The #1 Reason You Need a Tent Footprint
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
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#wildcamping #camping #backpacking
A good option on footprint is a cheap shower curtain
Never thought of that! Nice one mate
One big advantage is if the ground is muddy. You only clean the groundsheet and not the tent. Especially important if you have a big family tent
yes of course!
I found out the hard way that the footprint needs to be smaller when I made my own for an MSR Hubba Hubba. It was great having a few feet extra while it was dry. And then one day it rained. ...
I've been camping for 45 years and have yet to pitch a tent without a groundsheet (bespoke or DIY).
In my opinion, the benefits are too numerous not to.
Nice! As a point of balance though: I've also been camping for 45 + years and I've never once used (or wished I had) a groundsheet/footprint!
Having said which, I've just bought a new car-camping tent to use with the Mrs (who does not like backpacking like I do) and I've bought the footprint for it to manage the mess more easily! I'll see if I like the idea!
@@dcaudwellI’m like you, never bothered with a footprint ever but after the last trip with our lass in the big campsite tent I understand the use of a footprint for a family tent cause they are not fun to clean 🤣
£200 for a footprint is absolutely taking the piss
I always use a footprint. It reduces condensation considerably, and it protects the groundsheet.
A footprint covering the the porch is a must for keeping ticks and midges under control in Scotland, and protecting base of tent against gnarly old heather branches / stems.
Dont use one in campsites tho, even if multidaying.
Tyvek all day long PM. Have it for all 3 of my tents with the biggest one being 2 x 4 mtrs. There is a puncture comparison vid out there too. Eye opener.
Could you share the link pleaae?
Like my homemade Tyvek foot prints. A friend who was building, gave me the remnant of the roll. Still have a bit left
@@titanicicaproduction ua-cam.com/video/LNYGXDgc2-M/v-deo.html
Hopefully the link works? my main permission is covered in bramble and i am very careful about where i place the sheet. Doesnt matter if the sheet gets a hole but my air bed is a different story.
@@hubby-tubadventures01 thanks for the link, that was really interesting
I never used to like them.. having to retire one of my tents because the bottom went , changed my mind...Take care out there.
Possibly depends on where you live, the weather and the critters you have to deal with. In Texas, in general, you’d be crazy not to have a footprint . Maybe in the UK you can get away without it.
I’ve tried just about every possible option and come to the conclusion that if available the manufacturers footprint is most likely the best option. Providing you’re buying from a proper tent company they have done the research for you
I started camping in the early 1980s before the salesmen invented the foot print, in all that time I've never found a reason for taking up space in, or adding weight to my pack with one. As for paying £200 for one? Sounds like a blatant con job to me, but then, I only paid £80 for my Vango. 😉
@@davedthomas01 I started too in the early 80s and rapidly realised that a footprint was needed on lightweight tents. They didn't use the rubber (Force 10) or raffia type groundsheet.
I just used the poly survival bag I carried anyway and it meant a few years extra life on the tent.
I first used a "footprint" under my Saunders fellpine in the 80s. It was my poly survival bag so I was carrying it anyway.
My helium 1 has a great footprint.I use a square of tyvek with the Durston X-mid.
I like having foot prints for the reasons you gave for lying down before I pitch, keeping the groundsheet clean, a dry vestibule and a modicum of protection. Also it helps showing if the Durston will fit on the pitch😅😅
@@BrokenBackMountains ah, Robert Saunders tents! I had the Backpacker Gc2 I think. Still got it.....a brilliant tent. Saunders was years ahead of his time.
@@wiltonlewis5369 Alas, my Fellpine fell victim to UV and a lot of use. Great tents ahead of their time.
Never used one in 50years!! I may reconsider.
Also can you review the Alpkit version of the Jetboil before I waste my money!! 😂
Save weight use your foam mat 😉
Most condensation probably from humidity vs that tiny bit of ground which will probably have boots and pack on it 😉😘😉
Ok, begrudgingly, you may have convinced me. The idea of being able to keep the inner dry seems pretty good, especially when most of my camps are multiday affairs.
A good tent has a proper groundsheet and doesn't need a seperate "foorprint", it's a way companies make money, use a cheap crappy groundsheet to start with and then sell a seperate one as well. I have a 2 man tent that weighs 3.75 pounds that I bought in 1977, it has a decent "Oxford Raffia " built in groundsheet and is as good today as when I first bought it, and it's had some heavy use over the years.
