Window insulator is made from polyolefin, and it’s definitely your lightest groundsheet option, which is important for campers who hike into their camp sites. In exchange for referring sales, we may receive a small commission through affiliate links. The last thing you’d want to do as a beginner camper is invest in a lot of expensive equipment you might not use after a few months. Don’t just fold up your sheet and store it while it’s wet. It will make your tent last a lot longer and keep the moisture out. Mar 15, 2017 - As you may know, we have a Big Agnes, Fly Creek UL2 tent that we use for pretty much every backpacking trip. Once that happens, it’s only a matter of time before that tear turns into a irreparable hole. Are you a DIY camper, or someone who’s interested in doing DIY camping projects? If you wanted to build your own groundsheet so that you could save money, then you’ll want to make sure you take care of it, too. However, tarps also have a tendency to be a little bulkier than other materials, even after you’ve properly folded it. Be sure to dry it out inside so that your sheet isn’t prone to outdoor conditions. If you choose to build a groundsheet with a house wrap or window insulator, you’ll probably be able to get away with rolling your groundsheet in with your tent. Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the permission of Backpacking Mastery. Best Safe Tent Heaters. The edges will also be folded in 1" all the way around the perimeter to ensure the footprint is slightly smaller than the tent, and to make the edges more durable. DIY Tyvek Tent Footprint As you may know, we have a Big Agnes, Fly Creek UL2 tent that we use for pretty much every backpacking trip. Example: A 1-person tent can be 7 feet long by 3 feet wide. Nothing more. It’s also cheap, especially if you’re using a tarp as a groundsheet for a smaller tent. See also: Tent Footprint vs Tarp: Which Groundsheet is Best for Protecting Your Tent? The more often you camp, the more fancy tools or equipment a seasoned outdoorsman seems to buy. A tent footprint is a lightweight sheet of material that is roughly the same shape as the floor of your tent body. Using a tent footprint or groundsheet is very easy: simply lay the footprint out on your chosen camping spot, pitch your tent on top of it, then tuck the excess material under the tent floor to prevent any rainwater or condensation pooling on this “fringe” of the footprint. How to Make Your Own DIY Footprint. Back to the DIY options. Once you know how long and wide your tent is, cut out your material of choice so that it’s 3 inches wider and longer than your tent. It's a great tent and we love it, but because of the lightweight materials used in the tent, I fear for it's long-term durability. DIY Tent Footprint If budget is an issue, there is a solution – you can resort into the use of DIY tent footprint. However, if you’re choosing a more durable material like a tarp or a painter’s drop cloth, you’ll be dealing with hickness issues, which means it won’t be as compact as other options. But here’s the key to being successful at DIY projects: it much easier than it looks, and as long as you have some common sense, you can also be a DIY genius. He wrote How to Hike the Appalachian Trail and currently works from his laptop all over the globe. I often lay down on top of the footprint as well before setting up just to make sure the ground is flat and level. As far as I am concerned, a tent footprint is a necessary piece of gear if you do a lot of camping. Picture a tarp. A denier count is the thickness of the fabric threads. After you’ve picked what groundsheet fabric you want to use, it’s now finally time to start building your own tent footprint. What’s great about building your own tent footprint is that you really get to take advantage of customizing your tent footprint to your specific needs. (Side Note: It's actually held up quite well and… They are designed to prevent wear and tear on the floor of the tent - a tent footprint will stop (or help) any scratching or punctures caused by sand, sticks or stones on rough gritty ground. It's a great tent and we love it, but because of the lightweight materials used in the tent, I fear for it's long-term durability. Your sheet should look half its size. Being someone that’s always seeking the next adventure can be a tad intimidating. DIY gear has so many great advantages. For all you know, you could be buying a used groundsheet that looks perfectly new, until you get to your campsite and realize there’s a small tear that’s about to grow into a large hole. Tent footprints are certainly not necessary, but they can help extend the life of your tent. But here’s the big dilemma for most campers: You don’t want your tent’s base to tear, but you don’t want to pay a lot of money for a tent footprint. Final Thoughts. Finding a good tent site can be difficult. Consider the groundsheet as an essential camping tool and you won’t regret it. Other options include "shrink" plastics that are used to seal windows and doors in cold months. The whole idea here is to make your tent footprint slightly smaller than the floor of your actual tent. Painter’s drop cloth is incredibly durable, but that strength comes with a price. This might be a plus, though, because just like a tarp, a drop cloth can be versatile and a helpful tool for some of your other camping needs. Keep the sheet flat, and wipe off any dirt, debris or water you might see on your sheet. After all, a tent will keep you dry and warm, whether you are chilling during the day, or sleeping at night.. With that being said, it's also best to keep your tent safe and protected from the wear and tear of rough terrains.A tent footprint will help you do just that. If you found any image copyrighted to yours, please contact us, so we can remove it. This post may contain affiliate links.  