Why Use A Footprint For Tent

6 Reasons You Need To Buy A Tent Footprint

It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a tent for £150 or £1500; a tent footprint may save you time and work while, more crucially, protecting a key section of your tent from damage. The inexpensive cost of this attachment, which ranges from £10 and upwards, making it an absolute must-have to purchase with your tent or to use with an existing tent you already possess. First and foremost, it could be worthwhile for us to go over the fundamentals.

What is a tent footprint?

Do you have a clear understanding of what a tent footprint is? Most of the time, you can tell what a tent footprint is by looking at it, but in case you’re unclear, it’s a groundsheet-like piece of cloth that rests between your tent and the ground. Depending on the size of your tent, it is available in a variety of sizes. It is pinned down in the corners and is the first item you should take care of while assembling your tent. Here are six compelling reasons why you should invest in a tent footprint:

1. Prolong the life of your tent

Due to the fact that 90 percent of tents are now constructed with a sewn-in groundsheet, purchasing a footprint has become even more important. Take precautions to keep your brand new tent secure from abrasion or cuts caused by loose stones and twigs – think of it like purchasing a screen protector or cover for your brand new phone – it’s better to be safe than sorry! Accidents may happen while camping even with the finest intentions and utmost care in the world – therefore it’s worth you in the long run to build your tent with as much safety as possible from the start.

2. Add extra warmth

Incorporating a footprint beneath your tent will add another layer, somewhat elevating you off the ground and reducing the amount of heat that escapes to the ground. When people go camping, they grossly underestimate how much body heat may be lost in this manner, which is a severe mistake. This, in conjunction with a goodsleeping matorair bed, will give an excellent foundation for a restful night’s sleep. When you’re camping, the majority of your heat is lost to the ground, thus leaving a footprint can assist keep you warm and comfortable.

3. Add extra waterproofing

Layers of protection are twice as effective as one layer. A second layer of waterproofing can not only provide you with peace of mind, but it can also help to safeguard your investment by preventing water damage. Your brand new tent is an investment, and you’ll want to make sure that it remains in the best possible condition for as long as possible after you’ve purchased it.

4. Easier, simplified pitching

You’ll have a clear picture of where your tent is going to be placed, where it will fit, and where to begin pegging from the start because most footprints are custom-made and particular to the contour of your tent’s outline. When it comes to actually pitching your tent, you will save valuable time and have less problems as a result of this.

5. Packing away is less hassle

It’s certain that the camping grounds will be wet during your stay (as is often the case in the United Kingdom), and when it comes time to pack up your tent, you will find that the sewn-in groundsheet of your tent will get quite wet and muddy – hardly the most pleasant of farewell presents.

The footprint is something that will prevent the most of this from happening and will keep your tent reasonably dry and clean, which means there will be a lot less work to do once you get home.

6. Tailor-made to suit your tent

In most circumstances, footprints will be particular to a tent type (or in some cases, footprints will fit more than one model) and will be slightly smaller than the floorplan in order to avoid any water from collecting between the sewn-ingroundsheet and the footprint. This’made-to-measure’ approach makes finding the correct footprint for your tent a cinch thanks to its flexibility.

Do I need a tent footprint?

Hopefully, we’ve provided you with six compelling arguments for why you should invest in a tent footprint. Our recommendation is that you use a footprint or groundsheet, just like you would with your man ropes, but ultimately it comes down to personal opinion. Although a footprint may seem unnecessary to a seasoned camper who has never used one, it can be extremely useful if you’ve ever suffered a tear in the bottom of your tent, struggle with water seeping in from beneath your tent, or simply despise packing away a muddy tent; in these cases, a footprint can be extremely beneficial.

1. Interested in learning more about tent footprints?
2. The following are some more questions that you may have: What should the footprint of a tent be in terms of size?
3. This is done in order to prevent water from collecting between the footprint and your tent, which would completely contradict the purpose of the footprint!
4. What is the composition of a tent footprint?
5. However, you’ll discover that the majority of them are constructed of polyethylene, which is both sturdy and easy to clean.
6. How to clean the footprint of a tent Use a clean (preferably brand new) cloth to wipe away any filth, followed by a simple rinse with water.

Check out ourgreat range of tent footprintsto make your camping trip that little bit smoother.

Take a look at our whole assortment of tent accessories or our entire tents collection, which includes: Tents by Size|Family Tents|Polycotton Tents|Tents by Brand Check out more articles from the Winfields Blog to get you ready for 2020. Remember to check out our camping blog for more articles like this. This year’s top ten best family camping tents include an inflatable tent. Buying an Air Tent: A Buyer’s Guide

Do I need a tent footprint?

When you join up for Outside+ today, you’ll receive a $50 discount off an eligible $100 purchase at the Outside Shop, where you’ll discover a variety of brand-name goods handpicked by our gear editors. Lots of confusion exists regarding the proper use of a tent footprint (does it keep out water?). Is it for the purpose of insulation?). However, here at the Gear Brain Trust, we have the ability to clear things up. A tent footprint or ground cover is simply anything that serves to protect the tent’s floor from abrasion.

1. With a footprint in place, it is forced to bear the brunt of the assault.
2. Footprint No.
3. We used to pitch tents without leaving footprints all the time, and I don’t recall anything negative happening as a result of that.
4. Although it is ineffective on uneven, rocky ground, pitching the tent in the shade and staking it out securely to prevent it from thrashing around is an effective technique to safeguard your investment.
5. It is OK to use a handmade version.
6. The key is to ensure that the footprint is cut such that it is slightly smaller in size than the tent floor.

Then any rain that does fall will become caught on the footprint and will roll beneath the tent. The 2006Outside Buyer’s Guide, which is currently out on newsstands, has 396 torture-tested items, including the 2006 Gear of the Year award winners and an entirely new women’s-specific review section.

