Groundsheet Info
Groundsheets come in various sizes and shapes to make it easy to find the correct one to go under your tent or give you a clean area in your awning. Most tents now come with their own shaped groundsheet which zips into the outer tent, but as already mentioned
caravan and motorhome awnings are usually supplied without the groundsheet so the need for sperate groundsheets is still there.
Types of Groundsheets
A groundsheet is an essential piece of camping equipment and a must for all caravan awnings and camping design to protect your tent, your job is to decide what type you need and how much you are prepared to pay for the privilege.
Waterproof PVC groundsheets
These PVC groundsheets are useful for short term use on grass - most campsite owners now prefer campers not top use this type of groundsheet. Fully waterproof covers stops the light and air getting to the grass making it go yellow. This is unattractive for the next campers to rent that plot so you can sympathize with the sentiment! This problem can be alleviated by lifting the groundsheet during the day. If however you do not have a zipped in groundsheet for your tent you will want a fully waterproof cover under your sleeping area to stop you getting damp and cold at night. Most sites realize that tents need the fully waterproof option so allow them, and also usually allow the non-breathable groundsheets in awnings, but some sites might insist on the breathable variety of groundsheet. Examples can be found on our
groundsheets page.
Breathable Groundsheets
Many camping site owners insist on the use of Eco friendly camping ground sheets. Eco mats drastically reduce the damage done to grass by traditional PVC and PE camping ground sheets. Another advantage is that Eco friendly mat permit any spilt drinks to drain straight into the ground beneath which saves cleaning up, and they offer a carpeted feel to your tent or awning. They do pack up bigger that the PVC variety which is a disadvantage A good example of an Eco friendly mat is the Carpetina groundsheet which comes in different colours and sizes. Look at
Carpetina Groundsheet 3m x 2.5m, the advantage of this particular groundsheet is that because it is impervious to moisture it does not get heavier when it gets wet and won't go mouldy if packed away damp. Carpetina is called a carpet but is really a breathable base layer to go directly onto the ground. It is possible to get tent carpet to go on top of the breathable groundsheet which has a comfortable fabric top and waterproof backing.
