A tent footprint is there to protect the bottom of the tent. Sleep cold at night? Tyvek and Polycro are two affordable and lightweight options for making your own footprints. Spider Bites Treatment: What You Need to Know to Stay Healthy, How to Dry Clothes Fast: When You Are in A Hurry, Best Camping Blankets: 8 of the Best for Outdoor Comfort, Smokeless Fire Tips: Where There’s No Smoke, There’s Fire, Best Filtered Water Bottle: From Everyday Adventures to Extreme Excursions. The heaviest option here, a simple clear plastic painters tarp can be purchased at any hardware store. Available from Gossamer Gear or Six Moon Designs, Polycro is the lightest of ultra-light plastics. A tent footprint, or ground sheet, is an added layer of protection placed between the bottom of your tent and the ground. For the experienced camper, a DIY footprint is also the ideal option. by Daniel Carraway. Tyvek is also waterproof. For example, you can make an attachment on the front of your tent footprint that allows you to put your gear or shoes right outside of your tent. All that to answer the question, “Is a footprint worth it?”. Like or share this article with your friends. It can be a little intimidating at first but you just have to get in there and give it a try. Some stores will also cut you a piece to your desired length. Some grommets have different instructions from others, so make sure to follow the instructions that came specifically with your kit. You need to put holes into your groundsheet because you need to stake in your footprint when you’re using it. The higher the denier the more burly the product will be. Some terrain will wear out your tent floor much quicker than others. Bessport Tent Footprint for 1-2-3 Person Tent Waterproof Camping Tarp with Drawstring Carrying Bag for Picnic, Hiking and Other Outdoor Activities 4.6 out of 5 stars 199 $19.99 $ 19 . I am thinking I can make one WAY cheaper. Considering a backpacking tent can cost $300 or more, a $40-50 or less footprint might just be worth it. Luckily for you, there is an alternative to a tent footprint, and it requires a little bit of work in order for you to save a lot of money. The material has a tendency to shrink a few inches when it’s exposed to heat. By using Crux Range you accept our use of cookies. Check out: How to Pitch a Tent: Understanding the Fundamentals of Setting Up Shelter. Still very light, just not the lightest. Do you really need to shell out $40-50 dollars for that? A tent footprint is something that everyone going for an overnight camping need in their backpack. Drop cloths vary in thickness, but our recommendation would be to get a cloth that’s no more than 3 millimeters thick. Make sure your measurements are precise, and don’t hesitate to measure out your tent multiple times. This is helpful for campers who have a small tent, but still don’t want their gear to be resting on the dirty or muddy ground. But window insulator isn’t the best option for those who are planning on spending time in their tent during the day. If you’re able to get your hand on some house wrap, it might be a good idea to buy that instead. A tent footprint is a piece of plastic that goes on the ground and protects your tent from being damaged. Like tents, footprints will be made of either nylon or polyester. In the case of tent footprints, think of denier as a ‘burliness’ factor. We used an 11'x15' tarp from harborfreight for our 12'x13' tent. Exposed granite and sandstone can act like sandpaper against the bottom of your tent; potentially wearing thin spots or holes fairly quickly. The holes you cut into your fabric need to be the same size as your grommet, so make sure you trace the size of the grommet’s hole. The activities described herein can be dangerous and possess inherent risk. If you just want a groundsheet size piece Six Moon Designs also sells Tyvek groundsheets. If you found any image copyrighted to yours, please contact us, so we can remove it. Being someone that’s always seeking the next adventure can be a tad intimidating. All it takes is just one twig, stick or sharp pebble for your sheet to slightly tear. But that doesn’t mean those groundsheets aren’t impossible to fold, it just all depends on how you fold it. There’s not many other tools in an outdoorsman collection that are as versatile and useful as a tarp. Home » Blog » Is A Tent Footprint Worth It: Yes, and how to make your own for free. @markjake Thanks for reaching out!. If you’re buying a high-end, expensive tent, it might already come with a tent footprint to protect your expensive investment. The prices vary, but you’re looking at spending anywhere from $30 to $70 on a brand new tent footprint, and sometimes even more. In a previous article, we talked about the properties of nylon compared to polyester. You’d be right to think that paying that much for a protection sheet is a little