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

6 Best Ultralight Tent Footprints in 2026: A Practical Camping Guide

Best ultralight tent footprints compared: six lightweight ground sheets from 150g to 480g for solo and two-person tents, in nylon and polyester.

Danny WalkerBy Danny WalkerCamping Editor at RV Gear Lab6 products comparedSpec-sheet researched
Dome tent and hammock at a forest campsite at golden hour

At a glance

Our top picks

An ultralight footprint has one job: protect a thin tent floor without adding grams to a pack. The spread here runs from about 150g to nearly a pound, so fabric, size and pack volume matter more than waterproof numbers alone.

I compared weight, fabric denier, stated waterproof rating, packed size and the tent sizes each sheet covers. The picks are ordered by how well they serve a backpacker watching every ounce.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Campsite Fit Check

Start with the job
Onewind Ultralight Tent Footprint leads this shortlist for Backpackers who also want a tarp. 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 9.6 oz, packs to 7 by 17 cm, 5.3 oz (150g), 95 by 116 inches, 1.17 lbs. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
Trade-off to plan for
Priciest of the six

Before you buy

What Matters Before You Choose an Ultralight Tent Footprint

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

  1. 01

    Weight in grams or ounces

    A footprint adds weight to the pack, so every gram counts on a long hike. The range here is about 150g to 480g. Look for the exact figure on the listing, not the word ultralight.

  2. 02

    Fabric type

    Silnylon and silicone-coated nylon are lighter and shed water better than polyester of the same thickness. Polyester like 210T costs less and stretches less when wet. Check the denier and the fabric type.

  3. 03

    Waterproof rating

    A rating in mm shows how much water pressure the fabric can hold before leaking, and 2000mm is a common floor for a footprint. A higher number is better for wet ground. Look for the figure and the coating type.

  4. 04

    Fit to the tent floor

    A footprint should be slightly smaller than the tent floor, so rain does not funnel under the edge. A sheet that is too big collects water. Measure the floor and compare.

  5. 05

    Attachment points

    Corner loops, elastic cord or grommets let you stake the sheet or pitch it as a tarp. Fewer points mean less versatility. Look for the number and type listed.

  6. 06

    Packed size

    A sheet that stuffs to the size of a water bottle is easier to pack than one that rolls to a log. Check the packed dimensions on the listing. Bags help keep it clean.

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 6 best ultralight tent footprints, explained

01

Best Overall Ultralight Footprint · 1 of 6

Onewind Ultralight Tent Footprint

Onewind Ultralight Tent Footprint
  • 9.6 oz, packs to 7 by 17 cm
  • 20D silnylon, PU 4000mm
  • Multiple attachment points
Check price on Amazon for Onewind Ultralight Tent Footprint (opens in a new tab)
Best for: Backpackers who also want a tarp

Our take

The tough, multi-use sheet for a backpacker who wants one piece to do two jobs.

Why it made the shortlist

The Onewind is built from 1.1 oz 20D ripstop silnylon with a PU 4000mm coating on the face and silicone on the back. It weighs 9.6 oz (270g) and packs to 7 by 17 cm, with multiple attachment points on the edges.

It suits a backpacker with a one or two person tent who also wants a rain tarp, sunshade or picnic mat from the same sheet. The attachment points let it pitch as a tarp.

What works

  • Packs to pocket size
  • Attachment points pitch it as a tarp
  • Windproof ripstop silnylon

Watch out for

  • Priciest of the six
  • Size options are not detailed
The catch
At 9.6 oz it is heavier than the LANSHAN, so a gram counter may choose that instead.
02
Best for: Solo gram counters

Our take

The lightest sheet here, made for a narrow solo tent.

Why it made the shortlist

The LANSHAN is a silicone-coated 40D nylon footprint that weighs 5.3 oz (150g) and is rated to a PU4000mm equivalent. It comes in two sizes: 1-person at 82.7 by 29.5 inches and 2-person at 82.7 by 43.3 inches.

At 150g it is the lightest listed weight of the six, well under the Onewind at 270g.

It suits a solo hiker with a narrow tent who cares more about grams than coverage.

