A tent footprint or groundsheet is a protective sheet of fabric or material that is placed underneath a tent and is an essential piece of gear for any camper, whether you’re roughing it in the wilderness or setting up your pop-up tent at your local campground. Most footprints are made of polyethylene, which is a durable material that will withstand years of use.
Tents can be expensive, and you want to protect them from anything that might make them less effective (like tree roots and sharp rocks). Most tents come with a “sewn in groundsheet”, and then a footprint or groundsheet is added as an extra layer under it.
Is it worth getting a tent footprint/groundsheet?
A tent footprint/ground sheet although not necessary can be especially useful if you are camping on rocky or sandy terrain, as it will protect your tent floor from damage and help keep it stay clean and dry. A footprint can also help extend the life of your tent by protecting the bottom from abrasion.
If you’re just starting out camping, you probably don’t need to worry about getting a footprint. It’s not that expensive, but in addition to protecting your tent floor from abrasions, it will also protect it from dirt and wear caused by camping on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete. In addition to protecting your tent floor from abrasion, a footprint can also help prevent any leaks or rips in your tent sewn in groundsheet (tent floor) due to rough ground or sharp rocks. If you’re sleeping on rocky terrain, particularly granite rock, a footprint is pretty much essential as it will make sure your tent stays in good condition for longer.
In addition to protecting your tent from damage and wear, the footprint and ground sheet will also provide the tent with insulation and warmth due to its waterproof base and will thus protect you from the cold ground below it. Since more layers have been added to the tents floor, it will be softer and more comfortable. For extra comfort you could look at adding a tent carpet which is placed inside the tent above the floor and footprint, which not only will provide a softer floor, but will also add an extra layer of protection as people walk around in the tent especially if they are still wearing their shoes, prolonging the lifespan of the tent floor.
When your adventure is over and its time to pack up your tent, with the use of the footprint or groundsheet your tent floor will be dry, which will stop any build-up of mold when your tent is packed away caused by any dampness if used without.
How to use a footprint or groundsheet
When choosing a footprint or groundsheet, make sure it is the right size and shape for your tent. Most importantly once the tent is pitched on top of the footprint or groundsheet, there should not be any part of the sheet sticking out from under the tent, because if it starts to rainwater will gather on top of the sheet and make its way under the tent which will more than likely seep through the tents floor.
To set up your footprint or groundsheet, simply place it on the ground in the desired location and then place your tent on top of it. Line up the corners of the tent with the corners of the sheet and keep in mind where the door of the tent should be. Make sure to secure the corners of the footprint or groundsheet to the ground, as most sheets on the market these days have grommets (Holes or loops) so that it doesn’t move around during the night. We recommend using stakes, or sandbags if there are no grommets available to secure it to the ground.
One final thing to remember about tent footprints is that they should be packed away separately, preferably outside of your backpack or tent bag. Tent footprints work best when rolled out flat on the ground before placing your tent over them. So, if you pack it into your backpack or in the same bag as the tent, it will get all squished and once you unpack and try to unfold the footprint, chances are it’s going to be bunched up and crumpled which makes it difficult (if not impossible) to use.
Final Words on Groundsheets and Footprints
When it comes to protecting your tent from the wear and tear of camping, a groundsheet or footprint is essential. Not only will it help extend the life of your tent, but it will also keep you more comfortable by providing an extra layer of insulation. If you’re not sure which option is right for you, ask a salesperson at your local outdoor retailer or read online reviews. And don’t forget to pack your groundsheet or footprint when you head out on your next camping adventure!
Take a look below at some Footprints and ground sheet we have recommended:
