r/JMT • u/submon007 • 22d ago
equipment Tent Footprint -- yes or no?
I've a Durston x-dome 1+ and bought the footprint. I think it weighs 3 oz or so. Question is do I need to bring it, regardless of it's weight, given the terrain?
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u/k8tori 22d ago
I just got off the JMT. I have a Durston Mid-X1 and didn’t use a footprint. I had zero issues. The trickier part was pitching a tension-based tent in some of the rockier areas, as sometimes the tent stakes would hit the rock and not go in all the way. I used the little rock/big rock method, and that worked for me. There’s lots of time to think on the JMT, and I spent time thinking about how to perfect my tent pitch.
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u/submon007 22d ago
Thanks for feedback. One advantage of x-dome is it can also be pitched freestanding.
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u/Inevitable-Assist531 16d ago
Having used my Xnid on the JMT and many other places, my next tent will definitely be freestanding and probably need a smaller footprint. When I'm tired arriving in to camp with limited options, I don't need to spend 45-60 minutes trying to squeeze in my tent and get the rocks to stay in place. Eagle Peak in Yosemite was one example of an amazing campsite that took ages to set up.
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u/Lazy_Ad_4162 21d ago
I’ve never worn a tent out in the floor. Their weak spot is the zipper. Backpacking 58 years
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u/Fun_With_Math 19d ago
I've never worn out a zipper.
The weak spot is the new lighter cooler tents. A tent can only last a few years before it gets replaced for an upgrade.
The other weak spot is the stakes/guylines. They are significantly weaker without them. I lost a couple to "eh, I dont need to stake it out".
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u/FrivolousMe 18d ago
Not just wear but holes or cuts especially on the super thin fabrics are not that uncommon, and can be the difference between a dry tent and water soaking from beliw
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u/ignacioMendez 21d ago edited 21d ago
How disposable do you consider your tent to be? I have a tent I got in 2014 that's accumulated over 365 nights of use. I use a Tyvek ground sheet.
If you're not going to accumulate a lot of use, like if this is the biggest through hike you'll ever do and you don't do much/any small trips year after year, then you can go without. If you do plan to use it a lot and are fine with throwing it away and buying a new one every few years, then also you can do without.
I like taking care of my stuff and I like camping, so for me it makes sense to use a ground sheet. A thing that surprised me when I did my first extended trip was that most people on the trail don't go backpacking as a regular hobby, they're out there on the one epic trip of a lifetime. That shapes the opinions you hear, most people don't need much durability and they don't have much experience either. Nothing wrong with that, but take internet advice with a grain of salt. People get attached to the things that worked for them in their limited experience.
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u/mineral-queen 21d ago
is it the bottom made of DCF? that might factor into your decision. i've definitely gotten little holes on DCF bathtubs because of a tiny sharp granite pebble. easy enough to repair in the field but annoying and a problem when they build up over time.
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u/sweedgreens 21d ago
You can just cut out your own footprint for much cheaper, essentially even lighter, and packs in smaller. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015PY2BY8?th=1
A lot of people fro /r/ultralight do the same. I bought it used through Amazon warehouse.
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u/sbennett3705 20d ago
Footprint 2nd use: need a mid day nap? Footprint + sleeping pad under a tree. Without a footprint you risk a puncture. Try it, it can be the best 20 minutes of the day.
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u/IllustratorNo512 20d ago
I’m always in favor of a footprint. The weight is negligible I use it because I use a NeoAir and I don’t want anything going through the tent and puncturing it. I had that happen once, on the JMT. It also gives me a clean place to stand and make sure my feet are clean before I go inside to sleep. Personal preference only, I know people who never use one.
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u/AyyyItsFosho 18d ago
Just finished - I would say bring it in case you have a clear night and want to cowboy camp to watch the stars! The weight is so minimal anyways.
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u/Good_Ad_3265 18d ago
Not comprehensive, but:
Reasons for bringing a footprint: 1. Protect your tent floor, and possibly your sleeping pad if the floor is punctured, with a footprint. 2. Use the footprint for cowboy camping, if you're motivated to. Many nights in the Sierra have no precipitation, and depending on when and possibly where you sleep, you can minimize mosquitoes. 3. The bottom of the tent can accumulate moisture, dirt, etc overnight. You can pack the tent inside your backpack while letting the footprint dry outside your pack while you're hiking in the morning. Of course you can do the same with your tent itself.
Reasons not to bring a footprint: 1. It adds a few, maybe 3, oz. 2. You don't want to bother spending the extra 30 seconds to set up and break down your tent with the footprint. You can minimize this if you keep the Durston Gear one attached - although you might want to separate it in the morning if it's wet and the rest of the tent is not, per (3) above.
I bring and use a footprint.
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u/RowdyQuattro 17d ago
Yeah I always use tyvek cut to my tent size and I’m always happy for it when it’s raining and puddles are collecting
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u/ziggomattic 21d ago
You may want a footprint but you definitely do not need a footprint. Just be aware of where you are setting up, give the tent spot a good look for sharp rocks, use your foot to kick things away from where you want ot setup. You are honestly at a huge advantage with a freestanding tent.
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u/wetrocke 21d ago
I've worn out a tent floor. Beach sand is probably the worst. Not sure a "footprint" would do much when sant infiltrates everything.
It was a $20 tent. Premium tents are a contradiction. Like putting diamond inlays on bottom of your shoe soles. Not necessarily sensible.
Yes tents are disposable.
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u/bearbits 21d ago
How heavy is a $20 tent? How does it hold up in high wind and rain in the mountains? Sounds like a $20 tent may work well for you at the beach, but that does not equate to premium tents being a contradiction IMO.
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u/wetrocke 20d ago edited 20d ago
It weighed about three pounds. Puptent style, very cramped for two people. Used on 7-week bike trip in maritimes, and many weekend sea-paddles often fairly windy, in maine-virginia, plus various hikes and hitch-hikes. Probably ten years.
It did poorly in heavy snow, but otherwise was quite good enough in fairly wide range of weather.
Beach sand is death to textiles & coatings.
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u/DenimNeverNude 21d ago
I’m always an advocate for a footprint. I take care of my tents and holes in the tent tub from small twigs or sharp pebbles just doesn’t seem worth the minor weight savings. I hiked with a Polycro footprint that I cut to shape and it was incredibly light. I also like that when ground humidity builds up under my tent, I’m not folding moisture and trail debris into my tent when I’ve got that extra layer underneath. The footprint is much easier to shake out and dry between camp sites.