Arguably its a way to add another accessory at cost, but also affords a camper the means to go lighter (if) they choose to forgo pitching on gnarly terrain. I remember the floors in 1980s tents, akin to builders tarp material. Highly durable but heavy and tricky to fold / roll the tent to avoid bulky packing. If someone foresees never camping on anything but grass, then they can go without such a footprint. The fact that most people are going to need one if doing wild camping, is less relevant. It gives a camper options at least, either to forgo or add another footprint material of their choosing. I agree that most brands 'own' footprints are over priced, but people can also choose others.
I have one proper footprint for my vango apex2, for my other two tents i have cheap ten quid tarps from eBay, the only reason i use them is to keep the bottom of the tent from getting dirty, it's so easy to clean the tarp and it helps keep the tent in better condition so they last longer
I always use a footprint beneath my tents. I use a regular roughly 8x10 ft. blue tarp. I can’t double it over or even triple-fold it to get both a ground protector & enhanced tent floor padding. When I pack up I don’t have to struggle cleaning dirt, mud or other organic material off the bottom of my tent because the footprint protected the tent.
Honestly I have been fine with the prices Hilleberg in the us charges for their footprints, as they generally cover the vestibules too, and they are made out of the same stuff as their tent inner floors. What I have not been fine with is many of the US tent makers charging almost the same prices for thin nylon, that does not cover vestibules and are smaller.
Then again I am not that much of a fan of the inner first tent pitching style popular in the US. I like footprints as they can make a GT vestibule more comfortable, and they help keep gear clean, and protect the investment your tent represents.
I agree! I have a Big Agnus Copper Spur and this works very well doing a fly first set up!
Huge fan of footprints.
Help protect the expensive tent.
Man up and carry the extra weight and bit the bullet on cost, at least for me!!!
Each to their own.
Great video. I am a fan of footprints, despite a bit of extra weight. The extra layer reduces the risk of punctures to your sleeping pad from thistles or twigs etc, plus all the reasons you said
Always use with my Lanshan 1 and have pitched the fly & footprint for a rainy lunch stop
Foot print of some sort for me definitely, keeps bottom of tent clean which was why I used one.
Tyvek.........End. ❤ Over and out.
Where can I source Tyvet wide enough for my Durston with fly floor area 170mmx 254mm? Builders merchants seem to sell it in 1m x50m rolls etc.
@@allanmacleod2234 I get my tyvek on Amazon for a couple of £ per M. I use the house wrap stuff and cut to size. You can get eyelet holes with the punch too but I never bother. I just put up my geodesic inner and then slide the tyvek underneath. Worked for years, no issues
@@allanmacleod2234 online mate, tyvek house wrap. Readily available
I bought a heavy duty cheap tarp for 20 pounds on amazon and use that
Cheap tarp
Reminds me of my ex.
@@DavidSmith-oy4of 🤣 and mine!
Great video Paul, I can’t say that I’ve ever used a ground sheet myself, I’ve never found a reason to use one yet. That’s not to say I won’t in the future though, all the best, Brian.
We're Full time UK Nomads, have never used one. Have in the past, but hate them Cully. Keep up the good work.
Paul, I think you have highlighted the main benefits really well in the video. Thanks for doing this. Im in two minds whether to get one for my Helm2 Compact. As you the say quite expensive at £44 but fitted to the shape. Protecting the inner floor is the main benefit for me I reckon as this is protecting the tent itself. Packing up in the rain also a good benefit. I think Im sold🙂
I have got the TN one for Helm compact 2 and very happy with it. The main thing apart from protecting the ground sheet, is that it sized to line both porches and protects kit in there.
I've never once disconnected inner of a tent. Just pitch next night it'll dry once pitched
I guess it’s personal preference. Everyone likes to camp differently. There’s no right or wrong
@PaulMessner exactly true. Too much faff for me unless it's like a module system.
I don’t get why manufacturers don’t supply a ground sheet with their tents in the first place and I especially don’t get why sometimes they’re virtually impossible to find (Vango). My MSR Elixer 2 came with a groundsheet.
A lot of these footprints are very simular in size I have a footprint from 1 tent and it's fit almost perfectly for 2 other tents I own it only needs to go under the sleeping area in my opinion
Great vid Paul, what’s the red/orange thing you’re using to keep the door rolled up please? Looks handy!
All of the really light tents have gossamer like groundsheets. Totally impractical but enables light statistics. I've always added footprints thinking what a con that was ! My favourite is actual groundsheets from 'disposable' festival tents. Just cut them up to fit and add some eyelets.
