Has anyone tried the fabric type which seem to be advertised everywhere these days and how did you get on with it?

Are they truly washable?

Breeder friend used the fabric playpens (a very expensive, pop-up type) ... the bits of wire around the panels ended up pinging out in all directions :-(

Thanks for that I just wanted to see if there was any experience on here.

I liked that they were light weight but don't want something that falls apart with the first litter.

I have one which gets occasional use, for instance for the first couple of times in the garden for a litter, or if we are going to a friends.  Have had mine about 4 years and no damage so far, but as I said, not used often.  The main 2 negative points I have found are 1) The dogs outside can get nosey and if they stand on hind legs and rest front paws on the pen sides it collapses inwards.  2) IT is a pain to remember exactly the order to fold the panels up to put it away, alwlays takes me about 3 attempts.

Having said what I did about the fold up (pop-up) pens ... I have been toying with the idea of getting one of these:

http://www.cages-direct.co.uk/canvas_pens.htm

Not sure if this is the type you are meaning, or even if you've seen these :-)

That one looks more robust than the pop up ones I was looking at.

We had one from Croft and hardly used it. The fastenings weren't very secure and it was darkish inside. The pup we had at the time kept agitating to come out, whereas I've found when we use a metal pen with bars, they can see out better and are more likely to stay content.

The fabric pen was light and convenient to carry around though. It was easy enough to wipe down.