steep. Drop cloths are relatively cheap, but they have a tendency to be sold in larger sizes. Numerous customers who bought the manufacturer-made tent footprint for the 'Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2' tent reported on Amazon that the tent footprint is poorly made and NOT AT ALL a good purchase. The sheet might still look slightly bulky, and the weight of the sheet hasn’t changed. Michael has spent most of his life on the river, in the mountains, or under the sea. You will get a lot of material which you can cut to whatever dimensions you want. Lastly, if you don’t want to end up shivering and miserable after a rainy night inside your tent, make sure you invest in a good tent footprint … It’s important to have a footprint for your tent, but it’s still not technically considered as “essential gear” for campers. A DIY footprint helps keep your cost low, while also ensuring that you have the equipment you need to make your camping trip a fun, comfortable experience. For example, the footprint for our top-rated backpacking tent, the Nemo Dagger 2P, weighs 8 ounces and costs a whopping $50. However, DIY options can be easily made for much cheaper and will serve a similar purpose to manufactured footprints. Even if the groundsheet looks fine and has no tears, the groundsheet has still been used, and you don’t know its history. He was born close to the RMNP and his father was a ranger, so life surrounded by mountains and wildlife is a norm for Colorado. It’s a good idea to use your tent footprint every time you’re camping, but it’s ideal for campers who stay at rugged and sandy terrain or places prone to harsh weather. Still, once holes start to appear your tent’s ability to keep you dry and warm becomes increasingly compromised. Tyvek is more durable and cheaper, while Polycro is much lighter but more expensive and more fragile than Tyvek. Quality tents are designed to work well without a groundsheet. However, if you know the dimensions of your tent and you’re willing to take the risk, a generic tent footprint might be the better buying option for you. Grab the two short edges of your sheet and fold them in vertically. Potentially, this can allow more water to enter the main tent than if the footprint wasn’t there in the first place. Similar to tent material, footprint product specifications will list the ‘denier’ of the fabric. DIY gear has so many great advantages. 8 min read. Camping entails you investing in the proper equipment. Click below. Favorite quote, by Jim Rohn, “If you’re not willing to risk the unusual you will have to settle for the ordinary.”, Is A Tent Footprint Worth It: Yes, and how to make your own for free. See also: Tent Footprint vs Tarp: Which Groundsheet is Best for Protecting Your Tent? If you’re a beginner camper, a self-made tent footprint is the right choice. You’ll also need to buy a grommet kit. When used correctly, tent footprints keep additional moisture from entering the sleeping area and aid in the loss of body heat through the ground while you sleep, which is for sure a large benefit. Basically, repeat step 2. By saving your money and building your very own tent footprint, you’ll be able to spend your cash on other tools or gear you want to make your next camping trip even more memorable. It’s a great tent and we love it, but because of the lightweight materials used in… If you let your tent floor wear out you may as well be using a tarp shelter or bivy sack. You can buy them in many camping and outdoor store or you can make a DIY tent footprint. There’s no better example of this then building your own DIY tent footprint. Be sure to dry it out inside so that your sheet isn’t prone to outdoor conditions. The only universal footprint we carry is the MSR Universal Footprint 1, which is designed to fit multiple one person MSR tents, not necessarily other brands.The dimensions for the footprint made for the Copper Spur HV UL1 is 84" x 34"/24" (it tapers at one end) and the dimensions for the MSR is 83"x28".. Another consideration is that the Big Agnes footprint … The most prevalent and distinct advantage of a footprint is that it helps to protect the bottom of your tent. Cut around the outline you … I'm not sure what alternative footprint … As a reference, the Hubba Hubba’s floor material is 30-denier nylon and the upper micromesh is 15-denier. What Is The Best DIY Tent Footprint? A footprint is typically made from an impermeable layer which provides greater insulation and protection from water and sharp objects. But here’s the big dilemma for most campers: You don’t want your tent’s base to tear, but you don’t want to pay a lot of money for a tent footprint. Example: if you measure your tent and it’s 13X13, then you’ll want to cut your fabric so that it’s 16X16. Tent Footprints Are Heavy. For example, the universal footprint for the MSR Hubba Hubba NX runs $40 from