ReGear gear guide
Tent footprints and groundsheets: choose the fit and keep rain out
Practical checks to help you choose second-hand gear for your next trip.
Read the guide
A tent footprint is a protective sheet underneath the tent floor. The main job is to take wear from the ground and keep the bottom cleaner, so the tent itself lasts longer.
Footprint, groundsheet and floor
- Tent floor: the built-in bottom of the tent body.
- Footprint: a separate sheet shaped for a particular tent.
- Groundsheet: a broader name for a protective sheet; it may be generic rather than model-specific.
- Rainfly: the outer waterproof cover above the tent body.
Why a smaller footprint is deliberate
The sheet should sit inside the tent-floor outline. An exposed edge can catch rain and direct it between the sheet and floor. Check the exact model and year against the manufacturer’s compatibility information; matching the number of people is not enough.
How to lay it out
- Choose a suitable campsite and remove loose sharp objects without damaging vegetation.
- Lay the footprint flat, following its instructions for orientation.
- Place the tent floor over it and check every edge is tucked underneath.
- Use the specified attachment points and pitch the tent normally.
- Check again after tensioning: no exposed pocket should collect runoff.
What it cannot fix
A footprint will not repair a leaking tent floor or make a hollow that collects water a good campsite. Inspect used tents for worn coatings, damaged seams and holes before relying on them.
Before buying and after camping
For a used footprint, check the shape, measurements, holes and attachment points. I would do a full test pitch at home, then dry and clean both the sheet and tent before storing them. Pack the dirty ground-facing side away from clean sleeping gear.
Read next: Choosing a second-hand tent.
Sources and photo credits
Sources checked 4 October 2026.
- MSR: footprint sizing and compatibility
- MSR: using a footprint
- Marmot: footprint and groundsheet guide
Photo: Illustrative tent-interior photograph; not ReGear stock. Baikal_Railway,_Tent,_Inner_tent,_Russia.jpg — Vyacheslav Argenberg. CC BY 4.0. Resized for display.
