How To Use a Tarp or Footprint Properly for Camping

[@janestewart3231]

I've been searching (and searching) for the answer to "which way to fold" the tarp under the tent. I was arguing it with myself both ways. THANK YOU for clarifying that the excess tarp fabric should be folded under, toward the ground!

[@DZB666]

Same Im still not sure if one way makes more sense

[@markmccann8356]

I backpack a lot and already carry too much weight, so I go to the dollar store and grab one or two rectangular plastic tablecloths. They weigh almost nothing and they're a good moisture barrier and a little extra protection for my tent floor. I have a trekking pole tent and the tablecloths fit fairly well under it with only a little tucking. Nice series for campers. Good job!

[@littlecampfires]

That’s interesting. I’ve never tried that, but could imagine it working. Cheers!

[@ftb2772]

Plastic ground sheet for painting. Less than £2 per pack, can cut to size, super light, reasonably tough can throw away after if you cba cleaning sheep 🐑 💩 off.

[@pururin9449]

I've used cheap shower curtains too.

[@logan77777771]

Bruh u saved me money. Thank you

[@arts68]

You can get free ones at your local construction site. Go dumpster diving for end rolls of building wrap. Totally waterproof, light and free. Cut to size. If you accept my suggestion to put it inside your tent, be careful standing up. It is crazy slippery.

[@woodswalker88]

I d idn't know about the tarp being tucked under. Ours extended out & along came a cloudburst. Lo & behold we were sleeping in the middle of a lake!!! had to go outside in the middle of the rain & pull the darn thing out from under. Learned THAT lesson!!!!

[@chrisgraham2904]

I'd also note that tarps come in various weights and strengths, so if your car camping and weight isn't a big issue, a higher quality tarp will perform better, particularly for protecting your tent floor. Tarps can easily be cut to fit the footprint of your tent and the cut edge can be sealed with heat, or a hem can be sewn with any standard sewing machine. Grommet kits and various other devices for attaching tarps and creating stake down points are also available. For my 10'X10' tent, I have a 10'X 14' tarp that provides a 4" porch at the door and we tuck it under the tent, as you showed in the video, if rain is likely.

[@johnm1585]

Very helpful video. I just bought a tent like yours and a tarp. The tarp is bigger. Now I know how to make it fit! Thanks. Subbed.

[@carolgannett3431]

Thank you! New camper here. Currently using a tarp but after watching this a ground cloth I see will work much better.

[@peteygnyc]

These are excellent videos. Love your channel. I am somewhat of a veteran camper, but everyone needs a refresher course every now and then. Your videos are clear and concise, and provide tons of helpful hints and tips. Thanks so much for making them!

[@littlecampfires]

Thanks, Pete!

[@clarktferrill]

Which side goes down?

[@countrygirl63baker64]

I really liked the way you did your video! Very clear and informative! It was very helpful for me. Thank you very much and happy trails!!

[@jlewis7356]

Great video. TY. I pre-folded my blue plastic tarp (just like the one in the video) and duct-taped it to perfectly fit my tent. Now, it's ready to go, no folding required. That said, I camp from my motorcycle so a little extra weight isn't an issue.

[@RicMoxley]

That's similar to what I do when car camping and weight isn't a huge issue; a standard blue tarp from Costco, but then I just cut it to size with an exacto knife

[@gaila.8830]

Thank you for the video 😄 Now I understand not to have the tarp be over ! And avoid rain tunnel 😁 Now I know and makes so much sense for having gone through rain 😄

[@MrLimagonsalves]

I used a shade screen under the tent and a plastic inside it. The shade screen it's so used on agriculture and you can buy per meters so cheap. when installed under your tent it will prevents any damage from the rocks and woods, but also allow the water to be drained to the soil. The plastic inside the tent will prevent any water to go up your mattress. this how I do and it's been working like a charm.

[@monicajay2406]

Thanks a bunch for presenting this information in such an easy to understand manner. I especially appreciate your well thought out responses.

[@littlecampfires]

Thanks, Monica - glad you found it helpful!

[@AlexAlexBoBalex]

Should be noted that many times footprints allow backpacking tents to be setup with just the rainfly (for ultralight in good weather) or rainfly first, followed by tent body (while raining so your tent doesn't get wet).

[@robh5695]

Great advice, thank you!