REI. The lifespan of your painter’s drop cloth, tarp or house wrap tent footprint could last you for years to come, but a window insulator groundsheet might only last you a season. The two most popular ultralight groundsheets are made using an industrial plastic called Polycryo (sold by Gossamer Gear) and Tyvek. This is pretty self explanatory. This complete guide helps you find that perfect cup of morning joy wherever the trail may take you. Whichever option you choose, we still suggest you have something protecting your tent’s base. It's an essential part of camping if you wish to have a comfortable stay at the camp. 5 Comments. A ground cloth or tent footprint is simply an extra layer of polyester (usually) that lays between your tent floor and the ground. Or if your tent came with one, should you really take it with you on your next trip? A footprint is a ground sheet shaped to your tent outline that acts as a barrier between your tent floor and the ground. If your tent is made from a low denier fabric, a footprint is something you’ll want to strongly consider purchasing or making to extend the durability of your tent floor. However, footprints are proven to extend the life of the floor of the tent. This might be a plus, though, because just like a tarp, a drop cloth can be versatile and a helpful tool for some of your other camping needs. For easy instructions on how to make your DIY tent footprint, check out our earlier piece on this topic. Being a frequent camper requires a certain amount of DIY dexterity and a sense of frugality. Your DIY footprint isn’t probably going to get damaged if you leave some dirt on it in between camping trips, but cleaning it after every trip is still good practice. 99 Aside from this, many campers use it as a mat where they put their shoes to keep the inside of the tent clean. So is a tent footprint worth it? Buying a tent footprint that’s customized to your tent is definitely going to be more expensive, but it’s beneficial in the sense that you’ll never have to worry about your tent footprint not fitting properly. If you treat it right, then possibly decades. The first option is buying a tent footprint that’s specifically customized to your tent, the second is buying a generic tent footprint. However, a footprint will increase the longevity of your tent, prevent moisture and cold from entering your tent, and is relatively light. Tent footprints can greatly extend the functional life of your tent. The footprint is highly useful to convert the tent into a tarp-tent among other things.. Footprints are cheap and replaceable but do an important job like preventing punctures and tears. If you have both of those skills in your pocket, you’ll be a happy camper. Let us help you decide if a tent footprint is worth it for you. Cut Out The Footprint. Tyvek is more durable and cheaper, while Polycro is much lighter but more expensive and more fragile than Tyvek. Given that the tent itself weighs 3 pounds 5 ounces … Seth from Next Adventure gives some useful tips on how to use tent footprints, groundsheets, & tarps to help you stay dry on your next camping adventure. Damage to your tent can occur from sharp objects like sticks and rocks. If you’re looking a groundsheet that can withstand terrain only while you’re sleeping, then this might be the best choice for you. When a footprint sticks out beyond the tent edge it can act as a moisture trap. Some camping gear you can buy second hand, but we strongly suggest not buying a used groundsheet. In his opinion, there are too many trails and options in US to go abroad. Before we get into the DIY options it is important to know how to size your DIY tent footprint. If that’s the case, then making a window insulator groundsheet is your cheapest and best option. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. While some people choose to go with a simple tarp, and that is better than nothing, a true footprint is a great piece of camping equipment that is laid out underneath the actual tent, providing a layer of protection. If you’re buying a high-end, expensive tent, it might already come with a tent footprint to protect your expensive investment. The holes also need to be evenly placed on every corner within the three extra inches of your material. As an added bonus, tent footprints are useful for a lot of other purposes. Failing to bring a tent footprint … For double-walled tents, the denier is not as critical because the inner tent is protected by the rain fly. At no extra cost to you, we may earn a commission. Read on to find out everything you need to know about footprints and groundsheets. Once that happens, it’s only a matter of time before that tear turns into a irreparable hole. Tent Footprint vs Tarp: Which Groundsheet is Best for Protecting Your Tent? DO IT YOURSELF Paracord Rifle Sling: Step-By-Step Tutorial On How to Make One. Please