Have you ever considered adding a tent footprint beneath your tent but aren't sure if it’s necessary? At Life inTents, we believe a tent footprint can be an essential part of your tent setup, offering both protection and enhanced comfort.
In this guide, we'll explain why using a tent footprint is beneficial and provide tips on how to use it effectively. Let's dive in!
Whether you call it a tent footprint, groundsheet, ground cloth, or tarp, its primary function is the same: to protect your tent. A tent footprint offers several advantages that enhance the overall durability and comfort of your tent. While some campers argue it’s unnecessary—especially with a bathtub-style floor or for backpackers focused on minimizing weight—there are solid reasons to consider one.
Here are a few compelling reasons why a tent footprint can be a game-changer for your camping experience:
Using a footprint beneath your tent helps extend its life by providing an additional layer of protection. Rocks, sticks, and other debris on the ground can puncture or wear down the tent's fabric. Even on soft sand, tiny grit can erode the tent floor over time. A footprint prevents damage from these abrasive elements, ensuring your tent stays intact for longer.
A good-quality tent will keep you dry inside, but moisture and condensation are often unavoidable. A footprint acts as an extra waterproof layer beneath your tent, helping to keep ground moisture from seeping up into the tent floor. For canvas tents, which are more prone to mold and mildew, a footprint is particularly valuable. While many canvas tents, like bell tents, have a built-in waterproof floor, adding a footprint provides an extra layer of protection against moisture.
A footprint isn’t just about protection from moisture. It also adds an extra insulative layer beneath your tent. This can be especially important for winter camping or for use with four-season tents. By adding a footprint, you’ll reduce the cold transfer from the ground, keeping the interior of your tent warmer by trapping more heat and preventing the earth’s cold temperatures from seeping in.
Pitching a tent, especially a larger one like a canvas bell tent, can be tricky. To avoid miscalculating the space you need, you can lay out the footprint first. This will help mark the exact area for your tent, saving you time and effort. It’s particularly helpful for larger tents, where adjusting the position after setup is difficult.
Using a footprint beneath your tent makes packing up and cleaning much easier. When it's time to pack down, the footprint catches dirt and debris, reducing the amount of cleanup required on the tent floor. A quick shake or wipe down of both the footprint and your tent will leave both in good condition, minimizing the dirt and mud that gets tracked into the tent during use.
Now that you’re convinced you need a footprint, here’s how to set it up properly.
The first step is finding a flat, clean area for your tent. Even though a footprint protects the base of your tent, you should still clear the ground of any rocks, sticks, or other debris that could puncture your tent. A small rake or broom can help you remove any obstacles before you lay down your footprint.
Once the area is cleared, unfold your footprint and lay it out on the ground. Ensure it’s the same size or slightly smaller than the tent floor. If it extends beyond the edges, it can collect water, leading to puddles under your tent. Stretch it out evenly to create a flat surface, ensuring there are no wrinkles or folds.
Next, secure the footprint to the ground by staking it down. Use stakes around the edges of the footprint, making sure they’re driven at a 45-degree angle for a secure hold. If your footprint has grommets, use them for a more precise setup. If you’re setting up a large tent, like a bell tent, you can start by staking down the footprint under the door area, then work your way around. Pull the fabric tight as you secure each stake, making sure there are no wrinkles underneath the tent.
Once the footprint is in place, you can proceed with the rest of your tent setup. Position your tent over the footprint, ensuring it’s aligned correctly. After pitching your tent, you’ll be ready to enjoy a dry, warm, and comfortable camping experience.
Here are some extra tips for using a tent footprint effectively:
Ensure the footprint is the correct size for your tent. It should be slightly smaller than the floor of your tent to prevent water from pooling around the edges. Most tent manufacturers offer custom footprints for their models, but if not, measure the tent floor and choose a footprint that matches.
If you're using a simple tarp as a footprint, make sure it’s properly folded beneath the tent. Avoid letting the tarp overhang the tent edges, as this can funnel water towards the tent. Instead, fold the edges of the tarp under itself so that the tarp lies flush with the ground.
In some cases, such as when setting up on a deck or a raised platform, a footprint isn’t necessary and could cause problems. If the surface beneath the tent can’t drain water, using a tarp could trap moisture underneath, leading to pooling and mold. Always assess the ground conditions before deciding to use a footprint.
Used properly, a tent footprint can be a game-changer for your camping setup. It helps keep your tent dry, warm, and free of debris, while also extending its lifespan. Whether you’re camping in wet conditions, cold temperatures, or rugged terrain, a footprint adds that extra layer of protection to your tent and makes setup and cleanup easier.
So, next time you're packing for a trip, don’t forget to bring a tent footprint along—it’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your camping experience!