[@thevideostump46239]

Good video.. You just never know about those blue tarps!.. I started camping by myself in my teens back in the early 80's, I used 3mil plastic cut to shape of my tent just to, if for nothing else but to keep the bottom of the tent clean from moisture and or unseen scat!! AND after years of back country camping i hang my shoes toes up because of mice...

[@mamatalu]

Thank you for a nice clear video!

[@timothyorendorff7642]

Good demo. I always use a sized ground cloth for the reasons you stated. My tent is “rain proof” but if I anticipate likely rain I rig a tarp over it for just that added insurance. A little bit more work but worth it.

[@elijahd.7978]

Thanks! This was really helpful.

[@mollyhoux2470]

Thank you. We went camping for the first time last weekend and did it allllll wrong. I wish I had watched this before-hand (it rained like crazy); but we will do things right from now on.

[@TheAtypicalOne]

Good explanation thanks. I have the REI quarter dome, which has a lightweight tub floor and really should be used with a footprint to prevent damage. But...its dedicated footprint is costly. So I bought a strip of Tyvek for WAY cheaper and cut it to fit (i.e. slightly smaller than the floor dimension of the tent). I already own a brass grommet kit, so was able to put in eyelets for tie-outs at each corner. Tyvek is lightweight, super tough, and 100% waterproof. I have heard people complain that Tyvek is kinda noisy, it makes crackling noises as you move over it, but in my experience once it is taut under the tent and with a sleeping pad on top, this is no big deal.

[@magpiewench]

It can't possibly be noisier than one of those blue tarps. 😂

[@LoveHugsandBellyRubs]

I found this helpful. We just got our gear and head out this weekend for our first family camping trip ever!

[@littlecampfires]

Hey there - Thats awesome! And great to hear you found this video helpful, I’m actually working on a mini-series of videos right now that are all geared towards helping new campers get started. I’d love to hear if there’s any specific areas you’ve found it tough to prepare for? If it’s something you had questions about, then other folks probably have the same question and it might be a great video for me to add!

[@pamelahall5189]

​@@littlecampfires

[@jayosborne9526]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@hikefishmakemusic]

Tyvek, tyvek, tyvek! Why? 1) readily available and inexpensive 2) highly durable and puncture resistant [much better than blue tarps or plastic painters drop sheets] 3) easily sized to your tent, 4) take grommets well, 5) super lightweight and most often weighs less than an OEM footprint. I agree with the video that a footprint is a great moisture barrier, but the real reason I use a footprint is because of increased puncture resistance to my tent floor. I rarely camp on a perfectly smooth terrain. What good is a tent tub floor with a hole or two in it?! Thanks for the video!

[@littlecampfires]

Yeah - I’ve heard the praises of tubes for footprints in the past. I might actually do a video about that in the future. Cheers!

[@nazimelhadi4700]

Man, you know so much about ground sheets and tarps

[@littlecampfires]

Lol - thanks.

[@Slambert1]

Thanks man!

[@tauntonleisure]

Great video well done!!

[@gunsofmasseffect4321]

I have front and back vestibule on my kelty tent and I will use a tarp to place my boots and gear outside.

[@jasonrucker3143]

RIP half done 4 wish they still made this awesome tent

[@kayking641]

Thank you!

[@dreamre2877]

a really helpful video!

[@tlsnana9539]

While watching, I’m mentally getting out my sewing machine to hem sides and attach curtain grommets to the corners. Thank you for this very helpful video.

[@Chris-mo9gt]

If you’re handy with the needle as it sounds like you’re why not just permanently sew a footing to the tent. Like a rain boot for the tent bottom. That would be nice. It’s sounds like something companies that make tents should do in the first place.

[@DotTorture]

Great vid thank you!

[@roxannz174]

Somewhere I read hikers use the insulation plastic that is used to weather proof windows in the winter, as a ground tarp ~ light weight and tough , folds up small !! Cut to size

[@chrisde0015]

Sweet, gonna try the blue tarp out. $10 vs. $50 for my tent's matching footprint.

[@hiramabiff225]

Thank you, very helpful.

[@adamaepg413]

Thank you.

[@lizl9211]

Quite useful, thanks for sharing 😎

[@mygoodnessmate]

Awesome vid.

