The 10 Best Tent Footprints
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in August of 2019. If you're a dedicated camper, then you've probably dropped a good chunk of change on your tent, so the last thing you want is to see it become worn from being used on rough ground every weekend. The footprints on this list can slip underneath it to safeguard it from the terrain while also giving you another layer of protection against moisture, rocks, sticks, and insects. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
August 16, 2019:
While nominally made for tents, every option on this list can also be used as a picnic mat, sunshade, and more. These rankings were assembled with each mat's suitability for camping as the chief focus, however, so if you're trying to find something to make a romantic lunch more comfortable, you'll likely be better off with a picnic blanket.
Our top two picks represent two different schools of thought in terms of footprint construction. The RedCamp is extremely thin, which makes it light and easy to carry. It's a smart choice if your tent already has bathtub-style floors and you don't need your footprint to do a lot of heavy lifting to keep you cozy. The Rottay is much thicker, which provides more protection from the elements but will also take up more space in your bag. It's largely a matter of personal preference as to which is better.
Special Honors
Hilleberg Ground Sheet Designed for high-end models, the Hilleberg covers the full area of the tent, including the vestibule. It's easy to set up as well — all you have to remember is to keep the shiny side up. outdoorplay.com
Nemo Rocket Dyneema While this unit doesn't offer any waterproofing, it is made of a dense composite material that will shield your tent from all manner of rough terrain. It attaches to the tent using shockcord, which gives you quite a bit of slack when setting things up. campsaver.com
Big Agnes Flying Diamond 8 As you might expect, the Big Agnes offers plenty of room for larger tents, specifically eight-person models. It's rugged enough for all-season use, and despite its gargantuan size, it still only weighs a couple pounds. bigagnes.com