Basically, repeat step 2. For easy instructions on how to make your DIY tent footprint, check out our earlier piece on this topic. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All rights reserved. One of the things you will need to look into would be your tent. Putting in a little extra work goes a long way, especially when it comes to saving money. It’s not essential in the sense that you’ll survive without it, but it’s essential for people who want to keep their tents in great condition for years to come. You need to put holes into your groundsheet because you need to stake in your footprint when you’re using it. Your DIY footprint isn’t probably going to get damaged if you leave some dirt on it in between camping trips, but cleaning it after every trip is still good practice. Just make sure that it is cut based on the size of the tent. It’s exceptionally easy to erect, tie-down, and disassemble a tarp setup. It is much cheaper to replace a ground cloth, than a new tent. There’s no better example of this then building your own DIY tent footprint. May 25, 2016 - As you may know, we have a Big Agnes, Fly Creek UL2 tent that we use for pretty much every backpacking trip. Until the prices of a customized, manufactured tent footprint are lowered, then your best bet is to make your own tent footprint. If you want to save anywhere from $20 or more on a tent footprint, then you might want to build your own groundsheet. Step 1: Source your chosen material at the hardware store or online. Nov 8, 2017 - As you may know, we have a Big Agnes, Fly Creek UL2 tent that we use for pretty much every backpacking trip. Step 3: Get a sharpie and trace the floor of your tent. How to Make Your DIY Footprint. All are super cheap and ultralightweight. Congratulations! Grab those short edges and fold them in until they meet the center of your sheet. A second hand groundsheet is cheap, but the cost of how much risk you run into buying a used tent footprint is too high to pay. Whichever option you choose, we still suggest you have something protecting your tent’s base. OEM footprint is $70. DIY Inexpensive Lightweight Tent Footprint: For this project you will need some 6 mil plastic. If you’re hoping to use your window insulator groundsheet during a hot summer weekend, you might want to reconsider. House wrap is what’s used to wrap a home with during construction in order to protect it from getting damaged from weather and other factors. If you’re a beginner camper, a self-made tent footprint is the right choice. The prices vary, but you’re looking at spending anywhere from $30 to $70 on a brand new tent footprint, and sometimes even more. It can be a little intimidating at first but you just have to get in there and give it a try. This comes at no extra cost to you. Equal parts backpacking food and ultralight gear. It’s durable, but not enough to keep using it after a couple of trips. Purchasing a tent footprint comes with many added benefits, including a much sturdier built design as well as grommets for attaching the footprint to your tent. A footprint protects your tent floor from damage and prevents moisture from saturating the tent floor. Are you a regular camper? What Is The Best DIY Tent Footprint? Easy Positioning. This is helpful for campers who have a small tent, but still don’t want their gear to be resting on the dirty or muddy ground. A tent footprint is a tarp you place under your ground tent. It’s a great tent and we love it, but because of the lightweight materials used in… House wraps and tarps are the two best choices for a groundsheet, but we have a tendency to lean more towards a tarp just because it’s more readily available. All it takes is just one twig, stick or sharp pebble for your sheet to slightly tear. There's also the issue of cost. Purchasing a tent can be one of your biggest expenses for camping, so it’s important to do whatever you can to keep that investment in top condition. If conditions warrant using a tent footprint, but you want to reduce the expense of buying one, or you want to eliminate extra gear weight in your backpack, consider making an ultralight groundsheet out of window wrap insulation or Tyvek. Advertisement. It’s a good idea to use your tent footprint every time you’re camping, but it’s ideal for campers who stay at rugged and sandy terrain or places prone to harsh weather. While … Read more. Or maybe your second hand groundsheet fabric is starting to fray, and after a couple more trips, the groundsheet will be in terrible shape. A tent footprint is a sheet of fabric that will protect the base of your tent from any wear and tear it might encounter. Once you’ve cut holes in all four corners of your