There is nothing better than outdoor campings on summer nights. Before each trip, you should prepare the necessary tools and devices in handy. Is a cover footprint important?
This question is asked all the time. Some campers assume that it’s not mandatory to have footprints for trips.
Do you peg a tent footprint? The truth is that this device is not compulsory, but it’s better to use this equipment while camping.
Whether your shelter is expensive or cheap, you should equip it with a footprint because it will help protect your awning and many other reasons.
Let’s look at this article to get an in-depth explanation and the best way to use your shelter footprint. Scroll down!
What Is A Tent Footprint And Its Use?
Before delving into the primary reasons why you need to use a footprint, it’s better to take a grasp of its concept. What is it?
In its simplest terms, a footprint, also called groundsheet, ground cloth, or tent ground cover, is a wide piece of waterproof cloth that can cover the terrain beneath your awning.
Its purpose is to serve as a barrier between the floor of your shelter and the area to prevent the floor of the awning. It can provide an additional shield against abrasion by rocky and rough terrain.
It can be useful for preventing water from leaking, insulating the floor, keeping the awning clean, or cushioning the rough, gritty terrain.
In terms of design, most ground cloths resemble basic tarps and are usually constructed of impermeable and synthetic fabrics.
Do You Peg A Tent Footprint?
The short answer is yes! Pegging a ground cover for your shelter is not compulsory but recommendable. You can gain various privileges from this commonsensical equipment.
How do you benefit from it? The answer is right below. Let’s scroll down to get a detailed explanation!
Why Do You Need To Peg A Tent Footprint?
Here are the main reasons you should equip your shelter with a ground cloth.
Increase The Lifespan Of Your Shelter
Even though your awning comes with a built-in groundsheet, purchasing a footprint is a perfectly reasonable decision. That’s because this sew-in groundsheet is not as durable as this device.
This useful tool will help protect your floor from wearing away or being cut from loose branches and stones.
This equipment acts the same way as a phone case with the same purpose – to protect and prolong the lifespan of treasured items.
Add Additional Warmth
Most of your heat escapes through the ground when you’re out camping. Thus, leaving a ground cloth will keep you warm. Many campers grossly underestimate how much temperature your body may escape in this manner.
Placing this item at the bottom of your shelter will add a layer. This extra cushion will lift you off the ground to some extent and help reduce warmth loss to the terrain.
In combination with a comfortable sleeping pad or air mattress, it will provide a comfortable sleep at night.
Add Extra Waterproofing
In heavy conditions, the floor of your shelter can be soaked with rainwater. It will be even more disadvantageous if your shelter is considerably old and frayed.
In this case, a waterproof cover will help you out. The extra layer of a ground cover will keep rain from leaking into your shelter and soaking your sleeping bag, clothing, and other belongings.
What’s more, this equipment is useful for hectic mornings when you are too busy wiping dew off before packing. Don’t worry! The groundsheet will do this work for you.
It can help you absorb dampness and mud residue, preventing potential mold from accumulating inside the shelter. Also, cleaning a smaller sheet is always easier than a big shelter.
Easily Position Your Shelter
It might be challenging to find a suitable location for your awning. Even though the area appears ideal, it may be too tiny or uneven to accommodate your shelter.
Because of its minimalist dimension, draping this waterproof item on the terrain and sizing up your location is just a breeze.
Before you set up, you should lay down on the surface of the ground cloth to ensure that the forest floor is flat and even.
How To Peg A Footprint?
After understanding clearly the benefits that a ground cover can bring, you might consider purchasing one for your next trip. If you don’t know how to peg it, don’t stress. The step-by-step instructions are below.
Put The Footprint On The Ground
First, you need to determine where you want to set your awning up. Next, put the ground cloth in the desired area on the ground.
Whether you’re unsure which ground cover sheet side goes up, check its label to detect if the top is indicated.
It would be best to place the waterproof, coated side on top and the uncoated side at the bottom. Make sure the groundsheet is fully flat by sequentially pulling on each corner.
Place The Footprint Underneath The Tent Base
Set up your shelter on top of the groundsheet. Insert the pole peaks into the foot’s grommets to fix the groundsheet to your shelter. Moreover, you can use available straps of the ground cloth to attach the awning.
Make Sure The Tent Base Entirely Cover The Footprint
While setting up the waterproof sheet, ensure it does not protrude from the awning. If this situation happens, rainwater will gather on the groundsheet surface and flow between the ground cloth and the shelter.
If you want to understand more effective methods to set up footprints, let’s watch this video:
FAQs
What Size Of My Footprint Should I Choose?
This item should ideally be somewhat smaller than the tent’s base. It prevents water from accumulating between your groundsheet and your shelter.
What Is The Composition Of A Footprint?
The material for this item might be different. Still, the majority are made of polyethylene, long-lasting, and easy to wash.
Besides, you can find some made of oxford or more economical denier polyester substance, which is considerably lightweight.
Does A Tent Footprint Go Inside Or Outside?
It is a controversial question. Overall, the groundsheet should be placed outside and underneath the tent floor.
In the event of rain, if the groundsheet stretches exceeding the tent’s walls, the rain will flow off the shelter and onto the groundsheet, eventually running beneath the ground.
Can I Utilize A Tarp As A Tent Footprint?
The short answer is yes. That’s because a tarp has nearly the same durability and functions as a ground cloth. Thus, you can utilize it to protect your shelter from natural elements and ground debris.
In A Nutshell
This article has ultimately got to the bottom of the commonly asked question: do you peg a tent footprint? The short answer is yes. Though this device is not compulsory in the camping set, you still need to add it to your trips.
Hopefully, you will find the explanations helpful! Thanks for reading, and see you in the next post!
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