If you are looking to protect the floor of your tent, a tent footprint is the way to go. Because the footprint keeps moisture off the tent floor and protects it from sticks, stones and other damage, it can extend the lifespan of your tent and keep it drier inside. But, there are a few things to consider.
What Is a Tent Footprint?
A tent footprint is a piece of fabric that attaches to the bottom of your tent and covers it. It protects the floor from damage, but also forms an extra layer between you and the ground when sleeping. Some are simple rectangles others have shaped corners designed for specific tents. A good footprint provides additional protection similar to how patio furniture has plastic coating.
Benefits of Using a Tent Footprint
A tent footprint helps your tent last longer. It also helps extend the life of a floor by:
- Protecting it from sticks and stones that could poke holes in the material, reducing lifespan and letting in moisture and little critters
- Forming an extra waterproof layer between you and the ground when sleeping, reducing condensation inside your shelter on wet nights
- Leveling out the tent floor which also can improve the comfort of your sleep
In short, there really are no downsides to using a tent footprint.
What to Consider When Buying a Tent Footprint
The main consideration is the size of your tent. The footprint should cover all areas where people will be sleeping and ideally extend beyond that by one or two feet in each direction, to overlap with rain flys on all sides.
How to Choose the Right Size Tent Footprint
First of all, make sure you know the size of your tent and what its footprint dimensions should be to start with. You can usually find this information in the product description on retailer websites like Amazon or REI; it may also be printed on an included tag inside your tent. If you can’t track this information down, measuring the floor of your tent is a sure-fire way to get the right fit.
What Are Tent Footprints Made Of?
There are a few different types of materials that tent footprints can be made out of – the most popular being nylon, polyester taffetta, and silicone-coated fabrics.
- Coated Polyester Tent Footprints tend to have more waterproofing capabilities compared with other options because they’re coated in an additional layer of durable silicones.
- Nylon Tent Footprintsb are most typical, are lighter in weight, and have a bit of stretch to them so they can fit tents perfectly.
- Oxford cloth is the most affordable option you’ll find for tent footprints. They’re made from woven fabric that’s treated with heat so it won’t fray when cut.
Other fabrics include industrial synthetics like Polycro and Tyvek.
Can You Make Your Own Tent Footprint?
You can choose to make your own tent footprint if you have experience sewing or know someone who does. You’ll need a durable fabric with waterproofing capabilities, like coated nylon. But it’s probably easier just to use a heavy-duty tarp.
Using a Tarp as a Tent Footprint
If you have a thick tarp that is big enough to fit your tent, you can use it to protect your tent bottom. While it may not be as heavy duty and functional as a true tent footprint, it can do the job. And tarps are versatile for other uses during your trip, while a footprint is pretty much a one-job piece of equipment.
How to Store a Tent Footprint
A tent footprint is an easy thing to store: simply roll it up and put it in its storage bag. If it’s wet, you should let it dry before storing.
How to Clean a Tent Footprint
A tent footprint is made from a durable, waterproof material so it’s easy to clean. You can use soap and water or wipe it down with a damp cloth. Let the tarp dry before packing it away – do not store your tarp if there is any moisture on the inside of the fabric as this will lead to mold.
Do You Really Need a Tent Footprint?
In general, the answer is no. At least not all of them. Most tents have a thick bottom that can withstand rocks and sticks without any damage. In fact, many camping veterans avoid using footprints because they don’t want to add extra weight or take up space in their backpack for something that serves one purpose.
On the other hand, it can extend the life of your tent and make your camping experience dryer and a bit more comfortable. In the end, the choice is yours.