groundsheet, put in your grommets. Be careful not to get any sharpie on the tent. The lifespan of your painter’s drop cloth, tarp or house wrap tent footprint could last you for years to come, but a window insulator groundsheet might only last you a season. Instagram: @chrisrcage. By Chris CageChris launched Greenbelly Meals in 2014 after thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail for 6 months. All images are the property of their respective owners. Footprint prices from REI are anywhere from $30 to $70. A footprint is an important piece of ground protection to extend the life of your tent for as long as possible, especially for ultrali… "Tyvek". Because drop cloths are so thick, they don’t breathe, which means that a lot condensation will build up underneath your tent during your trip. You’ve bought your preferred groundsheet fabric, but that’s not the only thing you’ll need. Nov 20, 2020 - As you may know, we have a Big Agnes, Fly Creek UL2 tent that we use for pretty much every backpacking trip. Some camping gear you can buy second hand, but we strongly suggest not buying a used groundsheet. A heavy rain can drench the forest floor and act like a sponge, wetting your tent when you set up on top of it. You’ll also need to buy a grommet kit. Just bought a tent and are looking for a good tent footprint? 41 Backpacking Food Ideas from the Appalachian Trail, Ultralight Backpacking Gear List | 8.5 lb Base Weight (Full Comfort), 14 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents in 2020, 14 Best Ultralight Backpacking Sleeping Bags for 2020. A tent footprint isn’t essential gear for every camper, but it could make your trip easier. Fortunately there are some DIY options that are really easy and only cost about $5 (or even free!) Otherwise, it would capture any rain runoff and pool underneath. Using a house wrap as a tent groundsheet has become so popular because it’s hit the sweet spot of being fairly durable, light and cheap enough to buy. Tyvek is more durable and cheaper, while Polycro is much lighter but more expensive and more fragile than Tyvek. to make your own footprint. A ground cloth or tent footprint is simply an extra layer of polyester (usually) that lays between your tent floor and the ground. The sheet might still look slightly bulky, and the weight of the sheet hasn’t changed. Besides, erecting the tarp outside your tent creates a patio for lounging and creates space for cooking, playing, and pets to sleep on. (Side Note: It's actually held up quite well and… Step 2: Lay the tarp out flat on the ground and set your tent up on top of it. By far the biggest and main use of a footprint is to protect the floor of your tent. Just $2 at the hardware store. The information provided on this site is for educational use only. Most morning you won’t have time to dry out the morning dew before packing up your tent. Make sure your measurements are precise, and don’t hesitate to measure out your tent multiple times. They can also help with several other things like - prevent water from seeping into the tent, cushion the ground, insulate the floor, keep your tent clean, etc. Step 1: Source your chosen material at the hardware store or online. Place the cutting tool over the marking, then simply pound with a hammer. Someone who doesn’t exactly love the great outdoors, but seems to have agreed to sleep in it? He likes to explore, but prefers to stay in USA. See our piece on how to start tarp camping for more information on this topic. It’s important to have a footprint for your tent, but it’s still not technically considered as “essential gear” for campers. Nervous? Take this time to make sure your sheet is neatly folded. If you don’t, then your DIY groundsheet won’t last long and you’ll probably decide that DIY projects aren’t for you, which means you’ll spend an unnecessary amount of money on an elaborate tent footprint. There’s not many other tools in an outdoorsman collection that are as versatile and useful as a tarp. Backpacking Mastery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. In his opinion, there are too many trails and options in US to go abroad. It can often be found at the hardware store or an outdoor retailer. If you’re on a budget and a name-brand footprint is simply too expensive (footprints can run $30-80), you can DIY a tent footprint out of plastic tarp or Tyvek wrap ($3-15). The tarp is a multipurpose accessory- you can erect it over your tent as a roof, use it as a heat insulator, or a DIY tent footprint. Tips for Hiking Alone: Making The Most Out of Your Solo... Rock Climbing Techniques: Improving Climbing Performance. If not protected, the tent floor will deteriorate much faster than the rest of the tent. Affiliate disclosure: We aim to provide honest information to our readers. It's a great tent and we love it, but because of the lightweight materials used in the tent, I fear for it's long-term durability. If so, share any tips or questions you have in the comments below! It’s also much easier to clean and wipe down your footprint versus the entire tent body. For the experienced camper, a DIY footprint is also the ideal option. There are a number of options in the DIY footprint … Even if the space looks great, you might find out it is too small to fit your tent, or