DIY Polycryo tent footprint the RIGHT way

*****UPDATE: I used my polycryo tent footprint on numerous backpacking trips including 456 miles of the Arizona Trail. Overall I was very happy with the footprint and it is now part of my standard gear loadout. I found it to be much more resilient than expected. It didn't get any poke holes in it, which was surprising given how much "pokey" stuff there is in Arizona. Eventually the footprint did get a huge tear in it so I do have to replace it now, but I did get a full year out of it. The things I like most are: 1) Lightweight; 2) Resists puncture more than I expected; 3) Keeps my tent clean; 4) Folds up very small; 5) Dries quickly. The things I don't like are: 1) It will eventually tear and need to be replaced (not as tough as Tyvek); 2) Can become a wet muddy mess in the rain.
Since making the polycryo footprint I haven't used my Tyvek footprint at all. Tyvek is just too heavy and bulky compared to the polycryo.*****
In this video I share the right way to make a custom DIY polycryo footprint for your tent. Building your own footprint will save money while ensuring a great fit. I also compare and contrast Polycryo and Tyvek as footprint material. After watching this video you should understand exactly how to create a footprint of your own.
Link to my Tyvek tent footprint video with details on how to transfer a complex pattern to your material: • DIY Tyvek tent footpri...
Check out my gear list: www.jonallenoutside.com/gear-t...
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Website: jonallenoutside.com
DISCLAIMER: I assume no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Safe practices are recommended when performing any do it yourself work and/or with tools seen or implied in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from the use of the tools, equipment or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user.

[@rickcollman351]

1. I get the Cyro from the cheap window insulation from Frost King, large size. 2. I fold painters tape all around the edges which really adds some durability. 3. I stick some duck tape on 2 corners to help see which way is up. 4. After placing it on the ground I carefully rub my hands over the surface & remove any sharp objects. I have 400+ miles on my current piece.

[@jonallenoutside]

Thanks for the suggestions. Good stuff that viewers should consider.

[@maxclifford4340]

Thanks for the Tips. Love your channel.

[@nihalvlivion9219]

Thanks for another helpful video!

[@jonallenoutside]

You are welcome!

[@geoffreyransom1410]

I have the Hyperlite Mtn Gear tent so the polycryo material sounds like it will be great for the JMT next year.

[@montegomm]

Jon, I have really appreciated your videos. I went with Polycryo on the PCT and it was trash by Scissors crossing (mile 77, 4 nights). So I agree, Tyvek if rocky. Polycryo is probably OK for dirt (AT, much if Ice Age Trail, etc.), but I have not tried polycryo on dirt.

[@jonallenoutside]

I’m finding that it’s good at keeping dirt off the bottom of the tent and that’s about it.

[@tanvach]

I’m testing out using Mylar emergency blanket for the footprint. Has been working fine so far for the past couple of weekend trips. It’s likely not going to survive very rough handling, but it’s really light and dual use as emergency blanket.

[@jonallenoutside]

That sounds like a good idea.

[@andrewhunter6536]

I was thinking about trying this. How did it work out? It’s a year later so I guess you have had plenty of time to love or hate it

[@JediStockTrader]

So? How did it work out?

[@tanvach]

@@JediStockTrader the cheap Mylar ones from Amazon started ripping from the edges maybe 10 days of use. They can be fixed with clear tape but I don’t recommend them. Polycro was tougher, but I also started getting rips from the edges after a while as well. Both I think is caused by my shaking the condensation off in the morning, and also from granite abrasion. They have limited stretchiness, causing any rip to propagate quickly. After going through a couple of them each, recently I’m switching to Sol emergency blanket XL. The size is almost perfect without cutting for my xmid pro 2. The material is slightly stretchy and feels significantly more tough, while being almost as light as regular Mylar. It hasn’t ripped on me yet but only used it on couple of nights.

[@JediStockTrader]

@@tanvach Interesting your doing with SOl, I thought maybe it was not as strong or puncture resistant to the ground! I was looking at both to try for a tarp...mmm

[@Mr_J_J]

Just want to say that I really appreciate your content. It is some of the most clear and insightful content out there for sure. I’m hiking the JMT in August and your related material was invaluable. I also have a Duplex but bought their DCF groundsheet that weights in at 3.1 oz (their numbers), so it comes in about an ounce heavier than the Polycyro but much better than Tyvek. DCF isn’t know for great abrasion resistance but I suppose that it isn’t being dragged across the surface too much - I expect the durability to be decent if not as robust as Tyvek. Also, I saw someone measure the puncture force with a needle across all three materials and DCF did not fare as well as the others but I’m not sure he even mentioned the DCF weight. Well anyway thanks again! P.S.: Loved your stove efficiency optimization study. Good stuff!

[@jonallenoutside]

I saw that same video with the needle. Interesting stuff. Enjoy the JMT!

[@nedanother9382]

So how'd you do? You over packed didn't you?

[@Mr_J_J]

@@nedanother9382 I didn’t bring a ground cloth on the JMT with the distance, speed, elevation, and lack of easy resupply points S of MTR.

[@nedanother9382]

Thanks for the video. I disagree with the bulky designation for tyvek. It folds perfectly and keeps the folds for refolding. It folds very flat (definitely heavier) but I fold it and slip into my front pocket and it protects the mesh from abrasion from the inside items and gives a bit of protection of those items from light rain. I would use it as a "rug" if things were wet and dirty where I wouldn't do that with the more unruly poly. At the size of the duplex mine is used with a tiny bungy as a real rain skirt wrapped 1 and a half times around theres nothing to blow up and its bulletproof. Poly is lighter but less useful for other things. As well dirt and moisture tend to static cling to it more than tyvek. Just a thought for folks on the fence - I go back and forth depending on my ultralight mindset.

[@JediStockTrader]

Do you have to fold it? I thought if you washed it , it gets less noisy and is easier to put away!

[@mbikesrulee]

Thank you

[@ipedros7]

Do you hem the polycryo? Including taping an 'ear' to the poly corners in order to allow pegging out/running a line to the tent corner peg? Would be great to have your thoughts.

[@jonallenoutside]

I did not, but there’s no reason you couldn’t hem it for additional strength. The material is tough, but tears easily so that might be a good idea. The ears should work as well. The one thing I would not do is use grommets because that would just tear out.

[@ipedros7]

@@jonallenoutside thanks. Im going to hem with 1 inch duck tape. Ive read and seen the pictures of adding a grommet by using a rubber tap washer within the duck tape 'ears' then just perforate through at the washer hole point. Their tests suggested the polycryo would fail first when used as a lightweight tarp. Im only interested in it as a footprint and add not too tensioned shock cords to the tent peg points,. It looked fantastic. Cheers

[@justjonoutdoors]

I always use a footprint, regardless of where I am camping - even if the tent doesn’t need the protection from rocks/roots/whatever, but it keeps the tent a LOT cleaner when I’m packing it up in the morning! The difference in what I did when I made a polycryo footprint was I did a fold-over all around to get a much more durable edge. I always fear I’m going to tear polycryo if the edge is raw.

[@jonallenoutside]

I did the edge on my Tyvek footprint. What kind of glue did you use?

[@justjonoutdoors]

I used double-sided tape. I laid out the sheet, then carefully laid the tape along the edge, and then folded it over on itself.

[@barebackpacking]

After backpacking this weekend with my triplex tent I noticed dirt on the underside. I believe the poly will help keep the tent clean and it would certainly be easier to clean the poly vs the bottom of the tent. I’m going to order some and try it.

[@kikionthetrailoflove7036]

What trail are you hiking this summer?

[@jonallenoutside]

CO Trail is the plan. Then several shorter hikes.

[@kikionthetrailoflove7036]

Enjoy your hikes 👍

[@peterjohnson6273]

I have asked this a number of times in different places - Does no one else find that polycryo falls apart with the slightest poke or tear? I've used heavyweight polycryo, and it holds up as poorly as the very light window cover. What do others find using it in as damaging a location as under a tent?

[@jonallenoutside]

I’ll share what I find out as I put it to the test this season. It seems like it might not hold up very well.

[@nedanother9382]

It may be that you didn't get the right product maybe? I've used them before and gave up because they were filthy but I don't remember any of them tearing or puncturing. I would definitely recommend the tyvek - a bit heavier but soooo much more useful. Folds flat and perfect. Slides in an out like it was lubed. It holds the fold lines for refolding. Can be used very well as a rain skirt. The poly just can't take a poky...its for abrasion only

[@maxclifford4340]

I’m starting my IAT Thur Hike in August!!

[@jonallenoutside]

Have a great hike! Starting at the eastern or western terminus?

[@Earthpet711]

So..... how did it do?

[@jonallenoutside]

Thanks for asking. I'll put a comment in the description. It did very well and just kind of fell apart finally this past weekend, so I got quite a few miles out of it.

[@JediStockTrader]

Why did you mention not needing tyvek if your tent was not nylon?

[@jonallenoutside]

Tyvek is overkill if you have a Dyneema tent. In that case polycryo is more appropriate.

[@JediStockTrader]

@@jonallenoutside Is not the floor of Dynema made of cuban fibre ? I saw a video of a test of this vs polycro and the puncture resistance was the same!

[@jonallenoutside]

@@JediStockTrader I use it more for keeping the bottom of my tent clean and dry. Any extra protection is just a bonus.

[@chrishamilton2527]

polycro not polycryo?

[@jonallenoutside]

I’ve heard it both ways and tried to find a definitive answer before making this video. I think both are fine, but polycryo seemed like it had more support. I say call it whatever you like.

[@chrishamilton2527]

@@jonallenoutside yes, no one does due to mispronouncing but I prefer to call it by how the manufacturer says. Your post shows how many people then can get it incorrect.