Outdoor Blog

Do I Need a Tarp Under My Tent?

Published

4 years ago

March 8, 2020

Many campers have learned to pack a tarp or ground cloth for camping trips out in the backcountry where sudden rain or other precipitation can soak through the tent floor and turn the whole campsite into a dejected quagmire of mud.

While a properly staked-out tent footprint can waterproof the bottom of your tent and keep your sleeping bag and other gear dry, some campers who hike extensively on their camping trips and want to pack ultralight or just enjoy primitive camping start to wonder at some point whether the tarp or ground cloth is as integral a piece of camping gear as they’d thought the first time they went camping, new tent in tow.

Groundsheets and tent footprints call for much consideration. In a 2-person tent, the tarp or groundsheet maybe ultralight and easy to carry along. But for a 12-person tent or for even larger tents, the tarp you’d use to waterproof the bottom of your tent may not be feasibly portable without some kind of vehicle. So, is the tarp really necessary?

It may seem like a small consideration but a tarp or groundsheet offers extra protection for the bottom of your tent and could make or break an entire camping trip in the right scenario. It’s worth noting that even with a tarp or groundsheet along, it’s never entirely guaranteed that the bottom of your tent will stay dry. Site selection the first time you reach your campsite is really important no matter how waterproof your tent it or how sound the construction of your tarpaulin groundsheet or rain fly.

Beyond what may appear to be its primary duty of helping campers stay dry, tarps and groundsheets can also protect tent floors from abrasions on hard surfaces, so campers with a new tent along may want to ensure the longevity of the tent bottom by placing a tent footprint underneath. As with so many things related to the campsite, the necessity of a tent footprint just depends on the type of camping trip and the goals of the particular campers. Read through this guide for a full consideration of all the pros and cons of a tarp or groundsheet to formulate a well-thought-out plan before your next camping trip.

Gray tent beside a lake and surrounded by trees.

A tarp or ground cloth can protect the bottom of your tent from abrasions on rough and rocky surfaces.

How does a tarp help waterproof the tent floor?

A tarpaulin, or tarp for short, is just a large piece of flexible, durable, waterproof or water-resistant material such as canvas or polyester coated with polyurethane or else a plastic material like polyethylene. The tarp most familiar to most campers or outdoor enthusiasts is the large blue plastic kind with grommets around the perimeter to allow for a rope or other fixing mechanism to pass through and keep the tarp fixed and protecting whatever it’s attached to. At home, a tarp is often used to cover firewood or other outdoor material that can’t be brought inside but ought to stay dry in any case.

Tarpaulin comes in many different designs. Some tarps are perforated, but since waterproofing is likely to be a central concern for campers, perforated tarps are not advisable for either tent footprints or rain flys. Heavy rain will soak right through perforated tarps, although in cases where the campsite is still damp with rainwater from previous precipitation but there aren’t any more storms in the forecast, a perforated tarp could get the job done. Those backpacking with expensive or sensitive camping gear will likely find no need to take the risk of buying anything but the toughest, most waterproof tarp to use as a rainfly or tent footprint.

Canvas tarps are water-resistant but are not waterproof. If they are arranged so that rainwater will not collect on them and can easily drain away, then canvas tarps will work fine. But sitting rainwater or prolonged exposure to rainwater as might happen in heavy rain will eventually start to drip through a canvas tarp. As a tent footprint on dry ground, a canvas tent will likely suffice as ground cover as long as heavy rain doesn’t come and campers have chosen their campsite wisely and not set up the tent in a place where rainwater will collect on the ground.

Essentially a tent footprint made out of tarpaulin is convenient for two important purposes at the campsite. Some campers swear against ground cloths of any variety, desiring ultralight backpacking, while others never go on a camping trip without some form of extra protection and waterproofing for their tent bottom. The extra protection and extend the life of your tent, which of course you’ll want to remain 100% intact and without punctures or holes for as long as possible.

It also keeps the bottom of your tent cleaner, which can reduce the amount of time you have to spend on asinine chores once you return home from your camping trip. Perhaps more importantly, the ability of a ground cloth to keep groundwater and rainwater away from your tent is going to prevent all sorts of annoying incidents from happing at the campsite.

