Tent footprints

[Bob]

Sewed mine from silnylon, put stretch cords on it to keep it tight under tent. Lighter than Tyvek.

 

[HomerJ]

I went with your suggestion and got this one. Looks good. Just need to trim it down to size. Did you throw yours in the wash to soften it more? Doesn't seem too bad as it is. Also, one side seems softer with more "dimples"...does it matter which side goes down/up?

Thanks for the recommendation!

Yes, I threw mine in the wash. I don't think it matters which side you put down.

 

[Duke]

Steve, I don't have personal experience with it, but I've seen recommendations for the Tyvek 14M or 1443R material rather than the standard building grade. It's lighter and quieter. Maybe worth a try?
http://www.amazon.com/E-I-DuPont-Tyvek-Kitemaking-Material/dp/B001TO4QVA
http://questoutfitters.com/uncoated_fabrics.htm#TYVEK

Or if you prefer a super lightweight option.
http://gossamergear.com/polycryo-ground-cloth-large.html

Thanks River, this looks like a good idea. I buy bargain-bin footprints at Recreation Outlet in SLC that are not specific to my tents but are big enough that they fit and.....they work OK. This looks like a much better idea.

 

[Bob]

If you are using, wash the Tyvek a couple of times, gets rid of most of the noise

 

[steve]

and make sure you don't use soap or detergent on your tyvek, it'll shrink and eat it.

 

[SirDonB]

forgive my not knowingness, I think I have an idea what a tent footprint is, however, could someone tell me what it is. I have no idea and never heard of it before. Upon starting to read this thread, I had a different idea about a tent footprint.

 

[Duke]

forgive my not knowingness, I think I have an idea what a tent footprint is, however, could someone tell me what it is. I have no idea and never heard of it before. Upon starting to read this thread, I had a different idea about a tent footprint.

a piece of fabric that is the same shape as the bottom of the tent and put underneath to protect that soft, expensive, silky, flimsy, irreplaceable tent bottom. Many manufacturers sell them custom made for a specific tent.

 

[SirDonB]

a piece of fabric that is the same shape as the bottom of the tent and put underneath to protect that soft, expensive, silky, flimsy, irreplaceable tent bottom. Many manufacturers sell them custom made for a specific tent.

Thank you Duke... I usually buy the tents that already have a tarp like bottom on them then sometimes put another tarp down depending on the terra firma that I am setting up on. It has not been that big a deal since most of the tents I have owned have been square and I have been able to find a tarp that was a close enough fit.