A tent footprint is an essential piece of camping gear that can significantly extend the life of your tent. Acting as a protective barrier, it shields the tent floor from rough surfaces, prevents water seepage, and even offers a bit of insulation. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose and use a tent footprint effectively.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Tent Footprint
Having the correct tent footprint size is very important for a proper tent setup. The tent footprint should be about 2 inches smaller than the base of your tent. This is so if it is raining on your camping trip it won’t collect the rain under your tent. Keeping you dry and protecting you from the wet cold ground.
Sometimes your tent will come with a tent footprint which means it should be a perfect fit for your specific tent. If not most of the time your tent manufacturer will sell the properly sized footprint for your exact tent.
If you have a tent footprint that is too large NEVER trim the edges! Cutting any part of the footprint will ruin the quality and make the footprint less effective.
The proper way to deal with a footprint that is too large for your tent is to fold in the edges. Make sure that every side of the tent footprint is properly tucked under the tent so there are no edges sticking out to collect rainwater.
What is a Footprint for a Tent
A Footprint is a groundsheet that goes under your tent as a protective layer between the ground and the base of your tent. The main purpose of a footprint is to protect the base of your tent from getting damaged by the floor and protect it from basic wear and tear. Along with that, it can help keep your tent dry in wet weather conditions.
Most tent footprints are made of nylon or polyester which are very strong reliant materials. This material is stronger than the base of your tent so it won’t be damaged as easily from the dirt and rocks under it. Meaning a tent footprint will last longer than the floor of a tent and when it needs to be replaced it is cheaper than buying another tent.
What is a Tent Footprint Used For?
The hard ground with dirt, rocks, and debris can quickly wear down the bottom of your tent and cause holes and rips.
A proper footprint acts as a protective layer between the tent and the ground. This will make your tent last longer and be protected. As you walk around your tent it moves the bottom of the tent cloth which rubs against the ground and wears it out more. The footprint protects it from rubbing on dirt and rocks keeping it better protected and cleaner.
Footprints are also great protection in the rain to keep the bottom of your tent dry. It will provide an extra layer between the tent and the wet cold floor helping keep the base of your tent dry. If properly set up water will stay under the tent footprint and absorb into the ground and not the bottom of your tent.
How to Use and Set Up a Tent Footprint
A footprint is so easy to set up that there is never a reason not to use one. It goes in between the ground and your tent and has many different benefits to protect the tent.
1) Find a Suitable Camping Spot
Look for a flat area and clear away any sharp rocks or debris that could damage your tent or footprint.
2) Lay Down the Footprint
Place your tent footprint on the ground with the waterproof side facing up. This side is usually shinier or has a different texture.
3) Set Up Your Tent
Pitch your tent on top of the footprint, making sure that the edges of the footprint are neatly tucked under the tent to avoid water collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a tent footprint?
Not needed but definitely recommended. It is almost a necessity when it rains because it will protect the bottom of your tent from soaking in the water from the ground.
In other instances, you don’t need a tent footprint but without a tent footprint, your tent will get worn down significantly faster than a footprint will.
Can you use a tarp for your footprint?
A tarp can be a good substitute for a footprint. They won’t be fitted very well to your tent but make sure to fold them so it’s not larger than your tent.
Tarps aren’t as durable as a proper nylon or polyester footprint meaning a tarp shouldn’t be your long-term solution, but it can work as a short-term substitute.
Does a tent footprint help in the rain?
YES! A tent footprint can significantly help in the rain and keep the bottom of your tent dry. If Your footprint extends out past your tent it may begin to collect and drain the water under your tent which is very bad so make sure you set up the footprint properly!
Does a tent footprint help insolate your tent?
An added benefit of your tent footprint is a slight increase in insolation but not the sole purpose of it. A tent footprint isn’t the best insolation but it can help slightly insolate your tent and create a layer between the tent floor and the cold ground.
Are tent footprints waterproof?
Yes, almost all tent footprints have at least one side that is waterproof. If looking for which side is waterproof you can tell by one side having a shiny coating. The shiny coating is the waterproof side and should always be facing up towards your tent when setting it up.
This waterproofing will help the footprint and the tent less absorbent. The more weight pushing your footprint into the ground makes it more absorbent but the waterproofing coating will limit water absorption through the bottom of your tent.
The Benefits of Using a Tent Footprint
- Protection from Wear and Tear: A footprint prevents direct contact between the tent floor and the ground, reducing the risk of punctures and abrasions.
- Waterproofing: It adds an extra layer of waterproof protection, keeping the tent floor dry during rainy conditions.
- Insulation: Although not the primary purpose, a footprint can provide a slight insulating effect, creating a barrier between the cold ground and the tent floor.