[@misha6830]

Thank you

[@sherrygraham8650]

If you sew you can cut the tarp to a bit bigger all the way around and then sew a hem in it. It is very easy to sew on a standard sewing machine. One step more and you could set grommets to to fit. All easy to do and won’t up the cost very much.

[@FAKTAdom]

Tq for the explanation. It helps a lot for newbie like me. Peace from Malaysia.✌

[@oxfordblaze4392]

Here is a cool trick when it is raining. String tarp between two trees just high enough to set up tent under the tarp. Nice to be out of the rain to set up tent and if warm enough not even use tent fly.

[@tonyadouroux-qn8fo]

I use a tarp under my tent, and when im ready to pack my tent floor is cleen and dry,, my tarp is packaged separate, tarp inside helps with and sand or dirt on floor

[@maximusjoseppi5904]

The tent I have offers a ground sheet that covers just the tent floor and another larger one that covers the vestibule area we well... What's the pros and cons? Would the larger one be better or just let water under the tent easier

[@nicolereadstarot]

My aunt out my 10 person tent away with a wet bottom and when we went to use it the next month it was covered in mold. Will a tarp under the tent help keep the bottom dry so I won't have to wipe it down? Also can a molded tent be saved or should I chuck it?

[@user-ct1fj9pc4k]

Thanks 👍

[@andrea.rivers]

I've always used a tarp and always folded it under. 🤷 I think it helps keep the tent bottom cleaner. I still have to dry out and sweep the tarp. But it's a bit easier to do that than a tent, which has its own maintenance. 🤷

[@NaturalDaniah]

Thank you! I thought it was a good thing to have a big tarp. Now i know better!

[@derekallen5695]

I really enjoyed this video. I am camping tomorrow and this is a big help. Thanks, bro.

[@chrisflux57]

Thanks

[@saurabhchandel9768]

How about putting tarp inside tent

[@nowayout8773]

My tent floor is 10,000 waterproof and the footprint is 5,000. It's a Vaude Mark UL 3p and even though it's UL it's only 300gm lighter than the regular Mark tent with same waterproof floor. I personally don't like the extra weight factor, and never used a footprint before but I have a DD Tarp and I could fold it. But then again I don't mind spending 57 Euro to " protect 650 Euro tent sale price was 540 Good content for video. I will check more out.

[@DKSorg]

Tyvek House wrap, Light & White Suitable as a Shelter on its Own if you know how to wrap it and tie a few knots... Or Strictly as a Ground Sheet....

[@steveeichelberger806]

Why not rotate the tent 45 degrees so you have the ground sheet under the vestibules?

[@TensaiHimeSama]

Hmm… how did you know I used the extra tarp area for my shoes? I literally laughed out loud at that part. Thanks for your good explanation though, I’ll be folding my tarps under from now on.

[@littlecampfires]

Lol - I’ve seen that many times. You’re not the only one :)

[@feltingme]

Me too, but if there is no rain coming, it works very well. :) I will continue to do so in dry weather.

[@chaysokhieng]

good

[@lindatisue733]

When did most "4 season" tents change to only having a mesh inner tent? Why did manufacturers change this ? Was it just for weight or are they cutting costs? Both tents I have owned have had solid inner walls with mesh screen doors, sure seems better for keeping the wind and rain out, and a bit of insulation. Thoughts?

[@littlecampfires]

I don’t really know, but my guess is the same two reasons you mentioned: make the tents lighter, and cut costs.

[@redavni1]

Single wall tents are bad. Condensation is the enemy. No point in making a waterproof tent if all the walls are wet every morning. If you want a solid single wall tent though, they are widely available from European tent manufacturers these days. Foolish if you ask me. I think this might be why those little tents within a tent are so popular in European tents today. The inner tent keeps you separated from the outer walls. I'd like to see Coleman or Walmart put out a hybrid mesh/ type double wall with an inner tent for a decent price im the US for sure. Triple wall? Heh

[@johndavies2525]

Hi and thanks for the video, very informative. Wondering whether to buy a tarp 2 foot wider or one foot narrower than the tent. Is it still worthwhile if it's a little smaller?

[@lindatisue733]

I have a similar question. I have a tarp that is too big, I have been thinking about cutting it to the size of my tent. Also been thinking about putting a couple of snaps on the tarp and tent so I could secure it so it is under the rain fly.

