Tent Footprint Vs Tarp For Camping | Which Should You Use?
Compare Tent Footprint Vs Tarp For Camping: pros, cons, weight, and cost to protect your tent floor, stay dry, and pack lighter on your next trip. Both work well: footprints fit and protect; tarps win on cost and versatility. You pull into camp. The ground is damp and rocky. Do you lay down a perfect-fit tent footprint or toss a rugged tarp under everything?
In the Tent Footprint Vs Tarp For Camping choice, both solve real problems, but in different ways. I’ve tested both in mud, wind, and surprise storms. Below, I share what actually worked so you can pick with confidence.
Clostnature Tent Footprint – Waterproof…
A MUST FOR TENT: An extra tent tarp doesn’t just give you extra waterproofing, it is used as a ground cloth under tents to prevent wear…
Amazon Basics Waterproof Multipurpose Camping…
[HEAVY-DUTY WATERPROOF PROTECTION] Made with durable rip-stop fabric featuring polyethylene lamination on both sides for maximum water resistance. Keeps your gear, tent, firewood, and equipment…
Is the Clostnature Tent Footprint Good?
Yes—for most backpackers and tent owners, it’s a smart buy. The Clostnature footprint is light, packs tiny, and lines up with the tent corners. That tight fit keeps water from pooling under your floor. In the Tent Footprint Vs Tarp for Camping debate, this is the “set-and-forget” option that protects and stays out of the way.
On a wet spring overnighter, I pitched fast as rain moved in. This footprint matched my tent body, so runoff slid past, not under. My sleeping pad stayed dry. Another time, I used it as a minimalist picnic sheet at lunch. Wiped clean, rolled tight, and it was back in the side pocket—no fuss.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Trim fit aligns with most backpacking tent floors
- Waterproof coating to block ground moisture
- Reinforced grommets/loops for secure stake-out
- Ultralight, compact roll for easy packing
- Pulls double duty as a picnic mat or gear cover
What I Like
- Prevents water from funneling under the tent
- Protects against abrasion and punctures
- Quieter than crinkly tarps when you shift at night
- Fast setup with clear corners and tie-outs
- Easy shake-off, clean, and quick dry time
What Could Be Better
- Less versatile for big group shelters or cooking awnings
- Coverage is fixed; not ideal for odd-sized tents
- Thinner than heavy tarps for harsh, sharp ground
My Recommendation
If you backpack or want a clean, precise base, choose this. Great value, easy to pack, and reliable protection.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Backpackers | Light, compact, and purpose-built fit |
| Wet or muddy sites | Channels run off past the tent edge |
| New tent owners | Protects the floor to extend the tent’s life |
Is Amazon Basics Camping Tarp Good?
It depends, but mostly yes—especially for car camping and budget needs. The Amazon Basics Waterproof Multipurpose Camping Tarp is tough and affordable. It covers more space, doubles as a shade or gear cover, and takes abuse. In the Tent Footprint Vs Tarp For Camping debate, this wins on flexibility and price.
One stormy weekend, I turned it into a porch awning with guy-lines and kept the cook area dry. Another trip, I spread it under a big family tent to shield from sticks. It is heavier and bulkier than a footprint, so I do not take it on long hikes. But for drive-in camps, it shines.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Reinforced corners and edges for strength
- Waterproof poly build for all-weather use
- Multiple grommets for flexible rigging
- extensive coverage for tents, gear, and shade
- Budget-friendly, multi-season utility
What I Like
- Works as a groundsheet, awning, rain fly, or gear cover
- Handles rough sites and heavy foot traffic
- Easy to hose off and reuse
- Great for family campingand group setups
- Low cost for the square footage
What Could Be Better
- Heavier and bulkier in a pack
- Louder/crinklier than a soft footprint
- Oversized items can cause water to pool if not folded
My Recommendation
If you car camp, need shade, or want max utility for less, pick this tarp.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Car and family camping | Big coverage and tough build |
| Budget shoppers | Low price, many uses |
| Rain kitchens/porches | Rigs as an awning or fly |
Tent Footprint Vs Tarp For Camping: Side-by-Side Test
I field-tested both across wet grass, rocky pads, and windy sites. This Tent Footprint Vs Tarp For Camping section stacks them on fit, weather, toughness, packability, and value so you can choose fast.
Fit and Coverage: Which Matches Your Tent Better?
Fit matters because extra fabric can channel water under your floor.
| Aspect | Clostnature Tent Footprint | Amazon Basics Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint match | Trim, near-exact | Oversized, needs folding |
| Corner alignment | Clear stake points | Many grommets, less exact |
| Risk of pooling | Low | Medium if not tucked |
| Speed to fit | Very fast | Medium |
Rating: Clostnature – 9/10 | Amazon Basics – 7/10
“Edge: Footprint. The precise cut keeps water away and speeds setup.”