too uneven, etc. Even if you think you know how wide and long your tent is, it’s still important to measure your tent out, just to be safe. Once you’ve cut your fabric to its appropriate size, it’s then time to cut the holes into your material. Waterproofing. Find the material you wish to use to construct your tent footprint. It’s a great tent and we love it, but because of the lightweight materials used in… My favorite. Let’s dig in. Depending on the tent’s size, your tarp can cost you anywhere from $10 to $20. It’s a great tent and we love it, but because of the lightweight materials used in the tent, I fear for it’s long-term durability. How Much Does a Tent Footprint Cost? Protect Lifetime of Tent. Make sure you buy enough of the chosen material that extends well beyond the size of the bottom of your tent. A backpacking guide to tent footprints, groundsheets and groundcloths.What they are, why they are important, and how to make your own ultralight DIY. It requires a certain DIY attitude that not many people are comfortable with. Luckily for you, there is an alternative to a tent footprint, and it requires a little bit of work in order for you to save a lot of money. Over the years, twigs, sticks and rocks work on the bottom of the fabric. It all really depends on what fabric you’re using to make your DIY groundsheet. Prices vary, especially if you’re buying a tent footprint that fits specifically to your tent. Your body won’t heat up or cool down the earth below you much at all. Once you’ve done this, your sheet should look small, compact and ready to pack! For example, you can make an attachment on the front of your tent footprint that allows you to put your gear or shoes right outside of your tent. Follow this step-by-step guide to build your own DIY tent footprint: 1. All it takes is research and you can be on your way to making your own tent footprint. It’s also become an incredibly popular material to use for a homemade groundsheet. If your tent has a rounded floor, try to keep it a flush as possible with ground in order to get a more accurate border. Out of all the materials you need, the most important is choosing the right material you want for your groundsheet. Most ultralight backpackers use one of these. Be sure to … Whether it’s through condensation or a rainstorm, it’s more than likely that your DIY shelter footprint is going to get wet after you go camping. If you’re looking a groundsheet that can withstand terrain only while you’re sleeping, then this might be the best choice for you. Check out: How to Pitch a Tent: Understanding the Fundamentals of Setting Up Shelter. If that’s the case, then making a window insulator groundsheet is your cheapest and best option. Since then, Greenbelly has been written up by everyone from Backpacker Magazine to Fast Company. Now that you know why you should use a tent footprint and the advantages, here’s some more information to help you pick the best option to fit your needs. If you treat it right, then possibly decades. Don’t worry about attachments - the weight of your body will keep it in place underneath. Step 2: Lay the tarp on the ground and place your tent … Sean was backpacking since he was 7. The following are some of the alternatives that can be taken into account: An old tarpaulin can be used. Materials Needed: Tent footprint material, sharpie marker, scissors. Get epic tips, guides and how-to's in your inbox every two weeks. Tent footprints are usually made from the same material as your tent, but with a slightly higher denier count. Also known as a ground cloth or a groundsheet, a tent footprint is a waterproof sheet that is placed in between the floor of your tent and the forest floor. This time your sheet should look a quarter of its original size. Making your own groundsheet is as simple as buying a box cutter, a hammer, grommets and the fabric of your choice. My latest piece of DIY gear is actually an improvement on a piece of gear I already had. The first option is buying a tent footprint that’s specifically customized to your tent, the second is buying a generic tent footprint. Avoid the potential of mildew by hanging up your groundsheet and letting it dry out. Fear not: a more cost-effective and lighter system can be to make (or buy) your own. The floor of your tent sees a lot of abuse - think about your body weight tossing and turning during the night as you grind the floor of the tent into rocky ground. Step 1: How to make a tent footprint? If at this point it looks like the corners of the sheet are popping out, then repeat steps 1-4 until it’s nice and neat. Even if the groundsheet looks fine and has no tears, the groundsheet has still been used, and you don’t know its history. The holes you cut into your fabric need to be the same size as your grommet, so make sure you trace the size of the grommet’s hole. Step 4: Cut along about 2 inches inside the border of the traced line. Materials Needed: Tent footprint material, sharpie marker, scissors. DIY Tyvek Tent Footprint As you may know, we have a Big Agnes, Fly Creek UL2 tent that we use for pretty much every backpacking trip. Drop cloths vary in thickness, but our recommendation would be to get a cloth that’s no more than 3 millimeters thick. In my (humble) opinion, the factory