[@littlecampfires]

You want your tarp to be smaller than your tent when everything is set up, so that rain or moisture doesn’t get caught and funneled under the tent. Personally, I would slightly prefer a tarp that is a little bit smaller than the tent. However, it’s also easy to fold the edges underneath if the tarp is too long. So either way is workable.

[@tabathamoore3367]

My tarp is a bit smaller than my tent however we still got water between the tarp and tent floor.

[@CyberSamuraiCA]

If you're sure it's not going to rain then it shouldn't be an issue leaving a tarp as is, right? No need to fold it under the tent?

[@littlecampfires]

In theory, yes, but I’m never sure it won’t rain.

[@karebear1775]

Hey, I heard that using painters tarp is a good way to save weight and money for one. Have you done it before and think it's a good idea?

[@littlecampfires]

Haven’t tried that. Might work. Not sure though.

[@karebear1775]

@@littlecampfires okay thanks anyways :)

[@danielpartida1090]

@@karebear1775 - I have done this and just as long as you try to get any pokey twigs or whatever before laying it out you should be good, i don’t recommend for long trips though ive done 2 days with one though

[@havadd]

I find water seeps up easier than it repels off from top through plastics, weird principles learning just now, took 40 years to learn

[@RSPYC]

Put the plastic tarp down first. Then put the footprint down next on top of it.. Fold the plastic tarp under itself to match the footprint. Then erect the tent.

[@denisecolvin4667]

Why wouldn’t you just cut the tarp to fit your tent? That is what I was planning on doing. Should I not?

[@nowayout8773]

It can fray where you cut it and it's messy and looks terrible plus you ruin a good tarp

[@nicklong7661]

Said a whole lot to say a little. Want to camp easy? 2 Tarp,fishing line 2 trees and sticks for stakes. All you need for summer camping. Less is more. Less talk is more. Your tarp on ground keeps you dry. Dig ditches along sides staked sides for Tarp draped over line. Ground tarp and side ditches keep water out

[@georgcantor7172]

8:20 Why can't one use a Ground Cloth underneath the Tent, and put a Tarp underneath the Ground Cloth? In this way, the cheap Tarp can act as an added barrier against sharp objects like broken glass, knives, tacks, nails; and the Tarp can help protect the more expensive Ground Cloth. :D

[@xxrice]

Subscriber no. 38

[@littlecampfires]

Love it. Great to see you over here J!

[@robz4825]

Im a total Noob. Great video, thanks

[@littlecampfires]

Hey welcome to the channel! Check out the camping for beginners playlist. Great place for noobs :) feel free to ask questions too.

[@Fuccino]

A soil parapet of packed soil around tent is very effective no purchase neccessary👀✍🤗

[@mattyoungdma]

If a tent needs a footprint or the floor with get damaged, why don't tents just come with tougher floor to begin with?

[@debburns5651]

My guess would be the added weight of a heavier fabric

[@teakberrypapercrafts3035]

Why can't you use both? I'm going camping for the first time and I will probably try using both the tarp *and* ground cloth in hops that it'll make the bottom of the tent more soft and padded. I'll be camping on somewhat rocky terrain.

[@littlecampfires]

Sure, you can do that. It might help a little. Personally, I’d rely on my sleeping pad/mat for the cushion though. The purpose of the footprint/tarp is more about moisture control than about padding.

[@ithacacomments4811]

My son had a horrific Boy Scout experience at the age of eleven while camping in 10 degree winter weather. The leaders did not teach the boys about ground cover. So they pitched their tents on snow covered ground. During the night, their body heat melted the snow and soaked their sleeping bags and clothes. He was dropped off at home shivering and soaked the bone the next morning. He refused to be a Boy Scout anymore. To this day, he wonders how he survived through that freezing cold night. I don't believe that I have ever been so angry or will be again. I entrusted these men with my son and they failed miserably!!! Ground cover can be a life saver...especially in the winter.

[@missNuggie]

Oh my that is terrible!! I hope your son is able to eventually go camping again with good people.

[@ithacacomments4811]

@@missNuggie He is 50 now. He enjoys camping in his luxury travel trailer!

[@landflame]

can i use the footprint to set up a shelter in rain or storm?

[@littlecampfires]

Good question, I’ve not tried that myself, my guess would be that it would work assuming you point the correct side of it towards the sky, but it might be best to check with the brands website or give it a test before trying it on a trip.

