[Backpacker Joe]

Its not a rip off if you have a choice whether to buy it or not. Many people like simplistic answers to their questions! "How do I protect my tent?" Oh, there's a ground sheet, Ill buy that. Etc etc etc. Other people like to come up with things on their own.

[Daryl]

never used a footprint, never ripped a floor. other then using it with just the rainfly on some tents, I see no reason for it either. If you do rip the floor, duct tape works great! what I wonder, is it any easier to wash a footprint then a tent? Why do people use it to keep the tent clean? I never understood that.

[DIYSteve]

[Criminal]

Floors in tents are lighter because people shop by the weight. If tent A weighs 2.5 pounds and tent B weighs 2.8 pounds, tent A sells more. I have a footprint for my BA Fly Creek UL1, but I've really wanted a piece of Tyvek for one reason, to extend into the vestibule area so I have some place clean(er) to take off my boots. Thanks for the links!

[grannyhiker]

I haven't used anything under any tent for at least 10 years and have had no problems. That was true even with the extra-light silnylon floor I had on one tent (Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo). Before that I used a piece of plastic (painters drop cloth) cut about 2" smaller than the tent on each side. That makes a nice disposable "footprint" that you usually have to toss after every trip. For a more durable ground cloth, try polycro (same stuff used in plastic storm window kits) which lasts at least a season. It's a good idea to remove sticks, pine cones and stones from the ground where your tent will be, and to keep your dog's claws clipped. That will do far more to preserve your tent floor than any footprint. IMHO, nylon footprints are a sales gimmick. They are heavy, expensive and certainly unnecessary! If you want to use a tarp, buy a tarp which has far more pitching options.

[texasbb]

[Obi Tony Kenobi]

So is Tyvek available at hardware stores like Home Depot, or online like those links some of you put up??

[DIYSteve]

Tyvek is available in big quantities at Home Depot, etc. If you pass a construction site, somebody might give you a piece. I assume that 6MD is buying a roll of Tyvek and then cutting it up.

[mike220]

I have a roll of the 3' wide stuff laying around from a home improvement project. If you want a piece of it PM me and you can have what you want. Note: it isn't the light "kite weight stuff", it is regular house rap. Mike

[half fast]

I was given some Tyvek from a construction site. I just cut to fit my tent. It is lightweight, rolls up nicely and even if it is not necessary, I feel better having it. I do like the idea of a space blanket... I might look into that if and when my Tyvek needs to be replaced.

[Allison]

The kite Tyvek is a lot lighter than housewrap.

[Layback]

[moonspots]

[Yeti]

If you still want a factory Copper Spur UL footprint...they have one over at geartrade.com for 40% off http://www.geartrade.com/browse/106/93/176/item/191188 - BTW I always use something under my tent. Is it just me, or does it seem that tyvek can collect a lot of dirt and debris which is somewhat difficult to shake off?

[DaleW]

You can buy Tyvek by the foot on eBay. The house wrap is heavier and noisy-- washing helps. If you go to Home Depot, you can buy the large Frost King window insulation film kit for about $6 and it will make several footprints. Each will weigh about 1.5oz. It is the same thing as polycro--- heat shrink plastic wrap. It is tough and light. It makes a great ground cloth for tarp tents too.