I'm pretty sure Tim has one (he of the exploding airbeam/on-site repair fame), and if memory serves, he likes it. He'll no doubt be along to give his opinion on it.
Must admit, every time I see it mentioned, I think "shall I, Shan't I", but end up convincing myself it is simply a gadget too far.
I'm only thinking for winter months of course, for underfoot when sat chillin' in a chilly tent. We do have a fan heater, Heat-Holder socks and tent slippers though, so as yet, it remains a "shan't"!
We sleep warm enough, what with foam filled SIMs, fleece-lined fisherman's bags and thermal underwear etc so wouldn't need it for under-bed requirements... although we are considering leaving the camp beds at home, and bunging the SIM's on the floor, so I reserve the right to change my mind at any given moment! LOL!
Tempting... but not quite tempting enough, for me... for now!
Hope Tim (or others) come along soon, with something more constructive for you.
Quote: Originally posted by Bob61 on 05/11/2017
You've got tent slippers? Are they Karsten or cheapo polyester?
To be fair, Bob, I have "normal" household slippers, that I just happen to use exclusively in the tent in the colder months. They are fur lined though!
I did treat Muckerette to some so-called proper camping slippers a few Xmas' ago, which are still going strong...
Not cheap, as slippers go, but certainly not Karsten prices!
I was given the large Outwell heated carpet for Christmas. My mother in law is disappointed that it doesn't fly.
It draws 300w. It mainly keeps your feet warm and dry: you need a regular heater on too, but that won't have to work as hard because you're not losing heat to the cold ground. The top layer is very flimsy satiny quilting, so really it needs to go under the tent carpet or have a rug on top. I was extremely sceptical, but it's been great for our winter trips, making the tent much more civilised and inviting.
It packs very well into random gaps in the car, so it's not much of an overhead. Once on site you just plug it in and let it do its stuff. The lead is very short at 1.5 metres, so you'll need an extension.
We sometimes throw it over a sofa at home, but I find it can get uncomfortably hot if you sit on it (40 degrees).
The big downside is the price. They are ridiculously expensive, even when heavily discounted, so I'd advise trying to persuade someone to give it to you for Christmas. Make sure they get you the large one.
If you position them underneath a tent carpet (due to top layer being 'flimsy satiny quilting'), is the Outwell product more of a heated undercarpet than an actual carpet? In which case, what's the advantage over a regular lecci underblanket (type you can leave on all night)?
I wonder if a prolonged heat source under a pvc backed carpet would ultimately damage/degrade the pvc?
Like Mucker, I'm deliberating (and dithering over) making a purchase.
The lower surface is tough, waterproof and non-slip, which (I'm guessing here) must help protect the heating elements from damp and physical damage. Presumably the soft and feeble top surface is in part there to encourage gentle treatment.
For what it's worth, Outwell suggest putting it under the tent carpet as an option. I imagine my tent carpet has spent a lot of time >40 C in the summer anyway. The heated carpet is delightful directly underfoot if you're careful and in your socks, but an active child or your outdoor shoes will make short work of it.
If you do go for an underblanket I'd be very interested to hear your experiences. A warm floor really does make a difference to winter trips, and it looks as though Outwell have stopped making them.
One other thing to consider: the Outwell carpet seems happy to have camping furniture on top of it, and I'm not sure I'd risk that with an underblanket.
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Topic: outwell heated carpet