What works

  • Lightest listed weight of the six
  • Silicone coating rated PU4000 equivalent
  • Two size options for 1 or 2 person tents
  • Elastic cord for tent frames

Watch out for

  • Narrow 1P cut covers only a slim floor
  • Stakes and guyline not included
The catch
It is a narrow cut, so it only suits tents sized for the 1P or 2P options.
03

Best Large Multi-Use Sheet · 3 of 6

REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint

REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint
  • 95 by 116 inches, 1.17 lbs
  • 210T polyester, PU2000mm
  • Adjustable for 8x10 or 8x8 tents
Check price on Amazon for REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint (opens in a new tab)
Best for: Two to three person tents

Our take

The roomier sheet for a shared tent that also serves as a tarp.

Why it made the shortlist

The size adjusts to fit tents of 8 by 10 or 8 by 8 feet, and it packs to 10 by 6 by 1.6 inches in a drawstring pouch at 1.17 lbs.

It is the largest sheet of the six, and it doubles as a rain tarp, a picnic mat or a beach sheet. A 365-day limited manufacturer warranty comes with it.

It suits a two to three person tent or a camper who wants a single sheet that moves between tent, beach and picnic. The adjustable size covers two common footprints.

What works

  • Large coverage fits two sizes of tent
  • Double-stitched edges
  • 365-day limited warranty
  • Packs to a drawstring pouch

Watch out for

  • Polyester is heavier than silnylon
The catch
At 1.17 lbs it is a real weight gain over the nylon sheets.
04

Best for 3-4 Person Tents · 4 of 6

REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint

REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint
  • 106 by 83 inches, 480g
  • 210T polyester, PU2000mm
  • 3 to 4 person tent size
Check price on Amazon for REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint (opens in a new tab)
Best for: 3 to 4 person tents

Our take

The lightest-priced way to cover a family dome.

Why it made the shortlist

The REDCAMP 9x7 is a 106 by 83 inch footprint in 210T ripstop polyester with PU2000mm, rated for 3 to 4 person tents. It weighs 1.06 lbs (480g) and packs to 4.3 by 10.2 inches in a drawstring bag.

It costs less than the Onewind and covers a bigger tent.

It suits a car camper or a short-distance hiker with a three or four person tent who wants a light footprint. It also ties up as a sun or rain canopy.

What works

  • Fits 3 to 4 person tents
  • Costs less than the Onewind and LANSHAN
  • 365-day warranty
  • Packs small in a drawstring bag

Watch out for

  • Heavier than the nylon sheets
  • Not a solo-hiker weight
The catch
It is not ultralight in the strict sense at nearly a pound.
05

Best Budget Solo Footprint · 5 of 6

REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint

REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint
  • 55 by 87 inches, 258g
  • 210T polyester, PU2000mm
  • Packs to 3.14 by 8.6 inches
Check price on Amazon for REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint (opens in a new tab)
Best for: Solo backpackers on a budget

Our take

The budget pick for a one or two person tent.

Why it made the shortlist

The REDCAMP 55x87 is a 140 by 220 cm (55 by 87 inch) 210T ripstop polyester sheet with PU2000mm, aimed at 1 to 2 person tents. It weighs 0.56 lbs (258g) and packs to 3.14 by 8.6 inches with a drawstring bag.

At 258g it is almost level with the Onewind and about 100g more than the LANSHAN, at a lower price. It is also lighter than the 9x7 and 4-in-1 REDCAMP models.

It suits a solo or two-person backpacker on a budget who wants a light polyester sheet. The size family keeps the pack small.

What works

  • Light 258g weight
  • Small packed size
  • 365-day warranty

Watch out for

  • Only suits 1 to 2 person tents
The catch
It is a small sheet, so check your tent floor dimensions first.
06
Best for: Bivy and solo tents

Our take

The low-price nylon sheet with the highest waterproof figure.

Why it made the shortlist

The Wind Tour is a 20D nylon multi-use tarp rated 6000 to 8000mm waterproof, sold in three sizes: 47.2 by 27.6, 57.1 by 39.4 and 78.7 by 57.1 inches. It comes with a carry bag and can also cover a car or shade a picnic.

It has the highest waterproof figure of the six and the lowest price.

