www.nwcampers.co.uk

Hi all
So what are the benefits of a SIG, They are draft proof but so is a tent with mud flaps with an over sized ground sheet. The only place insects can enter a tent with a SIG is through an open door. Most insects can be kept out with the oversize ground sheet.
The main benefit I see with the SIG is it is a first class way of protecting campers from flash flooding with runoff water after heavy rain. this alone is worth having a SIG in my opinion.

Against, You must use a footprint to keep it clean and protect it from damage
as it is expensive to replace if badly cut up,on certain pitches.
It can not be opened up to let cool air flow through the tent on very hot days,
The better quality tents have fitted large ventilation flaps to combat this.
And a ZIG can be unzipped to allow air flow.
But there are two things all user of tents with SIG in should be aware of. Never use carbon or fossil fueled heaters in you SIG tent unless it as a large ventilated area above,Carbon monoxide that is produced by these fire from unburnt fuel is slightly lighter than air and will kill if it cannot escape from the top of the tent, Tents such as Tepi's with top opening vents are safe, standard family tents are not.
Also most of us as herd of the danger boats face with the use of LPG.
LPG/GAS is heavier than air and sinks if LPG escapes in your SIG tent,it will run to the lowest side and build up until it finds a way out. I don't think I need to say more .
So if you have a tent with a SIG. Please be aware of these possible dangers. I recommend you all buy one of these link LPG and C/Monoxide alarms. Not cheap but if you are going to use Gas to heat or cook inside your tent they could save your life.
http://www.doctorenergy.co.uk/acatalog/ ... larms.html
Regards
Rex

We have tents that are SIG and non SIG, TBH I feel a lot more cosy in our SIG tent, therefore prefere it if the weather is bad, but as you say there is a need for a footprint groundsheet.

However our non SIG tent has the advantage of being able to easily hang it in the airing cupboard to dry if we have to pack up in the wet.

We only use bateries or lecy inside our tents so the problem of fumes is not a worry for us.

We cook either under the canopy of our big tent or a large umberella if in our little non SIG tent.