If you’re a seasoned camper, then you probably think you have every single piece of gear out there.But you may not be familiar with the term “tent footprint,” and why the ultimate guide to using a tent footprint should matter.

You may be thinking, oh no, not again! I can’t spend more money on another piece of camping gear. Well, it may be worth it to buy now to save money down the road!

In this article, we go over what a tent footprint is and why you should consider getting one.

What Is a Tent Footprint?

For starters, we first need to explain to you what a tent footprint even is. And no, it’s not an indent in the ground from your camping tent sitting there.

It is a lightweight material that is approximately the same shape as the floor of your tent. Also, it’s similar in size and fits tightly below your tent. The purpose of the footprint is to protect the bottom of your tent from abrasive stuff (think rocks, gravel, twigs, roots). In addition, it keeps your tent clean of debris, gooey tree sap, and marks the spot to pitch your tent.

In addition, it’s designed to be a bit thicker so that it’s durable and abrasion-resistant. However, don’t assume a tent footprint serves to waterproof your tent floor.

If you’re trying to envision what this looks like, think of a tarp.


Why Should I Buy a Tent Footprint?

dome tent and two people laying down tarp for tent

You may be wondering what the point of a tent footprint is. If there is a tent floor, then why add another piece of material between your tent and the ground?

For starters, your tent was probably pretty expensive. If that’s the case, you’ll want to do anything you can to keep the tent in good condition and protect it from the environment.

By using a footprint or groundsheet, you will protect the bottom of your tent from any rock, sticks, dirt, or gravel that could potentially damage your tent floor. If your tent is punctured, you will likely have to replace the entire tent, which gets expensive quickly.

Also, having a tent floor saver can help prevent tears and punctures. Basically, this is an inexpensive investment to take care of a more expensive purchase, the tent.

If at this point, you think that you could just place the tent where there is softer ground, then you’re right. But the tent footprint also protects the bottom of the tent from grinding on the dirt, if you roll around at night. The rubbing of dirt can also damage the material of the tent.

If this isn’t selling you on getting a tent footprint, then people use them for other purposes than just protecting the bottom of their tents:

  • Keeping a clean surface for gear
  • Using it as a play surface for kids
  • Using it as an “open tent” to spend a night under the stars

A tent footprint can be used as so much more than just something that goes under your tent to protect it.


What are they made of?

There are many types of tent footprints available. Some of the more affordable options are polyethylene, but you’ll also find options made from polyester and nylon

Regarding material, the main thing you want to consider is durability. Most tent footprints use coated materials with excellent abrasion resistance that can last as long as ten years. Thicker materials also have a bit of an edge, as they won’t show wear and tear as early as thinner materials will.

You can also choose the material for your floor footprint based on whether or not you want one made of insulating and waterproof material. If you frequently camp in cool, damp weather, look for a tent footprint that adds a little more protection against water and cold air

What is the Best Footprint Size?

The best footprint size depends on your tent size. Choose one about two to three inches smaller than the floor of your tent. This size ensures that most of the hardest-used areas of the tent floor are protected. 

It’s tempting to think that getting a tent footprint a little larger than your tent is a good move, but a tent footprint extending beyond the edge of the tent can cause unexpected problems. Rain will collect on it, run beneath the tent, and pool under the floor.


Tent Footprint vs Tarp

Ultimately, deciding if a tent footprint is worth it is entirely up to you and your needs. Of course, it also depends on the budget you have set aside for camping and your outdoor activities.

If you have $30-$80 lying around that you aren’t sure what to spend on, you should get a tent footprint to extend the life of your tent.

If you are on a budget, you can consider making a tent footprint yourself! You can do this out of a plastic tarp or Tyvek wrap, which can be found on Amazon as a cheaper alternative.

RELK Ultralight Tyvek Ground Cloth - Tyvek Tarp -...
RELK Ultralight Tyvek Ground Cloth - Tyvek Tarp -...
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How to Use a Tent Footprint

Using a tent footprint is very easy! All you have to do is lay it out where you are camping, put your tent on top, tuck the extra material under the tent floor, and boom! You have yourself a protected tent with a tent footprint.

When choosing the size, buy one that is slightly smaller than your tent floor.  This is because a larger ground cloth that extends beyond the tent dimensions allows for water to run underneath your tent. As long as your tent sits is a bit larger, your tent won’t be sitting in a puddle of water.

Are There Alternatives to a Tent Footprint?

Like we mentioned above, one alternative to a tent footprint is creating your own out of tarp.

When considering which to use, you should know more about tarps first.

Ground tarp

Ground tarps are useful and versatile; if you camp often, you probably already have one or two. They make excellent alternatives to tent footprints, mainly because they are waterproof. There are some downsides to using a ground tarp, though. They’re not as durable as a tent footprint. What’s more, tarps aren’t easy to set up since they’re not specifically designed for function as a tent floor.