It suits a hiker who wants a nylon footprint in a very small size for a bivy or a one-person tent. The three sizes make it the most flexible of the family.

What works

  • Three sizes to pick from
  • Nylon fabric stays light

Watch out for

  • Weight is not listed
  • Sizes run smaller than the others
The catch
Sizes are small, so match the footprint to your tent floor before ordering.

Methodology

How We Built This Shortlist

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

01

Listed weight

I ranked each sheet by its stated weight and noted where the listing gave none.

02

Fabric and coating

Denier, nylon or polyester, and silicone or PU coating were compared for durability and water resistance.

03

Waterproof rating

Stated hydrostatic head in mm was compared, with a note that the figure is not a direct pass-fail measure.

04

Size fit

Each sheet's dimensions were compared with the tent sizes it targets.

05

Pack size and extras

Packed volume, attachment points and bag included were noted.

Decision guide

Match an Ultralight Tent Footprint to Your Camp Setup

By Tent Size

Your situationRecommended pickWhy
Solo tent, wants the lowest weightLANSHAN 1-2P FootprintLightest at 150g.
One or two person tent, tough fabricOnewind Silnylon Footprint20D silnylon at 270g.
Budget 1 to 2 person tentREDCAMP 55x87 Footprint258g and a low price.
Three to four person tentREDCAMP 9x7 Footprint106 by 83 inch sheet.
Two to three person, also a tarpREDCAMP 4-in-1 Footprint95 by 116 inches, adjustable.

By Budget

BudgetRecommended pick
$0 to $20Wind Tour Tarp Footprint or REDCAMP 55x87 Footprint
$10 to $30REDCAMP 9x7 Footprint or LANSHAN 1-2P Footprint
$20 to $30REDCAMP 4-in-1 Footprint or Onewind Silnylon Footprint

Nylon vs polyester

Nylon sheets

The Onewind Silnylon Footprint, LANSHAN 1-2P Footprint and Wind Tour Tarp Footprint use nylon, which is lighter and often higher in waterproof rating.

Polyester sheets

The REDCAMP 4-in-1 Footprint, REDCAMP 9x7 Footprint and REDCAMP 55x87 Footprint use 210T polyester at PU2000mm, which costs less and fits bigger tents.

Most backpackers should default to the Onewind Silnylon Footprint unless the tent is big, where the REDCAMP sizes are cheaper.

By Extra Use

PreferenceRecommended pick
Doubles as a rain tarpOnewind Silnylon Footprint
Beach and picnic matREDCAMP 4-in-1 Footprint
Smallest nylon sizeWind Tour Tarp Footprint

For Solo Backpacking Specifically

Look for

A weight under about 300g, a size that matches a narrow tent floor and a small packed size.

In this comparison

The LANSHAN 1-2P Footprint is the lightest at 150g, and the Onewind Silnylon Footprint adds a tarp use at 270g.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more on the Onewind Silnylon Footprint if you want one sheet that protects the floor and pitches as a tarp.

Save if

Save with the REDCAMP 55x87 Footprint if the tent is a one or two person model and the extra grams are acceptable.

FAQ

Before You Bring One Home

Do I need a footprint under an ultralight tent?

It extends floor life and keeps the underside clean, and thin floors are easy to puncture. A 150g sheet like the LANSHAN adds little weight. Many hikers skip it in dry, soft ground.

How big should a footprint be?

Slightly smaller than the tent floor. If the edge sticks out, rain pools on it and runs under the tent. Trim or fold under the edge.

Is silnylon worth it over polyester?

For a backpacker, yes. Silnylon is lighter and sheds water better, as the Onewind's 270g and 4000mm show. Polyester is cheaper and fine for car camping.

How do I set up a footprint?

Lay it flat, stake the corners with elastic cord if provided, then pitch the tent on top. Fold the edges under the floor. Clear sharp stones first.

How do I clean and store a footprint?

Wipe off mud, air dry fully and store loosely or in its bag. Avoid folding wet nylon, since it can mildew. Check the coating for peeling each season.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more ultralight tent footprints on Amazon →
Danny Walker, Camping Editor at RV Gear Lab

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.

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