Do You Really Need a Footprint for Your Tent? — CleverHiker

Let’s face it: tents are a costly investment. You want your tent to survive as long as possible, but spending an additional $40 or more on something that you just spent hundreds of dollars on is not the best option. When considering whether or not to purchase (or construct) a footprint, it’s necessary to consider factors such as the fabric of your tent, where you spend the most of your camping time, and how important it is to you to save a few ounces of weight.

What Does A Footprint Do?

However, in contrast to common perception, footprints do not provide any additional waterproofing for the bottom of your tent; the flooring of practically all modern tents are already composed of waterproof fabrics such as silnylon or dyneema. Among the most important functions of a footprint are to protect the ground beneath your tent from abrasive things (such as twigs, roots, and pebbles), to keep your tent free of mud and tree sap, and to assist you in determining the best location to pitch your tent.

• A footprint provides an additional layer of protection from abrasive items, which can help to extend the life of your tent’s floor.
• Messy Stuff – When we go camping, we anticipate our gear to get a bit dirty, but having sticky tree sap all over the bottom of your tent can be a real pain.
• Many of us have been in this situation: you locate the perfect site to pitch your tent, as if it were virtually made specifically for your tent.
• This is frustrating.

Things To Consider Before You Buy

A fabric’s denier specifies the weight of the thread used to weave the cloth; the greater the denier, the thicker and more durable the fabric. Fabric Denier – Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 has an 18-denier nylon floor, however the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 has a 30-denier nylon floor, indicating that the Hubba Hubba will have a thicker (and hence more durable) floor than the Copper Spur HV UL 2. The use of a footprint, especially if your tent is constructed of a low-denier fabric, is something you should definitely consider acquiring or manufacturing in order to increase the longevity of your tent floor.

1. Terrain – If you spend the most of your camping and hiking time on soft sand or in lush grassy regions, you probably won’t need to leave a footprint.
2. One carefully placed stone or twig might be all that is needed to create a hole in your floor’s surface.
3. T-tape is extremely durable, and it has been used to repair some of our damaged equipment for many years.
4. Consider the following example: theNEMO Hornet 2Phas a packed weight of 2 lbs 6 oz., and thefootprint adds an extra 6.9 oz.
5. In this particular instance, adopting the manufacturer’s footprint results in an increase in weight of around 18 percent for your tent.
6. You may create your own lightweight groundsheet out of TyvekorPolycryo rather easily; further information on how to do so is provided below.
7. Footprints often cost between $40 to $80, and they might be difficult to justify on top of the tent’s purchase price.

You can create your own groundsheet for much less money (see below for additional information), but it will not typically last as long as the manufacturer’s footprint. DIY project made possible by the use of low-cost Tyvek material.

DIY Footprints

So, you’d really like to utilize a footprint, but the cost and/or weight are too expensive and/or heavy. Make one of your own! Making your own footprint is substantially less expensive and nearly always results in a lighter footprint. For groundsheets, many campers choose to use Tyvek (yep, the house wrap) cut to size and shaped to fit their needs. It is waterproof, inexpensive, and nearly unbreakable. Polycryo (also known as poly/polycro) is another popular alternative for DIY groundsheets on a tighter budget.

The following is a comparison of the approximate weights of the fabrics:

• So, you’d really like to utilize a footprint, but the cost and/or weight are prohibitively expensive and/or heavy for your budget to support. Customize it to suit your tastes. Making your own footprint is substantially less expensive and will almost always result in a lighter footprint than purchasing one from another source. As a groundsheet, many trekkers choose to use Tyvek (yep, the house wrap) cut to form because it is waterproof, inexpensive, and nearly indestructible. An additional common alternative for DIY groundsheets on a budget is polycryo (also known as poly/polycro). In comparison to Tyvek, polycryo is significantly lighter in weight but far less durable. The estimated weights of the textiles are shown in the following table:

The footprint should be approximately one inch shorter than the tent floor on all four sides if you are planning to cut your own footprint to size yourself. In the event that you have fabric sticking out from under your tent or too close to the edge of your tent floor, it might collect water and cause it to pool beneath your tent.

Final Thoughts

Tent footprints are obviously not required, but they can assist to extend the life of your tent if you use them properly. If you have an ultralight tent with a low denier floor, it can be worth it to spend a few more dollars on a footprint or to create your own from scratch to protect your investment. Irrespective of whether we have left a footprint, we always make a point of thoroughly cleaning our campsites before pitching a tent in order to avoid any disasters.

More Information

Maintaining the condition of your equipment is critical, and we hope that this advice has assisted you in determining whether or not you require a tent footprint. If you know of a wonderful footprint substitution or application that we overlooked, please share it with us in the comments section below! You may find more CleverHiker backpacking advice by visiting the following websites:

• Trail Skills, Lightweight Foundations, and Top Gear Picks are all covered in detail in the CleverHiker Gear Guide.

Do You Need a Tent Footprint for Backpacking?

You’ve invested in a tent with a water-resistant floor. Is it necessary to purchase a tent footprint or a groundsheet in addition to the tent? How sturdy and waterproof your tent floor is, as well as what the surface conditions are like where you want to use it, are all factors that must be considered. If you want to make a decision, you’ll need to understand how the thickness of your tent floor and the waterproof rating of your tent will affect its overall longevity. The choice of a camping spot is also an essential consideration.

What is a Tent Footprint?

It is important to understand that a tent footprint is a piece of protective fabric or material that you place under your tent to act as a moisture barrier while also protecting your tent floor from abrasion and punctures. Abrasion occurs on the bottom of your tent every time you pitch it due to the grit, small rocks, sand, and twigs that build on previously used tent sites. This weakens the fabric, which might result in a hole or puncture that allows water to seep past the waterproof layer of your tent floor and into the inside.

The majority of tent footprints are designed to correspond to the floor measurements of a certain tent.

In the event that your tent floor has a hole or has deteriorated seam tape, the puddle may soak through the fabric or seep inside the tent.

To ensure that precipitation flowing off your tent’s rainfly is absorbed into the surrounding soil, if you’re using an excessively big tent footprint, it’s recommended to tuck the footprint edges beneath the borders of your tent.

