Buying guide · 10 min read · Updated October 2, 2026

5 Best Tent Footprints For Backpacking in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide

Best tent footprints for backpacking compared by listed weight, pack size and fabric, for solo and two-person tents carried on the trail.

By Danny WalkerCamping Editor at RV Gear Lab5 products comparedSpec-sheet researched

On the trail, every ounce of a footprint counts, so the best backpacking sheet is the one that protects the floor at the lowest listed weight. The weights here run from about 7 ounces up to 0.85 lb.

We chose five footprints that state weight, pack size or Tyvek construction, and sorted them by what they ask you to carry. Group-size sheets and heavy tarps were left out.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Campsite Fit Check

Start with the job: OneTigris 2 Person Footprint for Backpacking Tent leads this shortlist for Light backpacking tents. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
Specs that separate the picks: The first details to compare are 0.45 lb, 78.7 x 47.24 in, Tyvek ground sheet, 83 x 87 in, 0.85 lb. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
Trade-off to plan for: Narrow, 47 inches wide

Before you buy

What Matters Before You Choose a Tent Footprint For Backpacking

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

01
Weight per square foot
The lightest sheet is not always the best, since a smaller sheet always weighs less. Divide the listed weight by the area to see the real efficiency. Look for weight in ounces on the listing and compare the dimension next to it.
02
Tyvek versus coated fabrics
Tyvek is a breathable, paper-like fabric that blocks water and tears slowly, while polyester sheets are coated to be waterproof. Tyvek can be quieter and lighter. Look for the word Tyvek in the title or bullets.
03
Waterproof rating in millimeters
A rating like 2000mm or 3000mm shows how much water pressure the coating holds. Backpackers pitch on wet ground often, so a number above 2000mm gives a margin. Check the listing for the figure.
04
Pack size
A footprint that rolls to about 3 by 9 inches slips beside a tent in a stuff sack. Folded flat blocks of 10 by 8 inches suit a tent pocket. Check the packed dimensions.
05
Corner attachment
Grommets and loops let you stake the sheet and keep it under the tent. Without them it wanders in wind. Look for the grommet or loop type listed.
06
Right size for your floor
A footprint slightly smaller than your tent floor keeps rain from pooling on top. A 47 inch wide sheet suits a narrow two-person backpacking tent, while a 3 to 4 person tent needs about 83 by 87 inches. Measure your tent's floor and compare.

Our standards

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

At RV Gear Lab, we compare products based on campsite fit, verified specifications, usability, setup requirements, weight, durability, and real-world trade-offs. We do not rank products purely on marketing claims or commission rates.

We have not personally tested every product listed. Where hands-on testing is not available, recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications, product documentation, use-case fit, and comparative research.

How we review camping gear →

Detailed reviews

The 5 best tent footprints for backpacking, explained

Best Lightest Footprint · 1 of 5

OneTigris 2 Person Footprint for Backpacking Tent

0.45 lb, 78.7 x 47.24 in
70D ripstop, 2000mm rating
Packs to 9.8 x 7.9 in

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Light backpacking tents

Our take

The most carry-friendly footprint here for a two-person tent.

Why it made the shortlist

The OneTigris 2 person footprint is 78.7 by 47.24 inches in 70D ripstop polyester with a 2000mm waterproof rating. It weighs 0.2 kg (0.45 lb) and packs to 9.84 by 7.87 by 1.37 inches.

It carries the lightest stated weight in this list, ahead of the Frelaxy-class sheets and the 0.85 lb REDCAMP. Its listing names compatibility with the Cosmitto and Stelle tents.

It suits a solo or two-person backpacking tent where packed size matters most. The PU-coated side faces up.

What works

Lightest stated weight here
Packs to a thin, flat block
Doubles as a door mat

Watch out for

Narrow, 47 inches wide
Priciest of the five

The catch: The 47-inch width suits narrow backpacking floors, not wide ones.

Check price on Amazon

Best Tyvek Option · 2 of 5

Tyvek Ground Sheet & Tent Footprint

Tyvek ground sheet
Breathable, waterproof, tear resistant
Grommets for staking

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Ultralight Tyvek fans

Our take

A true Tyvek ground sheet for light packers.

Why it made the shortlist

The Modern Grizzly ground sheet is made from Tyvek, which the listing calls breathable, tear and puncture resistant and waterproof. It spreads under a tent and stakes through the grommets.

Against the polyester sheets here, Tyvek lets air move through while stopping ground water.

It suits an ultralight backpacker who prefers Tyvek's feel. The material also copes with rough ground.

What works

Breathable Tyvek lets vapor escape
Tear and puncture resistant
Spread-and-stake setup
Grommets hold it down

Watch out for

No size or weight on this listing

The catch: The size is not given on this listing, so check the options carefully.

