Tent Footprints for Backpackers, Families, and Car Camping
For most campers, the ALPS Mountaineering Tent Footprint offers the closest fit and strongest waterproofing. The Naturehike Tent Footprint Groundsheet costs less while still blocking ground moisture. Campers wanting a multipurpose option should consider the MARCHWAY Multipurpose Waterproof Tarp, which doubles as a rain shelter or picnic mat.
The ALPS Mountaineering Tent Footprint fits specific ALPS tent models with precision, making it the top pick for owners of that brand. Coated polyester taffeta resists puncture and pooling water better than generic tarps. Campers without a matching ALPS tent will need a universal footprint instead.
Footprint sizing rarely matches tent dimensions exactly, and folding excess material underneath a tent can trap rainwater. Some campers prioritize low pack weight, others want a tarp that doubles as a rain shelter or picnic mat. We compared listed material, grommet placement, and packed size against tent specifications and owner feedback.
The top picks, ranked
ALPS Mountaineering Tent Footprint
This footprint is cut to match specific ALPS Mountaineering tent models rather than a generic rectangle. Waterproof coated polyester taffeta keeps ground moisture from soaking through. Grommets line up with the tent’s own stake out loops for a snug pitch.
Pros
- Matches tent floor dimensions exactly
- Grommets align with existing stake loops
- Coated fabric sheds water reliably
Cons
- Only fits corresponding ALPS tent models
- Priced higher than universal tarps
Naturehike Tent Footprint Groundsheet
210T polyester with a waterproof underside coating makes up this groundsheet. Multiple size options cover everything from small backpacking tents to larger family tents. Folded down, it fits into a compact packed size alongside most tent stuff sacks.
Pros
- Multiple sizes fit different tents
- Packs small for storage
- Priced below fitted footprints
Cons
- Coating can wear faster on rough ground
- May need trimming for an exact fit
MARCHWAY Multipurpose Waterproof Tarp
Ripstop polyester gives this tarp resistance to tearing on rocky or root covered ground. Beyond footprint duty, campers use it as a picnic mat, gear tarp, or emergency rain shelter. Multiple sizes and colors let it match different tent floors or group needs.
Pros
- Doubles as shelter or picnic mat
- Ripstop fabric resists tears
- Available in several sizes
Cons
- Not cut to fit specific tent models
- Thinner material than dedicated footprints
Coleman Tent Footprint
Coleman sizes this footprint for its own dome and instant tent lineup, simplifying the matching process. Durable polyethylene shrugs off gravel and twigs at drive up campsites. Edge grommets let it stake down alongside the tent itself.
Pros
- Sized specifically for Coleman tent models
- Polyethylene holds up on rough ground
- Grommets simplify staking setup
Cons
- Heavier than backpacking oriented footprints
- Only matches Coleman tent dimensions
Featherstone Outdoor UL Tent Footprint
Thru-hikers and backpackers are the target for this silicone coated nylon footprint. Ultralight material keeps pack weight down without giving up waterproofing. An included stuff sack compresses it to a small packed size for tight pack spaces.
Pros
- Very low packed weight
- Silicone coating adds water resistance
- Stuff sack keeps gear organized
Cons
- Thinner fabric needs careful ground clearing
- Less abrasion resistance than heavier footprints
ZOMAKE Waterproof Camping Tarp
Large family and group tents that dedicated footprints rarely cover are the target size for this tarp. Ripstop material resists tearing under heavier foot traffic near tent entrances. Reinforced corner grommets hold up when staked down in windy conditions.
Pros
- Covers large group tent footprints
- Reinforced grommets resist wind stress
- Ripstop fabric handles heavy foot traffic
Cons
- Bulkier to pack than smaller footprints
- Overkill for solo or two-person tents
Coghlan’s Tent Footprint
Simple polyethylene sheeting and straightforward grommet corners keep this footprint uncomplicated. Several sizing options cover smaller tents without added coatings or features. It works as an entry level pick for occasional campers protecting a tent floor.
