A tent footprint or ground cover simply helps protect the floor of the tent from abrasion
. That’s because when you pitch a tent and then get in, your bodyweight and tossing and turning during the night grind the fabric in the ground, wearing off the waterproof coating and in time perhaps even damaging the fabric.
What is the benefit of a tent footprint?
Adding a footprint to the underneath of your tent will create another layer, slightly raising you off the floor to
reduce the amount of heat loss to the ground
. People seriously underestimate how much body heat can be lost like this when camping.
What can I use instead of a footprint for a tent?
The best materials for DIY footprints are the same as those used in lightweight tarps, namely
Tyvek homewrap, silnylon, polyethylene sheeting, or cuben fiber
, all of which can be sourced at a far lower cost than branded footprints and, in all likelihood, will not fall far short in terms of performance.
Can I use a tarp as a tent footprint?
You CAN utilize a tarp as a tent footprint
. Due to the tarps’ durability, we often use them to protect the tent’s exterior from the elements. Therefore, a tarp can be used under the tent to protect the bottom from the elements and ground debris as well.
Should I put a tarp over my tent?
The short, sweet answer:
Yes!
Attaching a tarp above the tent, either mounted on poles or tied to trees, provides additional protection form rain, falling debris, and other elements that can make your camping experience uncomfortable.
Is a tent footprint waterproof?
A tent footprint is simply a piece of material that you place between the ground and the floor of your tent.
Footprints are usually made of a durable waterproof material
like silicon coated polyester or nylon fabric, Tyvek, or polycryo (polycro).
Should you put a ground sheet under a tent?
Even if you have a tent with an inbuilt groundsheet
you should put another groundsheet under your tent
. This will protect the bottom of your tent from damage, keep it clean and add an extra layer of insulation from the cold.
Do I need a ground sheet under my tent?
While
a ground sheet is not required
, a ground sheet under your tent, whether it is built-in or external, will provide extra comfort, protection, and warmth from the elements while extending the life of your tent.
How big should your tent footprint be?
How big should the tent footprint be? It’s ideal to buy one that’s
around 2 inches smaller than the bottom part of the tent
. This way, if it rains when you’re out camping, you don’t need to worry about water going underneath the shelter, damping all the ground beneath you.
How do you use a tent footprint?
How do you make a tent footprint?
Is Tyvek good for tent footprint?
Tent Footprints Are Heavy
The two most popular ultralight groundsheets are made using an industrial plastic called Polycryo (sold by Gossamer Gear) and Tyvek.
Window wrap plastic insulation makes a great tent footprint substitute
. This piece weighs just 1.3 ounces.
How tough is Polycro?
While not the toughest ground cloth out there, Polycro is
respectably tough
— especially for the price and weight. According to MLD it is also more waterproof than Silnylon and Tyvek. Unlike Tyvek, it is not particularly crinkly or noisy.
How do you make a lightweight tent footprint?
Is a tent footprint the same as a ground sheet?
A footprint is a ground sheet shaped to your tent outline that acts as a barrier between your tent floor and the ground
.
Can you cut tarpaulin?
Yes! You can cut the tarp where you need to
. Then, fold the edge over about 1 inch and then again (double fold the edge). Use our Tarp Tape to hold the edge in place.
Should tent tarp be smaller than tent?
So your best defense against the weather and for the longevity of your tent,
have the tarp that is underneath your tent set to be a a couple inches shorter than the dimensions of your tent
. This will prevent the water from being built up underneath your tent and potentially flowing into your tent’s doors.
Should you camp in the rain?
Camping in the rain can be unpleasant, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous or miserable if you have the right gear and the right know-how
. In fact, if you go into your camping trip prepared for rain, you can even enjoy watching a thunderstorm roll through or listening to the sound of rain beating against your rain fly.
Do you need to waterproof tents?
There is no need to reproof a new tent
, however, as most tents come rainfall-ready, featuring both waterproof fabric and taped seams, which will see you through a good few uses.
How do you storm proof a tent?
- Set Your Tent Up Properly. Sounds silly, doesn’t it? …
- Set Up in a Sheltered Spot. …
- Use Extra Guy Ropes and Pegs. …
- Awnings / Verandahs. …
- Put a Tarp Over Your Entire Tent! …
- Dig a Trench Around Your Tent.
Can you use a tent footprint as a rainfly?
Most tent footprints are matched to a specific tent’s floor dimensions. For example, when you use a footprint, you don’t want it to be larger than your tent floor and reach out past the tent rainfly, because rain will accumulate and puddle along the edges.
Do you need a special tent for winter camping?
Use gear that’s right for winter camping:
You’ll need a sturdy tent
, a warm sleeping bag, two sleeping pads and a stove suitable for cold temperatures. Bring warmer clothing: Midweight base layers, fleece pants, a puffy coat, and a waterproof jacket and pants are standard.
How often should you waterproof your tent?
As a rule of thumb if you’re using your tent on average for 2 or 3 weeks a year then proofing it
every couple of years
should make sure it maintains it’s waterproofness. If you’re willing to play it by ear, just wait until it starts to leak, then do it!
How do I keep my tent warm while camping?
- Don’t wait until you feel cold to layer up. …
- Thermals are big and clever. …
- Always pack a hot water bottle. …
- Don’t go to bed cold. …
- Sleeping bag liners can help. …
- Invest in down insulation. …
- Insulate your tent with a tent carpet or rugs. …
- Invest in some disposable heat packs.
