Do Backpacking Tents Need Footprints? Tent footprints are certainly not necessary, but they can help extend the life of your tent. If you have an ultralight tent with a low denier floor, it might be worth it to shell out the extra dollars for a footprint or to make your own. What is a backpacking
Do You Really Need A Tent Floorsaver? 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.
Do You Put A Tarp Under Your 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