A tarp can easily mold to fit your tent floor. However, tarps are thinner and may not provide as much comfort. Additionally, you also need to take the time to cut the tarp to be the size of your tent floor.

Tyvek

Tyvek is a highly durable plastic material commonly used in construction. It’s extremely strong, tear-resistant, and completely waterproof.

Painter’s Plastic Drop Cloth

Still another solution is painter’s plastic drop cloths, the type you throw down before painting a room. This option is the cheapest, but you’ll encounter the same problem as with a tarp. It also doesn’t come with a carrying bag and requires precision cutting skills.   

While there are other options to choose from, tent footprints are more durable, cut to the exact dimensions, and keep extra moisture from entering your tent.


Best Tent Footprint

If we’ve convinced you to buy a tent footprint, you’re probably wondering where to even start. Again, that depends on your budget and what you are looking for!

Some are made by the brand to match your exact tent, but there are also other great options out there that you can get that are more generic but still fit. 

We provide three great options below for you if you are a budget spender, looking for the best value, or want a high-end tent footprint:


Best Budget – REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint

REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint, PU 2000…
  • DURABLE: REDCAMP waterproof tarp is made from…
  • LARGE: 140cmx220cm/55”x87″, perfect for 1-2…
  • MULTIPURPOSE TENT TARP FOR UNDER TENT: The…

If you are on a budget, there are plenty of options that you can choose from.

The REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint has everything you need in a footprint and can also function as so much more than that.

As a tent footprint, it is made out of waterproof polyester fabric, so it will provide extra moisture protection if you set it under your tent. Weighing in at only half a pound, it is perfect to carry with you camping and can fold up easily.

If you don’t use it as a tent footprint, you can use it as:

  • A beach or picnic mat for camping or other activities 
  • A mat to sit on at a sporting event
  • A sun or rain canopy while camping

You can get all of these uses from this budget tent footprint on Amazon from $19.99


Best Value Tent Footprint- North Face Footprint Stormbreak 1

The tent footprint with the most value is the North Face FP Stormbreak 1.

The footprint is water-resistant and made with a polyester taffeta which is known to repel water. Because of this, water will have a tough time breaking through to get to you and your tent.

It also comes with webbing stake-outs to make set-up as easy as can be!

Although it is designed to fit under the Stormbreak 1 One-Person Camping Tent, it should work with any other one-person tent on the market. Just be sure to double-check dimensions before placing an order.

When you purchase this, you are buying from a brand known for its quality, material durability, and getting great value. You won’t be disappointed!


Best High-End Tent Tarp

Although not necessary, a high-end tent footprint means never having to worry about replacing it or your tent.

One of the best higher-end out there is the Hanjet Heavy Duty Camping Tent Footprint.

Hanjet Heavy Duty Tarp 9 Mil Outdoor Ultra-Light…
  • Multi-purpose outdoor tarp is great for…
  • Waterproof design made of durable rip-stop…
  • Rugged rust-resistant grommets along the…

This tent footprint is extremely durable and will protect your tent from any of the harsh elements that you may encounter outside while camping. The tight polyethylene weave makes the tent footprint extremely durable to prevent any rips from large rocks or sticks. The edges of the footprint are heat-sealed and reinforced with polyethylene rope to make it even stronger than others.

The grommets on this footprint are also rust-resistant. No need to worry about folding it up when it’s wet. Mold might be an issue though.

If you want to have multipurpose use from this tent footprint, then you can use it as a roof for shade outside of your tent or wind protection. What’s more, use it to protect firewood from getting wet.

While you’re not camping, you can also use it for the protection of your car, boat, or any other motor vehicle when you aren’t using it for your tent. It can even act as an emergency roof patch material if need be.

Gather Your Gear

If you’re about to go camping or hiking, you may want to get your tent footprint before you venture out on your next backcountry adventure!

You’ll be amazed at how much use you get out of the tent footprint. Not only protecting your camping tent floor from wear and tear on your camping tent, but using overhead to keep gear dry. Before you head out to get one, make sure you have all the other camping outdoor gear you need to have a good time in the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Do I really need a tent footprint for camping?

While not absolutely necessary, a tent footprint can significantly extend the life of your tent by protecting its floor from wear and tear. It also keeps the tent bottom clean and can provide additional moisture resistance.

Is it possible to repair a tent footprint if it gets damaged?

Yes, minor rips and tears in a tent footprint can often be repaired with adhesive repair patches or tape designed for outdoor gear. For more significant damage, replacing the footprint might be necessary.

How heavy is a typical tent footprint?

The weight of a tent footprint varies depending on its size and material but typically ranges from a few ounces for ultralight models to a couple of pounds for heavier-duty versions.


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Last update on 2024-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API