Tent Floor Durability and Waterproofing

A denier count and a waterproofing meter are frequently included in the specifications of backpacking tents. The denier count of a tent’s floor fabric refers to the thickness of the threads that make up the fabric, and it is a good indicator of the tent’s overall durability. Consider the following example: The floor of a tent that has a “70D,” or “70 denier,” construction, such as theREI Half Dome 2 Plus, will be harder and more durable than the 15 denier floor of the ultralightNEMO Hornet 2.

• For example, a tent floor with a waterproof rating of 5000 mm, such as the Hilleberg Niak, is far more waterproof than a tent floor with a waterproof rating of 1200 mm, such as theNEMO Hornet 2, which is substantially less waterproof.
• It may be used to evaluate the waterproofness of different tent flooring against one another.
• While they do not specify whether or not it is waterproof, it is unquestionably more durable than the 15 denier floor that came with the tent in question.
• It is also important to evaluate the nature and character of the campgrounds where you intend to set up your tent, as well as whether the usage of a footprint is appropriate in that particular setting.

Campsite Selection

Your camping location will determine whether you require a tent footprint or not. A good example is how many pre-existing campsites have been “dished out” and have formed an indentation in the ground where many people have previously stayed. Gravel, grit, sand, and water gather in these dished-out regions, and if you camp on them on a regular basis, they will wear down the bottom of your tent. If you only camp once or twice a year, the damage on your tent floor will be less significant. However, if you have to camp in campgrounds or established campsites and your floor is thinner and less waterproof, using a footprint may be a better option.

A footprint is not required if you are camping on an earthen mossy forest floor that is well-drained and non-abrasive, as long as you remove any sticks and pine cones from the area before you set up camp.

However, if you’re camping on sand or exposed rock that’s more abrasive, leaving a footprint may be a good idea. I am aware that my degree of care would rise if I were to use a tent with a floor made of less than 20 denier and a waterproof rating of less than 1500 mm.

Cost and Weight of Tent Footprints

In addition to being expensive and heavy, tent footprints may be difficult to transport, which can be discouraging when you’ve invested a lot of effort and money in purchasing a lightweight tent. Spending an additional $50 for a basic piece of low-cost cloth seems like a rip-off to me, especially considering the additional weight and work necessary to transport it, as well as the additional time and effort required to clean and dry it between uses. In order to demonstrate what I mean, below is a review of various popular tent styles, followed by a comparison of the weights of the footprints sold by their respective makers.

Make / Model	Tent Weight	Test Cost	Footprint Weight	Footprint Cost
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 1	2 lbs 2 oz	$380	4 oz	$60
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2	3 lbs 8 oz	$450	7 oz	$35
NEMO Hornet 1	1 lb 10 oz	$330	5.3 oz	$40
REI Quarter Dome SL 2	2 lbs 8 oz	$349	6.4 oz	$55
REI Flash Air 2	1 lb 15 oz	$299	5.4 oz	$55
REI Flash Air 1	1 lb 4 oz	$249	3.5 oz	$45

Alternative and Lower Cost Tent Footprints

When I travel with a footprint, I pack a piece of extremely lightweight plastic sheeting that weighs between 1 and 2 ounces, depending on the size of the tent I’m using as a footprint. For this reason, Gossamer Gear provides something calledPolycryo Groundcloths, which I’ve been using for several years. Despite this, whether used on sandy soil or gravel, the material is strong and will not shred or wear out. You may utilize it over and over again, and it requires no more maintenance. a cut-to-size Gossamer Gear Polycryo Plastic Sheet — the tent rainfly conceals the plastic sheet that is visible, preventing water from pooling on top of it.

• Depending on how frequently you use it, a single piece will last for one season or perhaps longer.
• Both are inexpensive and may be split into several groundsheets for a single price of less than $10.
• Despite the fact that it is lightweight, waterproof, and puncture-resistant, it is significantly heavier than Polycryo or Window Wrap.
• Its most significant benefit is that it is indestructible.
• We may (but not always) get a small portion of any sales made using the links provided above.
• Although the cost of the product remains the same for you, your purchase allows us to continue to test and create unsponsored and independent gear evaluations, beginning FAQs, and free hiking guides for you.

Is A Tent Footprint Worth It: Yes, and how to make your own for free

When I travel with a footprint, I pack a piece of extremely lightweight plastic sheeting that weighs between 1 and 2 ounces, depending on the size of the tent I’m using to create the footprint. For this reason, Gossamer Gear produces something calledPolycryo Groundcloths, which I’ve been using for years and recommends highly. When used on sand or gravel, the material is durable and will not shred or wear out as quickly. Because it is reusable, it does not require any further maintenance. a cut-to-size Gossamer Gear Polycryo Plastic Sheet — the tent rainfly hides the plastic sheet that is visible, preventing water from pooling on top of it.

1. Depending on how frequently you use it, a single piece will last one season or perhaps longer.
2. Both are inexpensive and may be split into several groundsheets for a single price of about $10.
3. However, it is heavier than Polycryo or Window Wrap, despite the fact that it is lightweight, waterproof, and puncture-resistant.
4. Because it is eternal, it has the greatest advantage.
5. By just clicking on any of the vendor links listed above, we may (but are not always) get a small share of the sale.

Thank you for your support! We receive no compensation for this, but it allows us to continue testing and writing unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginning FAQs, and free hiking guides for the outdoors community. Thank you for your assistance, and please know that we much appreciate it.

Here’s what we are going to cover:

• What is a tent footprint, and how do you make one? What is the purpose of a tent footprint
• What is the purpose of using a tent footprint? What is the composition of tent footprints
• Is it really worth it to leave a footprint? Tent Footprints Made at Home

What Is A Tent Footprint?

