Sleeping Pad, Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag, HydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter w/CNOC Reservoir, best lightweight material for dyi tent ground cloth. So when you're in the market for a new shelter, pick up one of the Best Backpacking Tents of 2020. Use of plastic sheeting eliminates this problem. A trusty pair of rain pants should be in every outdoor adventurer's gear arsenal. The Hyke & Byke Zion 2P Backpacking Tent Designed to be the ultimate tent for everyone to enjoy both backpacking and camping adventures. I certainly have. Several cottage manufacturers also sell it under the name Polycryo, with a significant markup. A footprint adds an extra layer of protection from abrasive objects and can extend the life of your tent. The main purposes of a footprint are to protect the floor of your tent from abrasive objects (like sticks, roots, and rocks), to keep your tent clean of mud and tree sap, and to help you determine a good spot to pitch your tent. Got the dimensions from the website. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Polycro is cheap enough that even a failed test does not cost you more than a couple of over-priced coffee’s and a bit of time. It’s a breathtakingly diverse playground of craggy granite peaks, high alpine lakes, meadows socked with wildflowers, rugged windswept coastline, and more shades of green than your eyeballs can handle. I have camped in rain and snow, never an issue. I’ve been using a large-sized polycro footprint from Gossamer Gear for the past 2 years that weighs 5 oz and cost $6.00. 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. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. For more CleverHiker backpacking tips, check out the following links: Casey Handley is an avid outdoor adventurer and self-described gear nerd. Take your backcountry chillin' game to the next level with one of the Best Backpacking Hammocks of 2020. A single piece will last one season or longer depending on frequency of use. There are lots of excellent stoves on the market to make your culinary adventures a success, but not all camp chefs have the same needs. You can make your own groundsheet for far less (more on that below), but it generally won’t last as long as the manufacturer’s footprint. Cut a little larger you and all your grear will truly stay dry,holes or no holes. But first of all one must spend the time preparing the ground they are going to sleep on more carefully than one would in choosing a Bride… I usually obtained between 8 an 10 pieces per roll at $12.00 per Roll. Yeah, I’ll probably try it. 6 oz., and the footprint adds an additional 6.9 oz. Make a choice: * Add to cart. I have tried Mylar but you have to be careful using it. Check out our Best Footwear page to explore the best hiking boots, shoes, trail runners, winter boots, rain boots, and sandals. All you need is a lightweight cloth or plastic sheet that is tough enough to withstand repeated use and is wide and long enough to protect your tent floor. Is it Warmer to Sleep Naked in a Sleeping Bag? Zion 1 And 2 Person Backpacking Tents With Footprint - Lightweight T: Ebay.com: $115.52: No Reviews: Get Offer: The North Face Stormbreak 1 Tent: 1-Person 3-Season Golden Oak/Pavement, One Size: Backcountry.com: $128.95: 4.6 / 5: Get Offer: Himalaya UL1 - One Person Tent: Nextadventure.net: $149.99: No Reviews : Get Offer: Outdoor Tent Camping Waterproof Double Layer Hiking Tent … A lightweight tent can allow you to carry more things, or simply go ultralight. Not only will they keep you dry when the skies open up, but they’ll also cut the wind and hold in valuable body heat to keep you safe and warm in the backcountry. $34.95 (25) 25 reviews with an average rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I carry one of these emergency blankets (link below). Many people are making the switch from plastic to glass water bottles for the health of the environment and their bodies. Ideally, it should be approximately 2 inches smaller than the tent’s floor if you are not using grommets, but 3 inches larger than the tent if you plan to use grommets. She relocated with her family from Austin, Texas to Portland, Oregon in 2018 in search of new trails to hike. They do this to protect the bottom of their tents from sharp rocks and sand that can rip or puncture their tent floors, improve their floor’s water resistance, or to keep their tent clean and mud free, making it easier to pack. in stock. If you have fabric sticking out from under your tent or too close to the edge of your tent floor, it can catch water and pool it up underneath your tent. We’re proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change. MEC Spark 2-Person Footprint. I’m working on a new polycryo sheet and was brain-storming about a top and bottom layer of the normal sheet with a mylar layer in middle to reflect heat back into the tent. Your email address will not be published. We’ll give you the inside scoop in our Best Women’s Hiking Pants Guide. I’ve always used the light weight thin plastic drop cloth plastic that we usually have left over after a painting project. Years ago, I had a roll of Tyvek banner material in the shop and quit using it for customers because some thought I was producing banners on butcher paper. I have been using the SOL survival blanket as my footprint and ground sheet when cowboy camping. I have not been able to find it on Amazon. If you have a great footprint substitute or use that we missed, let us know in the comments below! 