Tent floor cloth: what is it used for
Tent floor cloth: what is it used for
Blog Article
Tents, sleeping bags and backpacks seem to be iconic items that any camper can’t do without on a camping trip. However, essential camping gear goes far beyond that. However, essential gear goes far beyond that. For instance, you can use a sleeping pad for better insulation from the ground, a water resistant rain fly to protect your shelter against heavy rain, or portable wood stoves for more comfortable winter camping.
Another gear you might want to bring to the campsite is a tent footprint. Go on reading to find out what a tent footprint is and why you might need it.
What is a tent footprint?
Basically, a tent footprint is a ground cloth made from waterproof material that lays between your tent bottom and the ground. Tent footprints are usually produced from sturdy but relatively lightweight fabric, for example, polyethylene, cuben fiber, oxford nylon, or polyester.
They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning you can find the perfect fit for your tent. A tent footprint can be pegged down in the corners and is the first thing you need to sort when setting up your wildlife shelter.
Most tents come without tent footprints, meaning that ground sheets are optional pieces of gear.
Do you really need a footprint?
First and foremost, you need a tent footprint if your goal is to extend the life of your tent. Footprints don’t usually cost much, which makes them easy to replace once they wear out. Footprints are optional for many tents, but keep in mind that backpacking tents require their use as they are produced from thinner materials, which means a higher risk of damage.
Also, it’s a great idea to follow tent manufacturers' recommendations, or check online whether they offer a footprint specifically for your tent. If they do, this is a reason to get it.
How important is a tent footprint?
A footprint protects your tent from wear and tear
It often happens that we have to put up with pitching the tent on a surface teeming with roots, rocks or twigs, accepting the risk of puncturing the tent floor. Footprints are here to protect your tent from the damage by providing an extra layer between your tent floor and the ground. Again, in case your footprint gets torn or punctured, it’s way cheaper to repair or replace it than your tent.
It functions as extra waterproofing
It goes without saying that if you double the layers, you double your protection against rain. In addition, a tent footprint will take on all that mud and dampness and protect your tent floor against mold and mildew.
It helps you minimize cleaning
It’s much easier to clean the footprint instead of the whole tent. It acts as a “first line of defense” that helps to keep the rest of your tent clean. What is more, footprints typically come with a sack that allows you to separate a dirty one from your other gear.
Footprints add extra insulation
A footprint underneath your tent creates an additional layer that helps decrease the amount of heat you lose. If a cosy night's sleep is one of your camping trip priorities, you definitely need a footprint.
Tent footprints help to pick the right spot
If your tent footprint has the right dimensions, it can go a long way toward checking if your tent is likely to fit in a potential spot. Just spread your tent footprint over the spot to come up with a much more accurate guess.
You can use them in multiple ways
Apart from protecting your tent bottom, tent footprints can serve you other purposes. For example, you can use your footprint as a gear sorting station, a rain tarp, additional protection in windy conditions, a picnic blanket, and more.
When isn't a tent footprint worth buying/making?
The main downside of using a footprint is that it means carrying more weight. Although most tent footprints are lighter than 0.5 kg, those who prefer ultralight backpacking might find this extra weight unjustifiable.