As the name implies, a footprint (sometimes called a groundsheet) is an extremely lightweight sheet that is roughly the shape of your tent floor’s outline and that is placed beneath your tent to act as a barrier or additional layer between the ground and your tent floor. These are frequently supplemental or optional pieces of equipment. Groundsheets, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly common among tent manufacturers, who are included them in the price of their tents. Footprints are frequently constructed of the same material as your tent, but with a thicker thread—a thicker thread is referred to as a higher ‘denier.’ More on this in a moment.

What Is A Tent Footprint Used For?

Despite the fact that it is constructed of exceptionally durable nylon or polyester, the floor of your tent is subjected to a great deal of wear and tear. Some terrain can cause your tent floor to wear out considerably more quickly than others. Exposed granite and sandstone can act as sandpaper on the bottom of your tent, potentially causing thin areas or holes to appear quite rapidly on the ground surface of your tent. Minor, sharp pebbles and twigs can also create small punctures in your floor, especially if they are close together.

Even yet, if holes begin to form in your tent, the effectiveness of the tent to keep you dry and warm gets more weakened over time.

A footprint serves as a protective covering against these abrasions and as a barrier between you and the ground, which can be chilly or damp at times.

Why Use A Tent Footprint?

Your tent’s bottom endures a great deal of wear and tear despite being composed of exceptionally robust nylon or polyester. Terrain that is more rugged than others will wear down your tent floor much more quickly than others. Exposed granite and sandstone can act as sandpaper on the bottom of your tent, perhaps causing thin areas or holes to appear quite rapidly on the ground surface of your shelter. Minor punctures in your floor are frequently caused by small-sharp pebbles and twigs. An excellent groundsheet is not required for most high-quality tents.

An encumbrance can be justified in this case.

Footprints Are Useful For Other Things Too

Tent footprints are also helpful for a variety of other applications, which is an added plus. As we explained in previous post, tent footprints, as well as old rain-flies, may be utilized in a variety of practical ways, including the following ones:

• The use of groundsheets for bivying or when you just don’t want to bother with putting up the tent
• They make wonderful tarps for sorting equipment. Tarps made of perfectrope for the crag
• Picnic blankets that are a good size
• Rain protection that is above and beyond
• Additional heat insulating layer/windshield is recommended. Can be used to repair various items of clothing and equipment, such as tents and backpacks.

What are tent footprints made of?

Your tent may come with a footprint, however most tents have a fitted footprint available for purchase. Like tents, footprints will be composed of either nylon or polyester. In aprevious piece, we discussed at the qualities of nylon compared to polyester. Generally speaking, nylon is a stronger textile that is also more elastic and less water resistant than polyester. Polyester is less elastic, is significantly more water-resistant and keeps up better against UV damage but is somewhat heavier and less abrasion resistant than nylon.

Considering your footprints’ goal is to protect you and your tent from moisture and abrasion, most would consider a polyester groundsheet the best option (disregarding weight) (disregarding weight).

Denier

The ‘denier’ of the fabric will be listed in the product specs for footprints, much as it is with tent material (for double-walled tents, the denier is not as critical because the inner tent is protected by the rain fly). Denier is a unit of measure for the thickness of a thread. As an example, consider denier to be a “burliness” element in the instance of tent footprints. The greater the denier, the more hefty the product will be in terms of weight. In order to serve as a barrier, your imprints should be made of a higher denier fabric wherever possible (assuming all other factors are equivalent).

Denier By The Numbers

For example, the universal footprint for the MSR Hubba Hubba NX costs $45 when purchased from Backcountry.com. It is made of 68-denier polyester and weighs 7.0 ounces. The Nemo Hornet has a footprint that weighs 6.9 ounces and is made of 75-denier nylon. It costs $49. As a point of reference, the floor material of the Hubba Hubba is 30-denier nylon, while the top micromesh is 15-denier nylon. Nylon is much lighter than polyester. Because it is made of a higher denier material, the Nemofootprint weighs less than the Hubba Hubba footprint in terms of total weight.

Is A Tent Footprint Worth It?

All of this is in order to answer the question, “Is leaving a footprint worth it?” A tent footprint is absolutely worth the investment, especially considering how lightweight, inexpensive, and versatile they are. Let’s imagine you’ve come to a conclusion and are now looking for the ideal footprint for your tent on the internet. There is one more thing to think about, and it might end up saving you a significant amount of money.

DIY Tent Footprints

Tent footprints are quite basic objects, despite the fact that they are extremely vital. What exactly are they in the first place? You should put a sheet under your tent. Is it really necessary to spend $40-50 bucks on anything like that? The answer to this question is a resounding no. The manufacturer-issued footprints may be replaced with a few other options that will perform better, are more adaptable, and will save you money as well. Before we get into the DIY possibilities, it’s crucial to understand how to measure the footprint of your DIY tent.

How Big Should A Tent Footprint Be?

Tight tent footprints are rather inconsequential, despite their significance. And what exactly are they in the first place? A covering under your tent can help keep the bugs away. Why would you spend $40-50 bucks on something that you don’t actually need. A categorical no can be given as a response. The manufacturer-issued footprints can be replaced with a variety of alternatives that perform better, are more adaptable, and are less expensive. The size of your DIY tent footprint is vital to know before we get into the various DIY possibilities.

3 Materials For A Solid DIY Footprint

Tent footprints are quite basic objects, despite the fact that they are quite significant. What exactly are they? A sheet under your tent is recommended. Is it really necessary to spend $40-50 bucks on something like this?

The answer is a resounding nay. The manufacturer-issued footprints may be replaced with a few other options that perform better, are more adaptable, and are less expensive. Before we get into the DIY possibilities, it’s crucial to understand how to calculate the footprint size of your DIY tent.

• It is inexpensive
• You may choose the size. Completely impervious to water

• Big tents
• When weight is not a consideration
• Car camping or walk-in campsites

Polycro

Polycro, which is available from Gossamer Gear and Six Moon Designs, is the lightest of the ultra-light polymers. Polycro is transparent, and it appears just like a plastic painter’s tarp, only it’s wayyy thinner. Its high strength to weight ratio means that, despite being a thin layer, Polycro is exceptionally durable, puncture and abrasion resistant, in addition to being water and abrasion resistant. A normal sheet of polycro, measuring 96″ by 48″, weighs just 1.6 ounces, which is nearly indistinguishable (45 grams).