Yellow and gray tent near a tree stump with a rocky mountain under a blue sky.

Site selection and a waterproof tent with a rainfly can reduce the need for a tarp or groundsheet, but extra protection is always a good idea.

Tarps and ground cloths can protect the bottom of your tent

The first time you go on a camping trip with a new tent, you’ll probably obsess with keeping the new tent in the same immaculate condition it’s in when you first pitch it at your campsite. However, many campers often lose this sense of protection for their tents and other camping gear such as sleeping bags as they continue to use them on tent camping excursion after tent camping excursion.

The best method for you to continue proper maintenance and extend the life of your tent is to get in the habit of placing a groundsheet or tent footprint underneath your tent site. As you get more acclimated to tent camping you will do so automatically and not view it as a hassle.

Many campers who prefer to go without a tarp as a tent footprint find it to be a hassle because they have never been in the worst-case scenario where heavy rain or snow gets through the tent bottom and causes mayhem with camping gear and possibly makes campers sick. Ultralight backpacking does tend to call for leaving everything behind you at home that you can possibly afford not to bring along to the campsite, but the right tarp can be constructed out of moderately thin tarpaulin and weigh just a few ounces. Laying a tent footprint before pitching your tent is no more of a hassle than pitching the tent in the first place.

Most importantly, even in dry environments, a groundsheet will provide a degree of extra protection between the bottom of your tent and rocks, sticks, and other sharp materials commonly found on the forest floor, the desert sand, or the jagged rocky surface of a mountain. In order to go fearlessly into any environment you desire, a tarp or groundsheet is an essential piece of camping gear that is ultralight and not too much of a hassle.

For a lightweight material that can serve as a tent footprint or as a handy porch at the entrance to your tent, Tyvek is a solid option. Tyvek is a kind of tarp made out of a high-density polyethylene fiber that is breathable, water-resistant, tear-resistant, and ultralight. Tyvek is very much like paper but much more durable. For situations where your campsite is likely to see snow or heavy rain, Tyvek may be more useful tucked under the front of your tent to provide a staging area that will allow the inside of your tent to stay dry, since you’ll be able to take off your boots on the Tyvek before heading inside from the elements.

DIY tarps and tent footprints

The most convenient thing about ultralight tarps and tent footprints is that those campers who fancy themselves handy enough can fashion a DIY version of a groundsheet out of tarpaulin, Tyvek, or any other waterproof or water-resistant material available around the house. Follow this step-by-step guide to build your own DIY tent footprint:

1. Find the material you wish to use to construct your tent footprint.

It can often be found at the hardware store or an outdoor retailer. Make sure you buy enough of the chosen material that extends well beyond the size of the bottom of your tent.

2. Lay out the tarp on the ground and put your tent on top of it.

Make sure the tarp is completely flat and as wrinkle-free as possible to avoid cutting mistakes.

3. Use a sharpie or similar permanent marker and trace the bottom of your tent.

Try to keep the tent bottom as flush as possible with the ground to get the tightest border trace you can. Make sure not to move the tent on accident!

4. Cut out the tent footprint you’ve just traced.

Don’t cut directly on the sharpie line, though. Make sure you’re cutting about two inches inside the outline of the bottom of your tent. The logic behind cutting 2 inches within the outline is that the ideal tent footprint is a little bit smaller than the bottom of your tent. If the tent footprint is the same size or larger than the tent bottom it is protecting, then rainwater would collect on the exposed area of the tent footprint. Rainwater pooled in such a way would flood your tent, exactly the opposite of the intended use of a tarp or groundsheet.

Now that you’ve crafted your own ultralight ground cover, you can go camping with a new tent or a time-tested one without worrying about abrasions from the ground or rainwater getting through the bottom of your tent!

Person sitting inside a blue and yellow dome tent.

Tyvek tucked up under your tent can create a “porch” for tying on boots and keep mud out of the tent.

Good site selection for camping without a tarp for ground cover

Okay, just to cover both sides of the debate here, let’s consider what campers who venture out on their camping trip without any tarpaulin, Tyvek, or canvas to use for ground cover. Fortunately, without this piece of camping gear, there is only one thing to concentrate on, and that’s selecting your campsite.

