Footprints for tents - buy online from Outwell (2024)

FAQs

What is the best material for tent footprints? ›

When deciding on a tent footprint for your backpacking trip, consider factors such as size and shape to ensure the best protection. For camping on rougher terrain, choose a more robust material such as polyethylene or vinyl-coated nylon to protect against sharp objects.

A footprint is generally a good idea if you expect to camp on rough, rocky terrain with significant potential for sharp points and rough edges. Areas with lots of downed wood and the potential for sharp branches are also a concern.

It might sound surprising, but it's best when a tent footprint is up to 2 inches smaller than the outline of your tent. The thing is that if your groundsheet extends from the tent edge or is the same size, it can cause water to pool between the footprint and your tent floor in the rain.

You don't need a footprint to use a tent properly, but trust us, you'll want one. Even the crustiest ultralight gram-counters will tell you there are plenty of reasons to bring a footprint along.

Here are some other questions you may be wondering: What size should a tent footprint be? Ideally, a tent footprint should be slightly smaller than the base of the tent. This is so that water doesn't collect between the footprint and your tent, which would totally defeat the purpose of it!

Considering your footprints' purpose is to protect you and your tent from moisture and abrasion, most would consider a polyester groundsheet the better option (disregarding weight).

Footprints usually have a shiny (coated) side and dull (uncoated) side. You should place the dull side on the ground (shiny side facing up) in order to minimize abrasion on the coating.

Use a Tent Footprint: by pegging down a tent footprint first, you can position your tent exactly where you want it, as well as provide extra protection to your groundsheet. This will also give you a rough idea of how big your pitch needs to be to comfortably fit your tent.

A tent footprint is essentially a groundsheet protector. It is a separate flat fabric manufactured from waterproof tarpaulin made slightly smaller than the size of your tent. It can be placed underneath your main tent groundsheet. This is an essential item when completing your shopping list for your next camping trip.

Using a tarp under your tent keeps the floor of your tent dry and clean. Making packing it up quick and easy. 6: Replacing a tarp. if you do miss a sharp stone or stick is a whole lot easier, and less painful to replace than the floor of your new tent.

Is a tent footprint just a tarp? ›

The tent footprint also serves as a waterproof tarp to overhang you or your tent at camp. Some ground sheet footprints can be hung up to perform many functions and many unique uses.

Use a Ground Cloth: Place a ground cloth or footprint under your tarp tent. This waterproof barrier will help keep moisture from seeping up through the ground and into your shelter.

Although there are proprietary casting materials available, Plaster of Paris is sufficient. The process is not difficult—plus, it can be used for other purposes, like making casts of animal footprints.

If you require a larger and sturdier tent frame for challenging weather conditions, a powder-coated steel tent frame may be the better choice. However, if you need a lightweight and more affordable option for smaller tents and easier transportation, an aluminum tent frame may be the best option for you.

There are a few distinctions to be made. A tent footprint is typically used on the ground. And a sun shade or rain tarp are typically hung and stretched above you or a structure. They are propped up by guying out to trees, ground, or camping poles you may have brought.