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

5 Best Tent Footprints Under 20 in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide

Best tent footprints under $20, compared on size, waterproof rating, weight and pack size, so a few dollars protects your tent floor from rocks and wet ground.

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

A tent footprint is the cheapest insurance you can buy for a tent floor, and under $20 it is easy to find a sheet that works. The real decision is size: a footprint that sticks out past the tent edge collects rain and funnels it under the floor.

Five sheets fit the cap, from a 33 by 80 inch solo size to a 118 by 118 inch family sheet. They are ordered by how well each protects a tent near the cap, and sizing notes in each entry help you match the sheet to your tent.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Campsite Fit Check

Start with the job: Hikeman Tent Footprint leads this shortlist for 1-2 person 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 83x55 in, 210D Oxford, PU2000, 33x80 in, 190T PU3000 ripstop, 140x210cm, 210D Oxford, PU2000. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
Trade-off to plan for: Too small for family tents

Before you buy

What Matters Before You Choose a Tent Footprint Under 20

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

01
Match the tent floor
A footprint should be slightly smaller than your tent floor on every side, so rain does not run along the edge and collect under the tent. Most tents list a floor size in the specs, such as 84 by 54 inches for a two-person model. Measure your floor, then pick a sheet that is two to three inches smaller each way.
02
Waterproof rating
PU ratings in millimeters show how much water pressure the coating resists. A 2000 millimeter rating handles light rain, and 3000 millimeters handles a long wet night better. Look for the number in the title or specs, and expect cheaper sheets to leave it off.
03
Fabric type
210D Oxford is a tougher weave than 190T or 210T polyester, which are thinner but lighter. Heavier fabric lasts longer on rough ground. Look for ripstop or reinforced edges if you camp on rocky sites. Rocky or rooty campsites punish thin fabric fastest, so spend a little more there.
04
Packed weight
Footprints range from about 0.3 to 1.4 pounds. For backpacking, every ounce counts, and a lighter sheet may need more care on rough ground. Check the stated weight and pack size, and compare them to your pack space. A sheet under half a pound disappears in a pack, while a larger one is easier to leave in the car.
05
Anchoring points
Corner straps, grommets and rope holes let you stake the footprint so it does not shift when you set up the tent. Without them, you rely on the tent floor to hold it. Look for four or more attachment points. Spend a minute clearing sticks and stones from the spot before you lay the sheet down, since that protects the fabric more than any spec.

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 under 20, explained

Best Value Under $20 · 1 of 5

Hikeman Tent Footprint

83x55 in, 210D Oxford, PU2000
0.48 lb with bag
Four corner straps

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Best for: 1-2 person backpacking tents

Our take

A well-sized, well-finished sheet for a small tent at a very low price.

Why it made the shortlist

It measures 210 by 140 centimeters, which is about 83 by 55 inches, and weighs 0.48 pounds with its bag.

It fits a one or two person tent, and four woven corner straps let you stake it out. Compared with the 33 by 80 inch Frelaxy, it gives much more floor coverage, and compared with the YERGOFE it adds straps and reinforced edges.

It suits solo and two-person backpackers who want a light, simple ground cloth.

What works

Double reinforced edges resist fraying
Corner straps hold it in place
Packs to 20 by 8 centimeters
Doubles as a picnic or beach mat

Watch out for

Too small for family tents

The catch: At 83 by 55 inches, it will not cover a three-person floor.

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Best Solo Size · 2 of 5

Frelaxy Tent Footprint

33x80 in, 190T PU3000 ripstop
0.36 lb, five sizes available
Grommets and thick straps

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Best for: Bivies, hammocks and solo tents

Our take

The best choice for a one-person setup where every ounce counts.

Why it made the shortlist

The Frelaxy footprint comes in five sizes, and this listing is the 33 by 80 inch size at 0.36 pounds. It uses 190T PU3000 waterproof ripstop polyester with grommets and thickened straps.

Its PU3000 rating is a step up from the 2000 millimeter sheets here, and its weight is the lowest of the five.

It suits ultralight and hammock campers who want a minimal ground cloth. Larger sizes exist if you need a bigger tent footprint.