10 Superlight aluminium V-pegs (featuring eco-friendly Anodising) included. This lets any water drain. What are the best easily accessible and cheap footprints? http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/survival/shelter/survive-outdoors-longer-survival-blanket.html. Then snuggle up with one of the Best Sleeping Bags & Quilts of 2020. It will also last for multiple seasons because it’s so tough. Polycryo is much lighter than Tyvek but not nearly as durable. Thanks guy . Sign up to get our curated emails with the best content from CleverHiker and around the backpacking world. Polycryo (AKA poly/polycro) is another popular choice for budget-friendly DIY groundsheets. To make life easier and deal with the cling wrap like hassle of this light weight material, I cut the material slightly undersized to the footprint and attached small squares of Velcro to each tent corner and the polycro – the weight penalty is virtually zero, but now I can leave the polycro on when I roll up the tent or remove it if wet / dirty and quickly reattach the next time. It’s reason for existence is that it is water proof and (relative to plywood and sheetrock) completely vapor permeable. NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund mega-game 94. Cost - A good lightweight tent will set you back hundreds of dollars and footprints are rarely included. https://sectionhiker.com/ultralight-backpacking-tent-footprint-substitutions A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. For the weight and volume in the pack savings, the polycro seems the better deal. 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. 4.5 out of … So get in the mix! Thanks. You don’t have to stake it. I have used Tyvek in the past, but it’s been my experience that tents honestly don’t need them. LUXE 210 x 210 TYVEK FOOTPRINT. You simply take the “floor saver” out, shake it, and fold it up. Then when I went to a OR Bivy bag and the Eureka Solo when it was dark Green, I started using the Sportsman Blanket in Olive Drab which I found in a Military Surplus Catalog, which also served as a light weight Tarp if needed. yd. I stopped using a groundsheet years ago, when using typical, somewhat-heavy tents. That said, If you do find yourself with a small hole or rip, we recommend repairing it with Tenacious Tape. We love backpacking, international travel, useful gear, and all things nature. Been using the Tyvek as my groundcloth/footprint since 1999 (before the turn of the century…I love being able to say that). Ultralight and durable Footprint made from Dupont Tyvek®. There's nothing quite as satisfying as having just the tool you need for a job, right when and where you need it. 0. Whether you’re a weekend jogger or a seasoned racer training for your next ultramarathon, a running hydration vest can help you stay happy, healthy, and hydrated on the trail. We have decided to look a little deeper at the tarp and the tent footprint and show you exactly what the main benefits are of using each and how they can also be used in conjunction with one another on your camping trip. We all use them, but many of us don’t really put much thought into it. Search for: Search. What if you could get the same level of protection using an ultralight groundsheet that weighs substantially less or costs less? Now that I use a Bivy Tent I still carry that Blanket, in fact, I have one in every one of my Hiking Packs and Boat Box. Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent Lightweight for 3-Season Outdoor Camping, Hiking, and Biking - Includes Footprint, Waterproof, Packs Light and Compact. Price. Trekking poles can add a lot of stability and comfort to your hike. So, my tent, groundsheet, and stakes weigh a total of 21.2 ounces. Washing is often ineffective depending on the species. Check out some of our favorite items in our guide to the Best Backpacking Gear for Women. It’s lightweight, waterproof and puncture resistant, which is why people use it as an ultralight groundsheet. Tired of sitting in the dirt? As an added bonus, this kite Tyvek is an excellent material for fly rod socks, small bags and organizers. For my fly rod case I put the cloth side in and the water proof side out. Product category. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. $19.99 #9. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn." Half Dome 2 Plus Footprint. But manufacturer tent footprints are heavy and expensive. It weighs 3.1 oz. This week I made my own tent footprint from a leftover sheet of 6 mil black plastic. Philip Werner They last surprisingly long. A Mystique has a floor made from reasonably durable, thick fabric that can take some abuse. Pitching time: 5 minutes. Tyvek or similar brands can be acquired at many home construction sites. It will usually keep going, but I would expect dampness on the underside of a sleeping pad since they are often waterproof. Thanks for another great review, Phillip. That’s just what you do. Hell, polycryo is so light that I could do both inside and outside. Tape everything up and it should hold nicely. It’s tuff and light weigh. One perfectly positioned pebble or twig could be all it takes to put a hole in your floor. The tent footprint is not generally that expensive and you should be able to pick one up for around $34-$40, but this can also be seen as another expenditure that could be used toward buying a better tent. CleverHiker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. It is not difficult to determine the correct size for a tent footprint. Social media is great, but our bi-weekly newsletter is a much better way to stay in the know. I use a cheapo shower curtain from the dollar store, cut to size. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. They can also help with several other things … Nemo Hornet 2P footprint protects your tent floor when camping on rough surfaces, adding longevity to your tent. Tarptent.com also sells Tyvek groundsheets that are sized for the tents they sell, for $12-$15, although there’s nothing stopping you from buying one from them that matches your own tent’s dimensions. They are effectively free, since I always have them left over from projects around the house. Footprints generally run between $40 and $80 and can be hard to justify on top of the tent cost. Some of these seeds are extremely tenacious to sticking to fabric. For example, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 has a 20-denier nylon floor and the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 has a 30-denier nylon floor, so the Hubba Hubba will have a thicker (and more durable) floor. Duct tape reinforced HDPE gromets would hold short shock cord loops to go around the tent poles to keep it stretched out. Left to right: tent footprint for copper spur, Polycryo, & Tyvek. Give the gift of adventure! We rounded up a bunch of the best coolers and put them to the test. Each one weighs 2.5 oz. The double-wall design is superior—the ripstop nylon rainfly keeps you dry in the heaviest of rains, while the mesh tent is airy enough to ventilate all … Save 20%-50% on Popular Backpacks including Exos Eja, Sirrus, Stratos, Talon, Tempest, Volt, Viva, Xenith, Xena, Aether, Ariel, Porter, Farpoint, and All Archeon Models. How do you pack yours? For example, the NEMO Hornet 2P has a packaged weight of 2 lbs. You’ll wear it just about every night on the trail. This is helpful for campers who have a small tent, but still don’t want their gear to be resting on the dirty or … Used it on a few occasions where the ground was really saturated. That’s why it blew my mind a few years back when I learned that thru-hikers cover thousands of trail miles every year in running shoes. Timberline 2 back in 1977. Oriole 3 € 949,00. It’s the same stuff. Crumple house wrap and throw it in the dryer. © CleverHiker.com 2020 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. I carry it anyway, so there is no extra weight. Follow CleverHiker on Facebook to catch our latest updates & shares. Tents (41. Use it a few times and pitch or recycle. Just inside the bottom edges of the tent. If you are going to cut your own footprint to shape, make sure you cut it about an inch shorter than your tent floor on all sides. Question. I have been a fan for years of using Tyvek house wrap as a cheap and light ground cloth under my various tents and tarps. Just cut up a trash compactor bag for a 1 month trip since I had an extra one. (Smaller/bigger then the tent ground?) The gift ideas listed in the CleverHiker Gift Guide are can’t miss recommendations for anyone that enjoys backpacking, hiking, and camping. Do you have a link to their double-thick product? Wind river part three. Keep up with our latest tutorials and gear reviews on YouTube. Choosing the right footwear will be one of the most important gear decisions you'll make. Yes, even the airports and even packing. You might change your mind if you saw how thin the floors are on the $400 tents. Plus the numerous tiny punctures. A tent footprint slides underneath the bottom of your tent and helps prevent abrasions from tough ground and stones. Weight - Footprints, because they are generally a higher denier fabric than the floor of your tent, can significantly increase the total weight of your shelter system. I switched to Polycryo and like it for its price and durability. I’ve heard of a couple people making grommet’ed polycryo sheets by doubling over the sheet at the point where the grommet is going to be made and putting an oval of HDPE from a milk jug to reinforce the plycro where the grommet will be placed. You’ll spend months communing with nature, build jaw-dropping endurance, and develop lasting friendships along the way. Carefully choosing a site and meticulously clearing debris away before pitching your tent will reduce the risk of mishaps. 10 Best Backpacking & Camping Pillows of 2020, 100 Gifts for Backpacking, Hiking & Camping, 8 Iconic Pacific Northwest Backpacking Trips. If you’ve spent any time in the woods, you’ve probably made some epic backcountry blunders. Despite popular belief, footprints do not add waterproofing to the bottom of your tent; the floors of almost all modern tents are already made of waterproof fabric like silnylon or dyneema. Image by: @jitterbug_art, The OR Helium Rain Jacket and Pants (updated for 2020) are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain gear market. If you prefer to cowboy camp, perhaps a tarp is all that's needed. Campaign Zero Whatever your pleasure; walking, running, biking, or hiking - being equipped with the right mindset and a quality rain jacket will empower you to seize any opportunity to get outdoors, regardless of the forecast. Your email address will not be published. We generally skip the footprint for tents with a floor that is 30-denier or higher, but that’s ultimately a personal decision. Here's my list of the Best Backpacks of 2020. T-tape is seriously strong and has kept some of our imperfect gear going for many years. 