When camping, should you use a footprint tent or a tarp to protect the bottom of your 3 season vs 4 season tent setup from rough terrain? Let’s tackle a burning question that many of us have pondered: Tent Footprint vs Tarp. Which one should you pick for your beginner camping gear must-haves? We’re going to break it down, comparing the two in various aspects so you can make the best decision for your needs. Grab your marshmallows and let’s dive in!
Table of contents
- What’s the Difference?
- Why Use a Footprint Tent or a Tarp?
- What Is a Tent Footprint?
- What Is a Tarp?
- Pros of Using a Tent Footprint
- Cons of Using a Tent Footprint
- DIY Alternatives to Tent Footprints
- Cost Comparison
- Durability and Material
- Weight and Packability
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Weather Protection
- Footprint Tent vs Tarp: Which One Should You Choose?
What’s the Difference?
Before we jump into the comparison, let’s quickly define what we’re talking about here:
- Tent Footprint: A groundsheet specifically designed to fit the dimensions of your tent. It’s usually made of durable, waterproof material and is sold separately or as an accessory by the tent manufacturer.
- Tarp: A versatile, multi-use piece of material that you can use for various purposes, including as a groundsheet. Tarps come in many sizes and materials and can be bought from any outdoor or hardware store.
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Why Use a Footprint Tent or a Tarp?
Almost everyone assumes that they bought the best tent for their camping adventures. However, no matter how sturdy the material from which you make your tent, it will experience some wear and tear along the way. In many cases, the tent bottom or the tent floor bears the brunt of this abuse.
This happens because that part of the tent is often in constant contact with the cold, hard ground. Depending on where you pitch your tent, this ground could have sharp pebbles, roots, plants, and even sticks that dig into the tent bottom. In the process, they could tear it or, at the very least, cause some structural damage, which renders that part of the tent weaker as time goes on.
Couple that with the fact that there’s often moisture from the ground that can seep into the tent through the tent floor. This means that the tent fabric in this area could develop mold from the wet ground.
You could use a tent footprint or tarp to offer extra protection from the elements and the rough ground. Layering these materials beneath the tent base as ground cover keeps your tent somewhat protected from the wet ground, as well as other hazards such as sticks, roots, and rocks that could tear it.
What Is a Tent Footprint?
A tent footprint is essentially a groundsheet or a custom-sized piece of material that you place under your tent. It’s like a protective barrier between your tent floor and the ground. Now, let’s weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using one.
It takes the brunt of the abuse. It’s ideal for camping trips that require pitching a tent on abrasive surfaces, such as rocky areas in rugged national parks, deserts, and beaches.
What Is a Tarp?
A tarp, an extremely durable material, can provide protection for your entire tent. The key distinction between a tent footprint and a tarp is that you can position a tarp both underneath and above the tent.
Tarps protect your tent from much more than just ground abrasion and moisture. You can use them for tarp tent camping since the tarp above protects you from the elements too.
Pros of Using a Tent Footprint
The purpose of a tent footprint is to protect the bottom of your tent. That’s its primary function, which makes it slightly more limited than a tarp. With that in mind, a tent footprint has some pros and cons.
1. Extra Waterproofing
Most, if not all, tent footprints consist of waterproof material. This allows them to keep ground moisture from entering your tent. A footprint helps keep groundwater from seeping through your tent floor, keeping you drier and more comfortable.
2. Temperature Regulation
A tent footprint can also provide a bit of insulation, helping to keep the interior of your tent warmer in cold weather. It’s a small difference, but when you’re trying to stay cozy, every little bit helps.
3. Extended Tent Lifespan
One of the biggest advantages of a tent footprint is that it helps protect the bottom of your tent from wear and tear. Rocks, sticks, and rough terrain can wreak havoc on your tent floor, but a footprint acts as a buffer, absorbing a lot of that damage. This means your tent can last longer and withstand more trips.
4. Easier Setup and Positioning
Using a footprint can help you with tent setup, too. It outlines the exact space your tent will occupy, making it easier to position everything correctly. This is especially useful if you’re setting up camp in less-than-ideal conditions or in the dark.
5. Cleaner Pack Up
After a weekend of camping, packing up a muddy tent is a hassle. A footprint can take the brunt of the dirt and mud, making it easier to clean your tent before you head home. Just shake out or rinse off the footprint, and you’re good to go.
Cons of Using a Tent Footprint
1. Extra Weight and Bulk
One of the main downsides of using a tent footprint is the added weight and bulk. For ultralight backpackers, every ounce counts, and a footprint might seem like an unnecessary addition. If you’re trying to keep your pack as light as possible, this is something to consider.
2. Additional Cost
Tent footprints are sold separately from the tent. Depending on the brand and material, they can add a bit to your camping budget. You may prefer to save money by using a tarp or other DIY solutions instead.
3. Potential Misfit
If you don’t get the exact footprint designed for your tent, then you might find that it doesn’t fit perfectly. A poorly fitting footprint can cause issues with water pooling around your tent or not providing adequate protection.
4. Setup Time
While some find that a footprint helps with tent setup, others see it as just another step in the process. If you’re in a rush or setting up camp in bad weather, it might feel like an extra hassle .
5. Limited Use Cases
Not all camping trips require a footprint. If you’re camping on soft, grassy ground, then you might not need the extra protection. In these cases, carrying a footprint can feel unnecessary.
