Ever wondered if you need that extra piece of gear under your tent? You’re not alone. Some hikers consider it a must-have piece of gear, while others call it a waste of space. Whether you call it a tent footprint, ground tarp, or tent groundsheet, this simple barrier between your tent and the ground sparks more debate than you’d expect. According to REI’s expert advice, choosing the right ground protection depends on your gear priorities, like weight, durability, and terrain.
Here’s the truth: both ground tarps and tent footprints serve the same basic purpose, but they’re built differently and excel in different situations. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your camping style, from weight and cost comparisons to real-world performance on rocky trails and soggy campsites.
What Is a Tent Footprint?
A tent footprint is a lightweight, custom-fit ground sheet designed specifically for your tent model. Think of it as a tailored suit for your tent floor; it matches the exact shape and size of your tent’s base, sometimes even including cutouts for tent pole placements.
Most tent manufacturers sell footprints as add-on accessories. Tent footprints sold at REI can weigh anywhere from 7 ounces to 8 pounds, depending on the size and material. They’re usually made from ripstop nylon or polyester with a waterproof coating, prioritizing lightweight design over heavy-duty protection.
The main tent footprint benefits include perfect size matching, lighter weight, and easy setup since you don’t have to guess where to place it or worry about excess material sticking out from under your tent.
What Is a Ground Tarp?
A ground tarp is a versatile, rectangular piece of waterproof material that can protect your tent floor, serve as a picnic blanket, or even work as an emergency shelter. Unlike footprints, tarps come in standard sizes and aren’t designed for specific tent models.
Ground tarps are typically thicker and more durable than tent footprints. They’re made from materials like polyethylene, canvas, or heavy-duty nylon. While they’re heavier, they offer more protection against sharp rocks, sticks, and rough terrain.
The biggest advantage? Flexibility. One tarp can work with multiple tents, and you can use it for other camping tasks when it’s not under your tent.
Tent Footprint vs Tarp: Key Differences
| Feature | Tent Footprint | Ground Tarp |
| Weight | 8-16 oz (standard) 4-8 oz (ultralight) | 1-3 lbs (standard) 8-16 oz (ultralight) |
| Cost | $40-80 (standard) $80-150 (ultralight) | $15-30 (basic) $40-80 (quality) $100-200 (premium) |
| Durability | Moderate – lighter materials | High – thicker, more puncture-resistant |
| Setup Time | 30 seconds. Perfect fit | 2-3 minutes. Requires positioning |
| Versatility | Single-purpose only | Multiple uses (shelter, picnic blanket, gear cover) |
| Size Options | Custom-fit for a specific tent | Standard rectangular sizes |
| Best For | Ultralight backpacking, frequent same-tent use | Car camping, rough terrain, multi-tent owners |
| Water Protection | 1,500-3,000mm rating | 1,000-5,000mm+ rating |
| Pack Size | Very compact | Bulkier when packed |
| Lifespan | Bulkier when packed | 5-10+ years with proper care |
Weight Comparison Between Tent Footprint and Tarp
The weight difference between tent footprints and tarps can make or break your backpacking trip. A typical 2-person tent footprint weighs 8-16 ounces, while a comparable ground tarp tips the scales at 1-3 pounds or more. For thru-hikers carrying gear for weeks, that extra pound translates to significant fatigue over hundreds of miles.
Here’s the real-world impact: switching from a 2-pound tarp to an 8-ounce footprint saves you 24 ounces, enough weight to carry an extra day’s worth of food or a warmer sleeping bag.
However, the weight gap narrows with ultralight tarps. The Kifaru Sheep Tarp weighs only nine ounces but is capable of withstanding winds to 60 mph. High-end tarp materials like Dyneema can match footprint weights while offering superior durability. These premium tarps cost more upfront but deliver tarp versatility at footprint weights.
Pro tip: Calculate weight per square foot of protection. Some compact footprints offer better weight efficiency than oversized tarps you’ll never fully utilize.
Weight Distribution Analysis:
- Ultralight Backpacking (sub-10 lb base weight): Footprints are essential; every saved ounce matters
- Traditional Backpacking (15-25 lb base weight): Either option works; comfort becomes the deciding factor
- Car Camping: Weight irrelevant, prioritize durability and multi-use functionality
Cost Comparison: Breaking Down the Real Value
The price difference tells only part of the story. Ground tarps often win on initial cost – basic models start around $15-30, while tent footprints from major brands run $40-80.