The surrounding area at your campsite should be as elevated as possible so that you can erect your tent in a place where rainwater will naturally flow down and away from your tent without soaking through the tent bottom. Before you pitch your tent, pick through the material of the ground and make sure all the big objects like sticks, stones, and debris are clear so that they will not punch through the tent bottom.

Once all that is done, you’re basically ready to pitch the tent. Make sure you bring some kind of sleeping pad to use underneath your sleeping bag. If your sleeping bag is robust and insulated enough to keep you from heat escaping through the bottom of your tent, then you should be fine sleeping through the night. But in cold locations, the earth beneath your tent bottom will pull heat from you and won’t return any back, so campers in this situation risk having a cold night’s sleep.

For optimal campsite selection, remember the five W’s: water, waste, weather, widowmakers, and wildlife. We’ve already discussed how important rainwater and drainage are, but drinking water is equally important. Campers planning on treating river or creek water with a water filter or similar piece of camping gear have to toe the line between setting up a campsite near enough the water source to be convenient but far enough away that a sudden heavy rain won’t flood the source and drench their tent bottom. Waste is obvious enough: campers will need a convenient way to dispose of waste when they leave the campsite.

Weather is relevant to points already discussed vis-a-vis tarps and tent footprints. Natural cover like trees and overhangs and add extra protection against water permeating the tent bottom. But attention is critical because the next W is widowmaker, a name given to potentially fatal accidents caused by something like a heavy tree branch suddenly falling on your tent. If you use trees for extra protection against the weather, make sure none of them are dead or close to falling on top of you.

Wildlife is an equally important consideration. There are plenty of precautions to take against larger animals like bears or foxes, but make sure you aren’t setting your tent up on top of an ant colony or a wasp’s nest. A tent footprint can offer some slight protection against insects coming in through the tent, but if you tend to leave the front entrance to your tent open, it’s likely ants will get in if you’re trying to sleep right on top of them. Overall, there are many useful advantages to tarps and tent footprints and not many drawbacks.

A red and yellow tent and rafts outdoors.

Site selection is a critical part of constructing a campsite. Remember the 5 W’s next time you go camping!

Final Verdict:

For all but the most hard-headed or ultralight backpacking-obsessed campers, a tarp or groundsheet is a super-handy piece of camping gear that doesn’t add too much weight to the pack and only takes a few extra minutes to set up at the campsite. To protect the bottom of your tent and extend the life of your tent, a tent footprint is a utilitarian dream with no special features or complicated operation. It is simply a bit of extra protection between you and the ground. It’s ideal for campers who want to retain heat inside their tent, add a small degree of comfort to the tent bottom, and make sure nothing pokes a hole in the tent’s floor.

All campers know how rain can put a damper on an otherwise fulfilling camping trip. A groundsheet, tarp, or tent footprint can cover the ground beneath the tent’s floor and prevent rainwater that has already fallen at the campsite or rainwater from heavy rain that’s currently falling from permeating the tent bottom and soaking every camper inside. To avoid illness and ruining camping gear with sensitive electronics inside, and to preserve your own ability to wake up with the energy to go out hiking and interacting with the great outdoors like you should on any worthwhile camping trip.

Only the most foolhardy campers would go without a simple tent footprint to avoid all this trouble. With so many ways to craft a durable DIY tarp out of Tyvek, canvas, or any other material, there aren’t too many reasons not to add a few ounces to your pack to bring along a piece of camping gear that could make the difference between a cold, soggy camping trip and a successful camping trip into the backcountry where, despite heavy rain or snow, all campers involved managed to make the best of it and see the great outdoors in the rain, an opportunity not taken by the vast majority of campers. Now that you know the in’s and out’s of tarps and tent bottoms, you’ll be much better prepared to protect the bottom of your tent and extend the life of your tent next time you go camping.

Bonus tip: Watch this step-by-step instructional video to learn how to make your own DIY Tyvek tent footprint and tarp for next to nothing!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

4 weeks ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter