Why do tents have footprints?

The main purposes of a footprint are to protect the floor of your tent from abrasive objects (like sticks, roots, and rocks), to keep your tent clean of mud and tree sap, and to help you determine a good spot to pitch your tent.

Do you need a tent groundsheet?

Do you need a ground sheet for camping? 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.

How do I choose a footprint for my tent?

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.

Do I need a footprint groundsheet?

With 90% of tents being made with a sewn in groundsheet these days, buying a footprint has become even more essential. Protect your brand new tent from abrasion or cuts from loose stones and twigs – think of this like buying your brand new phone a screen protector or cover – better being safe than sorry!

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. Overall Polycro offers great bang for your buck. Treat it well and clean your campsite properly and it will last you a while.

What is the footprint of a tent?

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.

Does a tent footprint go inside or outside?

Thus, you want to put it OUTSIDE to protect the floor of your tent, which is (or should be) waterproof already. The footprint itself is usually waterproof (and in fact. some tents can be set up with just to footprint and the rain-fly as an ultra-light body-less option.)

Can you use a footprint as a tarp?

You could definitely use them. My experience is that footprints are typically made from a heavier gauge material than most lightweight tarps so may be a bit heavy. Also most footprints are narrow since they need to be more narrow than the tent floor itself. That may make for an awkward dimension for tarping.

Is a tarp needed under a tent?

Putting some sort of ground cover or tarp under your tent is essential for the durability of your tent and to keep it warm and dry. If the tarp extends too far, even dew will run down the tent walls and collect under your tent. When camping at the beach, don’t put a tarp under the tent, but rather inside the tent.

Why do I need a footprint for my tent?

The main purposes of a footprint are to protect the floor of your tent from abrasive objects (like sticks, roots, and rocks), to keep your tent clean of mud and tree sap, and to help you determine a good spot to pitch your tent.

Why use footfootprints?

Footprints can take the brunt of the sap and berry stains to keep your tent looking and feeling pristine for longer. Awkward Angles – Many of us have experienced this: you find the perfect spot to pitch your tent, like it’s practically designed just for your tent.

Why do I need to lay a footprint down before setup?

You may want to lay a footprint (ground cover) down before setup to protect the tent floor from the surrounding environment. After securing the footprint, use our video instructions to pitch your tent, add your sleeping bags and enjoy your adventure in nature.

What happens to your tent when you leave it outside?

Messy Stuff – We all expect our gear to get a little dirty when we take it outside, but having sticky tree sap all over the bottom of your tent can be a real nightmare. Footprints can take the brunt of the sap and berry stains to keep your tent looking and feeling pristine for longer.