What Is The Best DIY Tent Footprint?
Tyvek and Polycro are two affordable and lightweight options for making your own footprints
. Tyvek is more durable and cheaper, while Polycro is much lighter but more expensive and more fragile than Tyvek. Both options are waterproof.
Can I use Tyvek as a tent footprint?
You can do it as simple as buy a piece of Tyvek and cut out the shape of your tent if you’re into that
, but this footprint has virtually all the same features of a footprint bought from a big manufacturer. First you need to know what materials you need and how much.
How do I attach my footprint to my tent?
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.
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.
Are tent footprints worth it?
When is a tent footprint worth it?
A footprint is generally a good idea if you expect to camp on rough, rocky terrain with significant potential for sharp points and rough edges
. Areas with lots of downed wood and the potential for sharp branches are also a concern.
Should tent footprint be smaller than tent?
What size should a tent footprint be?
Ideally, a tent footprint should be slightly smaller than the base of the tent
. This is so that water doesn’t collect between the footprint and your tent, which would totally defeat the purpose of it!
How thick should a tent footprint be?
How thick should a footprint be? Depending on how abrasive the terrain is, a heavy-duty, thick footprint will work better, but you should consider the extra weight before going for it. The thickness ranges between
0.5 millimeters for the lightweight designs, to 1.8 millimeters for the heavy-duty models
.
Which side of tent footprint goes up?
Footprints typically have a shiny (coated) side and dull (uncoated) side. You should place the
dull side on the ground (shiny side facing up)
in order to minimize abrasion on the coating. A tent uses waterproof fabric in 2 places: the floor and rainfly.
How do you attach tent material?
What is best to put under a tent?
Although
a tarp
isn’t necessarily the best available ground cloth option for all circumstances, it is sufficient for most car campers. A tarp under your tent protects the underside of the tent from wear and tear, nominally insulates, as well as prevents water from entering by acting as a moisture barrier.
Do you need a tarp under tent?
Unless you are in a low spot at a sandy campground, a tarp under the tent is not necessary since water absorbs quickly into the sand
. A third way to place a tarp is to put it over the tent, and possibly in combination with one inside and/or under.
What does footprint mean in tents?
A tent footprint is
a piece of protective fabric or material that you lay under your tent that provides a moisture barrier and protects your tent floor from abrasion and punctures
.
Do you need a ground sheet with a Zpacks tent?
Zpacks indicates a ground sheet is
not needed
.
Is a tent footprint better than tarp?
Simply put,
if you can afford a dedicated tent footprint, one cut to size for your specific tent, it will probably offer you more protection than a tarp
. However, if your recreation funds are a little short, a tarp will always do in a pinch, and can even be used for other functions around the campsite.
Whats the difference between a tarp and a tent footprint?
In a nutshell,
a tarp is lighter and more versatile in its uses while a tent footprint is made to form the foundation of your tent
. To further expound on how they can protect your tent from rain, damage and wear, let’s take a look at their major strengths more keenly below.
What is the difference between a tarp and a footprint?
Though tent footprints and tarps are quite similar, there are some differences between the two tent protectors. Their differences are listed below:
A tarp is usually placed over a tent while a tent footprint is usually placed at the bottom of the tent
. Tarps are more affordable than tent footprints.
Is Polycro waterproof?
Gossamer Gear Polycryo is ultralight industrial-grade plastic sheeting that’s used as an ultralight ground cloth or tent footprint by many backpackers.
It’s waterproof
and surprisingly puncture-proof making it an ideal protective barrier for inflatable sleeping pads and ultralight tent floors.
How do you cut Polycro?
How do you apply Polycro footprint?
How do you use Big Agnes footprint?
- Lay down your footprint in a flat area clear of debris, and stake out all corners.
- Assemble the poleset and insert the tips into the grommets on the footprint.
- Drape the rain fly over the poleset, and clip the buckles directly to the footprint.
Why do you need a ground sheet under a tent?
Adds Insulation and Warmth
The footprint groundsheet will give you a waterproof base to work on, and will protect the tent or awning from the cold ground underneath.
