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?

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3 Comments

simonk985mo ago

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

4

samrodriguez5mo ago

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.

9

ryant505mo 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.

3