How Big Should A Tent Footprint Be? [2023 Guide]

Camping can be a lot of fun, but before you go out and buy that new tent, make sure to figure out the right size. A footprint is necessary for most tents, and it’s important to get one that’s the right size.

When shopping for a tent, one of the most important considerations is footprint size. But what is the right size for your needs? And how do you know when you’ve found the right one? 

Read: Best Tents For Long Term Camping Guide

This post will help answer those questions and more. So read on to learn more about tent footprints and find the perfect one for your next camping trip! Keep reading to learn more about how big your tent footprint should be.

What Size Should A Tent Footprint Be?

A tent footprint is simply a piece of material, typically made from polyethylene, that you place under your tent to help protect it from the ground.

It’s important to choose the right size footprint for your tent, as a too-small one can leave part of the tent exposed to the ground, and a too-large one can be difficult to fit in your camping space. 

When choosing a footprint size, start by measuring the dimensions of your tent. Then, add six inches to each side of those measurements. For example, if your tent is 10 feet long and 8 feet wide, you’ll need a footprint that is 16 feet long and 14 feet wide. 

Now that you know how to measure for a footprint size, it’s time to choose the right material. Polyethylene is the most popular choice for footprints, as it is durable and waterproof. There are also other materials that you can use to make footprints, such as nylon or canvas, if you wish.

When selecting a material, be sure to consider the weight, as this will affect how easy it is to carry on your camping trip. Polyethylene is typically the heaviest option, while nylon is usually the lightest. 

You should also consider the price when choosing a footprint material. As a rule of thumb, polyethylene is usually the most expensive option, while nylon is usually the least expensive.

Once you’ve selected the right size and material for your needs, it’s time to find a footprint that fits those specifications. In most outdoor retailers, you can find footprints for sale, or you can order one online if you like.

The size of your tent footprint should be based on the size of your tent. For instance, if you have a 3-person tent, you’ll need a 3-person footprint. If you have a 4-person tent, you’ll need a 4-person footprint, and so on. 

However, it’s important to note that not all tents are created equal. Some manufacturers make their tents a little larger or smaller than others. So even if you have a 3-person tent from one manufacturer, it might be slightly larger or smaller than a 3-person tent from another manufacturer. 

Tent Footprints By Size Chart:

• 3 person tent: 9' x 7'
• 4 person tent: 10' x 8'
• 6 person tent: 12' x 10'
• 8 person tent: 14' x 12'

As you can see, the size of your tent footprint should be based on the size of your tent. But what if you have a larger or smaller campsite than usual? In that case, you might need to adjust the size of your footprint accordingly. 

For example, if you have a 4-person tent but are only camping with two people, you might want to get a 3-person footprint instead. This way, you’ll** have less material to carry** and won’t have to worry about fitting a larger footprint in your campsite. 

On the other hand, if you have a 3-person tent but are camping with four people, you might want to get a 4-person footprint. In this way, you will be able to get more coverage and help protect your tent from the ground. 

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when choosing a footprint size. In fact, it is better to have a little too much material than not enough material.

How Do I Use A Tent Footprint?

Once you have the right size and material for your needs, it’s time to learn how to use your new tent footprint. Using a footprint is simple and only takes a few minutes. 

First, lay your footprint out on the ground in your desired campsite. Then, set your tent up on top of the footprint. Be sure to align the corners of the footprint with the corners of your tent. 

Next, stake your tent down as you normally would. Once your tent is staked down, guy out the sides using the provided cords or ropes. 

Finally, attach your rain fly to your tent. Make sure that the fly covers the entire footprint and extends all the way to the ground. 

Now that you know how to use a footprint, you’re ready to enjoy a worry-free camping trip. A footprint will help protect your tent from wear and tear and keep it clean and dry all weekend long. 

How to correctly set up a tent footprint:

1. Lay your footprint out on the ground in your desired campsite.
2. Set your tent up on top of the footprint, aligning the corners of the footprint with the corners of your tent.
3. Stake your tent down as you normally would.
4. Guy out the sides of your tent using the provided cords or ropes.
5. Attach your rain fly to your tent, making sure that it covers the entire footprint and extends all the way to the ground. 

Now that you know how to use a footprint, you’re ready to enjoy a worry-free camping trip. A footprint will help protect your tent from wear and tear and keep it clean and dry all weekend long.

Final words

So, what is the answer to the question of how big should your tent footprint be? It depends. If you are car camping or backpacking in a mild climate, then you can get away with a smaller footprint. 

But if you are camping in cold weather conditions or plan to camp in areas with rough terrain, you will need a bigger footprint to provide stability and protection for your tent and gear. Let us know in the comment section below how you decide on the size of your tent’s footprint!