DIY Alternatives to Tent Footprints
1. Tarpa
A tarp is a versatile and cheaper alternative to a tent footprint. You can cut it to size and it provides excellent waterproofing and protection. Just be sure to tuck any excess material under your tent to avoid water pooling.
2. Tyvek
Tyvek is a durable, lightweight material often used in construction. It’s water-resistant and can be cut to the exact size of your tent. Also, it’s relatively cheap and easy to find. While this Tyvek Footprint has grommets that call for skilled installation, a tarp can just be laid out flat on the ground, and you are good to go.
3. Polycyro
This ultra-light material is used in window insulation kits and can be repurposed as a footprint. It’s very light and inexpensive, making it a favorite among ultralight backpackers.
This REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint sells for considerably more than this Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp, yet the tarp is more versatile than the camping footprint.
Cost Comparison
Tent Footprint
- Price: Generally, tent footprints can be a bit pricey. They’re often sold by the same company that made your tent, which means you’re paying a premium for the perfect fit.
- Value: You get a custom-fit piece that’s tailored for your tent, which can be convenient but comes at a higher cost.
Tarp
- Price: Tarps are typically much cheaper than tent footprints. You can find a decent tarp for a fraction of the price of a footprint.
- Value: While it’s not custom-sized, a tarp’s versatility makes it a budget-friendly option for various camping needs.
Durability and Material
Tent Footprint
- Material: Footprints are usually made from tough, ripstop fabric that’s designed to endure rough ground and heavy use.
- Durability: They are built to last and protect your tent from abrasions, punctures, and moisture.
Tarp
- Material: Tarps come in a variety of materials, from lightweight polyethylene to heavy-duty canvas.
- Durabilty: Depending on the material, a tarp can be extremely durable. Heavy-duty tarps can withstand rough use but may add more weight to your pack.
Weight and Packability
Tent Footprint
- Weight: Tent footprints are typically designed to be lightweight and compact, which is great for backpackers.
- Packability: They fold up neatly and fit easily into your gear bag without taking up much space.
Tarp
- Weight: Tarps can range from ultra-light to quite heavy, depending on the material. Polyethylene tarps are lightweight but might not be as durable.
- Packability: Larger tarps can be bulky and harder to pack, but they also offer more coverage.
Ease of Use
Tent Footprint
- Setup: Footprints are a breeze to set up because they’re designed to fit your tent perfectly. Just lay it out, pitch your tent on top, and you’re done.
- Convenience: Since they’re custom-fit, there’s no need to worry about excess material or awkward folds.
Tarp
- Setup: Setting up a tarp requires a bit more effort. You’ll need to cut it to size or fold it to fit under your tent, making sure to tuck in the edges to avoid water pooling.
- Flexibility: The extra effort comes with the benefit of versatility. You can use a tarp as a shelter, ground cover, or even a makeshift rain fly.
Versatility
Tent Footprint
- Single Purpose: Footprints are primarily designed to protect your tent floor. While they do their job well, they’re not very versatile.
- Specific Use: If you’re looking for something specifically for your tent, a footprint is ideal.
Tarp
- Multi-Purpose: Tarps are the Swiss Army knife of camping gear. You can use them for just about anything, from a rain cover to a picnic blanket.
- Adaptability: Their multi-purpose nature makes tarps a favorite among campers who value flexibility.
Weather Protection
Tent Footprint
- Waterproofing: Footprints provide excellent waterproofing tailored to the exact size of your tent, preventing groundwater from seeping through.
- Weather Resistance: They also add a bit of insulation, helping to keep you warmer in cold weather.
Tarp
- Waterproofing: A good tarp can be just as waterproof, but you need to ensure it’s properly positioned and the edges are tucked under the tent.
- Weather Resistance: Dependinggon the material, tarps can offer decent insulation and wind protection, but might not be as efficient as a footprint
Footprint Tent vs Tarp: Which One Should You Choose?
So, which is better: a tent footprint or a tarp? It really comes down to your personal camping style and needs.
Go for a Tent Footprint if:
- You have the budget and prefer something that’s custom-fitted to your tent.
- You value ease of setup and don’t want to deal with cutting or folding a tarp.
- You want a lightweight and compact option that’s easy to pack.
Opt for a Tarp if:
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option that’s versatile.
- You don’t mind spending a bit more time on setup for a multi-purpose piece of gear.
- You want something that can serve multiple functions around the campsite.
Based on these factors, you can see that using a tarp is more convenient than a tent footprint. If you aren’t convinced, then read our article on the Ultimate Guide on How to Use a Tent Footprint. However, tent footprints often offer more advantages than a tarp. Again, it comes down to personal preference.
For added protection against snow and freezing rain, consider using a durable hammock rainfly, which can be essential for maintaining warmth and dryness during your winter camping trips.
In the end, both a tent footprint and a tarp can serve you well on your camping adventures. It’s all about what suits your needs best. Whether you go with a footprint for its convenience or a tarp for its versatility, you’ll be well-equipped for a great time in the great outdoors.
For those considering different camping setups, especially when exploring vehicle-based camping options, Truck bed tents with storage pockets offer an innovative solution that combines the comfort of your vehicle with the adventure of tent camping.
Happy camping, everyone!
