Read This To Generate Quality Results By Selling Camping Tents
Read This To Generate Quality Results By Selling Camping Tents
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How to Choose a Tent Footprint
Choosing the right tent footprint will depend on how often you camp, where and what kind of terrain you'll be using your tent on. Consider fabric denier ratings as well since a footprint with a higher denier rating will be thicker and offer better durability.
How can I make my tent look pretty?
Many backpackers make their own footprints using painters drop cloth or other similar materials from the hardware store. This will save money but it's not as durable as a manufacturer-specific footprint or alternatives like Tyvek.
Material
A footprint is usually made from nylon or polyester, and it’s placed between a tent and the ground to protect the floor of the tent from abrasive elements like sharp twigs, jagged rocks and gritty surfaces. It can also help extend the life of a tent by protecting the sewn-in groundsheet from rips and tears.
It’s a good idea to choose a footprint that matches the size and shape of your tent. A footprint that’s too large can create a space between it and the bottom of the tent that allows rainwater to accumulate and soak through the floor fabric.
It’s also important to avoid choosing a footprint that’s too small. If a footprint is too small, it may get wet and dirty when you pack up the tent and put it away. This can lead to a lot of work cleaning and drying the tent when you’re ready to use it again.
Durability
The best tent footprints are made from durable fabrics like polyurethane and nylon, and they’re designed to fit the floor of your tent precisely so moisture doesn’t pool on top of it and soak into the tent. However, if you’re on a tight budget and a manufacturer-specific footprint is too expensive for your tastes (footprints cost between $40 and $90) you can make one yourself using a generic plastic tarp that’s available at most DIY or hardware stores or online.
Footprints are a good idea for anyone who camps in rocky or rough terrain, especially if the ground has lots of potential sharp edges or rocks or is muddy or gritty. They can also help extend the life of your tent by protecting it from abrasive objects and moisture, says Nguyen. But they’re not necessary if you camp in fairly smooth conditions where the sewn-in groundsheet of your tent is likely to do the job just fine.
Waterproofing
Many campers may question whether or not a tent footprint is really worth the extra expense and weight. After all, the floor of most modern tents is already made from waterproof fabrics such as silnylon or dyneema, so adding a footprint to your pack can seem a bit redundant.
If the ground on which you are camping is wet throughout your stay, then a footprint will come in handy as it can help to prevent the sewn-in floor of your tent becoming saturated and potentially damaged. However, it is important to remember that a in tents waterproof footprint will also need some care and maintenance.
In general, it is best to keep a tent footprint clean by using a handheld broom to sweep away any dirt or debris that becomes stuck to it. This will help to prolong its lifespan and ensure it is still effective when you need it next time. Similarly, it is a good idea to rinse your footprint after each use to avoid any build-up of mold or mildew.
Weight
Many tent manufacturers offer their own branded footprints that are specifically made to match a particular tent model. While this is a convenient option, it does come at a cost in terms of weight and price.
If you’re on a budget, you may opt for an alternative like a piece of tarp. However, it is important to note that using a tarp for your footprint could result in it becoming slippery over time, potentially causing it to slip and pull away from the grommets and tie outs of your tent.
Additionally, it’s not a good idea to cut a tarp to size because doing so can cause it to bunch up underneath your tent. This can lead to rain water pooling up underneath and seeping in through the floor (waterproof fabrics aren’t terribly vapor proof). Additionally, if you cut your tarp too close to the edge of the tent you run the risk of it fraying and puncturing your shelter.
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