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. There’s no question that a protective tent footprint is a great idea to help protect your investment and help you squeeze extra years out of your favorite small or family tents. Mountainous areas and dense forests, however, usually mean roots, sticks, and rocks everywhere, which can wear down the fabric of your tent over time. Act Blue - Bail Funds I made a footprint that was larger than the tent (usually a no no) so I would have more ground cover in a marmot eos 1p, actually quite a spacious setup in fast pitch. Footprint or not, we always make sure to meticulously clear twigs, rocks, and pinecones from our campsites before pitching a tent to avoid any mishaps. We explore several key differences in women-specific gear. As well, do you install grommets in your home made footprints? Thanks, (I do cringe every single time I see a scale with these lb/oz/whatevers and waaaaay too many commas.. ;-) ). Making your own footprint costs significantly less and is almost always going to be lighter. Our goal is to help make your adventures as rewarding and enjoyable as possible, and to inspire you to plan your next excursion. A good tent footprint is lightweight, tough, and will take a lot of the beating that the bottom of your tent (aka outside floor) would otherwise take. Meaning its walls are more vertically designed and provide 25% more space inside the tent. I made my groundsheet out of kite Tyvek (1443R). Some are better than others though, and we’re happy to share our opinion in our Best Freeze Dried Meals Guide. The outdoor adventurers behind CleverHiker just about every night on the trail the floors are on the $ tents... Performs great a 1 month trip since i always have them left over a., as well, do you have a Solo Mid tent and the blanket works with! Tarp made of a material that is comfortable, spacious, and resell it at,. Needing to be tense or not the wilderness we recommend repairing it with tenacious tape my. Bring you our trail-tested Best Daypacks of 2020 agree with this way of thinking hope is that they lightweight tent footprint. Our full review here: https: //www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss? url=search-alias % 3Daps & field-keywords=Duck+Brand+284352 year, you ’ probably! Or not will come in handy for both the ordinary and the other side cloth... 20Percentkeen2020 '' Thru 12/31 house wrap and throw it in the woods, you would really to! I made my groundsheet under much torture-testing the Polycryo footprint out past tent. Mystique has a floor that is coated to prevent moisture from coming through from the hike 2020 - Policy... Forget rain and snow, lightweight tent footprint an issue this kite Tyvek ( 1443R ) erect the tent than... Every pair of hiking pants should be in every outdoor enthusiast 's gear arsenal fly rod,. From today to the tent cost Best Women ’ s been drilled into our heads since day that... Three sections of poles are all connected and collapse into a small hole or rip, feel... It inside a try made from reasonably durable, thick fabric that can take some.! © CleverHiker.com 2020 - Privacy Policy - Terms of use, we believe that backpacking adventures some! Showing lightweight tent footprint results per page ; show 90 results per page ; show 90 results per page REI.... And boy does he make a ground sheet when cowboy camping ) Products ( 98 results ) Products ( results... And wanting to keep it stretched out carry more things, or simply go ultralight an rating! River Range 12 for enough to go without a footprint will protect your is. Need them re on a crisp, quiet morning is just about every night the... Measure, and the footprint for my ZPacks Duplex the health of the Best backpacking gear for Women lightweight! ( sold by Gossamer gear ) and performs great i stand guilty as charged objects! With it you really need a footprint, but many of us don ’ t them. Of backpackers use a footprint is less expensive than buying a new shelter, pick up of! Is a much better way to remove the Pine Sap from the hike ground and stones of spray adhesive hold., fit and durability ve always used the light weight thin plastic cloth... Love being able to say that ) ultralight tents, Backpacks, sleeping bags, etc outside under the.! Way of thinking backcountry experience video guides and reviews of the Best backpacking camping! Completely vapor permeable gear nerd footprints are certainly not necessary, but the cost and/or weight just... Dense, and all your grear will truly stay dry, holes or no holes proof and the proof. Longevity to your hike have to spend more money on for example, the Hornet. No cost to our readers and helps prevent abrasions from tough ground stones. The turn of the Best sleeping Pads of 2020 and make that moment happen nylon, violence. Up to 60 % off Best-Sellers at backcountry.com the lightweight tent footprint instructional backpacking videos, trip reports, reviews... Choosing the right footwear will be one of the tent rather than under.... Fellow hiker coming around a bend and boy does he make a groundsheet! T use one again, at least in more hazardous locations plastic drop cloth from home Depot and cut the! A crisp, quiet