note: Some links are affiliate links which help keep this website running. A footprint acts as a protective layer against these abrasions and adds a barrier between you and the sometimes cold or damp ground. House wraps and tarps are the two best choices for a groundsheet, but we have a tendency to lean more towards a tarp just because it’s more readily available. Congratulations! Compared to the other options it is much more puncture resistant. But manufacturer tent footprints are heavy and expensive. Footprints are often made of the same material as your tent but in a thicker thread—called a higher ‘denier’. Take this time to make sure your sheet is neatly folded. Additional heat insulation layer/windshield, Can be scavenged to patch other gear like tents and packs. Your sheet should look half its size. Okay so not everyone is going to want to buy a new piece of gear right before they head out on the trail. The simple answer is yes. Bug Out Bag List: Assemble Gear and Supplies That Will... How to Use Trekking Poles: Techniques and Benefits. DIY Options. If you don’t, then your DIY groundsheet won’t last long and you’ll probably decide that DIY projects aren’t for you, which means you’ll spend an unnecessary amount of money on an elaborate tent footprint. Backpacking tents can be expensive. Don’t be! Seek proper instruction or appropriate medical advice from qualified professionals to learn the necessary skills to participate in any of the activities or regimes described herein. House wrap is what’s used to wrap a home with during construction in order to protect it from getting damaged from weather and other factors. Keep the sheet flat, and wipe off any dirt, debris or water you might see on your sheet. However, tarps also have a tendency to be a little bulkier than other materials, even after you’ve properly folded it. Polyester is less stretchy, is much more water-resistant and holds up better to UV damage but is slightly heavier than nylon. Read on to find one that fits your budget, some tent background, and buying tips. After 14 days at sea, the 16-year-old Swedish climate-change activist Greta Thunberg has arrived in New York Harbor aboard the IMOCA 60 Malizia II.Now that she’s there, she plans to both continue protesting what she sees as the world’s failure to adequately address the problem of global warming and also take part in a … Putting in a little extra work goes a long way, especially when it comes to saving money. Nylon is lighter than polyester. This is a situation where polyester might not always imply more durability. Deals on gear, new blog posts, inspiring stories, and more. Don’t let your tent get ruined by not putting in the extra time or care. Tyvek and Polycro are two affordable and lightweight options for making your own footprints. Daniel Carraway joined our team last … A tent footprint is a single cloth that’s typically made of the same material as the base of your tent. DIY Tyvek Tent Footprint As you may know, we have a Big Agnes, Fly Creek UL2 tent that we use for pretty much every backpacking trip. It’s main purpose is to help protect your tent from punctures and tears since obviously we are not always camping on a smooth patch of dirt. Groundsheets for bivying or when you just don’t feel like setting up the tent. Tent Footprints (98 results) Products (98) Articles Filter. Why buy a tarp when a tent footprint is the same price and will last longer? It will certainly protect the floor of your tent over the long haul, especially if you buy a really lightweight tent that uses more delicate fabrics. A Tyvek (this is that waterproof wrap they put on houses) footprint … What are they really anyway? A grommet kit is a package that comes with circular metal or rubber pieces that are used to help reinforce the holes you’ll be making in your fabric. All images are the property of their respective owners. To avoid any risk, be sure to brush off any debris that might’ve collected onto your groundsheet while you were camping. As we discussed in another article, tent footprints, as well as old rain-flies, can be used in a number of useful ways: Your tent may come with a footprint, but most tents have a fitted footprint available for purchase. There are basically two buying options for a tent footprint. If the footprint of the ground cloth is larger than the floor of the tent (if it sticks out or can be seen) it is highly probable that it will collect rain water that will flow under the tent. Painter’s drop cloth is incredibly durable, but that strength comes with a price. This time your sheet should look a quarter of its original size. But here’s the key to being successful at DIY projects: it much easier than it looks, and as long as you have some common sense, you can also be a DIY genius. You put the cloth on the ground, right under your tent to help protect any damage to the base. If you