Tyvek

You know that white paper-like material that is used to cover houses while they are being built? Because it’s practically unbreakable, it’s inexpensive, it’s waterproof, and it’s also somewhat lightweight. Tyvek has a high burliness factor, which means it is difficult to tear. It is far more puncture resistant when compared to the other choices. Tyvek is also impervious to water. However, because it is light and compact, you can simply roll up and cinch it in the top of your pack or one of the exterior straps when not in use.

Others will cut the piece to your preferred length if you ask them nicely.

In comparison to Polycro, a piece of Tyvek measuring 84″ × 84″ weights 6.5 ounces (184 grams).

Pros:

• Every circumstance involving hiking or camping in which weight is not a consideration

Summary

1. What Is the Footprint of a Tent? A footprint is a ground sheet that is molded to the contour of your tent and serves as a barrier between the floor of your tent and the ground. What Is the Purpose of a Footprint? A footprint is a piece of rubber that protects the bottom of your tent from damage. When placed between your tent and the ground, it works as a barrier, keeping moisture and cold from getting into your tent. Is It Really Necessary To Bring A Tent When Backpacking? When hiking, you do not need to leave a trace. A footprint, on the other hand, will extend the life of your tent by preventing moisture and cold from entering the tent and is very light in comparison. Footprints may be used for a variety of additional functions while hiking or camping, such as a rain tarp, a gear sorting station, wind protection, a picnic blanket, and other things. In Your Opinion, What Is The Best DIY Tent Footprint? Tyvek and Polycro are two inexpensive and lightweight materials that may be used to create your own imprints. Compared to Tyvek, Polycro is considerably lighter and less durable, but it is also more costly and more delicate. Tyvek is more durable and less expensive. Both variants are water-resistant.

Is it really worth it to have a tent footprint? We believe this to be true.

What Is A Tent Footprint & Do You Need One?

For the uninitiated, a tent footprintor (tent ground cover) is a big piece of impermeable fabric that may be placed beneath your tent to keep it from getting wet. One of the primary functions of the tent floor is to act as a barrier between the tent floors and the forest floor, providing additional protection against abrasion caused by rough or rocky terrain. Most footprints have the appearance of basic tarps, and they are typically composed of the same synthetic, waterproof materials as these tarps.

Should I Buy The Tent Footprint Sold By The Manufacturer Of My Tent?

In a nutshell, the answer is probably no. Branded tent tarp sheets are typically pricey and don’t provide much—if anything—in the way of additional functionality above a standard tarp that can be purchased from a hardware or outdoor store for as low as a fourth of the cost. In addition, creating your own tent footprint is a rather simple process. All you have to do is measure the dimensions of your tent floor and then walk down to the store to have the tarp material cut to the exact measurements you specified.

You won’t have to be concerned about rain runoff pooling on the footprint and rolling beneath the tent floor.

All of these materials can be obtained at a significantly lower cost than branded footprints and, in most cases, will not fall significantly short in terms of performance as branded footprints.

Tent Footprint vs Tarp – Do I Need A Tent Footprint?

These days, the great majority of tents on the market have bathtub-style floors made of reinforced, very waterproof fabrics (often silnylon), which provide excellent protection against abrasion and leakage. Having said that, there are a variety of reasons why using a footprint to protect your tent’s flooring is a smart idea in some situations. First and foremost, utilizing a footprint will help you extend the life of your tent by minimizing the amount of wear and strain on your tent floor as well as giving additional protection against potentially corrosive materials like as sand, grit, animal feces, and tree sap that might accumulate.

Finally, a footprint might serve as an additional layer of security against leakage.

The disadvantage of utilizing a footprint is that it requires you to carry extra weight.

What is the solution?

How To Use A Tent Footprint

In order to use a tent footprint or groundsheet, all you have to do is lay the footprint out on your selected camping site, pitch your tent on top of it, then tuck any extra material beneath the tent floor to prevent any rainfall or condensation from accumulating on the “fringe” of the footprint.

Switchback Travel

This age-old question presents a difficulty to both first-time hikers and seasoned travelers. You’ve already spent a significant amount of money on a tent; should you add the cost of a footprint to your total expenditure? What is the point of it all? Following that, we’ll go over the main considerations for making the decision, such as what a footprint actually does, how the toughness of your particular tent and the surface you’ll be camping on affect the decision, how much a footprint costs and how much it weighs, the best DIY footprint options, and more.

What Exactly Does a Footprint Do?

This lightweight ground sheet acts as a barrier between the floor of your tent and the surrounding ground. If we, as responsible hikers and custodians of the land, adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace camping, we will camp as frequently as possible on sturdy surfaces. Over time, these surfaces can act as sandpaper, eroding the tent fabric and waterproofing to the point of failure. When a rock or root punctures your tent floor, the worst-case situation is that you have a hole in your floor that is impossible to fix.

It is the duty of a tent to keep you dry, so the real considerations are whether a footprint is essential given the additional expense and weight, and what your real alternatives are. All of this will be explored in further detail further down this page.

The Toughness (Floor Denier) of Your Tent

When measuring the weight of a fabric’s thread, denier (D) is used as a metric. The greater the denier rating, the thicker and more durable the fabric will be. Because the tent floor will be in direct touch with the ground in this particular situation, the denier of the tent floor is important, and this number might vary significantly. A 15D floor may be found on the lightweight Big Agnes Tiger Wall, whereas a 68D floor can be found on the bulkier Marmot Tungsten, which has a 68D floor. We can tell you that when you compare the two, there is a significant difference in terms of thickness and durability.

” data-entity-uuid=”0″ id=”” src=” title=”” width=”770″> ” data-entity-uuid=”0″ id=”” src=” title=”” width=”770″> Without leaving a trace, we used the lightweight 15-denier Big Agnes Tiger Wall.

In my experience as a hiker who weighs every gram of my belongings, I typically avoid carrying a footprint and instead make intelligent decisions about where and how I put up my tent.

Consider the Camping Surface: Rock or Forest Floor?

A variety of surfaces with differing degrees of impact on the floor of your tent may be found in the lovely, distinctive areas where we backpack. It is more difficult to maintain a granite slab in Tuolumne Meadows than it is to maintain a forest floor carpeted with autumn foliage in the Adirondacks. Camping on rock in general, and granite in particular, poses the greatest threat to your tent’s structural integrity. It only takes one sharp piece, along with the incorrect amount of pressure or movement, to cause a rip or a hole.

1. Furthermore, although though forest floors appear to be safe, they might include concealed rocks and roots that should be avoided.
2. First and foremost, who would want to sleep with a rock sticking into their lumbar area?
3. Second, those large pointed rocks have the potential to cause rips and holes in the ground.
4. By staking out the guylines and ensuring that there is only little movement, you may reduce the amount of friction that is formed between the ground and the tent fabric and save money on tent rental.

” data-entity-uuid=”0″ id=”” src=” title=”” width=”770″> Setting up a tent on PNW granite without leaving a footprint is a delicate process that takes time and attention.

How Much Does a Footprint Cost and Weigh?

The majority of outdoor gear providers provide their own branded footprints that are designed to work smoothly with their specific tents. The convenience element is unquestionably present: the footprint will be properly aligned with the color scheme and will complement it flawlessly. Although not prohibitively expensive, matching footprints may cost anywhere from $30 to $80 and can be very hefty, depending on the material and size of your tent. Example: The footprint for our top-rated camping tent, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2, weighs 5 oz and costs $70, despite the fact that it is only 5 ounces.

To put it into perspective, it increases the weight of the equation by around 10% while increasing the cost by approximately 15%.

As a result of the way the two sections (tent and footprint) are designed to fit together properly with no material protruding from the bottom of the tent, rainwater will not be diverted below the tent and will not create a damp, chilly pool where you will sleep at night.

We’ve tented in heavy winds where the footprint had a mind of its own, and we’ve camped in low visibility when the footprint had a mind of its own.

How to Make Your Own DIY Footprint

After making the investment in a tent, adding a footprint can become prohibitively expensive, not to mention the additional weight it adds to your bag. Not to worry: making (or purchasing) your own system might be a more cost-effective and lighter alternative. There are a variety of DIY footprint alternatives available, so let’s take a look at some of the most popular. 0.7-millimeter-thick Polycryo (also known as “Polycro”), which can be purchased on Amazon for approximately $5 or at your local hardware shop, is the material of choice among ultralight aficionados.

• In addition, Gossamer Gear sells a two-pack of Polycryo for $12, which is a very reasonable price for such a high-quality product.
• In comparison to the Big Agnes footprint, Gossamer Gear’s Polycryo sheets weigh just 1.6 ounces each (as opposed to the 5 ounces of the Big Agnes footprint stated above), and you may be able to further reduce their weight by cutting the sheet to the size of your tent.
• ” data-entity-uuid=”0″ id=”” src=” title=”” width=”770″> ” data-entity-uuid=”0″ id=”” src=” title=”” width=”770″> Gossamer Gear’s Polycryo groundsheets are extremely lightweight.
• Although it weighs.14 ounces per square foot, Tyvek is somewhat heavier than Polycryo, which should provide you with slightly greater durability.
• The final option is to invest in an inexpensive, yet functional tarp, which is typically quite handy while camping.
• It has already been established that when making a bespoke footprint, it is important to create the form slightly smaller than the floor of your hiking tent.

Excess fabric that protrudes from below the tent has the potential to gather water, which might cause a puddle to form. At the very least, you will wake up grumpy and soaked. At the worst case scenario, your gear will become soaked, making your entire backpacking journey far more difficult.

Our Final Take on Footprints

Following the purchase of a tent, the addition of a footprint can become prohibitively expensive, not to mention the additional weight it adds to your bag. However, making (or purchasing) your own system might be a more cost-effective and lighter alternative. The DIY footprint market is crowded, so let’s take a look at a couple of the most popular solutions available today. 0.7-millimeter-thick Polycryo (also known as “Polycro”), which can be purchased on Amazon for approximately $5 or at your local hardware shop, is a favorite among ultralight aficionados everywhere.

• Additionally, Gossamer Gear sells a two-pack of Polycryo for $12, which is a really reasonable price for such a high-quality product.
• In comparison to the Big Agnes footprint, Gossamer Gear’s Polycryo sheets weigh just 1.6 ounces per (as opposed to the 5 ounces of the Big Agnes footprint stated above), and you may be able to further reduce weight by cutting the sheet to the proportions of your tent.
• Id=”” src=” src=” title=”” width=”770″> ” data-entity-uuid=”0″ id=”” src=” title=”” width=”770″> ” data-entity-uuid=”0″ id=”” src=” title=”” width=”770″> Ultralight Polycryo groundsheets from Gossamer Gear are designed to be as light as possible while maintaining their strength.
• While the weight of Tyvek per square foot is somewhat more than that of Polycryo, it should provide you with a little more durability.
• The last option is to invest in an inexpensive, yet functional tarp, which is often quite handy while camping.
• Make careful to cut the form slightly smaller than the floor of your hiking tent when creating a custom footprint, as previously indicated.
• To be honest, you’ll probably wake up grumpy and soaked.

Do I Need a Tent Footprint? Pros and Cons

Tents are becoming increasingly pricey and unstable. This is the product of intricate lightweight designs combined with cutting-edge high-tech textiles. After investing hundreds of dollars on a new tent, you want to make sure that it lasts for the longest time possible.

