Question about tent footprint sizing

I keep seeing people buy footprints that match the exact floor dimensions of their tent, but after a rainy weekend in the Adirondacks, I'm convinced you need one that's a few inches smaller all around to stop water from channeling underneath. Anyone have a hard rule they follow?

3 comments

3 Comments

simonk9826d ago

Buying a footprint the same size is just building a water slide for your sleeping bag.

samrodriguez26d agoTop Commenter

Actually you want it a few inches smaller all around. The rain runs down the tent walls and hits the ground. If your footprint sticks out, it just channels that water right under you.

ryant5026d ago

That is such a perfect way to put it, @simonk98. Learned that lesson the wet way myself. Always go a bit smaller with the footprint.