Message Forums

By now, some of you may know just how much of a novice I am at this camping lark and Friday, the day upon which I break my camping duck (not counting Leeds Festival) is looming fast. I'm getting more nervous by the hour - will 3 hours be enough to put the tent up?

My tent has a spiderproof SIG (OR SO i'M TOLD!!) ((By my georgous young salesman, Piglet )

BUT...Do I need a groundsheet underneath this one? If so, what do I need and how will it benefit my anticipated wonderful camping experience???

This is likely to be the first in a stream of questions.................you've been warned!!!!!!

Stella

Hi,

We put a cheap blue tarpaulin under ours - bought it from B&Q for less than a fiver. It saves the underside of the SIG getting dirty - keeps the rest of the tent clean when packing it up.

Martin

You can, if you want, but it is not necessary.

To me, more about keeping the underside clean(ish). However, I personally, don't bother as I transport enough already.

if you want more warmth, then using thermal stuff inside is better.

Stella

You don't NEED to put an extra groundsheet under your SIG, but it is recommended that you do.  The main reason is to protect your SIG from damage, puncturing etc. You only need pitch on a stray branch/thick twig or sharp stone and you risk damaging your SIG.  Ultimately they can be repaired but at greater cost than just replacing a standalone ground sheet.  The other reasons though less tangible are extra padding underneath and to keep your SIG clean so that it doesn't get the rest of your tent messy when you pack it away.

Ultimately if you intend camping anywhere that may be rocky - i.e. anywhere in the lake disrict then I would definitley invest in one.  After all it will only cost you £20 max to protect the SIG in your £100's + tent.

Gaz....

It is much easier to clean the groundsheet than having to get the tent out when you get home.

Thanks for all your help - I'll pop into B and Q on my way home.

But - wilkinsonfamily - what is this about wormcasts?? I thought I'd covered myself with my fear of spiders by getting a SIG - should I also have bought a WNA tent (worms not allowed) .....................

.......................just a thought.........do they have snakes in Oxfordshire?

AAAARRRGGGHHHH!