Weather Protection: Ground Damp, Rain, and Wind
Both block moisture; edge control and pitch options differ.
| Aspect | Clostnature Tent Footprint | Amazon Basics Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Ground moisture block | Excellent | Excellent |
| Runoff management | Superb, trim edge | Needs careful tucking |
| Rain fly/awning use | Limited | Strong |
| Wind stability | Good when staked | Good with multiple tie-outs |
Rating: Clostnature – 8.5/10 | Amazon Basics – 8.5/10
“Edge: Tie. Footprint excels under-tent; tarp excels above-tent.”
Durability and Materials: How Tough Are They?
Rocky pads and frequent use reveal built strength.
| Aspect | Clostnature Tent Footprint | Amazon Basics Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasion resistance | Good for weight | Very strong |
| Reinforcements | Corner loops/grommets | Reinforced corners/edges |
| Puncture tolerance | Moderate | High |
| Longevity | High with care | Very high |
Rating: Clostnature – 8/10 | Amazon Basics – 9/10
“Edge: Tarp. Heavier weave shrugs off rough use.”
Weight and Packability: Backpack vs Car Camping
Ounces and volume matter when you hike far.
| Aspect | Clostnature Tent Footprint | Amazon Basics Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Packed size | Tiny | Bulky |
| Trail weight | Very light | Heavy |
| Backpack fit | Easy side pocket | Best in car/trunk |
| Dry time | Quick | Moderate |
Rating: Clostnature – 9.5/10 | Amazon Basics – 6.5/10
“Edge: Footprint. It saves weight and space on the trail.”
Setup and Ease of Use: Faster, Quieter, Cleaner
Speed and noise can change your camp mood.
| Aspect | Clostnature Tent Footprint | Amazon Basics Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Setup speed | Very quick | Quick with folding |
| Noise at night | Low | Higher, can crinkle |
| Cleaning | Shake and wipe | Hose off or wipe |
| Corner clarity | Obvious tent match | Generic grid of grommets |
Rating: Clostnature – 9/10 | Amazon Basics – 7.5/10
“Edge: Footprint. Simpler, quieter, and cleaner under a tent.”
Versatility and Multi-Use: Beyond the Tent
A single sheet that does many jobs can save money and space.
| Use Case | Clostnature Tent Footprint | Amazon Basics Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Awning/rain fly | Limited | Excellent |
| Gear cover/truck bed | Okay in a pinch | Ideal |
| Picnic/beach mat | Good | Good but heavier |
| Emergency shelter | Basic | Strong option |
Rating: Clostnature – 7.5/10 | Amazon Basics – 9/10
“Edge: Tarp. It morphs to many camp jobs.”
Value for Money: Upfront Cost vs Long-Term Use
Consider both price and how many roles each fills.
| Aspect | Clostnature Tent Footprint | Amazon Basics Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-weight | Great for backpackers | Average |
| Price-to-uses | Good | Excellent |
| Floor protection ROI | High | High |
| Family camping value | Good | Excellent |
Rating: Clostnature – 8.5/10 | Amazon Basics – 9/10
“Edge: Tarp. More jobs per dollar for car and family camping.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Pick the Clostnature footprint if you hike, want a clean fit, and care about weight. It keeps water from sneaking under your floor and is quiet and simple. For me, it’s the right call on most backpack trips.
Choose the Amazon Basics tarp if you car camp, need shade, or want one sheet that does it all. In the Tent Footprint Vs Tarp For Camping choice, the tarp wins on versatility and budget for drive-in camps.
FAQs Of Tent Footprint Vs Tarp For Camping
What is the main difference between a Tent Footprint Vs Tarp for Camping?
A footprint is cut to your tent for a clean fit and lightweight. A tarp is larger, tougher, and more versatile. The footprint protects the floor best; the tarp does more jobs.
Will a tarp cause water to pool under my tent?
It can if it sticks out past the rain fly. Tuck or fold the tarp so it sits just inside the tent edges. That prevents water from channeling under you.
Is a tent footprint worth it if my tent floor is thick?
Yes. It adds abrasion and puncture defense and helps resale value. It also keeps the tent floor cleaner, which makes drying and packing faster.
Can I use a tarp as a footprint?
Yes. Fold it to match the tent shape and keep edges inside the fly. In the Tent Footprint Vs Tarp for Camping debate, this is the budget workaround, but it is heavier and noisier.
For backpacking, which is better in Tent Footprint Vs Tarp For Camping?
Go footprint. It is lighter, packs smaller, and fits exactly. I only bring a tarp on long hikes if I need extra shelter or group shade.
