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Are footprints really needed at altitude?

Original Post
Nick Turtura · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2015 · Points: 25

I have used my MH Trango tent with footprint for 14 years now and am looking into replacing it with a new one. Mountain Hardwear wants $70 for the footprint. I have always used the footprint for the standard reasons (protecting the tent, water resistance) but in reality it's usually on snow and touching the floor is usually pads and things made of down feathers. So my question is, do I drop the weight and tell MH to stick it? Am I missing something important?

I'd also like to avoid comments like "make your own footprint with Tyvek."

or "This other tent is better because such and such."

Just focus on the question do we really need footprints up high?

Ancent · · Reno, NV · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 34

Drop the footprint. As long as you've got cold/dry snow conditions, they're not needed. Plus, in you're tent, only the pad should ever touch the ground, at least "weighted" (minor things won't cause moisture to seep through the bottom and the only "wet" spot should be where your pad is).

I almost exclusively use my footprint for sleeping outside without a tent, as in pad and bag out in the desert. Any real backpacking or going uphill, and that's just extra weight. Even with an already wet ground, only the pad area gets wet and pads are relatively waterproof.

These are my experiences on rock, damp soil, snow, ice, etc everywhere from 0 ft to 17000 ft camping.

patto · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 25

I've never used a footprint in my life. I've had cheap lightweight (2kg) tents in storms with flooded ground. Water infiltration is minimal to none. In the snow I've there is no need either.

Linnaeus · · ID · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 0

Agree with the other posters, not needed. However, I'm curious if the Trango has changed that much over the years - will your old footprint still work if needed?

mountainhick · · Black Hawk, CO · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 120

Ditto patto.

I've been camping in tents for 45 years, never needed a foot print.

David Appelhans · · Broomfield, CO · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 410

Not needed. But you will wear the floor of your tent out faster without one. This can make it worth the cost and weight, depends on your objective.

Nick Turtura · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2015 · Points: 25

Thanks guys, I think we are all in agreement.

And ironically the tent has changed just barely enough to make the old footprint not fit. Other than that it's the same tent.

wisam · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 60

For a base camp or short hike in, I bring it. If I'm hiking more than a short distance or base camping for an extended period on rocks, I bring it. Should never really be needed on snow.

Allen Sanderson · · On the road to perdition · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 1,203

Regardless on the altitude, for snow I do not use a footprint, but I do for when camping in the dirt. Footprints do help with saving the floor from small rocks, sticks, tree sap, etc.

David Lyons · · Forest Falls, CA · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 120

a nice alternative footprint material is that Tyvek housewrap cut to size. Waterproof and oh so lightweight. I like saving my tent floor from the pokey things of life.

Wilburn · · Boise, ID · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 386

I second the Tyvek wrap. Inexpensive and easy to manage. Incidentally, that's also what I use to line the back of my car when I'm going on trips or transporting greasy/dirty equipment.

Rick Blair · · Denver · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 266

Tyvek or try some of that winterizing window film. It weighs nothing and folds to nothing, suprisingly durable.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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