Religiously using a ground sheet or, in backpacking lingo, a ‘footprint’ is one of the simplest ways to ensure the longevity of your tent or shelter, because it takes the brunt of the wear and tear on your floor. Rolling around at night and moving in your shelter causes friction with the ground. This can lead to abrasion and microtears, reducing weather-proofness over time.
As a bonus, the extra material of a ground sheet can add the tiniest smidgeon of insulation against the ground. In cold temperatures, every little bit counts.
So, how do you select a footprint? Many lightweight tents don’t come with an included footprint, so us ultralighters have to get creative — because, ironically enough, ultralight shelters need to be treated especially gingerly since they’re made out of delicate materials (and sometimes come floor-less).
Backpackers and long-distance hikers have long made their own DIY ground sheets from Tyvek and/or Polycro. While definitely more cost effective than purchasing a standalone tent footprint, Tyvek and Polycro are most often sold in rolls and/or kits, meaning a single hiker has to purchase more than they need.
Six Moon Designs has removed the headache of pooling friends and searching hardware stores with the release of its pre-cut Tyvek and Polycro shelter floors. The question now becomes: which material is best for you?
Tyvek at a Glance
- 4 - 7 oz
- 0.5 millimeters / 0.02 inches thick
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GGG Price: $14 - $16 (small and large)
Most often used for home insulation, Tyvek is popular with backpackers because it’s very lightweight yet strong, puncture-resistant and waterproof. In addition to ground sheets, MYOG-ers (Make Your Own Gear-ers) have also adopted the material for DIY tarps.
While it isn’t as light as polycro, it’s still lighter than many brand name footprints.
One thing to note about Tyvek is that it is a bit crinkly, and can be hard to fold, as well as loud when rolling around at night. One way to compensate for this is to wash it before use, as it softens the material up. Packing ear plugs is never a bad idea either.
Polycro at a Glance
- 1 - 2 oz
- 0.7 millimeters / 0.03 inches
- GGG Price: $11 - $13 (small and large)
Polycryo (or Polycro) is a thin insulating film often used for covering windows. Backpackers have been using this ultralight material for years.
While it’s extremely lightweight and still protects your tent, it’s not nearly as durable as Tyvek. Polycro requires extra care; you’ll want to make sure you’re not setting up on or near any sharp rocks that could cause a puncture.
Another benefit of Polycro is that it packs down incredibly small, and can easily be folded into your tent bag or a very small stuff sack.
I Tried Both, Here’s What I Thought
After a few trips to compare the two footprint options, I now prefer Tyvek. I will happily carry a couple of extra ounces in exchange for ease of use.
The real difference I noticed is that it’s much easier to set up a Tyvek footprint. Because Polycro is so light, it’s difficult to lay it down flat. When I was by myself, I had to carefully place rocks on each corner to hold it down before setting my tent up. On the other hand, Tyvek easily unfolds and stays in place while you pitch your shelter.
However, if I’m planning on cowboy camping, I’ll choose the polycro. Without having to worry about the polycro bunching up and shifting under my tent, it’s a great material for sleeping right under the stars.
A Few Tent Footprint Pro Tips
Where to Find Tyvek and Polycro
Both of these materials can be bought in bulk from hardware stores like Home Depot. However, this means you’ll have to cut it yourself and will end up with plenty of extra material. Though it’s a bit more expensive, I highly recommend buying the pre-cut footprint sizes available here on Garage Grown Gear. They’re both still less than half the cost of a typical brand-name footprint, and come in a few different size options.
Katie is a freelance writer based in Salt Lake City, Utah. When she's not behind her laptop, you can find her guzzling instant coffee in the backcountry or developing a new and expensive outdoor hobby. To see her adventures and occasional long rambles, follow her on Instagram @katelyn_ali
11 comments
Mr Phelps
Hint: It’s polycryo not polycro.
https://www.gossamergear.com/products/polycryo-tent-footprint-ground-cloths
BERNARD HALPIN
I USE TYVEC AFTER I LAY MY FOOT PRINT ON IT FOR SIZING REQUIREMENTS; A FEW INCHES SMALLER ALL THE WAY AROUND. I’VE ADDED A SMALLER PIECE FOR THE FOYER AREA TO CATCH BOOT DIRT, ETC. ALSO ADDED GROMMETS ON THE CORNERS AFTER I REINFORCED THE CORNERS WITH FIBERGLASS SHIPPING TAPE. WORKS VERY WELL FOR ME AND MY BIKEPACKING FRIENDS. NO COMPLAINTS SO FAR…
HillSlug98239
I’m curious about the environmental impact of both. I assume polycro is made from oil, meaning it’ll degrade into microplastic. Is Tyvek any better?
I bought a 100’ roll of Tyvek at Lowes a few years ago, and it’s definitely a lifetime supply. I have this idea I’m going to experiment with it, make things like overmitts & gaiters, but alas: that’s not going to happen until we create a space in our home for setting up my sewing machine, and that’s not going to happen until we get the garage cleaned out, and that’s not going to happen until The Hubs is ready to let go of his grandfathers’ tools…
Danimal
Using polyacro in the wind is a pain. I tied the corners of a sheet, cut slightly smaller than the tent floor, to the corners of the tent with 1/16" elastic cord. Works great and won’t blow away from the tent. Elastic allows a little give so things don’t tear when pulled tight.
Karl
The other big benefit of a groundcloth, either Tyvek or Polycro, is cleanliness: the groundcloth has all the dirt on it, rather than the tent. This makes drying gear out easier and keeping gear clean easier.
Ben
Polycro works great unless it’s windy. I had to chase mine through the Grand Canyon when the wind kicked up and pulled it out from under the rocks I had on its corners. Will be switching to Tyvek this season.
Karel
It depends on then polycro that you use. I use the Duck MAX Strength Heavy Duty Insulating Film Patio Door kit. I put a piece of Tuck Tape on each corner. Is holding up well.
John
I hiked the CDT in 2021 and started with polycro, it lasted two weeks. Tyvek saw me through to the Canadian border nearly fives months later. Also very useful for messaging when hitching a ride for resupply. I highly recommend Tyvek!
Tim
Nice article and nice photos. I am a Tyvek man because I use a hyper light mattress. Tyvek seems to protect it better.
Paul Kelly
I use construction Tyvek, extremely durable and cheap. But Tyvek is water repellent, not waterproof. I never use it on very wet ground. But it protects the tent floor very well.
Henry Romer
I use both in slightly different applications. I don’t use construction Tyvek, rather 1443R Tyvek, which I get from kite material suppliers. The 1443R is lighter, not crinkly, and still reasonably waterproof. I use it with tarp style tents without built-in floors. Some of these have an 8 to 12" insect mesh skirt that tucks under the Tyvek to form my bug seal. The Tyvek does a better job of protecting me from the ground than the thinner polycro and being white, makes it easier to spot stuff on the tent floor. On my tents with a lightweight fabric bathtub floor, I use polycro as a footprint to protect the floor from abrasion. If you fold up the footprint with the underside in, you don’t have to worry about dirt. Anyway my folded footprint usually goes in an outside mesh pocket anyway. The Tyvek floors get grommets in the corners with bungee loops that reach to the corner pegs to hold the floor stretched out. The polycro floor below the fabric bathtub floor stays in place without help. This system has worked well for me for a lot of years. For details on all this check out henryinthewoods.com, by blog site.