Check price on Amazon

Best for Larger Tents · 3 of 5

REDCAMP Waterproof Tent Footprint 83"×87" Floor Mat Ultralight Camping Tarp

83 x 87 in, 0.85 lb
210T ripstop, PU2000mm
3.14 x 8.6 in packed

Check price on Amazon

Best for: 3 to 4 person tents

Our take

A roomy sheet that still weighs under a pound.

Why it made the shortlist

The REDCAMP is an 83 by 87 inch footprint in 210T ripstop polyester with a PU2000mm coating. It weighs 0.85 lb (386g), packs to 3.14 by 8.6 inches and is called suitable for a 3 to 4 person tent.

It is the biggest sheet here, wider than the 47 inch OneTigris by more than 35 inches. It also doubles as a tarp for sun or rain with the tie-outs.

It suits a backpacking trio or a four-person tent that still needs to stay under a pound. A 365-day warranty covers it.

What works

Big enough for 3 to 4 person tents
Weighs under a pound
Packs into a slim roll
365-day manufacturer warranty

Watch out for

Heavier than the 2-person sheets
Floor sheet only, no loops listed

The catch: Coverage this wide adds carry weight over the solo-size sheets.

Check price on Amazon

Best Mid-Weight Sheet · 4 of 5

Clostnature 87x75in Heavy Duty Tent Footprint Floor Saver

87 x 75 in, 12.3 oz
Ripstop polyethylene, coated
Drawstring bag, cellphone size

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Short hikes, 3-person tents

Our take

A balanced size for a three-person tent.

Why it made the shortlist

The Clostnature 87 by 75 inch footprint is ripstop polyethylene with a waterproof coating. It weighs 12.3 oz and folds into a drawstring bag the size of a cellphone, and the listing ties it to Clostnature's 3-person tent.

It suits a car camper or a short hike with a three-person tent. The drawstring bag keeps it tidy.

What works

Mid-size for 3-person tents
Folds small into its bag
Waterproof coating on the sheet
One-year guarantee

Watch out for

Heavier than the Underwood sheet
Listing ties it to one tent

The catch: At 12.3 oz it weighs more than the Underwood, so it leans toward car camping.

Check price on Amazon

Best Budget Lightweight · 5 of 5

Tent Footprint

86.6 x 59.1 in, 10.16 oz
210T, PU3000mm, taped seams
Heavy-duty grommets

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Budget backpackers

Our take

A low-cost sheet with a stronger waterproof rating than most.

Why it made the shortlist

The Underwood footprint is 86.6 by 59.1 inches in 210T fabric with a PU3000mm coating and taped seams. It weighs 10.16 oz (288g), packs with a carry bag and uses heavy-duty grommets to stake down.

It costs the least here and has the highest listed waterproof rating of the polyester sheets at PU3000mm. It is wider than the OneTigris and lighter than the Clostnature.

What works

PU3000mm waterproof coating
Taped seams on the edges
Carry bag included

Watch out for

Brand name is thin on the listing
Not the lightest option

The catch: At 10.16 oz it is a few ounces heavier than the OneTigris.

Check price on Amazon

Methodology

How We Built This Shortlist

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Listed weight

Each sheet was compared by its stated ounces, since this guide is about carry weight.

Packed size

Pack dimensions and stuff-sack sizes were checked where listed.

Fabric type

Tyvek, ripstop polyester and polyethylene were compared for strength per ounce.

Waterproof rating

Millimeter ratings were noted for rain and ground moisture.

Size for the tent

Dimensions were matched to the usual floor of a solo, two or three person tent.

Decision guide

Match a Tent Footprint For Backpacking to Your Camp Setup

By Tent Size

Your situation	Recommended pick	Why
Solo or narrow 2-person tent	OneTigris 2-Person Backpacking Footprint	78.7 x 47.24 in at 0.45 lb.
2-person tent, tight budget	Underwood 87-Inch Footprint	86.6 x 59.1 in with taped seams.
3-person tent	Clostnature 87x75 Footprint	87 x 75 in at 12.3 oz.
3 to 4 person tent	REDCAMP 83-Inch Footprint	83 x 87 in at 0.85 lb.
Ultralight Tyvek setup	Modern Grizzly Tyvek Ground Sheet	Breathable Tyvek, tear resistant.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
$10 to $20	Underwood 87-Inch Footprint or Clostnature 87x75 Footprint
$10 to $30	REDCAMP 83-Inch Footprint or Modern Grizzly Tyvek Ground Sheet
$20 to $30	OneTigris 2-Person Backpacking Footprint

Tyvek vs Coated Polyester

Tyvek

Modern Grizzly Tyvek Ground Sheet breathes while blocking ground water and tears slowly, and suits packers who like the paper-like material.

