Foot-print

[Dannytoo]

I have ordered a Eureka Copper canyon 6 tent to use for car camping. I am wondering, doe everyone use a foot-print under their tents and what do you esr?

[ChadTower]

I use one depending on the campsite. I use a regular blue folding tarp. Consider the footprint a sacrificial piece as over time it's going to wear out. Better that than your tent floor, though.

[bsmit212]

I use them. I have one spesfic for my 1 person that came with the tent. For my big tent i just use a tarp.

[Bojib]

I just use a tarp a little smaller than the tent. Works great.

[EmberMike]

I never set up a tent without one. It saves the tent floor and prolongs the life of the tent, not to mention the added moisture barrier benefits.

[ponderosa]

You can use the footprint sold to match your tent, or save some money and use a tarp, painters drop cloth, a piece of silinylon from a fabric store, or a bit of tyvec leftover from a construction project. Just make sure it is cut a bit smaller than the tent floor so itdoesn't collect water to pool under the tent.

[ppine]

In 50 years I have never used a footprint, and never worn a hole in a tent. Several of my tents don't have floors. I did buy a small footprint on sale for some other tent to use under a tarp to stay out of the dirt.

I have seen people get wet in a rain storm when their footprint extends beyond the edge of their tent. I have have never seen anyone have a problem by not using one. It seems like an idea invented by a tent maker.

[briansnat]

I usually use one. I have a roll of 6 mil plastic sheeting (you can usually find it in the painting supply section of any hardware store). I pitch the tent on the sheet, draw the outline of the tent with a sharpie. Then I cut the sheet about 2 inches inside the outline as you do not want the ground sheet sticking out from under the tent to collect water and direct it under. The 6 mil plastic is thick enough to last several seasons and isn't too heavy.

Better yet, I know people who use Tyvek sheets. Even lighter and more durable than plastic.

[EmberMike]

Originally Posted by ppine

...I have seen people get wet in a rain storm when their footprint extends beyond the edge of their tent...

That's common. If it's too big, it's just a rain-catcher.

You can roll it under the tent, but even that can go wrong if not done properly. It needs to be rolled under itself, not over. Same problem if you roll it over itself, it's just a water-catcher then.

Best bet is to just cut it to fit, and to do so before you head out. No need to carry more plastic than is necessary.

[DuctTape]

Back in the day we used plastic sheeting. I think if you are in less than desirable tent locations (like campgrounds) than the groundcloth may be necessary. If off the beaten path and you can choose a nice spot on pine duff for example, then you probably don't need one. I haven't used one in years, but that is because I am in a hammock year 'round.