What works

Lightest sheet in the group
Ripstop polyester resists tears
Five sizes to match your tent

Watch out for

Too narrow for most tents
Thin 190T fabric

The catch: Order the size that matches your tent floor, since this one is solo only.

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Best Light Pack Size · 3 of 5

BISINNA Lightweight Tent Footprint Waterproof Mutifunctional Camping Tarp

140x210cm, 210D Oxford, PU2000
10.58 oz in a drawstring pouch
Packs to about 5x3x0.5 inches

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Best for: Sandy campsites

Our take

A flat, light sheet that fits one or two person tents at a lower price than the Hikeman.

Why it made the shortlist

The BISINNA footprint is 210D Oxford with a PU coating rated to 2000 millimeters, measuring 140 by 210 centimeters. It weighs 10.58 ounces and packs to about 5 by 3 by 0.5 inches in a drawstring pouch.

It is nearly identical in size to the Hikeman, and it costs about $2 less. Its edge is a flatter packed shape, while the Hikeman adds corner straps.

It suits campers who want a flat, light sheet for desert sand or beach sites. Lay it under a one or two person tent.

What works

Very flat when packed
Works on sand and desert ground
Drawstring pouch included

Watch out for

No corner straps mentioned

The catch: Use stakes or rocks at the corners to hold it in wind.

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Best Two-Person Fit · 4 of 5

YERGOFE Tent Footprint

210x150cm, about 0.3 kg
Fits 2-person dome tents
Built-in drawstring bag

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Best for: Two-person dome tents

Our take

A roomier two-person sheet if your tent has a wider floor.

Why it made the shortlist

It is sized for two-person tents and promises protection from rocks, moisture and sand.

At 150 centimeters wide it is a little roomier than the Hikeman and BISINNA, which helps if your two-person tent has a vestibule.

It suits couples who share a two-person dome tent. It folds into a built-in drawstring bag.

What works

Wider than the 140 cm sheets
Light at about 0.3 kilograms
Works as a picnic blanket
Fits most 2-person dome tents

Watch out for

Costs the most of the 2-person sheets

The catch: Compare its dimensions with your tent's floor plan before ordering.

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Best Family Size · 5 of 5

Tent Footprint

118x118 in, 210T silver coated
Reinforced rope holes
Storage bag included

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Best for: Family tents and shared ground cloths

Our take

The best choice for big tents on a tight budget.

Why it made the shortlist

The Opvixi footprint is 118 by 118 inches (300 by 300 centimeters) in 210T polyester with a silver waterproof coating. It has reinforced rope holes and comes with a storage bag.

It is by far the largest sheet in this group, which makes it useful for family tents or as a shared groundsheet. It uses 210T fabric, which is thinner than the 210D Oxford models.

It suits car campers who want a big sheet under a four to six person tent. It also works as a picnic mat or a sunshade.

What works

Largest coverage here at 118 inches square
Silver coating adds waterproofing
Rope holes help staking
Multi-use as a mat or sunshade

Watch out for

Thinner 210T fabric
Too large for small tents

The catch: Fold the extra inches under the tent so rain does not run in.

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Methodology

How We Built This Shortlist

Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Size match

Compared sheet dimensions, from 33 by 80 to 118 by 118 inches, against typical tent floor sizes.

Waterproof rating

Looked at stated PU ratings of 2000 and 3000 millimeters and coatings.

Weight and pack size

Compared weights from 0.3 to about 1.4 pounds and packed dimensions.

Edges and anchors

Checked corner straps, grommets and rope holes for staking down.

Decision guide

Match a Tent Footprint Under 20 to Your Camp Setup

By tent size

Your situation	Recommended pick	Why
Solo tent, bivy or hammock	Frelaxy 33x80	Narrow and light at 0.36 pounds.
1-2 person backpacking tent	Hikeman 83x55	Reinforced edges and corner straps.
1-2 person on sand	BISINNA 82x55	Flat pack and PU coating.
Two-person dome with vestibule	YERGOFE 210x150	Wider 150 centimeter sheet.
Family tent for four to six	Opvixi 118x118	300 by 300 centimeter coverage.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
$10 to $20	Frelaxy 33x80 or BISINNA 82x55
$10 to $20	Opvixi 118x118 or Hikeman 83x55
$10 to $20	YERGOFE 210x150

Oxford vs polyester

210D Oxford

210D Oxford, used by the Hikeman 83x55 and BISINNA 82x55, is a sturdier weave that resists abrasion. It weighs more.

