You will find the best guidelines on “Do I Need A Tent Footprint?”
In order to ensure that your tent lasts a long time, it’s important to follow proper tent care guidelines.
After you purchase your tent, you should follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to set up your tent and make sure you properly care for it so it doesn’t get damaged or torn during use.
However, many don’t know about another way to protect their tent—using a footprint.
A footprint covers the floor of your tent with an extra waterproof layer, which keeps your tent from becoming damaged from constant contact with the ground and underbrush.
Do I Need A Tent Footprint?
A tent footprint is an essential piece of equipment for any outdoor adventure.
It’s a ground cloth that goes underneath your tent, serving as an extra layer of protection from pesky branches, rocks, and other things you don’t want to deal with.
It can also protect your tent from getting wet if you camp on damp ground or in wet weather.
But before you run out and buy one, we need to know how important it is for you to have one:
Only about half of backpackers use them (around 50%).
If you’ve never used one before and are still new to backpacking, then adding another item to your packing list may be more hassle than it’s worth.
What does a tent footprint do for a tent?
Protects your tent floor from rips and punctures, which can be caused by rocks, sticks, pinecones, etc. during setup and tear-down.
Yes! Tents can be expensive and a footprint provides extra protection for your investment; however, it isn’t necessary for every trip.
Some people don’t like footprints because they sometimes feel like you’re sleeping on a giant tarp—that’s why we recommend cutting off its ties if you decide to use one. It’s up to you! Either way is fine as long as you choose what works best for your needs!
What can I use instead of a tent footprint?
You can use a groundsheet instead of a tent footprint.
It’s exactly what it sounds like, though they typically don’t have grommets or attachment points as footprints do.
Groundsheets are meant to protect your tent floor from any damage that might occur during setup and tear down, but most don’t provide much insulation on their own—they really only keep things clean.
If you want something that will cushion you and your sleeping bag from rocks and roots, look for an air mattress or sleeping pad to put underneath your tent when pitching. The same goes for tarps:
if you want protection from moisture outside of your tent, then get a tarp—not a footprint.
Can I use a tarp as a tent footprint?
If you can’t afford a tent footprint or don’t have room in your bag for one, it’s generally okay to lay your tarp down directly on dirt or sharp rocks.
This is fine for most tarps as long as you use common sense.
Some ultralight tarps are more susceptible to punctures and ripping, so if your tarp doesn’t have reinforced corners or is made from a thin material like cuben fiber, consider using a sheet of polypro (AKA Tyvek) instead of laying your tarp directly on the soil.
Other than that, there’s really no reason why you should ever spend money on a tent footprint. Just be smart about where you’re setting up camp!
Why do people put a tarp under their tent?
Tarps are great for camping. They are lightweight, waterproof and they can even be used as a picnic blanket or to put under you while sitting on a log.
Tarps come in many shapes and sizes so you will want to get one that fits well with your tent.
You may notice that when you buy your tent there is sometimes an option to purchase a footprint tarp. You may wonder if it is really worth getting one of these tarps along with your tent.
The short answer is yes; they are worth it! If you camp frequently then it is important that you properly care for your gear so that it lasts longer than just one summer season; here’s how to do it correctly…
Do I need to put a tarp under my tent?
Putting a tarp under your tent will help to protect it from getting wet if you are camping in an area that tends to get rainy.
Keeping your tent dry can prevent any damage caused by rain and help keep out pests such as mosquitoes that might want to come inside your tent.
It also helps keep water from seeping into places like zippers and seams, which could possibly make small holes. If you are looking for a good way to protect your gear, consider putting down a tarp beneath your tent.
How do you make a homemade tent footprint?
Making a tent footprint is pretty simple, but requires some preparation. All you need is some fabric. If you have an old piece of clothing, like a t-shirt or a towel that’s about to get chucked anyway, that would be perfect for making your footprint.
In fact, using repurposed fabrics will add to your creation’s eco-cred! You’ll also need duct tape and scissors. Once you’ve got everything you need, follow these instructions
What size footprint do I need for my tent?
When purchasing a tent, one of your first considerations should be its size.
But there are also sizing factors that extend beyond simple headroom and total square footage. Depending on what type of terrain you plan to set up camp on, for example, you may need to purchase an additional accessory—the footprint. What is a footprint and do I need one? Here’s everything you need to know.
Is it worth buying a tent footprint?
Even if your tent is waterproof, there are benefits to using a footprint.
First, in damp conditions, it provides an additional layer of protection between you and potentially wet ground (it also helps protect your tent’s floor from wear and tear).
Second, they keep your tent clean – while footprints are made from durable materials like polyester, they still show dirt. Keeping mud and grime off your tent helps to keep it looking newer for longer.
Finally, a footprint helps prolong the life of your tent by protecting it from rocks or other sharp objects that might damage it when you’re setting up camp.
The answer to do I need a footprint? is yes; if you have room in your pack for one, definitely bring one along.
do you need a tent footprint to keep your tent clean.
No, you do not need a tent footprint to keep your tent clean.
The only reason for using a footprint is if you intend to set up and take down your tent on sandy or wet ground. In that case, a footprint will protect your tent floor from getting damaged.
If you are setting up in loose dirt or grass, then there is no need for a footprint, and using one can actually be bad for your tent as it prevents moisture from being released into the air through evaporation.
So, next time you go camping don’t forget something to sit on…;)
Conclusion about Do I Need A Tent Footprint :
If you’re camping in a place with a lot of leaves, sticks, and pine needles on the ground, you should definitely bring along some kind of footprint.
If you’re camping on dirt or grass, however, chances are your tent will be fine without one. If you find yourself in an area that is wet at times and dry at others, it might be a good idea to have both options available to you.
When buying a tent footprint ensure it is 100% compatible with your specific tent brand and model to avoid any issues during setup or potentially harmful situations later on during use. Happy Camping!
