Is a $20 tarp just as good as a $100 tent footprint? My buddy thinks so

So I was out at Yosemite last weekend with my friend Dave, and he rolls up with this beat up blue tarp from Home Depot under his tent. I laughed at first because I spent like $60 on a proper footprint from REI. But he said to me 'dude, it's just a piece of fabric to stop rocks poking through, why pay more?' And honestly I couldn't argue with that. His tarp has lasted 4 years and mine already has a tiny tear near the edge. It got me thinking about where we draw the line on 'camping gear tax' versus just using regular stuff. Like are branded tent footprints actually better or are we just paying for the name? I'm not saying skimp on your sleeping bag or rain jacket but for ground protection maybe Dave has a point. Has anyone else tested cheap tarps against fancy footprints over multiple trips? Did you notice any real difference in wear or tent floor protection?

2 comments

2 Comments

ross.kim12d ago

Laughing at Dave's cheap tarp lasting 4 years while yours tore already. That's prime irony right there. My buddy tried the same thing with a green tarp from Lowe's and it lasted exactly one rainy night before it turned into a giant puddle catcher for his tent. Guess it depends on the specific tarp, not just the price tag. Maybe the cheap ones work if you don't set up on a bed of angry sharp rocks like I do.

ray61312d ago

Wait he's had the same tarp for 4 years? Bro mine would be shredded by like trip 2. What kind of magic tarp does he have