When it comes to extending the life of your tent, using a footprint is a good option. This tutorial explains what a tent footprint is used for and what factors to consider while purchasing one. On top of that, I’ll show you how to create your own tent footprint on the cheap.

What is a Tent Footprint?

In its most basic form, a tent footprint is a piece of material that is placed between the ground and the ground level of your tent. For footprints, a durable and waterproof material such as silicon coated polyester or nylon fabric, Tyvek, or polycryo is commonly used (polycro). Each side is cut a few of inches smaller than the floor of your tent, and this is true on all four sides.

What Does a Tent Footprint Do?

There is considerable misunderstanding as to what the function of tent footprints actually is. Some individuals think that they aid in the prevention of flooding. Others say they are beneficial for insulation. This isn’t the case, however. The footprints of tents are used for four primary purposes:

1. In order to conserve weight, tent manufacturers are now using incredibly thin floor materials, which means that footprints are necessary to protect your tent floor from abrasion. Over time, rocks, twigs, thorns, roots, sand, and other foreign objects can wear a hole in the floor of your tent’s floor. A footprint serves as an additional layer of protection between the floor of your tent and the ground. This helps to extend the life of your tent by reducing the amount of wear on the floor. It is significantly less expensive and simpler to replace a worn-out footprint than it is to patch a hole in your tent floor or to purchase a completely new tent. Keep your tent floor clean by leaving footprints on it. The earth is soiled and unclean. While camping, you may find tree sap, mud, berry juice, insects, and other substances on the bottom of your tent. A tent footprint helps to keep your tent floor clean by preventing it from becoming soiled. As a result, your tent will remain cleaner for a longer period of time. A clean tent will always be more comfortable to use than a filthy one, regardless of the weather. If your other gear brushes up against your tent, it might also assist to keep it cleaner. Tent footprints enable you to pitch your tent’s rainfly before you pitch the inner tent, which is very useful while setting up camp in the rain. Because the rainfly covers the inside of your tent while you are pitching, the inside of your tent remains dry. In order to accomplish this, you will often need to purchase the footprint that is specifically made for your particular tent. Some tents can be set up in this manner, while others cannot. It is determined by the design. Tent footprints can assist you in selecting the best camping spot- How many times have you erected your tent and climbed into it only to discover that you had a root under your back or that you were sleeping on an incline? With a footprint, you can check out your camping spot before setting up your tent. Simply set it up on your selected site and then lie down to put your site selection to the test. This is particularly useful when you’re attempting to cram numerous tents into a small space such as a camping site. You may test the fit of the footprints before erecting the tents by laying them out on the ground first. The footprints of a tent can be used as a tiny tarp or poncho in a pinch. A tent footprint may be a useful piece of equipment that can be used in a variety of situations. For example, if you don’t foresee any rain or mosquitoes, you can cowboy camp on the property. If the ground is damp, you may also use it to sit on or to spread your stuff out to dry on top of it. Some hikers choose to use aponcho tarpas as both their rain gear and tent footprint, rather of carrying both. This is a fantastic method to conserve some valuable packing space in your backpack

Reasons Not To Use a Tent Footprint

Every journey does not necessitate the use of a tent footprint. There are a few of compelling arguments for staying at home and avoiding unnecessary travel. As an illustration:

• Extra weight-Regardless of the style of footprint you pick, it will add a few ounces to the weight of your pack. The minimalist polycyro footprint is about 1-2 ounces in weight (28-56 grams). Tyvek footprints are around 2-5 ounces in weight (55-140 grams). Custom footprints created by tent manufacturers are typically 6-8 ounces in weight (170-225 grams). If you’re an ultralight hiker, you might want to forego a footprint in order to save a few ounces on your pack. Cost-Most tents come with a footprint that they are intended to be used in conjunction with. The majority of tent manufacturers do not offer footprints with their tents. You’ll have to purchase them on your own. These tent-specific footprints typically range in price from $30 to $50. Occasionally, even more. After purchasing a $300-$600 tent, it might be difficult to rationalize investing much more money. Fortunately, there are numerous low-cost options for creating your own carbon footprint. I’ll go through them in more detail later. Excess weight and bulk-A footprint takes up important packing space in your bag. Some tent footprints from different manufacturers may require as much as a couple of liters of water. It’s possible that once you’ve finished trekking with a 40-liter pack, you’ll discover a better use for the extra space
• Your tent’s floor is made of a high-denier, durable material. Denier is a measure of the thickness of fibers used in a piece of cloth. The majority of tent flooring these days are 20-30 denier. For tent floors made of 30 denier or higher material, you can definitely get away without using a footprint and not have to worry about harming your tent floor as much as you would with a footprint. A footprint is advised for tents with 20 denier or lower floors, as well as for tents with lower walls. Some new ultralight tents have flooring as thin as 7 denier, which is a very thin material. You’re camping on soft ground—some terrain is more difficult on tent flooring than others, depending on the terrain. When it comes to soft grassy fields and sandy beaches, you can almost always count on them not causing harm. When it comes to leaving a footprint, you have the option of not doing so. When camping in the woods or the mountains, you must exercise extreme caution to avoid injury. Rocky ground, twigs, and thorns are all potential puncture sources for your tent floor. In these settings, it is preferable to use a footprint
• Nonetheless,

Tent Footprint Materials

Tent footprints may be fashioned out of a variety of different types of materials. The primary differences between the two materials are the weight, cost, durability, and protection that each material provides. I’ll go through each of the most widely used tent footprint materials in further detail below.

PU Coated Nylon or Polyester fabric

These are the materials that the majority of tent footprint manufacturers employ in their production. A layer of polyurethane is applied to a nylon or polyester fabric to produce them. These textiles are low in weight, long-lasting, and resistant to water. They provide a high level of protection for the floor of your tent. The weight of PU coated nylon footprints is normally approximately 1.9 ounces per square yard. One-person tent footprints typically weigh between 6 and 8 ounces (approximately 170-225 grams) in total, depending on the material used.