But dig deeper into the cost per use. A quality ground tarp works with multiple tents and serves other purposes, potentially lasting 5-10 years with proper care. A tent footprint might last 3-5 years, but it only works with one specific tent model.
Here’s the math: A $60 tarp used with three different tents over eight years costs $2.50 per tent per year. A $50 footprint used with one tent for four years costs $12.50 per year. The tarp delivers five times better value.
Premium options flip this equation. High-end ultralight tarps can cost $150-200, while ultralight footprints run $80-120. For single-tent users prioritizing weight, the footprint offers better bang for your buck.
Hidden Costs to Consider:
- Footprints: Need to buy new ones when upgrading tents
- Tarps: May require additional tie-downs or stakes for windy conditions
- Repairs: Tarp patches cost $2-5, footprint repairs often require the manufacturer’s warranty
What Makes a Difference Between a Tarp and a Tent Footprint?
Understanding materials helps predict real-world performance. Tent footprints typically use 20-70 denier ripstop nylon with polyurethane coatings. This creates a lightweight barrier that’s surprisingly tough for its weight.
Ground tarps use heavier materials: 70-210 denier nylon, polyethylene plastic (measured in mils), or canvas. The trade-off is clear: more protection means more weight.
Denier Breakdown:
- 20-30D: Ultralight footprints, handle smooth terrain well
- 40-70D: Standard footprints, good all-around protection
- 70-140D: Light tarps, balance weight, and durability
- 210D+: Heavy-duty tarps, maximum puncture resistance
Coating Technologies:
- Polyurethane (PU): Standard waterproofing, good value
- Silicone: Lighter, more packable, higher cost
- PE Laminate: Bombproof but heavier, used in expedition tarps
Tarp and Tent Footprint Durability and Protection
Material thickness makes the difference between a good night’s sleep and a 3 AM tent floor repair. Ground tarps typically use 70-210 denier fabric, while tent footprints often use 30-70 denier materials to save weight.
Here’s what that means in rocky terrain: A 6-mil polyethylene tarp shrugs off sharp granite that would puncture a 30-denier nylon footprint. The thicker material also handles repeated folding, stuffing, and ground contact better.
But durability isn’t just about thickness. Tent footprints use higher-quality materials with better tear resistance and UV protection. A ripstop nylon footprint might outlast a basic polyethylene tarp in normal conditions, even at half the thickness.
Consider your camping style: Car campers dealing with established sites favor footprint convenience, while backcountry adventurers on rough terrain benefit from tarp durability.
Durability Testing Results:
- Puncture Resistance: 6-mil tarp > 70D footprint > 40D footprint > 20D ultralight
- Tear Strength: Ripstop footprint > woven tarp > PE tarp
- UV Resistance: Silicone-treated > PU-coated > untreated PE
- Abrasion Resistance: Canvas tarp > PE tarp > nylon footprint
Suggested Reads- How To Stay Warm In A Tent
Setup and Sizing of Tarp and Tent Footprint
Setup speed matters when the weather turns ugly, especially if you’re still learning how to set up a tent. Tent footprints eliminate guesswork – they match your tent’s dimensions exactly, so there’s no measuring, folding, or tucking required. Just lay it down and set up your tent on top. Total time: under 30 seconds.
Tarps demand more attention. Position them wrong and you’ll collect rainwater around your tent or leave sections of floor unprotected. The learning curve isn’t steep, but mistakes happen when you’re tired or rushed.
Smart campers solve this by pre-marking their tarp or trimming it to size. Mark your tent corners on the tarp with a permanent marker, or trim it 1-2 inches smaller than your tent floor. This one-time prep gives you footprint-like convenience with tarp versatility.
The sizing sweet spot: Your ground protection should be slightly smaller than your tent floor. Excess material creates water collection points that can flood your tent floor from underneath.
Setup Time Comparison (Experienced Camper):
- Perfect conditions: Footprint 30 sec, Tarp 45 sec
- Windy conditions: Footprint 45 sec, Tarp 2 min (requires stakes)
- Dark/rain: Footprint 1 min, Tarp 3-5 min (higher error rate)
Common Sizing Mistakes:
- Tarp extends beyond the tent edges (creates a water funnel)
- Footprint too small, leaves tent corners exposed
- Wrong orientation causes pole attachment issues
- Folded edges create pressure points that puncture the tent floor
Performance in Different Conditions
Rocky/Alpine Terrain: Ground tarps excel here. Their thicker materials resist sharp edges and provide cushioning that protects both the tent floor and sleeping pad. Expect 2-3x longer tent life on rough terrain with a quality tarp.
