Hiking Made Easy – Do you want to know what is a tent footprint and why is it important? If so, then read this comprehensive guide on tent footprints.
When it comes to chilly and damp camping adventures, a tent footprint is equipment that is well worth its weight in gold. In this article, we’ll go over why this multi-tasking marvel should be a part of any camper’s equipment inventory.
Without wasting any time, let’s get right to it: of all the accessories you might potentially add to your camping and backpacking gear, few, if any, will provide a return on your investment as amazing as the modest tent footprint.
A tent footprint is a low-cost, lightweight piece of equipment that can significantly improve your camping experience in a variety of ways.
However, it is rarely given the recognition it deserves because our tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads, among other items, take up most of the attention.
In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at what these handy little pieces of equipment can do for our camping setup, as well as why they’re well worth the (relatively small) cost.
What Is A Tent Footprint?
Briefly stated, a tent footprint (also known as a tent ground cover) is a huge sheet of impermeable fabric that can be used to cover the ground beneath your tent.
One of the primary functions of the tent floor is to act as a barrier between the tent floors and the forest floor, providing additional protection against abrasion caused by rough or rocky terrain.
Most footprints have the appearance of basic tarps, and they are typically composed of the same synthetic, waterproof materials as these tarps.
Why Do You Need A Tent Footprint?
The following are some of the reasons why you need a tent footprint:
Extend the Life of Your Tent
Due to the fact that 90 percent of tents are now constructed with a sewn-in groundsheet, purchasing a footprint has become even more important.
Take precautions to keep your brand new tent secure from abrasion or cuts caused by loose stones and twigs – think of it like purchasing a screen protector or cover for your brand new phone – it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Accidents can happen while camping, even with the finest intentions and utmost care in the world – therefore, it’s worth you in the long run to build your tent with as much safety as possible from the start. So, now you know what is a tent footprint and why it is important.
Protects the Floor of Your Tent
Tent producers are increasingly using lightweight floor materials that are exceedingly thin in order to reduce weight. Over time, rocks, twigs, thorns, roots, sand, and other foreign objects can wear a hole in the floor of your tent.
A footprint serves as an additional layer of protection between the floor of your tent and the ground. This helps to extend the life of your tent by reducing the amount of wear on the floor.
It is significantly less expensive and simpler to replace a worn-out footprint than it is to patch a hole in your tent floor or to purchase an entirely new tent.
Increases Warmth
Incorporating a footprint beneath your tent will add another layer, somewhat elevating you off the ground and reducing the amount of heat that escapes to the ground.
When people go camping, they grossly underestimate how much body heat they can lose in this manner, which is a severe mistake.
This, in conjunction with a comfortable sleeping mat or air bed, will give a wonderful foundation for a restful night’s sleep. When you’re camping, the majority of your heat goes to the ground; thus, leaving a footprint will assist keep you warm and comfortable.
So, now you know what is a tent footprint and how it increases warmth.
Insulation
Increased insulation between you and the ground will assist in limiting the amount of heat that escapes through the ground. Adding a footprint to your tent as an additional layer will assist in keeping your tent warmer.
Consider bringing a footprint along with you if you’re planning a winter camping vacation. This will let you sleep more comfortably at night.
More Waterproofing
Double the layers, and you’ll have double the protection! The second layer of waterproofing can not only provide you with peace of mind, but it can also help to safeguard your investment by preventing water damage.
Your brand new tent is an investment, and you’ll want to make sure that it remains in the best possible condition for as long as possible after you’ve purchased it.
Easy Pitching
Finally, and probably most important, using a footprint makes setting up your tent much easier than it otherwise would be. The majority of footprints are custom-made to fit perfectly beneath your tent.
You’ll have a better notion of where to pitch your tent without your guy ropes getting in the way of other campers if you plan it out beforehand, which may make the entire procedure much smoother, not to mention preventing damage to other campers.
So, it was all about what is a tent footprint and why it is important.
The Most Effective Way to Use a Tent Footprint
The process of using a tent footprint is rather basic. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how to utilize a tent footprint to get the best results possible.
Place the Tent Footprint on the Ground
First, pick where you want to put up your tent and then place the footprint on the ground in the location you want it to be. If you are unsure which side of the tent footprint you should raise, simply check the product label to see if it states which side you should raise.
You will often want the waterproof, coated side facing up and the dull or uncoated side looking down when working with waterproof coatings. The footprint should be absolutely flat, so pull on each corner to make sure it is fully flat.
Set Up the Tent Over the Footprint
Set up your tent on top of the footprint. Inserting your pole tips through the grommets on your tent’s footprint will secure it to the tent. Aside from that, some models come with straps that you can use to secure it to the tent.
You should insert the tent poles into the grommets on the foot of the tent first, followed by the grommets on the tent itself when pitching the tent.
As a result, whether you move your tent to adjust it or raise it to shake it out, the footprint will remain in place, and you will not have to reposition and reattach it again.
Cover the Footprint Completely
Check to see that the groundsheet does not protrude from the tent’s boundary. It will gather on top of the footprint and eventually make its way between the tent and the footprint, undermining the purpose of employing a footprint in this situation.
FAQs – What Is A Tent Footprint?
Is it worth buying a tent footprint?
We are all aware of how much money can spend on a lightweight tent, and while the bulk of wear and tear will be caused by the degradation of the textiles caused by ultraviolet radiation, it is beneficial to look after the tent floor as well.
A footprint will help to extend the life of your tent floor by providing an important additional layer of protection.
Can you use a tarp as a tent footprint?
You can use a tarp as a tent footprint if necessary. As a result of the tarps’ longevity, we frequently use them to shield the tent’s outside from exposure to the weather.
So, you can place a tarp beneath the tent to protect the ground from the elements as well as ground debris.
Why is a tent footprint important?
Among the most important functions of a footprint are to protect the ground beneath your tent from abrasive things (such as twigs, roots, and stones), to keep your tent free of mud and tree sap, and to assist you in determining the best location to pitch your tent.
Does a tent footprint go inside or outside?
If you wish to set it outside, you should do so in order to protect the floor of your tent, which is (or should be) already waterproof.
It is common for the footprint itself to be waterproof (in fact, some tents may be set up with only a footprint and a rainfly, resulting in an ultra-lightweight body-less alternative.).
Conclusion
So, now you know what is a tent footprint. Tent footprints are obviously not necessary, but they can assist in extending the life of your tent if you use them properly.
If you have an ultralight tent with a low denier floor, it can be worth it to spend a few more dollars on a footprint or to create your own from scratch to protect your investment.
Irrespective of whether we have left a footprint, we always make a point of thoroughly cleaning our campsites before pitching a tent in order to avoid any disasters.
