Pitch & PackQuick answer
The OneTigris Waterproof Tent Footprint CE-HDB01-CB is our top tent footprint for most campers, weighing just 0.681 lb and offering waterproof protection. For larger groups, the Frelaxy Tent Footprint provides a spacious 104"L x 80"W floor at a still-lightweight 0.9 lb.
Our top picks
Best overall
OneTigris Waterproof Tent Footprint CE-HDB01-CB
Solo backpacking and lightweight camping
#2 pick
Frelaxy Tent Footprint
Family camping and large tents
#3 pick
Wise Owl Outfitters Tent Footprint FPTCGLG
Car camping and basecamp protection
#4 pick
ModernGrizzly Tyvek Ground Sheet
Car camping and gear protection
#5 pick
HipierFx HP240110
Large family tents and group camping
#6 pick
Clostnature 2 person footprint
Budget car camping
#7 pick
Kelty Wireless Tent Footprint
Kelty Wireless tent owners
On this page
Choosing between a tent footprint and a tarp comes down to weight, waterproofing, and how you camp. We compared seven popular groundsheets based on manufacturer specifications to find the best options for backpacking, family camping, and everything in between. Our picks focus on durable materials, reliable waterproofing, and packable designs that protect your tent floor from moisture and rough ground. For more on keeping your shelter dry, see our guide on how to waterproof a tent. Whether you need an ultralight sheet for solo trips or a large tarp for group shelters, this guide will help you decide.
Comparison at a glance
Key specs ยท full specs in each pick| Model | L x W x H | Color | Material | capacity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CE-HDB01-CB
|
81"L x 65"W | Coyote Brown | Nylon | - | View on Amazon |
|
B0CKWYKSKY
|
104"L x 80"W | Army Green | Polyester | 4 persons | View on Amazon |
|
FPTCGLG
|
94 x 82 in | Grey Dust | 210T Ripstop Polyester | - | View on Amazon |
|
B0CWJ9K81C
|
60"L x 36"W | White | Tyvek Homewrap | - | View on Amazon |
|
HP240110
|
160 x 160 in | Octagon Green | 210D Oxford | - | View on Amazon |
|
2 person footprint
|
87"L x 59"W | Black | Polyester | - | View on Amazon |
|
46822526
|
92"L x 82"W x 0.25"H | Dill | Polyester | 4 persons | View on Amazon |
Best for: Solo backpacking and lightweight camping
The OneTigris Waterproof Tent Footprint CE-HDB01-CB is a lightweight, waterproof groundsheet made from durable Nylon. At 0.681 lb, it's the lightest in our comparison, making it ideal for backpackers and solo campers. The 81"L x 65"W dimensions fit most 1-2 person tents, and the Yes rating with Yes UV protection adds versatility for sunny or wet conditions. It packs down small, and the reinforced stitching and bungee loops make setup easy. While it lacks a stated capacity, its size is best for compact shelters. For a balance of weight and protection, this footprint is hard to beat.
Pros
- Ultralight at 0.681 lb
- Waterproof and UV-resistant
- Compact packed size
- Durable nylon with reinforced stitching
Cons
- Limited to 1-2 person tents
- No stated capacity or season rating
Full specifications (7)
- Color
- Coyote Brown
- L x W x H
- 81"L x 65"W
- Material
- Nylon
- floor_area
- 36.5 sq_ft
- weight
- 0.681 lb
- waterproof
- Yes
- uv_protection
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Family camping and large tents
The Frelaxy Tent Footprint offers a generous 104"L x 80"W footprint that fits up to 4 persons tents, yet weighs only 0.9 lb. The Polyester fabric with a high waterproof rating keeps the tent floor dry, and the high-duty grommets and ripstop construction handle rough terrain. It lacks UV protection, so it's less suited for prolonged sun exposure as a standalone tarp. Compared to the OneTigris, it's slightly heavier but provides much more coverage for families or larger groups. The multiple size options let you match your tent exactly.
