Tarp or Painters Plastic

[mouse2mouse]

We just bought a new tent. I was wondering if anyone has used other options besides tarps to put under the tent. We will be tent camping in Dec. for our Anniversary.

 

[Running_Bell]

We only use 20mil (or greater) super heavy duty tarps.... it just adds a better layer of protection. At FW we use the tarps everywhere due to the sand/sediment.... makes it easier to clean and keeps it out of the tent.

 

[MICKEYLOVINMOMOF5]

I use the cheap painters plastic under my tarp, keeps the clean up fast and super easy!

 

[scot@dvcstore]

Maybe consider an old blanket between the tarp and tent floor for extra padding. Enjoy your trip.

 

[mouse2mouse]

I haven't purchased yet. Our tent is 14 x 14. Tarps are expensive

 

[ftwildernesspopup]

Use the painters plastic dropcloths. Just get the thicker kind. Thin will rip.

Used them in the boy scouts forever and they lasted a real long time. And with the way boys tend to use things that says a lot.

 

[Running_Bell]

For us... the tent footprint is one of the most important parts of the tent. It is the area we would never skimp on and yes tarps are expensive... our tent is large also, but we've only had to purchase one tarp ever... it has lasted a long time. I feel our tent has lasted longer because of it. Some areas you can get by with not needing a footprint... camping on grass ... but for areas with lots of sharp sediment/rocks... I wouldn't go with anything but a thick tarp. That's just our opinion though. After camping with the new tent several times.. you'll find what works best for you. We also use... as a double protection... the foam interlocking flooring inside the tent and it makes it very comfortable too.

 

[bosuch]

We've always used 6mil visqueen (painter's plastic, basically)... just be sure to cut it a hair smaller than the actual footprint of the tent, or it will wick water into a puddle under your tent floor...

Bill

 

[JCJRSmith]

I haven't purchased yet. Our tent is 14 x 14. Tarps are expensive

Three words: Harbor Freight Tools

http://www.harborfreight.com/

Most of the tools they have are classified as CCC (cheap Chinese crap) but I have a couple of plastic tarps I got there and they are holding up well after over 10 years.

Here is a search page: http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=tarp

Check to see if there is a store in your area, or you can order online

 

[mouse2mouse]

Thanks for the link. We will get a heavy duty tarp for sure. I am also going to check into the flooring.

 

[hotmamac]

We got a nice one from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Dry-Top-21012...3NAC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1312318827&sr=8-4

We have a big tent also. 15x12 plus a porch.

It's not expensive at all and has worked really well for us. We lay a cheaper blue tarp down first and then the heavy duty one on top of that, then the tent.

We use moving blankets (we got those from Amazon too) and use those as an interior "carpet". It works really well and can be tossed in the washing machine if it gets dirty.

Hope this helps!