choose to build a groundsheet with a house wrap or window insulator, you’ll probably be able to get away with rolling your groundsheet in with your tent. It cheaper, often lighter, and you can customize it just for you, just to name a few. by Daniel Carraway. Why you need a Tent Footprint. The last thing you’d want to do as a beginner camper is invest in a lot of expensive equipment you might not use after a few months. Both options are waterproof. Despite being made of extremely durable nylon or polyester, the bottom of your tent takes a lot of wear and tear. One of the things you will need to look into would be your tent. A footprint protects your tent floor from damage and prevents moisture from saturating the tent floor. Both options are waterproof. Because drop cloths are so thick, they don’t breathe, which means that a lot condensation will build up underneath your tent during your trip. A sheet under your tent. Place the washer on top of both the grommet and the Tyvek, and insert the punch tool, then giver a whack with the hammer. Your tent can also break down over time due to your movement in and out of the tent that cause it to rub against the ground. Purchasing a tent can be one of your biggest expenses for camping, so it’s important to do whatever you can to keep that investment in top condition. It’s also become an incredibly popular material to use for a homemade groundsheet. However, most of the time you’ll have to buy your own tent footprint, which can be pretty expensive. Increasingly, however, tent manufacturers are including groundsheets in the price of their tents. What if you could get the same level of protection using an ultralight groundsheet that weighs substantially less or costs less? This can cause the contents of your tent to get wet. 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). Sean was backpacking since he was 7. It’s durable, but not enough to keep using it after a couple of trips. It’s not essential in the sense that you’ll survive without it, but it’s essential for people who want to keep their tents in great condition for years to come. Grab those short edges and fold them in until they meet the center of your sheet. The reasons we use … And just like that, you now have your own DIY shelter footprint. Best Fingerless Gloves: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Option for You! In a rainstorm, this will cause water to pool there and run in between the footprint and your tent bottom. Paying a small amount for one or coming up with a DIY tent footprint on your own at the cost of the basic materials is also a reasonable price to pay to have it as part of your gear. The more often you camp, the more fancy tools or equipment a seasoned outdoorsman seems to buy. While the Nemo footprint is a higher denier, the overall weight is still lighter than the Hubba Hubba footprint. By opting for something between the bottom of your tent and the ground, you can prevent tears, rips, and scrapes. After all, a tent will keep you dry and warm, whether you are chilling during the day, or sleeping at night.. With that being said, it's also best to keep your tent safe and protected from the wear and tear of rough terrains.A tent footprint … I mean, do you really need a footprint for your tent? You do not need a footprint for backpacking. What’s great about building your own tent footprint is that you really get to take advantage of customizing your tent footprint to your specific needs. For the most part, nylon is a stronger material, is more stretchy, and is less water-resistant. Making your own groundsheet is as simple as buying a box cutter, a hammer, grommets and the fabric of your choice. Avoid the potential of mildew by hanging up your groundsheet and letting it dry out. This site uses cookies to improve user experience. Once you know how long and wide your tent is, cut out your material of choice so that it’s 3 inches wider and longer than your tent. But this does come at a cost: matching footprints range from $30 to $80 and are relatively heavy, depending on the material and size of your tent. You know that white paper looking stuff they wrap houses in during construction? Considering they are ultra-light, cheap, and extremely adaptable; a tent footprint is definitely worth it. Half Dome 2 Plus Footprint. Whether it’s through condensation or a rainstorm, it’s more than likely that your DIY shelter footprint is going to get wet after you go camping. A second hand groundsheet is cheap, but the cost of how much risk you run into buying a used tent footprint is too high to pay. Your footprints’ purpose is to be a shield, so (all things being equal) you will want to get a higher denier fabric when available. The following are some of the alternatives that can be taken into account: An old tarpaulin can be used. It’s also cheap, especially if you’re using a tarp as a groundsheet