When you arrive at a campsite and set up your tent, have you ever felt the unevenness of pebbles, felt a chill from the bottom, or experienced water seeping into your tent? Even if you try to find as flat and dry a place as possible to set up, it will be difficult to completely prevent unevenness, cold, and moisture. The bottom of the tent may get dirty and become difficult to maintain. Therefore, to prevent your tent from getting dirty or wet, you should prepare a ground sheet.
Here, we will introduce the benefits of using a ground sheet and points to consider when choosing one.
What is a ground sheet?
A ground sheet is a sheet placed between the bottom of the tent and the ground. Also called undersheet or footprint. It is one of the items you should have on hand to enjoy camping in comfort, as it is effective in preventing scratches and dirt from building up on your tent, as well as reducing water intrusion, cold bottoms, and uneven ground.
If you just want to protect the bottom of the tent, you can use a vinyl sheet or leisure sheet, but a dedicated ground sheet is thick, durable, and waterproof. A ground sheet is not absolutely necessary. In fact, there are probably some campers who don’t use a ground sheet. However, you can protect your tent and make it more comfortable by simply laying it down. Although it is not essential, it is an item that you should have along with your tent if possible.
Advantages of using a ground sheet
Prevents bottom cooling and flooding
Depending on the material of the tent, the weather that day, and the ground conditions, water may leak from the roof of the tent. Also, in order to maintain comfort inside the tent, it is necessary to choke up the cold air from the ground and keep the bottom from getting cold.
By using a ground sheet that is highly water resistant, the bottom of the tent does not touch the ground directly, preventing irrigation seepage and moisture from entering from the ground. If it has a high heat retention effect, it also has the advantage of reducing the cooling setup from the ground.
Keeps the tent from getting dirty
If you roll out of the closet and camp directly on the ground, there is nothing to protect the bottom of the tent. Hard, sharp objects such as stones and gravel can damage your tent, cause holes, or make it dirty and require more effort to clean.
Tents are among the most expensive items, so you want to handle them as carefully as possible. You protect the bottom of your camp by laying down a ground sheet.
A ground sheet is an essential item in order to maintain your tent for a long time.
Can be used for varied purposes
Groundsheets are used for more than simply laying them on the bottom of a tent. For example, if you use it as a luggage storage area when you move out, you can store items together, making it easier to strip up afterward. Another benefit is that it prevents the bottom of the tent from getting damp, so you don’t have to worry about drying it.
In addition, ground sheets have excellent waterproofing, durability, and heat retention, and there are products that can be used as leisure sheets for picnics and day camps, or as tarps. The purpose of the ground sheet is that it not only protects the tent, but can also be used for a variety of purposes.
How to choose a ground sheet
Make it smaller than the tent
It is important to choose a ground sheet that is slightly smaller than the bottom of your tent. If the ground sheet is larger than the tent, water will accumulate in the protruding parts, reducing its effectiveness in preventing flooding. As a guideline, it is a good idea to choose one that is about 10 cm smaller than the bottom of the tent. You can also use a large ground sheet by folding it, but be careful as it may create uneven surfaces.
Also, if your tent comes with a dedicated ground sheet, we recommend choosing that. The color and design are unified and the size matches the tent, so you can use it with confidence.
Check the sheet material
Ground sheets vary in functionality and water resistance depending on the material used. Also check the material of the seat. Ground sheet materials can be broadly divided into synthetic resin and chemical fiber materials. So, what is the best material for ground sheet?
[Made of synthetic resin]
Ground sheets made of synthetic resins such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE) are characterized by their excellent waterproof properties. Even on rainy days, it is difficult for water to pass through, reducing the risk of flooding.
On the other hand, you may be concerned about the stiff feel of a blue sheet.
[Made of chemical fiber]
Types made of synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester are attractive because they are lightweight and can be stored compactly. Many of them have excellent designs, so they are recommended for those who want to lighten their luggage or stock up on stylish items.
On the other hand, waterproof performance is achieved through processing, so if the processing deteriorates, the waterproof effect will disappear.
When deciding on the type of material, consider what purpose you will use the ground sheet for.
A ground sheet is an item that can protect your precious tent from scratches and dirt, as well as prevent water from seeping into the tent and the bottom from getting cold. Although not absolutely necessary, having one will make your camping experience more comfortable. Another appeal is that it can be used in a wide range of ways, such as being used as a leisure sheet or, depending on the product, as a tarp.
However, depending on the size and functionality of the ground sheet, you may not be able to achieve the desired effect. It is important to choose a product that is suitable for your tent while considering what you want to use it for.