options specifically designed for your tent are not good. May 26, 2018 - As you may know, we have a Big Agnes, Fly Creek UL2 tent that we use for pretty much every backpacking trip. A tent footprint is usually a good idea. Tent’s are expensive and I prefer to extend the life of mine as long as possible. After investing in a tent, adding a footprint can start to feel rather pricey, not to mention the extra weight it adds to your pack. A tent footprint, also known as a ground sheet, is a piece of material placed on the ground between the bottom of your tent and the earth.These sheets add a layer of protection, comfort, and additional waterproofing for your tent.. A grommet kit is a package that comes with circular metal or rubber pieces that are used to help reinforce the holes you’ll be making in your fabric. You’d be right to think that paying that much for a protection sheet is a little steep. If you want to buy the footprint that matches your tent, you'll be looking at spending at least $30-$40 for an OEM footprint. The additional second layer of a footprint will blockade that rain from seeping upward into your tent, drenching your sleeping bag, clothes, etc. If you have an ultralight tent with a low denier floor, it might be worth it to shell out the extra dollars for a footprint or to make your own. Make a Tent Footprint: I just bought a new ultralight tent, and after seeing how expensive footprints were I set out to make one myself. Place the grommet (post up) on the base piece, and stick it through the hole you cut in the Tyvek. The most common type of house wrap that’s used for camping is Tyvek. This is why a thick sleeping pad with a high R-value is so important. Obtain your chosen material at the hardware store or online. Example: if you measure your tent and it’s 13X13, then you’ll want to cut your fabric so that it’s 16X16. A tarp is one of the most popular choices for a homemade groundsheet because it’s relatively light, waterproof and durable enough to withstand virtually everything the great outdoors can throw at it. If you have both of those skills in your pocket, you’ll be a happy camper. Copyright © Backpacking Mastery. Due to the minimalist size of a footprint, it is super easy to drape it on the ground and size out your site. Grab the two short edges of your sheet and fold them in vertically. Don’t let your tent get ruined by not putting in the extra time or care. However, DIY options can be easily made for much cheaper and will serve a similar purpose to manufactured footprints. But whether you want to buy a tent footprint or make your own is completely up to you. By saving your money and building your very own tent footprint, you’ll be able to spend your cash on other tools or gear you want to make your next camping trip even more memorable. A useful DIY tent footprint can cost as little as $2, so using one isn’t an inconvenience at all. Like we’ve mentioned before, the process is way easier than it seems. Anything more than that will be more durable, but it’ll also be a lot heavier and more difficult to fold. Making your own tent footprint is a great way to save money while protecting your camping investment. How to use a tent footprint. If you are in heavy winds and are worried it might get blow away if you are not inside the tent, then rest your gear (or a heavy rock) on top. Do you see the two sides of your sheet that are shorter than the other two? How to Pitch a Tent: Understanding the Fundamentals of Setting Up Shelter. It cheaper, often lighter, and you can customize it just for you, just to name a few. Cushion and Insulation. However, if you know the dimensions of your tent and you’re willing to take the risk, a generic tent footprint might be the better buying option for you. However, especially if you are trying to keep it ultralight and minimize every ounce, a tent footprint can add a smidge of additional insulation from the ground as well as provide a smidge of extra cushion. To avoid any risk, be sure to brush off any debris that might’ve collected onto your groundsheet while you were camping. But window insulator isn’t the best option for those who are planning on spending time in their tent during the day. You can find this in the hardware store, usually in the paint section near the drop cloth's and tarps.You will also need a grommet kit. Buying a tent footprint that’s customized to your tent is definitely going to be more expensive, but it’s beneficial in the sense that you’ll never have to worry about your tent footprint not fitting properly. I use a 2 mm thick sheet, which is a great alternative as it only weighs a few grams and will fit in my pocket. Paracord Bracelet Uses: Ways It Can Save Your Life... 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They tend to be on the expensive side (some are over $50) and they come with clips and buckles to attach to your tent, making them unnecessarily heavy. It is alright to cut it larger than the tent, but never smaller. It's a great tent and we love it, but because of the lightweight materials used in the tent, I fear for it's long-term durability. (Side Note: It's actually held up quite well and… Some grommets have different instructions from others, so make sure to follow the instructions that came specifically with your kit.