Wet/Muddy Conditions: Both work well, but tarps offer more coverage area for gear staging. The extra material creates a “front porch” effect where you can remove muddy boots before entering the tent.
Sand/Desert Camping: Footprints struggle with fine sand infiltration through tent mesh. Tarps provide better ground coverage and can be shaken out easily. The smooth surface also prevents sand from adhering as much.
Snow/Winter Camping: Tarps provide better insulation from cold ground and more versatility for snow management. The larger size helps create defined camping areas and can double as a sled for gear transport.
High-Wind Conditions: Footprints stay put better due to the precise tent fit. Tarps may require additional tie-downs or stakes, adding complexity and weight. However, heavy-duty tarps handle extreme conditions better than ultralight footprints.
Advantages of Using a Tent Footprint
Tent footprints shine in specific situations. For ultralight backpacking, the weight savings can make or break your pack weight goals. The custom fit means no fussing with positioning or worrying about material sticking out in the rain.
They’re convenient for frequent campers, particularly those using compact camping tents for two. No guesswork, no measuring, just perfect protection every time.
Tent footprint benefits over tarp include faster setup, lighter weight, and a cleaner campsite appearance. If you’re tent camping in good conditions and weight matters, footprints are hard to beat.
What are the Tarp Benefits Camping Enthusiasts Love?
Ground tarps offer versatility that footprints can’t match. One tarp works with multiple tents, doubles as a picnic blanket, and can even serve as an emergency shelter or gear coverage.
For car campers or those who prioritize durability, tarps provide better protection against rough terrain. The extra material also lets you create a clean area outside your tent entrance, great for muddy boots or gear staging.
Tarp benefits camping include multi-use functionality, better protection, and lower cost per use since one tarp serves multiple purposes.
Should I Use a Tarp or a Footprint Under a Tent?
The answer depends on your camping style and priorities:
Choose a tent footprint if:
- Weight is your top concern (backpacking, hiking)
- You always use the same tent
- You camp on established, relatively smooth sites
- Quick setup matters more than maximum protection
Choose a ground tarp if:
- You have multiple tents or change tents frequently
- You camp on rough, rocky, or challenging terrain
- Cost is a major factor
- You want gear that serves multiple purposes
- Car camping, where weight isn’t critical
Suggested Reads- How To Choose A Tent For Camping
Tent Footprint Sizing Tips
When shopping for a footprint, stick with your tent manufacturer’s model if available. Third-party options work but may not fit as precisely.
If going generic, measure your tent floor carefully and look for footprints that match closely. It’s better to go slightly smaller than larger; excess material collecting water is worse than missing an inch of coverage.
For DIY solutions, trim it to be about 1-2 inches smaller than your tent floor to ensure proper water runoff.
Conclusion
The tent footprint vs tarp debate doesn’t have a universal winner. Your choice depends on balancing weight, cost, durability, and convenience based on your specific camping needs.
Ultralight backpackers will likely prefer footprints for weight savings. Car campers and those who need maximum durability will lean toward tarps. Many experienced campers keep both options and choose based on the specific trip.
Whatever you choose, using some form of ground protection extends your tent’s life and improves comfort. Whether it’s a custom tent footprint or a versatile ground tarp, you’ll sleep better knowing your gear is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tent footprint vs a tarp in terms of setup time?
Tent footprints are faster to set up since they match your tent’s exact dimensions. Just lay it down and place your tent on top. Tarps require positioning and sometimes folding excess material, adding 2-3 minutes to setup time.
Should I use a tarp or footprint under the tent for winter camping?
For winter camping, ground tarps often work better due to superior insulation and durability against snow and ice. The extra material also helps create a clean area for gear management in snowy conditions.
What is the tent footprint over a tarp for weight-conscious hikers?
Tent footprints typically weigh 50-70% less than comparable tarps, making them ideal for backpacking. They also pack smaller and fit precisely under your tent without extra material to manage.
Can I use a tarp as a footprint for multiple tent sizes?
Yes, one appropriately sized tarp can work with multiple tents. Choose a size that works with your largest tent, then fold or position it as needed for smaller tents. This makes tarps more versatile for campers with different tents.
How do tarp vs tent footprint waterproofing compare?
Both provide excellent waterproofing when used correctly. Tent footprints typically offer 1,500-3,000mm water resistance, while tarps range from 1,000mm (basic) to 5,000mm+ (heavy-duty). Proper positioning matters more than raw numbers for staying dry.
