Do I need a groundsheet for my tent?

Should I get a tent groundsheet or footprint for my tent? Your tent should function perfectly well without one but it will add to the overall comfort, protection, and durability of your camping setup. A tent groundsheet is a relatively affordable, light bit of gear that gives you options – you might decide to take it on one trip but leave it at home next time according to the terrain and weather conditions. Here are some reasons why having a groundsheet or footprint is a great idea.

1. Protects Against Abrasion: A groundsheet acts as a protective barrier between the tent floor and the ground preventing abrasion and wear and tear caused by rocks, twigs, and other sharp objects, prolonging the life of your tent.
2. Prevents Punctures: Sharp objects on the ground, such as rocks or thorns, can potentially puncture the tent floor. A groundsheet provides an extra layer of defence, reducing the risk of punctures and damage to the inner tent floor.
3. Adds to Waterproofing: Using a groundsheet gives you another layer between the tent floor and the ground. This is really useful in damp or wet conditions, beefing up your floor waterproofing and preventing ground moisture from seeping through and keeping the inner tent floor dry.
4. Makes Cleaning Easy: Groundsheets will keep your tent floor clean and are much easier to clean than tent floors. If the ground is muddy or dusty, cleaning a removable groundsheet is more convenient than trying to clean the entire tent floor.
5. Increases Tent Floor Durability: Camping on abrasive surfaces or rough terrain can cause friction and stress on the tent floor. A groundsheet acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing much of the wear and tear and preserving the integrity of the tent floor material.
6. Customized Fit: Some tents come with custom-fit footprints designed to match the exact dimensions and shape of the tent floor, providing optimal coverage and protection. Most of the Orson tents are designed to clip onto pole ends to hold them in place and the tent can be used fly only with the groundsheet. Other times you can use generic footprints that approximate the dimensions of the tent – just make sure you set them within the confines of the tent.

7. Extra Insulation: In cold weather, a groundsheet can provide an additional insulating layer between the tent and the ground, helping to retain warmth inside the tent.
8. Quick and Easy Setup: Some tents can be pitched fly first when using the groundsheet to hold the pole structure in place. Placing a groundsheet under the tent makes for a quick and easy setup and gives you a clean and dry surface to work with.
9. Minimalist camping: For minimalist camping, using a groundsheet with a tarp is a great way to protect yourself against the elements with a lightweight, efficient setup.

10. Other uses: Groundsheets can be used not only as a protective layer for you tent but also for various other purposes, such as an outdoor sitting area, a picnic blanket, cover for your gear, or emergency shelter.

At Intents Outdoors we have a range of waterproof tent groundsheets custom designed to fit most of our tents.

Word of warning: While using a groundsheet offers numerous advantages, it's important to ensure that it's properly sized for your tent and fits within the tent footprint. In wet conditions it’s important that a footprint does not extend outside the tent edges and trap water under the tent floor.

Contact us at Intens Outdoors  if you have any questions