Polyester

OneTigris 2-Person Backpacking Footprint, REDCAMP 83-Inch Footprint, Underwood 87-Inch Footprint and Clostnature 87x75 Footprint use coated fabric with stated mm ratings, which is easier to compare by spec.

Most buyers should default to coated polyester like Underwood 87-Inch Footprint unless they specifically want Tyvek.

By Weight Priority

Preference	Recommended pick
Lowest weight	OneTigris 2-Person Backpacking Footprint
Under a pound with big size	REDCAMP 83-Inch Footprint
Low cost with solid rating	Underwood 87-Inch Footprint
Car-camp friendly size	Clostnature 87x75 Footprint

For Thru-Hike Style Trips Specifically

Look for

The lowest listed weight, a small packed size and a waterproof rating of at least 2000mm.

In this comparison

OneTigris 2-Person Backpacking Footprint gives 0.45 lb with a 2000mm rating and a flat pack.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more if weight matters most, since OneTigris 2-Person Backpacking Footprint is the lightest and carries a 2000mm rating, or if you want Tyvek in Modern Grizzly Tyvek Ground Sheet.

Save if

Save if the trips are short, because Underwood 87-Inch Footprint has a PU3000mm coating for the lowest price here.

FAQ

Before You Bring One Home

Do backpackers really need a footprint?

Many do, because a footprint protects a thin tent floor from rocks and twigs, and the weight cost can be under half a pound. Skipping one saves ounces but risks the floor. A lighter sheet is the compromise.

How much weight does a footprint add?

The sheets here range from 0.45 lb to 0.85 lb by their listings. A solo sheet is lighter than a three-person one. Pick the smallest sheet that matches your floor.

Is Tyvek better than polyester for a footprint?

Tyvek breathes and is paper-like, while coated polyester gives a stated water rating. Neither wins on every trail. Choose based on weight, noise and price.

How do I set a footprint under a backpacking tent?

Lay it flat on the cleared pad, with the coated side facing up if the listing says so. Pitch the tent on top and fold any extra under the tent. Stake through the grommets.

Can I use the footprint as a ground cloth for cowboy camping?

Several listings suggest uses like a door mat, tarp or beach mat. It protects your bag from damp ground, though it is not a full shelter. Check the listing for the sheet's intended uses.

Bottom line

The short version

Best Lightest Footprint
OneTigris 2 Person Footprint for Backpacking Tent
Check price for OneTigris 2 Person Footprint for Backpacking Tent (opens in a new tab)
Best Tyvek Option
Tyvek Ground Sheet & Tent Footprint
Check price for Tyvek Ground Sheet & Tent Footprint (opens in a new tab)
Best for Larger Tents
REDCAMP Waterproof Tent Footprint 83"×87" Floor Mat Ultralight Camping Tarp
Check price for REDCAMP Waterproof Tent Footprint 83"×87" Floor Mat Ultralight Camping Tarp (opens in a new tab)
Best Mid-Weight Sheet
Clostnature 87x75in Heavy Duty Tent Footprint Floor Saver
Check price for Clostnature 87x75in Heavy Duty Tent Footprint Floor Saver (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Lightweight
Tent Footprint
Check price for Tent Footprint (opens in a new tab)

Browse more tent footprints for backpacking on Amazon →

About the author

Danny Walker

Camping Editor at RV Gear Lab

Danny covers camping gear, campsite setup, outdoor power, sleep systems and practical camping advice, with a focus on helping campers make better gear decisions.

5 Best Tent Footprints For Backpacking in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide

Our top picks

The Campsite Fit Check

What Matters Before You Choose a Tent Footprint For Backpacking

Weight per square foot

Tyvek versus coated fabrics

Waterproof rating in millimeters

Pack size

Corner attachment

Right size for your floor

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

The 5 best tent footprints for backpacking, explained

OneTigris 2 Person Footprint for Backpacking Tent

Tyvek Ground Sheet & Tent Footprint

REDCAMP Waterproof Tent Footprint 83"×87" Floor Mat Ultralight Camping Tarp

Clostnature 87x75in Heavy Duty Tent Footprint Floor Saver

Tent Footprint

How We Built This Shortlist

Listed weight

Packed size

Fabric type

Waterproof rating

Size for the tent

Match a Tent Footprint For Backpacking to Your Camp Setup

By Tent Size

By Budget

Tyvek vs Coated Polyester

By Weight Priority

For Thru-Hike Style Trips Specifically

When to Spend More

Before You Bring One Home

Do backpackers really need a footprint?

How much weight does a footprint add?

Is Tyvek better than polyester for a footprint?

How do I set a footprint under a backpacking tent?

Can I use the footprint as a ground cloth for cowboy camping?

The short version

Danny Walker

Related guides