Pros
- Spacious for up to 4 persons
- Lightweight for its size
- Durable ripstop polyester
- Multiple size options
Cons
- No UV protection
- Heavier than ultralight options
Full specifications (7)
- Color
- Army Green
- L x W x H
- 104"L x 80"W
- Material
- Polyester
- capacity
- 4 persons
- weight
- 0.9 lb
- waterproof
- Yes
- uv_protection
- No
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Car camping and basecamp protection
The Wise Owl Outfitters Tent Footprint FPTCGLG uses 210T Ripstop Polyester for a tough, waterproof barrier. At 1.219 lb, it's a bit heavier than the lightest picks, but the 94 x 82 in dimensions cover most 2-person tents and provide extra space for gear. The included stakes and corner grommets simplify setup, and the fabric offers UV protection for sunny days. It's not the lightest for backpacking, but the durable construction and versatile design make it a solid choice for car camping and basecamp use.
Pros
- Tough ripstop polyester
- Waterproof with UV protection
- Includes stakes
- Generous coverage
Cons
- Heavier than ultralight models
- No stated capacity
Full specifications (6)
- Color
- Grey Dust
- L x W x H
- 94 x 82 in
- Material
- 210T Ripstop Polyester
- weight
- 1.219 lb
- waterproof
- Yes
- uv_protection
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Car camping and gear protection
The ModernGrizzly Tyvek Ground Sheet is made from genuine Tyvek Homewrap, a material known for being waterproof yet breathable. It's surprisingly heavy at 3.8 lb despite its compact 60"L x 36"W size, which limits it to solo or small tents. The breathable fabric helps prevent condensation, and it's highly tear-resistant. However, the weight makes it less appealing for backpacking compared to the OneTigris. It's best used as a durable groundsheet for car camping or as a repair/project sheet.
Pros
- Breathable Tyvek material
- Waterproof and tear-resistant
- UV protection
- Compact when folded
Cons
- Heavy for its small size
- Only fits solo tents
Full specifications (6)
- Color
- White
- L x W x H
- 60"L x 36"W
- Material
- Tyvek Homewrap
- weight
- 3.8 lb
- waterproof
- Yes
- uv_protection
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Large family tents and group camping
The HipierFx HP240110 stands out with its massive 160 x 160 in octagonal shape, designed for large 6-8 person tents. Made from 210D Oxford with a high waterproof rating, it provides excellent ground protection for big groups. At 3.3 lb, it's heavy and best suited for car camping or events where weight isn't a concern. The elastic band corners make setup flexible. It lacks UV protection data, so it's primarily a groundsheet rather than a sunshade. For large family tents, this is a top choice.
Pros
- Extra-large for big tents
- High waterproof rating
- Durable Oxford cloth
- Flexible corner attachments
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- No UV protection info
Full specifications (5)
- Color
- Octagon Green
- L x W x H
- 160 x 160 in
- Material
- 210D Oxford
- weight
- 3.3 lb
- waterproof
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Budget car camping
The Clostnature 2 person footprint is a budget-friendly footprint sized for 2-person tents at 87"L x 59"W. It's made from Polyester with a waterproof coating, but at 9.8 lb, it's surprisingly heavy, nearly as heavy as some tents. The compact packed size is a plus, but the weight undermines its portability. It lacks UV protection and has no stated capacity. While it works for car camping, there are lighter options that offer similar protection.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact when packed
- Waterproof coating
Cons
- Very heavy for its size
- No UV protection
- Limited to 2-person tents
Full specifications (6)
- Color
- Black
- L x W x H
- 87"L x 59"W
- Material
- Polyester
- weight
- 9.8 lb
- waterproof
- Yes
- uv_protection
- No
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Kelty Wireless tent owners
The Kelty Wireless Tent Footprint is a fitted groundsheet specifically for the Kelty Wireless tent. It's made from Polyester and measures 92"L x 82"W x 0.25"H, with a 4-season rating. However, it's not waterproof, which is a significant drawback for a footprint. At 12.8 lb, it's the heaviest in our comparison, making it impractical for backpacking. It's best only if you own the matching tent and need a custom-fit floor protector, but for general use, other options provide better waterproofing and lighter weight.
