What can I use instead of a tent footprint?
Like tent footprints, tarps can be cut to mirror the dimensions of your tent’s floor and placed under the tent to protect it from tears and to prevent moisture from penetrating inside the tent. Tarps tend to be much thinner than most tent footprints, so they will not offer the same level of comfort as the latter.
Does Tyvek make a good tent footprint?
Tent Footprints Are Heavy The two most popular ultralight groundsheets are made using an industrial plastic called Polycryo (sold by Gossamer Gear) and Tyvek. Window wrap plastic insulation makes a great tent footprint substitute.
Can you use a tarp instead of a tent footprint?
But can you use a tarp as a tent footprint? You CAN utilize a tarp as a tent footprint. Due to the tarps’ durability, we often use them to protect the tent’s exterior from the elements. Therefore, a tarp can be used under the tent to protect the bottom from the elements and ground debris as well.
Are tent footprints worth it?
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. If you’re car camping, and unconcerned about a little excess weight and bulk with your tent, adding a footprint has little downside other than the cost of purchasing it.
Can I make my own tent footprint?
What Is The Best DIY Tent Footprint? Tyvek and Polycro are two affordable and lightweight options for making your own footprints. Tyvek is more durable and cheaper, while Polycro is much lighter but more expensive and more fragile than Tyvek. Both options are waterproof.
How tough is Polycro?
While not the toughest ground cloth out there, Polycro is respectably tough — especially for the price and weight. According to MLD it is also more waterproof than Silnylon and Tyvek. Unlike Tyvek, it is not particularly crinkly or noisy.
Should tent footprint be smaller than tent?
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!
Can I use tarpaulin as a ground sheet?
The footprint is sacrificial – it’s being used where you expect some damage. Cheap tarpaulins are waterproof, tear resistant and as light as ordinary groundsheet material.
Is Polycro good for tent footprint?
Gossamer Gear Polycryo is ultralight industrial-grade plastic sheeting that’s used as an ultralight ground cloth or tent footprint by many backpackers. It’s waterproof and surprisingly puncture-proof making it an ideal protective barrier for inflatable sleeping pads and ultralight tent floors.
Is Polycro waterproof?
Polycro is one of the cheapest and lightest ground cloths available. While not the toughest ground cloth out there, Polycro is respectably tough — especially for the price and weight. According to MLD it is also more waterproof than Silnylon and Tyvek. Unlike Tyvek, it is not particularly crinkly or noisy.
How thick should my tent footprint be?
How thick should a footprint be? Depending on how abrasive the terrain is, a heavy-duty, thick footprint will work better, but you should consider the extra weight before going for it. The thickness ranges between 0.5 millimeters for the lightweight designs, to 1.8 millimeters for the heavy-duty models.