 2 Outwell carpets, which were on end of season sale at the time.

To get a perfect fit, I took some measurements and a lady on our local market who does clothing alterations sorted them for £10 each.

Bob61

25/3/2014 at 5:31pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/8/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 10276
Tent Reviews: 4

Site Reviews Total:	28

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	4
Site Nights 2018:	3

Due to the size and shape of most tents nobody walks right up to the side of them so why carpet right up to the side?

You may well have tables, boxes, and other bits of equipment along the sides of the tent anyway and they don't need carpet underneath.

At the doorways you may well want small doormats for blotting wet boots and shoes.

I have always used waterproof picnic rugs and never noticed any condensation. They can be bought on ebay for less than a tenner each and being smaller than a full tent carpet and more manageable can be washed in a washing machine.

Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!

Francais

25/3/2014 at 6:36pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 29/6/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 12115
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	14
Site Nights 2018:	0

Hi Bob61.
The reason I went for wall to wall fitted carpets, was partly due to the fact that the internal poles of our tent hold the carpet in position for the living area, so the carpet never shifts.

The SiG in the bedroom pod somehow keeps that carpet in position as well.

The carpets I used were the Minnesota 6 for the living area and the Wolf Lake 5 for the bedroom pod, both Outwell carpets, got them back in 2009 thought I would mention that for any other Cabanon Biscaya 370 owners that are looking at getting carpets.

spiritburner

25/3/2014 at 6:55pm
Location: NE England
Outfit: Citroen Dispatch Campervan plus tents

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/8/2004

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1625

Site Reviews Total:	21

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	1
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	2
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	2
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	2
Site Nights 2019:	6
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by Mucker1884 on 25/3/2014I thought most, if not all, tent carpets had a waterproof backing. PE or similar? We lay ours directly onto our waterproof SIG, which will have another waterproof layer below that (footprint). All PE or similar material. Cant say I've noticed any condensation between carpet and SIG, nor between SIG and footprint, when we de-camp.

I'm also under the impression that a fair number of picnic blankets have a similar backing too?

Spiritburner said "IMO", I said "I thought..."

Anyone have any facts on this? Or further thoughts/opinions?

I've seen condensation on groundsheets under SIM's, karrimats & other things such as storage boxes. Plus from this thread

Quote: Originally posted by mrs jubbly on 12/8/2008
Def sounds like condensation to me. What i discovered for the first time this last week was condensation under the silver backed thermal picnic rugs we used as tent carpet. It was deffinitely condensation as it only appeared where the rugs had been lying. I panicked at first thinking we had a leak from underneath! But I guess it was the warmth of the rugs against the cold of the floor.
Clare

Dubstepper

25/3/2014 at 7:10pm
Location: N.Wales
Outfit: Gelert Ottawa 4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/10/2011

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 187

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

we have 2 old cotton throws my MIL got from a boot sale. one in the bedroom, one in the lounge. Easier to wash cos if you camp when its muddy then they will get messy.

arsenaldes

25/3/2014 at 7:15pm
Location: Aston Clinton
Outfit: Kampa Holkham + Outwell Yukon River*

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 13/6/2010

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 5090
Tent Reviews: 12

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

All our Outwell tent carpets, and weve had quite a few, have had a heavy duty PVC backing so one assumes this is a waterproof material. On decamping Ive never seen any evidence of condensation under any of them. Vango have as Mucker has said a PE waterproof, non-slip base which as its stated on their website must be waterproof.

-------------
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

Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes

New! Please upload a photo of your tent to the Tent Showcase!

Mucker1884

25/3/2014 at 7:23pm
Location: Derby.
Outfit: Karsten 350+Awnings

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 01/7/2012

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9052
Tent Reviews: 5

Site Reviews Total:	40

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	6

Hmm... Interesting, spiritburner!
I wonder if the silver backed had a bearing?
I wonder if our permanently open vent(s) are sparing us?
I wonder if we are helped by the fact that when it's minus 2 outside the tent, it's normally minus 3 inside, despite the fan heater!!

I'm certainly gonna make a point of lifting the carpet now and again, just to check. I will, of course, report back, if there is anything to report.

-------------
2024: 38 nights thus far...
2023: 47 nights
2022: 40 nights
2021: 30 nights
2020: Just 24 nights
2019: A personal best 50 nights
2018: Just the 30 nights
2017: 34 nights
2016: 32 nights
2015: 38 nights
2014: 34 nights
2013: 36 nights
From July 2012: 23 nights

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Tent talk. Advice, info and recommendations - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

9099 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder