Tried using a cheap tarp as a footprint under my tent last trip

Woke up in a puddle after a 2 inch rain because the water just pooled between the tarp and the tent floor instead of draining away, has anyone else had this issue with non-breathable ground covers?

2 comments

2 Comments

sullivan.elliot7d ago

Did you cut the tarp smaller than your tent? I learned that one the hard way too, now my go-to move is just leaving the cheap tarp at home and buying a real groundsheet instead.

foster.ruby7d ago

Wait, you just leave it at home completely? That's wild to me honestly. I mean sure a groundsheet is better and all but who actually has the money for that stuff when they're starting out? I've been using the same cheap blue tarp for like 4 seasons now and just learned to fold it right inside the tent footprint. Cutting it too small is a classic mistake though, I think everyone does that at least once. But ditching the tarp altogether seems like asking for trouble with moisture coming up through the tent floor.