Pros
- Custom fit for Kelty Wireless
- 4-season rated
- Durable polyester
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Heaviest option
- Only fits specific tent
Full specifications (9)
- Color
- Dill
- L x W x H
- 92"L x 82"W x 0.25"H
- Material
- Polyester
- capacity
- 4 persons
- weight
- 12.8 lb
- seasons
- 4-season
- waterproof
- No
- shape
- rectangular
- free_standing
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
How to choose
Material and durability
The fabric determines how well a groundsheet resists tears, abrasion, and moisture. Nylon, like on the OneTigris Waterproof Tent Footprint CE-HDB01-CB, is lightweight and strong, while polyester (used by Frelaxy Tent Footprint and Wise Owl Outfitters Tent Footprint FPTCGLG) offers good durability at a slightly higher weight. Tyvek, found in the ModernGrizzly Tyvek Ground Sheet, is breathable and highly tear-resistant but heavier for its size. Oxford cloth, as on the HipierFx HP240110, is extremely tough and suited for large, heavy-duty applications. Choose a material that matches your camping style: ultralight nylon for backpacking, ripstop polyester for family trips, and Tyvek or Oxford for car camping where weight matters less.
Waterproofing
A footprint's main job is to keep ground moisture away from your tent floor. Most options here are waterproof, but the Kelty Wireless Tent Footprint is not, which limits its usefulness in wet conditions. Look for a high waterproof rating if you camp in rainy areas. Even with a waterproof footprint, proper tent setup and site selection matter. For more tips, read our guide on how to make a tent more waterproof.
Size and fit
A footprint should be slightly smaller than your tent's floor to prevent rain from pooling between the layers. Measure your tent and compare it to the listed dimensions. The Frelaxy Tent Footprint comes in multiple sizes, while the HipierFx HP240110 is designed for huge group shelters. A too-large tarp can be folded under, but a dedicated footprint often includes pole grommets or elastic loops for a secure fit. For step-by-step setup advice, see our article on how to set up a tent.
Weight and packability
If you carry your gear on your back, every ounce counts. The OneTigris Waterproof Tent Footprint CE-HDB01-CB leads with a mere 0.681 lb, while the Kelty Wireless Tent Footprint is the heaviest at 12.8 lb. Ultralight footprints often sacrifice size or material thickness, so balance weight with the coverage you need. For backpacking, the lightest option is ideal. Car campers can afford heavier, more durable sheets. Explore our picks for best one person tent ultralight to see how weight factors into shelter choices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a tent footprint and a tarp?
A tent footprint is a groundsheet cut to match a specific tent's floor dimensions, while a tarp is a general-purpose sheet that can be used as a ground cover, rain fly, or sunshade. Footprints often have attachment points for the tent poles, whereas tarps rely on grommets and stakes. Both protect the tent floor from moisture and abrasion, but footprints offer a more precise fit.
Do I need a footprint for my tent?
A footprint extends the life of your tent floor by shielding it from sharp rocks, sticks, and moisture. It also adds a layer of waterproofing and makes cleanup easier. If you camp on rough or wet ground, a footprint is a worthwhile investment. For ultralight backpackers, a lightweight option like the OneTigris Waterproof Tent Footprint CE-HDB01-CB adds minimal weight while protecting your shelter. For more on staying dry in bad weather, check out our guide on how to sleep in a tent during a storm.
Can I use a tarp as a tent footprint?
Yes, a tarp can work as a footprint if it's cut to size and placed under the tent. However, a dedicated footprint often has a better fit and may include pole grommets or elastic loops for a secure setup. Tarps are more versatile but may be heavier or less durable than purpose-built footprints.
How do I choose the right size footprint?
Measure your tent's floor dimensions and choose a footprint that is slightly smaller to prevent water from pooling between the layers. For example, the Frelaxy Tent Footprint comes in multiple sizes to match different tents. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations if available.
Bottom line
For most campers, the OneTigris Waterproof Tent Footprint CE-HDB01-CB offers the best mix of weight, waterproofing, and durability. If you need more space, the Frelaxy Tent Footprint covers larger tents without a big weight penalty. Car campers will appreciate the tough Wise Owl Outfitters Tent Footprint FPTCGLG, while the HipierFx HP240110 is the go-to for huge family shelters. Choose based on your tent size and how far you plan to carry it.
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