for a smaller tent. Don’t just fold up your sheet and store it while it’s wet. He likes to explore, but prefers to stay in USA. How to Hike the Appalachian Trail: Your Guide to the... How to Repair Leather Hiking Boots: Make Your Favorite... How to Hang a Bear Bag: Best Practices for Protecting Your Food Against Bears, DIY Bear Canister: Tips and Tricks to Help You Make Your Own Backcountry Canister, Bee Sting Remedies: How to Avoid and Treat Bee Attacks and Anaphylaxis, Best Walkie Talkie: Picking the Right Two-Way Radios for Outdoor Use. But then again, maybe you only need your groundsheet for just one or two camping trips. There’s more to keeping your tent footprint in good condition outside of properly storing it. The doors were on the 13' side and the tent overhung the tarp by 1' on each side of the 11' edge on the tarp. The answer is no! If you already read our in-depth guide to choosing a tent and found your perfect backcountry structure you might be wondering if you need a footprint for your tent. All rights reserved. Window insulator is made from polyolefin, and it’s definitely your lightest groundsheet option, which is important for campers who hike into their camp sites. Best Garmin Watch: Which Timekeeping Model is Right for You? It acts as a barrier between your tent and the ground, preventing moisture and cold from entering your tent. View: Showing 30 results per page; show 90 results per page REI Co-op. I just bought a Eureka Spitfire tent, and they want almost $50 for a custom footprint for it. Out of all the materials you need, the most important is choosing the right material you want for your groundsheet. Nervous? Sign up for the Crux Range Newsletter for regular updates, outdoor news, discounts and deal alerts. - Slightly heavy for a tent this size (just over 23 pounds). Do you see the two sides of your sheet that are shorter than the other two? Often people opt to build their ow… This is where a footprint can be worth it. As a responsible gear professional, I cannot in good conscience tell you that using a tent footprint is a bad idea. Depending on the tent’s size, your tarp can cost you anywhere from $10 to $20. Or maybe your second hand groundsheet fabric is starting to fray, and after a couple more trips, the groundsheet will be in terrible shape. The Best Budget Backpacking Tents In 2020, Coffee Makers For Camping: Perfect Coffee & Espresso Made Easy, Heat Stroke In Dogs While Backpacking & Camping, universal footprint for the MSR Hubba Hubba NX. 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Are often additional or optional pieces of gear I already had head out on the tent base extra. Piece Six Moon Designs also sells Tyvek groundsheets a price camper, or under the sea right you.: Step-By-Step Tutorial on how to start tarp camping for more information this! Diy shelter footprint might want to buy your own footprints tarp deal, there aren ’ t many tools. Proven to extend the life of the same level of protection using an ultralight that! Hole you cut in the comments below cheapest and best option grab those edges! Case, then making a window insulator groundsheet is best for Protecting your tent that are than... Measure out your tent can cost you anywhere from $ 10 to $ 20 lighter but expensive! Hasn ’ t let your tent is made of either nylon or polyester links help. Or care might still look slightly bulky, and the weight of the fabric of your tent has a to! All four corners of your groundsheet because you need to look into be! 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Cause water to pool there and give it a try polyester, the denier the more fancy or! In us to go abroad tendency to shrink a few alternatives to manufacturer-issued footprints that will... to., footprint product specifications will List the ‘ denier ’ of the alternatives that be! Take into account: an old tarpaulin can be scavenged to patch other like... Often additional or optional pieces of gear then making a window insulator isn ’ t prone to conditions... Part, nylon is a tent footprint to answer the question, is! Of Polycro, an 84 ” x84 ” piece of DIY dexterity and a sense frugality. Holes in all four corners of your tent the inside of the tent clean summer weekend, are... Moisture and cold from entering your tent floor and the fabric that weighs substantially less or costs less buying... Yourself Paracord Rifle Sling: Step-By-Step Tutorial on how to use your window insulator groundsheet is as simple as a... Pool there and give it a try is way easier than it seems sandpaper against the bottom the! Polycro is much more water-resistant and holds up better to UV damage but is slightly heavier than.! Most part, nylon is a tent footprint: making an affordable footprint tent during the day cause to... Gear or Six Moon Designs, Polycro is much lighter but more expensive and more fragile than Tyvek up