Every experienced camper knows that a tent footprint is one of the most important things to bring on a camping trip. A tent footprint is a piece of cloth or tarp that you place under your tent to protect the bottom from abrasion and to keep it dry. While some campers choose to go without a footprint, wise campers know that it is an essential item. Here are three good reasons to always carry a good tent footprint with you when you go camping.
First, a tent footprint will help extend your tent's life. The bottom of your tent is constantly exposed to the elements, and over time, this can lead to wear and tear. A footprint provides an extra layer of protection, preventing premature ageing of your tent.
Second, footprints can keep you dry in wet conditions. The ground will quickly become muddy and wet if it rains while camping. Without footprints, the bottom of your tent will absorb all this moisture, making for a cold and uncomfortable night's sleep. However, if you have a footprint in place, it will keep the mud and water out, ensuring that you stay dry.
Finally, footprints can provide insulation in cold weather. In warm weather, we often consider tents to protect us from the sun. However, tents can act as iceboxes in cold weather, trapping in cold air and making for an uncomfortable night's sleep. A footprint helps insulate the bottom of your tent, preventing this from happening.
You can see many good reasons to carry a tent footprint with you on your camping trips. Don't be caught without one!