Pros
- Simple design covers basic needs
- Corner grommets allow easy staking
- Sized options fit smaller tents
Cons
- Lacks reinforcement for heavy use
- Thinner material than ripstop or ultralight options
How they stack up
| # | Model | Material | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ALPS Mountaineering Tent Footprint | Polyester taffeta with waterproof coating | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Naturehike Tent Footprint Groundsheet | 210T polyester with waterproof coating | Best value | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | MARCHWAY Multipurpose Waterproof Tarp | Ripstop polyester | Best multipurpose | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Coleman Tent Footprint | Polyethylene | Best for car camping | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Featherstone Outdoor UL Tent Footprint | Silicone-coated nylon | Best for backpacking | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | ZOMAKE Waterproof Camping Tarp | Ripstop polyester | Best for large group tents | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Coghlan’s Tent Footprint | Polyethylene sheeting | Best for basic ground protection | 8.2 | Check price |
Before you buy
What to Look for in Footprint Material Polyethylene sheeting costs less but stiffens and cracks in cold weather. Ripstop polyester and nylon resist tearing while packing down smaller. Silicone or polyurethane coatings add waterproofing without much extra weight.
Matching Footprint Dimensions to Your Tent Floor A footprint cut larger than the tent floor collects rain and channels it underneath. Sizing it slightly smaller than the tent base keeps water running off the edges instead. Grommet placement should align with your tent’s stake out loops for a secure pitch.
Best Tent Footprint for Backpacking and Long Trails Every extra ounce counts on multi-day trails, so ultralight nylon footprints under a pound are worth the tradeoff. Compact stuff sacks free up pack space compared to bulkier tarps. Durability drops slightly with thinner material, so clearing sharp ground debris still matters.
Car Camping and Group Tents Need Tougher Coverage Vehicle based trips allow heavier polyethylene or reinforced tarps since pack weight is not a concern. Large group tents demand oversized dimensions with reinforced corner grommets to handle wind load. Budget tarps can double as picnic mats or rain shelters between camping trips.
Questions worth asking
Do I need a tent footprint?
Footprints reduce abrasion and puncture risk from rocks, roots, and grit under a tent floor. Skipping one on rough terrain often leads to premature wear on the tent’s floor fabric.
What is the difference between a tent footprint and a tarp?
A dedicated footprint is cut to match a specific tent’s floor dimensions, with grommets aligned to its stake loops. A general tarp covers wider uses but may need trimming or folding to fit properly.
Can I use a regular tarp as a tent footprint?
Yes, ripstop tarps like the MARCHWAY or ZOMAKE work well as long as the edges tuck under the tent instead of extending past it. Exposed material left outside the tent can collect rainwater and funnel it underneath.
What size footprint do I need for my tent?
Measure your tent’s floor length and width, then choose a footprint slightly smaller on each side. Naturehike and MARCHWAY both offer multiple size options for different tent dimensions.
Is a footprint or ground cloth better for backpacking?
Ultralight footprints like the Featherstone Outdoor UL trade some durability for lower pack weight. Heavier ground cloths last longer but add ounces that matter on multi-day trails.
Does a tent footprint go under or on top of the tent?
It goes underneath the tent floor, between the ground and the tent body. Placing it on top defeats its purpose of blocking abrasion and moisture.
What material is best for a tent footprint?
Ripstop nylon and polyester with silicone or polyurethane coatings resist tears while staying lightweight. Polyethylene sheeting costs less but stiffens in cold temperatures and adds bulk.
Which tent footprint works best for wet ground camping?
Coated polyester options like the ALPS Mountaineering or Naturehike footprint block moisture better than uncoated sheeting. Reinforced grommets also help them stay staked down in muddy conditions.
Is a tarp footprint good for large group tents?
Oversized tarps like the ZOMAKE Waterproof Camping Tarp cover more ground than a fitted footprint built for a smaller tent. Reinforced corner grommets help them stay staked through wind at busy group campsites.
The verdict
The ALPS Mountaineering Tent Footprint earns the top spot because its fitted dimensions and coated polyester remove the guesswork of matching a generic tarp to a tent floor. Backpackers counting ounces should instead choose the Featherstone Outdoor UL Tent Footprint for its lighter silicone-coated nylon. Families pitching oversized tents will get more usable coverage from the ZOMAKE Waterproof Camping Tarp.
