Whether alone or with family, camping in a Tent is one of the best ways to spend the night under the stars. A tent, while not as sturdy as an RV or a cabin, can withstand harsh weather just fine since many come with strong yet light carbon fibre poles and high-tech fabrics.

These extra features mean modern tents are a bit costlier than old models. Now, since you're spending more money on your tent, chances are you want to give it proper care and maintenance to prolong its life. One way to do that is by using a Tent Footprint. If you're unsure what that is and why we advise using one, this article is for you.

What is a Tent Footprint?

A tent Footprint, also known as a groundsheet, is a fabric placed on the ground to provide a barrier between the bottom of the tent and the earth. This keeps the tent floor from abrasion (i.e., wear and tear). It is the first thing to sort out when setting up camp and is secured by being pegged down in the four corners.

The fabrics used to make tent footprints, such as silicon-coated polyester, Tyvek, or nylon, are durable. Typically, tent footprints come in various sizes and shapes. It is even possible to make one by yourself, tailoring it to the specifications of your tent.

Benefits of a Tent Footprint to Your Camping Trip

Many campers imagine that footprints provide a waterproofing feature preventing water from seeping through the tent fabric from the ground. Albeit true, that is not entirely the case. The primary reasons you need a footprint are to protect your tent's floor from tearing due to objects like stones and twigs, keep the tent's floor clean, and help you pick the best spot for your campsite. We go over them in detail below.

#1. Prevent tears on your tent floor

While modern tents are sturdy, the fabrics used on the floors are usually very thin. This is done to make the packing weight of the tent as light as possible; however, by making it ultralight, the manufacturers sacrifice adequate protection on the floors. If you frequently go camping in areas with a lot of stones, sharp sand, and sticks, with time, these can cause the already thin floor of the tent to suffer one or multiple tears.

A footprint prevents this by acting as a layer of protection between the uneven ground and the floor of your tent. This way, the integrity of your tent is preserved, and any abrasion is reduced to a negligible minimum. You'll agree it's better to change your tent footprint occasionally than purchase a new tent due to significant tears.

#2. Helps you pick the best camping spot

If you’re an experienced camper, you know you can't always tell if the spot you have chosen for your tent is the best. Sometimes, after you have set up the tent, you find out that a rock or twig is jutting through in the middle, or you discover that you are on an incline. With a footprint, this can easily be avoided, saving you much precious time and energy.

By first laying the footprint on the ground before the tent, you can check for any protruding objects. If you notice any, you can promptly remove them or change the location if there are other issues. Footprints are helpful when you have to set up many tents in a camp. They can also be used as a small poncho or tarp.

Footprints can also absorb some cold from the ground, preventing it from coming directly into your tent. This keeps you warm.  

#3. Protects your tent from dirt

Keeping your tent clean and well-maintained is essential for a comfortable camping experience. One common issue campers face is the staining of the tent floor by debris, mud, or soil. This can happen when camping in areas with loose dirt or wet conditions, and depending on the size of your tent, cleaning and scrubbing away the grime and dirt from the tent floor can be a real hassle.

You can use a tent footprint underneath your tent as a barrier between the tent floor and the ground. This prevents debris, mud, or soil from getting attached to the floor of your tent, making it easier to keep your tent clean and tidy. It also helps to keep the tent floor dry, which can be crucial in preventing the growth of mould or mildew.

#4. Saves you a lot of expenses

For regular campers, investing in a tent footprint can be a wise decision that pays off in the long run. While it may seem like an additional expense, the benefits of using a tent footprint can outweigh the initial cost.

A tent footprint extends the lifespan of your tent; it minimizes wear and tear on the tent floor, reducing the chances of damage or punctures that can occur from repeated use over time. Thus, you may not have to repair or replace your tent as frequently, saving you money on repairs or new tent purchases in the long run.

Furthermore, tent footprints are versatile and can be used with different tents, making them a cost-effective investment. Even if you upgrade or change your tent in the future, you can continue to use the same tent footprint, saving you the expense of purchasing a new one.

#5. Other use cases

If you have a tent footprint, you can use it for other purposes apart from a barrier between the floor of your tent and the ground. Some owners camp on their footprints. If you're going to do this, make sure the area isn't insect-infested, and the forecast doesn't predict rain.

Additionally, you can sit on your footprint after a downpour or in the morning when the dew has fallen, and the ground is wet. Some campers even use their footprints in place of a poncho tarp. This way, they don't also have to pack a tarp and use up space in their luggage.

What Makes a Good Tent Footprint?

A tent footprint of good quality will be crafted like a tarp. They are also usually waterproof and thicker than the tent fabric. This is because tent footprints are made of silicon-coated polyester or nylon. It needs to be thick, or at least thicker than the floor of your tent, to provide adequate protection from debris while also providing some insulation from the cold.

In addition, when combined with a trench dug around the tent's perimeter, the waterproof fabric should lead rain away from the tent's base, allowing the floor to remain dry. All of these qualities will contribute to your tent lasting longer. Eventually, you may need to change the groundsheet. But it will be considerably cheaper and less of a hassle than changing the whole tent.

How to Choose a Tent Footprint?

When choosing a tent footprint, consider the 'denier' of the material, as is listed in the footprint product specifications. This is a measure of thread thickness. The higher the denier, the thicker the product will be. Also, check for a groundsheet with a floor rating above 20 deniers and a waterproof rating above 1500 mm. This ensures reliable protection against moisture, preventing water from seeping through and soaking the tent floor.

Then consider the size and shape of the tent itself. Tent footprints are slightly smaller than the actual footprint of a tent to ensure that it doesn't extend beyond the edges of the tent to create a "bathtub" effect where water can pool between the tent and the footprint. Thus, ensure that your footprint is slightly smaller than the dimensions of your tent so it doesn't protrude beyond the edges of the tent when laid down underneath it.

Finally, consider the weight and packability of the tent footprint, especially if you plan to backpack or hike with it. Look for lightweight, compact options that won't add too much weight to your gear.

Summary

A tent footprint is a valuable piece of camping equipment that can help to protect your tent, keep it clean, and improve its waterproofing. It can also increase your comfort, save you money, and prolong the life of your tent.

So, whether you're a regular or casual camper, getting a tent footprint is the perfect additional gear for your next camping trip. Use the buying guide above to fish out the ideal option for your camp needs.