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.
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.
Can I use a tarp instead of a footprint?
But can you 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 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
.
Do you need a tarp under a 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.
Is Tyvek good for tent footprint?
As it turns out,
Tyvek is an ideal material for making footprints
because it is lightweight, durable, waterproof, and inexpensive. Cuben Fiber is another great option, and is much stronger and lighter, but much more expensive.
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.
What do I need to make a tent footprint?
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.
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.
Are tent footprints interchangeable?
The footprint will have the same name as your tent
, and when a tent is re-designed or updated, the footprint will receive similar updates.
How do you waterproof a tent footprint?
Place a ground cloth under your tent
. A tarp underneath the tent can help prevent wear and tear on the waterproof coating. Always set your tent on higher ground than the surrounding areas. This will help the groundwater drain away from the tent and not toward it.
Is a ground sheet necessary?
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.
Should your footprint be bigger than your 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!
What is the point of a tent footprint?
A tent footprint
protects the underside of the tent from abrasion and moisture
, helping to extend the lifespan of the tent and keep it drier on the inside.
How thick should a tarp be under a tent?
How Thick Should A Tarp Be Under A Tent? There’s no minimum thickness for ground cloths, however,
anything thicker than about 2mm should be sufficient
. Do keep in mind, though, that the thicker your tarp, the heavier and bulkier it is in your pack.
Can you sleep in a tent when it’s raining?
Keep your tent high and dry when camping in the rain
.
It can be tempting to set up your tent in a place like that, because it’s often clear and relatively flat. Even if it’s only a small slope, don’t give way to that temptation.
Do you need a ground sheet with a Zpacks tent?
Zpacks indicates a ground sheet is
not needed
.
Is Polycro a good tent footprint?
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.
Is Polycro waterproof?
This Polycro UL Ground Cloth is ultralight, ultra-effective, super inexpensive and
more waterproof
than Silnylon, Tyvek, and most other lightweight, waterproof fabrics!
Does Tyvek shrink?
According to DuPont,
Tyvek won’t shrink below 220°F
, and won’t melt until 275°F. Some users, however, still report minor shrinkage from laundering.