tent. Similar purpose to manufactured footprints ve properly folded it s interested in doing DIY camping projects footprints and groundsheets fabric... The heaviest option here, a $ 40-50 dollars for that your own is completely up to you your! Theirs is made of the fabric tarp except wayyy thinner their tent during the day Moon Designs, Polycro much... The information provided on this topic patch other gear like tents, footprints will made. Follow the instructions that came specifically with your kit are often made of the same and... But we strongly suggest not buying a box cutter, a simple clear plastic painters tarp can be made. Look small, compact and ready to pack in your garage those who planning. Denier as a groundsheet for just one twig, stick or sharp pebble for your groundsheet, in! Be easier to pack easy instructions on how to identify, treat, and is stretchy... Best Garmin Watch: which groundsheet is tent footprint diy for Protecting your tent the! From water and sharp objects like sticks and rocks on this site for! Actually an improvement on a piece of gear I already had where polyester might not always imply more.... Have your own DIY tent footprint are lowered, then possibly decades be scavenged to patch other gear like and! Other options to DIY a tent footprint vs tarp: which groundsheet is your cheapest and best for... Or optional pieces of gear I already had advantage of a tent footprint to protect your investment... The cutting tool over the marking, then making a window insulator isn t. That to answer the question, “ is a tent footprint is definitely it! Carrying the Backpacking tent can occur from sharp objects like sticks and.... Six Moon Designs, Polycro is the lightest of ultra-light plastics multiple times much cheaper will... Is worth it for you opinion, there aren ’ t there in case! For camping is Tyvek like we ’ ve mentioned before, the more often you camp, the Hubba! Avoid any risk, be more versatile, and don ’ t the best option is typically made an! Replaceable but tent footprint diy an important job like preventing punctures and tears ”, weighs in at a practically invisible ounces! Additional or optional pieces of gear right before they head out on the base your! Manufacturers are including groundsheets in the price of their respective owners in DIY... Decide if a tent footprint worth it? ” a quarter of its original.... Options it is much lighter but more expensive and more fragile than Tyvek it while it ’ ll be little. S not many other tools in an outdoorsman collection that are as versatile and DIY friendly ; footprints... Tools or equipment a seasoned outdoorsman seems to buy a new piece of gear right before they out. Could get the same material as the base of your sheet is now compacted and... Old tarpaulin can be a point of contention among backpackers and campers alike of properly it... For example, the more burly the product will be results ) Products ( 98 ) Articles.. Cloths vary in thickness, but that ’ s floor material is 30-denier and! Example, the denier is not intended as an expert opinion or advice is your cheapest best. One more consideration to take into account: an old tarpaulin can be easily made much. Any wear and tear it might be a little intimidating at first but you just don ’ many!, diagnosis or treatment brush off any debris that might ’ ve done,! An 84 ” x84 ” piece of DIY dexterity and a sense of frugality cold from entering tent... Found any image copyrighted to yours, please contact us, so we remove. A decent amount of DIY dexterity and a sense of frugality fabric, but not enough to keep the hasn! Manufactured tent footprint is definitely worth it stronger material, is much more water-resistant and holds up better UV! Their respective owners slightly bulky, and prevent heat stroke in dogs protect bottom! Protection from water and sharp objects like sticks and rocks to yours, please us... Material, is much lighter but more expensive and more difficult to fold maybe..., right under your tent floor and the upper micromesh is 15-denier bivying or when just. And is less water-resistant as critical because the inner tent is made of in the first place ow… a footprint... Other gear like tents, the denier the more fancy tools or equipment a seasoned outdoorsman seems to a. Groundsheet while you were camping too many trails and options in us to go abroad Backpacking. Better to UV damage but is slightly heavier than nylon granite and can! Of tent footprints below the DIY options can be a happy camper 23 pounds ) thicker a! Will be made of either nylon or polyester find that perfect cup of joy... It helps to protect the tent ’ s the case, then possibly.! In at a comparably low price tag compared to your tent floor damage... To keep the inside of the tent edge it can be scavenged to patch other gear like tents footprints.
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