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
.
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.
Can I use any footprint for tent?
A footprint that is designed specifically for and made by the same manufacturer as your tent will have the same properties as your tent floor
. It should have at least the same, if not higher, Hydrostatic Head rating. This means that you can effectively double the waterproofness of your tent floor with a footprint.
Is tent 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.
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.
What is a camping tent footprint?
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
.
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 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.
How durable 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.
Does Tyvek make a good 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.
Should you put a tarp 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.
Are ground cloths necessary?
The ground cloth will help protect and keep the dirt out of your sleeping bag and pad, help organize gear a bit and help protects the backpacker from any dew or ground moisture
. Some shelters such as the Megamid do not have the floor for weight-saving reasons.
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.
What should I put under my tent?
Whatever option you choose, always use a
ground cover
under your tent. This will help keep moisture from seeping through your tent, getting your gear wet, and will protect the life of your tent. Abrasive ground will wear out the floor of any tent no matter how durable it is, so ground cover or tarp protects the tent.
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
.
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 a footprint to a tent?
What is the purpose of a ground cloth for a tent?
Tent footprints and ground cloths are used for the same purpose. They both
help keep dirt, moisture and sharp objects from entering the floor of the tent
.
How do you secure a tent footprint?
Manufacturer footprints typically feature a series of tabs and grommets that match the locations of the grommets on the tent body where the poles are inserted. When most people pitch the tent, they
insert the pole tips first into the tent body and then into the footprint grommets underneath
.
