What is a Tent Footprint? Do I Really Need a Footprint for My Tent? 

Last Updated on July 16, 2022 by admin

If you are wondering why new tent footprints might be a good investment for the camping season, then you are in the right place. We will be discussing why do you need a tent footprint.

There are a lot of things you need to pack with you on a camping trip. One of such important gear is a camping tent. without one, you will have to sleep outdoor unprotected from the rain and insects. Even though the camping tent is a must for all camping trips, do you need to pack a tent footprint? Read on to find out more.

What is a Tent Footprint?

A tent footprint is designed to be used as protection for your camping tent. It is usually made of lightweight durable fabric material and is laid under a camping tent to protect it from damage. Camping outdoors on the ground will cause your camping tent to scratch underneath it. This wear and tear can damage the tent, but with a tent floor, you get to save yourself the headache of been left in the wild without maximum protection.

Do You Need a Footprint for your New Tent?

You can easily use a plastic carpet to floor your tent and save yourself the added cost of a tent floor footprint. That doesn’t stop you from purchasing one for your next camping trip. Their sturdy design makes them a better alternative to carp or other flooring options.

  • Wide range of availabilities depending on your needs and resources

They are available in different sizes making it possible to match it with the size of your tent. They are also many design options to choose from, so you shouldn’t have difficulty finding one to match your style. Setting up a tent footprint is as simple as spreading it out on the ground and pegging it down at the corners.

If you still need more convincing on why you need a tent footprint, here are a few more reasons:

  • Keeps Your Tent in Shape

With a tent footprint underneath your tent, you can guarantee that your makeshift outdoor home won’t get damaged from stones and twigs. A good quality tent will set you back a few hundred bucks and it’s only best that you preserve the life of it. They are designed to be highly durable and can last a few years before replacing them.

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  • Protects you and all your belongings from the Rain

A tent footprint is made to offer extra layer and protection. This is very useful in the area of waterproofing. Camping outside in rainy weather can be unconducive. It gets worse when you have to deal with water creeping into the tent from underneath it. With a tent footprint, you can make sure you rest safe with the knowledge that you won’t wake up to a flooded tent.

  • Provides Extra Warmth 

You need all the warmth you can get when camping outdoors; especially during cold weather. While you will need to pack with you extra clothes and blankets, a tent footprint also acts as extra layering when placed on the ground. And you know how important it is for you to stay warm when sleeping in the woods.

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  • Easy and quick to Setup

You don’t have to worry about setting up a tent footprint, it is simple to use and doesn’t require any tool to set it in place. It is made from lightweight layered fabric that easily spreads over an even surface. They also come with latches or tape that makes attaching it to the tent possible.

  • Variety of Size Options depending on your tent size

Finding the right footprint for your tent shouldn’t be a difficult task. This is because there are many size options available. So you don’t have to worry about finding one that fits you. They are also made to be universal, making it possible to attach it to any brand of a camping tent.

How to Use a Tent Footprint?

There is no science to using a tent footprint. It is as easy as spreading it on the floor like a mat. The only difference is that you won’t be lying on it. To use a tent footprint, the first thing you will need to do is to:

  • Pick a suitable Spot – You should choose a good spot that should be leveled ground. Although the surface may not be properly even, a tent footprint should be laid on a flat surface just like your sleeping bed.
  • Remove Debris – You want to ensure that your surface is free from debris. This includes stones, plant roots, and any other sharp object that can damage the fabric of your tent footprint.
  • Lay your Tent Footprint – Once you are certain that all debris has been removed, you can now lay your tent footprint on the spot you have chosen. Spread it out completely and check that it isn’t tangled at the edges.
  • Pitch your Tent – You can now pitch your tent over the footprint. You want to ensure that the tent and tent footprint is perfectly latched or attached. This prevents water from creeping into the tent when it rains.

How Much Does It Cost?

Many camping tents come with a tent footprint as an additional gear option which you will have to purchase. Some others are sold together as a bundle. This can increase the price of a camping tent. But you can also find a tent footprint to buy for your tent if you don’t own one.

You can easily find a quality tent footprint for less than $20. Although you can find other less expensive flooring options.

Conclusion

One of the things we advise when going on a camping trip is to travel light. While traveling with a tent footprint can mean extra gear in your backpack, its benefits are numerous. This is why we are certain that you wouldn’t have any regrets taking it with you on your camping trip.

Have you tried using a tent footprint before? If you have, do you have any brand you will like to recommend to others? We will like to hear from you in the comment section.