190T and 210T polyester

Thinner polyester like the Frelaxy 33x80 and Opvixi 118x118 weighs less and packs smaller. It wears faster on rough ground.

Most campers should buy a 210D Oxford sheet like the Hikeman 83x55 unless pack weight is the top priority.

By budget

Pick	Recommended pick
Around $16	Frelaxy 33x80
Around $17	BISINNA 82x55
Around $18	Opvixi 118x118
Around $19	Hikeman 83x55
Around $20	YERGOFE 210x150

For backpacking specifically

Look for

Look for a weight under 0.5 pounds and a sheet smaller than your floor.

In this comparison

The Frelaxy 33x80 weighs 0.36 pounds and the Hikeman 83x55 weighs 0.48 pounds with its bag.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more if you want a PU3000 rating or a tent-matched cut, which starts in the $25 to $30 tier. Under the cap, the Hikeman 83x55 is the best step up in finish.

Save if

Save if your tent floor is already thick, because the BISINNA 82x55 and Frelaxy 33x80 cost the least.

FAQ

Before You Bring One Home

Do I need a footprint under my tent?

A footprint protects the tent floor from abrasion and adds a moisture barrier, which extends the life of a tent. It is optional, but it costs much less than a replacement tent. The Hikeman 83x55 gives that protection under $20.

Should the footprint be bigger or smaller than the tent?

Smaller. If the footprint sticks out past the tent edge, rain runs onto it and flows under your floor. Fold any extra edge under the tent, or choose a sheet two to three inches smaller on every side. The YERGOFE 210x150 suits wider two-person floors.

Can I use a tarp instead of a footprint?

Yes, a cut poly tarp works, but it is heavier and may not match your tent shape. A footprint is lighter and sized for tents. The Frelaxy 33x80 weighs only 0.36 pounds. Cutting a tarp to shape also leaves ragged edges that fray, so a factory-cut footprint is neater.

How do I clean a footprint?

Brush off dirt, wipe with a damp cloth and let it dry fully in the shade before packing. Avoid hot dryers and strong detergents that can damage the coating. Store it loosely folded in its pouch.

Which side goes up?

Most footprints work either way, but coated sheets should place the coating side up or down depending on the maker. When unsure, put the shiny coated side facing the tent floor. Check the product notes, since the OneTigris style sheets specify this. Staying consistent from trip to trip also keeps one face cleaner, which makes packing easier.

Bottom line

The short version

Best Value Under $20
Hikeman Tent Footprint
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Best Solo Size
Frelaxy Tent Footprint
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Best Light Pack Size
BISINNA Lightweight Tent Footprint Waterproof Mutifunctional Camping Tarp
Check price for BISINNA Lightweight Tent Footprint Waterproof Mutifunctional Camping Tarp (opens in a new tab)
Best Two-Person Fit
YERGOFE Tent Footprint
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Best Family Size
Tent Footprint
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Browse more tent footprints under 20 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 Under 20 in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide

Our top picks

The Campsite Fit Check

What Matters Before You Choose a Tent Footprint Under 20

Match the tent floor

Waterproof rating

Fabric type

Packed weight

Anchoring points

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

The 5 best tent footprints under 20, explained

Hikeman Tent Footprint

Frelaxy Tent Footprint

BISINNA Lightweight Tent Footprint Waterproof Mutifunctional Camping Tarp

YERGOFE Tent Footprint

Tent Footprint

How We Built This Shortlist

Size match

Waterproof rating

Weight and pack size

Edges and anchors

Match a Tent Footprint Under 20 to Your Camp Setup

By tent size

By Budget

Oxford vs polyester

By budget

For backpacking specifically

When to Spend More

Before You Bring One Home

Do I need a footprint under my tent?

Should the footprint be bigger or smaller than the tent?

Can I use a tarp instead of a footprint?

How do I clean a footprint?

Which side goes up?

The short version

Danny Walker

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