[@landflame]

@@littlecampfires thx for getting me back

[@chuckg6039]

I just go to Walmart and buy a tarp larger than the bottom of the tent...and then just take my scissors and form it to the perfect size. Piece of cake. And inexpensive.

[@judithmartin1970]

I bought a tarp but its going to be way bigger than my tent- oh boy; going in a week.

[@littlecampfires]

If it’s way WAY bigger, you could fold it in half. Or fold it into a different segment to get it to fit. Folding it up is better than leaving the tarp edges extended beyond the base of the tent in my opinion. Have fun on your trip!

[@user-ct3yk5nz4b]

I purchased a large tarp for a ground cover and bought an even bigger one to go over everything as a roof tarp... I'm now reconsidering my ground tarp lols I have a 4p and 2p tent I was going to set up underneath my Xtra large roof tarp, the ground here is pretty boggy and muddy from 2 cyclones and rain every other week and I didn't want to create mud mash at a campsite and ruin a grassy area (leave no trace camping)... I think cutting up my ground tarp to fit the tents will be wat I do and the excess tarp I'll create a mat for walking around under the roof tarp and camp kitchen area

[@edensgardenshed9622]

We always put the tarp inside the tent. Let the tent bottom be the rain barrier and the tarp inside becomes the moisture/condensation barrier to keep yourself and stuff dry. Your tent is already getting wet if raining. Don’t risk getting water between your tent and tarp if it is under the tent.

[@CosgroveNotts]

Obviously this is for people in the Republic.

[@arts68]

Your tent floor should be strong enough to not rip, and it doesn’t matter if it gets dirty. A ground sheet will get dirty too. Buy a tarp about a foot longer and wider than your tent and put it INSIDE the tent and up the walls creating a waterproof tub. Your floor is protected on the inside where most of the wear will occur, and any water that gets in through seams will pool under the tarp. I will stash my wet rain wear under the tarp so the rest of the gear doesn't get wet. It has worked for me for years, and my troup was once the only boys who stayed dry at a Jamboree using this method.

[@CMBauer]

Thanks for the tip Sir!

[@silverrunner8687]

I’ll have to try this. Recently I did the tarp tub but on the outside of the tent but within the rain fly. 18 hours of downpours the rain ran under the tarp, foot print was dry and tent floor was dry.

[@No_ReGretzky99]

That's what I always do is just buy a bigger tart from my ground sheet and just use the smaller tarp to cover my tent and I use the rain cover that comes with a tent I got a two-person tent off Amazon is it going to be my first time using it tomorrow how big is the mountain biking world too❤❤❤❤ but thank you for your tip 😁😁 that just put my mind at ease tarps for 5 bucks

[@richardwarren7492]

Or - - - cut the tarp to size - -

[@Jamarkus_Delvonte]

If using a tarp, don't put it inside the tent. The smell of tarp and glow is awful and will keep you up at night.

[@sdqsdq6274]

what interesting is people paid hundred of dollars , and still need to protect the bottom , should it come with the tent, lol

[@dustyoldhat]

U gottalotta views for this video eh

[@woodwalker8743]

O look a tarp has No feet nor does a ground sheet.

[@artthurman3446]

Orrr, you can use some grey matter and strap up the tarp ends...you have poles...try to learn a few knots. Sheesh!

[@REDWOODMAN597]

Lot bla bla bla I, get sikness of bla bla bla. To much talk.

[@johnswanson3741]

Tents are for girly boys, been camping under a tarp for the last 30 yrs. Just don't understand people

[@onemanandhiscow]

I consider my Cobra 2 to be the penthouse luxury shelter, of course I’m gonna be fine inside from cold or wet. But tarp has become my favourite go to, less hassle and I love how “out in nature” I feel whilst in one. If you’ve been doing 30 years, I can only assume you are more than comfortable in your shelter!! I like your thinking and definitely agree, tarp over tent

[@dalet9207]

This 75 year old girl needs all the help I can get for by myself stuff!

[@TA-op3vn]

I'm sorry, I see no difference. Tarp is waterproof and even if it acts like a funnel, the water is still under. It's not like the brown is all tights, it's just like the tarp loos at all sides. The only reason the tarp loses here is that it is bigger and heavier. I don't camp far from my car and I choose a tarp every time

[@AngelaSchwalbach]

Very helpful, thank you!