The flat footprint if ground gets very wet water will flow over footprint lol 😆 nice try though 😉
Condensation. Never use my Hillys without them (you'll never have to use a footprint on a Hilly for any other reason). ;o)
Oh... I use it too on my Big Agnes, but it's because it'll ruin my Copper Spur right away if not used. :D
There are many Pro’s to using a footprint. The No1 Pro (in my eyes) of using a footprint is; you can fold the muddy side of the footprint over on itself, fold it up small and stick it separately in a waterproof bag.
Keeping the mud etc off everything thing else, especially your inner tent.
A quick sponge down after use, and dry off.
The only possible Con is the extra money, if one isn’t supplied with the tent.
If you want to give your hunger a new lease of life. Just submerse the lot in boiled water. If the missus has hair scrunchies that need rejuvenating do the same
£200 for a hillaburg groundsheet. I'll have 3 of them please
Have always used a footprint Paul for all the reasons you have given.. In the past I have always made my own from lightweight tarpaulin... Of late i have actually purchased the footrint from the manufacturer.... Great video... Always learn something from your videos..👍⛺
Paul, I agree with your comments. However, for a number of years I used what was a roof rack luggage cover, the thick blue things with eyelets. I cut this to a size slightly bigger than the base of my Banshee 200, but used to ensure it was tucked up between the fly and the inner. Never had a problem with it. Used on UK camping trips, on cycle camping trips in Germany, Netherlands and France....never let me down.
Not long changed my Banshee (still have it) for the Wild Country Helm Compact 2...mainly as a 72 year old I don't bend as well as I used to for the Banshee. Have found the Helm 2 gives me more head room and space generally. I did buy the foot print for this and as you say a negative is the price....think about £40.00 but have used in on a number of occasions and it does the job nicely. I would always use some kind of footprint to protect the groundsheet of any tent.
Good video.
Thanks for putting the topic out there.
I used my first tent from the mid seventies to the mid nineties. Didn't know footprints were a thing and never had a problem with the tent floor. Then, while hiking the AT I met several people using footprints. I can see that on thruhikes that last months a footprint can be a good idea simply to keep the bottom cleaner when you don't have any chance of cleaning it for weeks or months. So, I bought the thinnest drop cloth I could find. It weighed next to nothing and cost next to nothing and it was useful, particularly on heavily used campsites with dirt or mud instead of grass. Don't last forever, but I just replace it when necessary.
Good to see you get the photon 1 out. Still one of my favourite shelters - rarely use it but would never sell it and I’ve always taken out a footprint when using it. I picked up a cheap zephyros footprint which is more less same size as laser and photons. I do go out without footprints depending on location, weather and estimated pack weight. I’ve got friends who are resolutely against them but I like them in certain circumstances. I’m not convinced that they reduce condensation but there are still other benefits.
Not for me.
Glad you've got your mojo back Paul, loving your recent vids again. Waiting on the ultralight Ti cookkit from Kickstarter that you recommended.
On footprints, my experience is with big family tents and there is no way I'd pitch one of those without a footprint.
Crikey those prices are high. I got a footprint for my Vango Hydrogen Air (not a cheap tent). It was about £14 I think. Seems like a bargain now.
Just checked and they still sell for about £19 new. Seems daft not to buy one at that price.
Silly sod - stop advertising products we don’t need
One scenario where it could be very useful is if you’re camping with someone else, both with one-man tents, and one of the tents is damaged or destroyed in high winds, for example. By dropping or removing the inner of the surviving tent, two could generally fit in as an emergency measure.
it doesnt have to be smaller..there is this exotic technique...its called FOLDING for piets sake.
I am pro footprints, great for moisture management. Also to prevent wear during windy nights when pitched on sand and rocks. In states on Amazon lots of aftermarket footprints available for 20.
My country, necessary. Things poke thru without. Keep mine attached all the time. I have a green tarp I've used most of 45 years. It always goes with me. Good vid. Just don't let it stick out the side and let water run under tent. Handy to have a dry bottom on the tent packing up. A very handy and smart item to use. Ready for another night. Hopefully dry. All good from east Kentucky USA Next time
I've always used a foot print to protect me tent......good info.
'Ull' east yorkshire.
It could also save you a sleepless night by preventing a sharp-ish object perforating your air matress.
