I’ve been looking to buy a tent carpet for our new tent. Looked at the bespoke carpet for our model, but not only is it eye wateringly expensive, but also looks like it will bunch up at the slightest pressure…especially unwelcome as we will be joined by our excitable, bouncy Old English Sheepdog. This also adds an easy-clean requirement to the search.
So I’m wondering, would it be better to look at awning carpets? What are the drawbacks of going down that route? Are they soft enough to bring the comfort of a tent carpet?
This is the awning carpet we use and have had the same one for years.
If it gets really grubby you can take a pressure washer to it to give it a good clean.
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Well, I've got both, the dedicated carpet (bought at a hefty discount!) for my old Outwell tent, and a typical course weave awning 'carpet' for my caravan awning - and of course a dog (Border Collie!).
The dedicated tent carpet is a kind of felted material, not especially durable, and slightly difficult to clean (you can't scrub stains without raising 'fluffy' patches!).
The awning carpet is pretty tough and easy to clean with hose/jet wash, comfortable underfoot (bare feet), even when laid direct on roughish hardstanding, dog doesn't seem to have any issues with it (no claws snagging etc.). Mine was a cheapo one from Lidl/Aldi, but much the same material as most.
If you don't want wall-wall and fitted into all the odd corners, then many folks seem to use picnic rugs (the type with a waterproof backing and usually 'tartan' woven top face).
Whatever type, when it's on top of a SIG, it'll have a tendency to slip around a bit, it'll be the table/chairs/junk etc. that tend to pin it in place as much as it can be. I've found using a bit of old domestic carpet as a doormat (or use a proper doormat) just inside the door both captures dirt/saves tent carpet stains, and weighs the carpet sufficiency to stop it moving too much with comings and goings.
I used PVC-backed picnic blankets as tent carpet in the living area of my Dutch pyramid tents and they are relatively cheap to replace if they get soiled.
Slipping is not an issue as 3 sides were usually weighed down with items such as table and chair, EHU kit and coolbox and storage crates.
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The breathable awning groundsheet is durable and tough but not cosy and does little to warm the tent.
Tent carpets vary tremendously
They can be a bit slippery to walk on, depending on the finish, but do make a tent more comfortable.
Picnic rugs are currently on sale in Halfords at £5 each (2m x 1.7m) so a couple would just about cover your living area, if you want a quick, easy and cheap solution. It's worth putting them in the bedroom area too - especially at this price- as they make a big difference to comfort and warmth.
In the bedroom I used those interlocking foam tiles, gives a nice layer of insulation under air bed, very comfy under bare feet, and protects SIG from the dog crate! Dog doesn't spend enough enough time walking on them, only walking to crate, for that to be a problem. Maybe a little bulky for transport, but I'm not pushed for car space.
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Topic: Best awning or tent carpet with dog
via mobile 12/10/2023 at 3:36pm