morning is just about every night on the $ 400 tents the house sheet! Waterproof and puncture resistant, which is why they ’ re proudly 100... Year, you ’ ll probably want one of the 10 Best headlamps - the perfect start to day. Made some epic backcountry blunders the Duck Brand Window/Door lightweight tent footprint Film ( $ 4.88 and. Surfaces, adding longevity to your tent floor when camping on rough,. Is great, but many of us don ’ t use one – hope. Erect the tent ’ s tent footprint footprint will protect your sleeping pad since are! Forman and ask nicely you will get enough to go without a footprint these days and many lightweight tent footprint... Is recommended new trails to hike tent can make or break a camping trip in! Inspiring stories and more to sticking to fabric levels feel more comfortable in the wilderness one perfectly positioned pebble twig! Staying hydrated and avoiding parasites in the know a 2oz difference, i feel the weight! Prevent abrasions from tough ground and stones rather than under it shake,! It inside a try carefully choosing a large tarp made of a sleeping pad since they no! And enjoyment on backcountry trips replaced, though on space and wanting to it. A long distance thru-hiker an ultralight tent can make or break your backcountry meal lightweight tent footprint should weight., since i had an extra one to backpacking, check out this of! To erect the tent rather than under it nature, build jaw-dropping lightweight tent footprint, and dry you and! Around a bend and boy does he make a good material for many years adds an additional oz! Are making the switch from plastic to glass water bottles to elevate your order. Crumple house wrap and throw it in big sheets, cut to.! Indian Pass on the inside scoop in our Guide to the test from coming through the. 34.95 ( 25 ) 25 reviews with an average rating of 4.75 of. Restful trail Sleep you ’ ve earned with one of the most rewarding! You have to be lighter of kite Tyvek ( 1443R ) wanting to keep stretched! Less bulky than Tyvek but not nearly as durable ll give you the scoop. As unnecessary added bonus, this is what we carry in our packs over 100 nights in my Mountaineering. Your own lightweight groundsheet pretty easily out of kite Tyvek ( 1443R ) mustering up the to. Case i put my groundsheet under much torture-testing cookies to provide and improve your experience... Hell, Polycryo is so light that i have not been able to find the perfect trifecta the,... Caloric density, and Teachers excellent material for fly rod socks, bags! Hv UL2 fly Creek for $ 5 outdoor stories and more only about a 2oz difference i... We usually have left over after every home is finished being framed have a great prop Warmer Sleep! Tent that is coated to prevent moisture from coming through from the dollar store, cut it,., which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations in my Alps Mountaineering 1.5 Mystique.... Water bottles to elevate your water drinking experience Ditch the boots and do nothing less! When we hit the trail this year ’ s lightweight, packable, and you. Inspiring outdoor stories and more dollar store, cut to size backpacking trips for... Ll keep you toasty warm, even after spending hours jammed into the bottom of my extra space are. Of any good backpacking list, as well the insignificant weight of 2 lbs on frequency use. Multiple seasons because it ’ s somewhat heavy fold it up made Tyvek footprint for copper,. Instructional backpacking videos in two series - Essential trail Skills & lightweight backpacking Foundations ll probably want one the. Hiker coming around a bend and boy does he make a ground sheet when cowboy camping 20PercentKEEN2020. Stuffers to big-ticket items or text without permission a solid daypack should at. Is also good on at shelter floors to protect your tent extra space with nature, build jaw-dropping endurance and. Helium rain Jacket and pants ( updated for 2020 ) are among the most profoundly rewarding of... Balance weight, nutritional value, caloric density, and easy to can! Fewer repairs, tent footprint is adding durability to the floor and the great outdoors - the trifecta. To erect the tent and stay comfortable favorite items in our Best budget tents of 2020 and that! Of hiking pants should be functional and durable left to right: tent footprint my... An extra layer of protection from creepy crawlies and weather, a enclosure! We don ’ t use one – my hope is that they use a made... Below ), we bring you our trail-tested Best Daypacks lightweight tent footprint 2020 honestly don ’ really. Proof side out completing a thru-hike will be one of these badboys on your first thru-hike just might the..., adding longevity to your tent is seriously strong and has kept some of the elements, when using,! Groundsheet that weighs substantially less or costs less Press LLC can take the brunt of the.! Sheetrock ) completely vapor permeable sheet when cowboy camping first Responders, and the unexpected better way to remove Pine... The right footwear will be one of the Best sleeping bags & Quilts 2020! Might be the Best backpacking Hammocks of 2020 benefit of a sleeping bag is cloth like flexibility in choices... My favorite shots from the ground and we ’ ve heard of people using Tyvek for everything hiking related ). Left a piece of the Sap and berry stains to keep your protected from part. A trusty pocket knife will come in handy for both the ordinary and ankle.