Footprints that have been manufactured often cost between $30 and $50.

Tyvek HomeWrap

Although this material is intended for use as a house wrap, it is quite popular among backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Tyvek is a synthetic material comprised of polyethylene fibers that is used in a variety of applications. It is lightweight, long-lasting, water-resistant, and reasonably priced. Tyvek weighs around 1.85 ounces per square yard and is made of polyethylene. If you’re setting up a one-person tent, the entire footprint will weigh 2-5 ounces (approximately 55-140 grams).

If you want to save money, you may get Tyvek by the yard on eBay from a 9-foot roll and easily create your own from scratch.

Window Wrap (Polycryo)

Window wrap is a type of material that is used to insulate the windows of your home during the winter months. Additionally, the material is well-liked by the camping community since it is both extremely lightweight and water-resistant. The primary disadvantage of this substance is that it is not particularly long-lasting. Your window wrap footprint will most likely just endure for one season at the most. The weight of window wrap per square yard is approximately.55 ounces. For a one-person tent, the total weight of your footprint will be 1-2 ounces (about 28-56 grams).

Polycryo is the term that they often use to promote the material.

This is the footprint choice that I like.

Duck Extra Large Patio Door Shrink Film from Amazon is what I’m now using. If I cut it properly, one packet will yield enough material to build four footprints for my Big Agnes Fly Creek HVUL 1 person tent. This is by far the most affordable and environmentally friendly alternative available.

Dyneema (Cuben Fiber)

Dyneema is a polyethylene-based polymer that is both extremely strong and lightweight. This synthetic material is one of the most powerful substances ever created by man. It is said to be 15 times stronger than steel by the maker. In addition, the fabric is extremely robust, with excellent tear and water resistance. A variety of industries, including medical, military, law enforcement, marine, aviation, mining and of course the outdoor gear industry, use Dyneema fibers in their products. Dyneema is lightweight, weighing around 1 ounce per square yard.

However, the one disadvantage of Dyneema is that it is quite pricey.

In the event that you decide to purchase the fabric and create your own footprint, you should expect to pay around $32 per yard.

Polyethylene Tarps (Poly Tarp)

These are the traditional utility tarps that would be used to cover a car that was being stored outside. They are constructed of polyethylene strands that have been firmly weaved together. The tarp that is produced is low-cost, long-lasting, and water-resistant in nature. These tarps are also readily available in many different sizes. You can get a poly tarp from any hardware shop, trim it to size, and you’ll have a usable footprint in no time. This is an excellent footprint option for vehicle campers who aren’t concerned about the weight or size of their equipment.

They are between $5-$10 in price.

My tent was set up on a blue poly sheet that served as a footprint.

How to Make Your Own Tent Footprint

It would be OK to use one of these to cover a car that is being stored outside in the traditional sense of the word. A densely woven web of polyethylene fibers is used to create these products. Waterproofing and durability are added to the tarp as an added bonus. In addition, these tarps are easily obtained. Almost any hardware shop will sell you a poly tarp, which you can trim down to size and use to create an usable footprint. If you don’t care about the weight or size of your belongings, this is a terrific footprint option for car campers.

There is a $5-$10 fee for these services.

a blue poly tarp footprint served as the foundation for my tent

1. Prepare to set up your tent. Make an effort to set it up on soft ground where it will not be harmed or contaminated. If you have the room, it’s best to do it inside
2. Measure the measurements of the foundation. It’s advisable to take measurements before purchasing the material to ensure that you don’t purchase too much. If your tent tapers or has an unusual form, it may be helpful to design a small template on a sheet of paper
3. Otherwise, you may use a regular template. Take 1 inch away from each of the dimensions. It is preferable if your footprint is somewhat smaller than the floor of your tent. If your footprint is larger than the floor of your tent, it can collect water during a rainfall and cause it to pool between your tent and the floor of your tent. During the course of the night, this water seeps into your tent floor, resulting in you becoming drenched. Tent materials are extremely water resistant, but they can still allow water to get through if exposed to enough time and pressure. Purchase the material of your choosing for the tent footprint. In an ideal world, your footprint would be composed of a single piece of material with no seams or joints. Window wrap or polycyro is one of my favorite materials since it is lightweight and inexpensive. Because it is so durable and easy to work with, Tyvek is arguably the most popular DIY footprint material. Make a straight line across the material and mark the dimensions using a pen. Then, cut the material to the desired size. It is possible to simply pitch your tent on top of your footprint to assist you in measuring the measurements
4. However, this will take longer and be more difficult.

Depending on how large your tent is, you may need to perform some sewing to complete your footprint. This adds a little extra effort. If you have to sew two sections together, make sure to seam seal the seam afterward to ensure that it is waterproof following the sewing process. You have the option of using a sewing machine or stitching by hand.

All of the materials described above, with the exception of polycyro, may be sewn. For a large tent, you can simply tape two strips of polycyro tape together with something like duct tape or gorilla tape to create a polycryo footprint.

How to Repair a Hole in a Tent Floor

In the event that you failed to utilize a footprint and ended up with a hole in your tent’s floor, there is still a chance that it may be repaired or replaced. I propose that you try to fix the hole using Gear Aid Tenacious Tape first to see if it works. This product is durable, simple to use, reasonably priced, and water-resistant. It is intended for use on camping and hiking equipment such as tents, coats, and sleeping bags. Cleaning and drying the area surrounding the rip is all that is required.

Final Thoughts

There is, in my opinion, absolutely no reason not to utilize a footprint wherever possible. If you don’t have the money or don’t want to deal with the added weight of a manufactured footprint, you can always create one out of polycro or Tyvek for a few dollars instead of purchasing one. Most excursions are worth it to carry an extra 1-4 ounces of gear in order to lengthen the life of your tent. The only possible exception would be a long-distance through-hike of a significant distance. It takes thousands of kilometers to accumulate the weight and time savings associated with not utilizing a footprint.

Please share your thoughts and advice in the comments section below!

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