Groundsheet/Footprints for a Tent
(and do I need one?)
If you are new to camping, you might not know about groundsheets (or another name is footprint) for your tent.
You might be wondering if it's a purchase you need to make? Maybe you are not even sure what it is? If you have any of those doubts, read on to find out more.
What is a groundsheet?
A groundsheet is material that is placed under your tent to prevent the bottom of your tent from wear and tear.
The idea behind it is that it's a whole lot easier to replace a separate piece of material, as opposed to replacing the bottom of your tent should something pierce the tent bottom, or it just deteriorates with use.
If you are camping on twigs, and rocks (large or small), your tent floor could be damaged. The groundsheet is designed to take a beating from such items, keeping your tent undamaged and relatively clean.
The idea behind it is that it's a whole lot easier to replace a separate piece of material, as opposed to replacing the bottom of your tent should something pierce the tent bottom, or it just deteriorates with use.
If you are camping on twigs, and rocks (large or small), your tent floor could be damaged. The groundsheet is designed to take a beating from such items, keeping your tent undamaged and relatively clean.
What material should I use for a groundsheet?
There is a huge range of materials you can use to protect your tent, and its going to depend on how much you want to spend, weight, and how you camp.
Many tent manufacturers have their own footprints. Our MSR Hubba tent has it's own nylon footprint which is designed to perfectly fit under the tent, and the tent poles hold it in place.
It's an added expense on top of the tent that you buy from the tent manufacturer but not all tents come with their custom made groundsheets. The smaller hiking tents seem to come most often with the ability to buy a separate groundsheet by the same manufacturer.
See the groundsheets here, and find out if your tent has a groundsheet made to suit.
Note: you do not have to buy a tent specific groundsheet from the manufacturer. There are cheaper options, though they may not ever be the perfect fit straightaway - that measuring and perfecting of the groundsheet will be up to you.
You could also choose a Tarp (the sort you can buy at any hardware or camping store). They are heavy and can be quite large so you need to factor that in when travelling.
You need a tarp that is no bigger than your tent floor, so you might have to be prepared to cut your tarp to fit, or fold it in such a way that there is no overhang. Water can't escape once it gets on the tarp, so it's very important you do make sure there is no overhang.
Garden shade cloth is also an option, especially for larger family tents. Like the tarp, it may not be the right size and adjustments will be required. They are not light to carry, and also can be one other big item you need to get in the car. Dirt and water do go through the mesh, so that does help in keeping the dirt and water away from you and the tent.
Tyvek (builders material) has become very popular for groundsheets. The correct definition of this is: "a brand of flashspun high-density polyethylene fibers, a synthetic material; the name is a registered trademark of DuPont. It is often seen used as housewrap, a synthetic material used to protect buildings during construction."
We have this as a groundsheet for our smaller tents, and it is incredibly handy. It feels like a waxy paper, but it's very difficult to rip or penetrate and can be washed down, with no deterioration to the material. To buy it for your tent, it's a bit trickier as it's sold in big rolls, so your best bet is to find a builder who has some spare off cuts. Or try a builders supply outlet or even a big hardware store.
Polycryo is good for those who are concerned about their lightweight tents - so this sort of material, is geared more for the backpacking campers.
Polycryo looks like the plastic drop sheets you use when painting, but is a whole lot stronger. It's made from industrial grade cross-linked polyolefin, which makes it look a bit like GladWrap, but harder to puncture. Haven't seen it much in Australia, but you can get it from Gossamer Gear.
Insulation material such as Sisalation (reflective foil) is another option, which would be the same as Tyvek in regards to availability and how you get it - in a roll, that needs to be cut to suit your tent size.
We have this as a groundsheet for our smaller tents, and it is incredibly handy. It feels like a waxy paper, but it's very difficult to rip or penetrate and can be washed down, with no deterioration to the material. To buy it for your tent, it's a bit trickier as it's sold in big rolls, so your best bet is to find a builder who has some spare off cuts. Or try a builders supply outlet or even a big hardware store.
Polycryo is good for those who are concerned about their lightweight tents - so this sort of material, is geared more for the backpacking campers.
Polycryo looks like the plastic drop sheets you use when painting, but is a whole lot stronger. It's made from industrial grade cross-linked polyolefin, which makes it look a bit like GladWrap, but harder to puncture. Haven't seen it much in Australia, but you can get it from Gossamer Gear.
Insulation material such as Sisalation (reflective foil) is another option, which would be the same as Tyvek in regards to availability and how you get it - in a roll, that needs to be cut to suit your tent size.
Do I really need to use a groundsheet?
It's just going to depend on you!
Most people with tents use them as the benefits outweigh the negatives. Having protection for your tent (and helping keep it clean) is the big reason.
But for those campers who are counting grams as they hike, some do not take any sort of groundsheet. Some campers believe that their tent floor is sufficient enough to withstand the ground its placed on (and probably take a bit of care in making sure they clear the site of anything that could damage their tent).
A tent can be an expensive purchase, and a footprint can be a very cheap way to protect it.
The choice is yours.
Most people with tents use them as the benefits outweigh the negatives. Having protection for your tent (and helping keep it clean) is the big reason.
But for those campers who are counting grams as they hike, some do not take any sort of groundsheet. Some campers believe that their tent floor is sufficient enough to withstand the ground its placed on (and probably take a bit of care in making sure they clear the site of anything that could damage their tent).
A tent can be an expensive purchase, and a footprint can be a very cheap way to protect it.
The choice is yours.
How to use a groundsheet
If you have decided to use a groundsheet under your tent there is one key rule - don't let the groundsheet be bigger than your tent floor. If it rains, the water will catch on the exposed groundsheet, and cause water to pool under your tent. Your groundsheet has gone from protecting your tent, to being a water catchment zone.
Your groundsheet should not be visible.
Lay out your groundsheet at your tent site after clearing the ground of anything that would be too uncomfortable to lie on.
Place the groundsheet on the ground and when you lay your tent on top of the tent, be prepared for some adjustment time to ensure the groundsheet is not visible. If using a large family tent, you may find it beneficial for extra helpers to keep the groundsheet in one spot as you adjust the tent.
Further advice on tents (and care of them) can be found here:
How to choose a campsite
How to choose a tent - beginner guide
How to remove mould on a tent
How to look after your tent - 5 tips
How to care for your camping gear (when the trip is over)
How to choose a campsite
How to choose a tent - beginner guide
How to remove mould on a tent
How to look after your tent - 5 tips
How to care for your camping gear (when the trip is over)