Paul, you make a very good case for footprints. Your key point: keeping your inner tent drier! I had forgotten that argument. SO it's good to be reminded of it! ATB!😃
The main reason I use one, is to reduce condensation. And, clipping the inner into my tent just last night, on pretty wet ground, was considerably less unpleasant than if I didn't have it.
I use a polycryo sheet I bought for very little and it weighs so close to nothing it's almost ridiculous.
I have 5 man tent, and it's footprint is 5x as big for half the price. Having somewhere to kneel for the final roll up before it goes in the bag is a blessing.
The scam is selling separately. I always get one where I can and it does everything as you explained. I prefer the bathtub only ones and ones that come with naturehike fit quite a few other tents well. If only you can get black tyvek!
....when you discover that ants in Greece are not only muching holes in your footprint but also the main tent floor afterwards. I brought a brand new tent with me. The little sods cut holes in the fly, inner mesh and both floors. It was a constant battle. If you are staying in one place beyond two weeks or so, nature starts to consume your tent in one way or another. Don't spend too much on a tent, for this reason. No, there wasn't an ant nest nearby.
I always use a footprint with my tents for all the reasons you describe. My one niggle with my Durston Xmid 1 is that the footprint only covers the area of the inner tent, not the whole area of the outer. I suppose I should get around to making one sometime.
Some freestanding inner first tents such as Naturehike Mongar 2 can be set up outer first with a footprint which is a lifesaver if it's raining.
I have used an orange survival bag all the time but you're idea of attaching bungee is a great and your technique of putting up the outer first to make a dry space to take off wet gear is an eye opener . Just great advice
I use a tent every week. The footprint soon shows abrasion, better that than the tent. Mine is always attached, I can still lay on it before pitching to check the ground. Those that you have to buy separately are in many cases, are far too expensive.
This process of inner and outer switching is great I do it but is not possible on all tents CHK when you buy I know for sure on mine good info
I always use 2man cheap tarp for footprint ,on all my tents and ,followed for bivvys .
Weirdly find they help with condensation when set up right and big enough to stop any water from condesing and rising from the ground under the fly
I will drop the tent befor i drop the foorprint, but i am a tarp sleeper i never owned a tent but carry a tiny tarp/footprint for under my pad and if i dont set up the tarp on hot sommer nights i use my footprint anyway, i would never get a tent with no footprint.
I wouldn't buy any tent without a sewn in ground sheet, keeps the wind out. I do always peg a tarp type sheet underneath it to keep it clean and protect it
I'm a fan of footprints. I always use one. My main reason is what you said first of. I want to protect my expensive tents and air mat.
how is the brompton bikepacking setup coming along?
Also a good barrier for those damn midgees, pack and run.
I bought a polypropylene sheet for peanuts
Yes, footprint prices are a scam.
Today was a good learning day, I have never considered them before but will sort one out for my lovely new tent. Thanks Paul.
Thanks
I left a comment/feedback as to why I unsubscribed, So its only right and proper that I leave a comment as to why I am Re- subscribing 👍The last three videos have been very informative 👍
🧐As regards a groundsheet I always use one, worth the extra weight for all the benefits they give you 👌 As for the the cost I had a free one with my Allak and a half priced for my Soulo ( probably wouldn't get that sort of deal these days) 😉
Thanks for that! Welcome back.
Just a thought, why not have the outer fly with the footprint and not bother with the inner tent?
Apart from protecting you from bugs, snakes, etc. (Which let’s be honest are not normally a major problem in the uk) and maybe helping a little with condensation.
Seems to me that for the weight and pack size, you get more benefits from the footprint than you do the inner plus you end up with more space.
I’d be interested in hearing everyone’s thoughts.
I like bug protection bug I’ve used a tent this way before.
Your biggest advantage is worst reason as if raining it'll drip on footprint and get you wet bum unless close door in some conditions ;) whereas no footprint get to inner and be dry and use porch and rain drips soaks into grass ;)
All these comments great for the algorithm mate 😂
@@PaulMessner happy to help 😊
That seems like a whole lot of effort for minimal benefit. I do see your point, and perhaps I'm really fortunate to have a Hilleberg tent? This has a water repellent inner, which whilst it does get wet when you pack it away "all in one" it dries with 20 minutes of repitching. I bring a cloth to wipe down the inside of the ground sheet and in good to go.
The only times I'd use a footprint is 1. When I expect rocky ground, for protection as you say or 2. With my Nordisk Lofiten whose groundsheet is ridiculously thin
You definitely should get a footprint to protect your insanely expensive footprint.
😂 don’t give companies ideas like that
Sorry to hear your bungee has lost its mojo, you can treatment though. I've always used a footprint, I got a tarp years ago for around £3 in Sport Direct's sale which made a footprint for my four man tent and two wildcamping tents, bargain!
I use a slab of reinforced concrete I cast to the dimensions of the tent.
😂
FWIW the MSR Elixir series comes with footprints included
Ablolutely I do, nothing worse than getting wet, even on a dry day.
Mike.
Absollutely I do use one ,they come free on most tents in Canada !
Mike.
Cheers paul, that's a cool wee tent
I always use a footprint, but I use the German Army ground sheet (Elefantenhaut), not something special made.
Only exception is my Tschum Hot Tent (2P SOSWA), I bought a proper ground at the same time.
Hi Paul,I am a big fan of your channel and also love terra nova and wild country tents,which it would appear you do too😀.
I have a first gen helm one which I love for it's ease of pitching and that I can sit up in it!👍.
I have a footprint for it which I bought too give the tent a bit more protection,and I like having the piece that extends into the porch section.
I think footprints are so good when your taking your tent down and how it keeps the inner dry..
But honestly you have blown my mind with the idea of pitching the outer over the footprint then setting up the sleep system but sitting on the inner!.
I can't wait to try this!.
I have just bought a exped versa 2r and wondered what your thoughts are or if you have tried one?.
Thank you for doing incredible content!!.
Look forward to the next video😀
Regards matt
My Naturehike came with one... very pleased with mostly cleaning that instead of the inner. Tyvek or whatever, make it happen. So easy.
For protection, I find footprints a must. I buy tents second hand sometimes, and the groundsheet on the Vango Omega 350 I bought used was peppered with holes. I also sell my tents in as best a condition as I can. Cheap tarpaulins can be modified to suit with eyelet kits, or aftermarket footprints can be bought.
Tyvek + grommets + bungee cord 3/8 for me
Recently bought a Vango F10 Nexus UL2, and Vango doesn't supply or even make a footprint.
When I emailed them, they said it doesn't need one due to the quality of materials used.
Very informative. My Featherstone Peridot 2P included a footprint, but I had never thought to pitch it without the inner. I sometimes use it without the rain fly, but the bug net is a tent's most important feature for me. I only use the rain fly if it's raining.
I remembered the footprint as roughly the size of the floor of the tent, and it is the size of the bathtub floor, but it's smaller than the outer as you suggest here. After seeing this video, I pitched the tent (in my living room as it was raining) with only the footprint and the fly, and it is designed to be pitched this way.
Attaching the inner to the poles with the fly attached is possible, but my first attempted failed when the poles collapsed. Attaching the inner to the poles adds tension and helps prevent poles slipping out of the hub. I also need to stake out the corners and couldn't do it in my living room. My second attempt succeeded though. I hope that I'll never try this maneuver in real life, but I'm glad that I've seen you do it.
Hi all, I have 4 tents but 2 of them didn't come with a separate footprint sheet, the OEX Coyote 3 and the Vango Tiree 500, does anyone know of footprints that fit them without cutting?
With the cost of tents being silly these days , I made a footprint from tyvek as I can only afford one tent and will look after it , it's not even a Hilleberg ( the only tent that requires a mortgage 😂) .
Plus me and my tent head off around the world and it saves my bath tub floor from getting abraded or torn , and as you mentioned I noticed less condensation even though the inner has less net and more material . Being an all in one pitch I have never pitched outer first but if it's as wet as it was last year on expedition , I will try the inner in a separate bag and clip on inside , but yes I am pro footprint and no I don't attach to the tent 😊
One of my tents the MSR came with a footprint all good. I made one for my Durston and I am now making one for my Pioneer Tent out of nylon fabric I am adding on the vestibule space and giving one side a PU coating.
I use a survival bag as a footprint, (big orange plastic bivvy type thing, £5 from Eurohike). It works very well.
I've not long bought a Helm 1 + footprint after watching your videos. Awesome tent but the footprint just elevates it further 👌🏻
I have always used a footprint , mind you i was useing Nature Hike tents and the ones i had came with the footprint and as i was camping on a beach the footprint was a bit of extra protection .
Great video, well explained. I have the Nature hike Mongar2 and it came with a ground sheet, its great being able to put up and take down the inner in bad weather 👍