Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

I thought it was to protect the bottom of the tent. I'd rather protect the entire bottom rather than just a portion of it.

 

Yup

 

I think it has to do with pooling of water under your tent. If it beads off it will collect on the footprint instead of absorb into the ground?

 

Again, Tyvek. Cut to shape, slightly smaller than the base of the tent. I usually leave a larger 'flap' at the door area as a landing zone for shoes or gear.

 

+3 to Tyvek.
Get it for free from a construction crew while plastering it on a building.

+1 Same or a bit smaller.

 

Tyvek if you need one.

I only ever use it if car camping and it is super rocky or the tent pad is gravel. I do not use one backpacking.

 

Yep me neither, unnecessary space and weight for me.

 

I just saw a video where you could buy a grommet set so that you could stake out your footprint. Cool idea and relatively cheap

 

Not a good idea to stake out a footprint....water can pool on exposed for and run under tent floor. The pressure of your body weight against the trapped water will cause the floor to leak. That's why footprints are cut an inch or two smaller than the floor.

 

Footprint only matters if you care about your gear. Otherwise .....

 

A footprint won't save your gear if you treat it like shit. I've had ten year old tents I've never used one with. And they're still perfect.

 

.......I just use a tarp.....a super expensive, $3 tarp.


BTW, my GrandCanyon/NorthRim adventure was postponed(due to insufficient funds). Am going to go in early/mid August...gives me more time to plan and prepare.

 

Sorry to hear of your postponement. I'm waiting to see if I get my permit for a rim to rim hike in October.

 

Anyone else take advantage of any good REI deals this past weekend with the coupons? I scored a pair of Julbo Run sunglasses with the photochromatic treatment for half price in the Garage deals.

 

I use to go there all the time as a kid. My folks always wheeled in a canoe and we backpacked the short road in, loaded everything into the canoe and paddled across the lake to set up camp. Love that place. It's absolutely beautiful.

 

I wheeled my kayak in once. Just once. That uphill pull to the parking lot is a beast. Then I learned my husband has a key to the gate. Now we park at waters edge by the ranger cabins.

 

Decent deal in SoCal if anyone's looking to get into a tear drop!

http://littleguy.vanillaforums.com/...ilver-shadow-for-sale-8000-murrieta-ca#latest

 

Has anyone run across a packable (but not backpacking weight) fire pit? I've been looking all over for one but haven't been able to find one; they all are kind of rings that sit on the ground. The hope is that this would eliminate the need to dig/find a fire pit at the camp location and wouldn't disturb the ground as much.

 

We have a Snow Peak "Pack & Carry" folding fireplace in the medium size and it suits us well. They offer allot of accessories for it that expand its utility as well. Even more for the large size model.

 

I never even knew there was a market for something like this! I love learning new things.