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Use a Foam Mat as a Ground Sheet Protector

Submitted by An Outdoor Idiots Team Member.



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"Use a foam mat as a groundsheet protector for your tent."



Some words from the tipster:

A while ago I purchased a modern lightweight tent. Given the expense, and the thinness of the materials, for the first time I found myself worrying about the groundsheet getting damaged. A lot of tent manufacturers produce specially-made groundsheet protectors for their tents, so I tried one. It wasn't bad, but:
  • It was very thin fabric - sharp objects can still get through it
  • It cost over £30.00
  • It weighed nearly 500 grams - defeated the point of having a lightweight tent
  • If it's very windy and rainy, it can collect water which then runs under the tent
  • It's fiddly to properly arrange it underneath the tent when pitching
I'm now in the habit of using a cheap and cheerful foam mat as a groundsheet protector. Even if you don't normally use a foam mat for sleeping on (like a lot of people these days, I use an inflatable mat - in my case a Thermarest), it is still worth taking a foam mat, especially if you are worried about damaging your tent's groundsheet. Here's why I like the idea of foam mats:
  • They are thick - very good at stopping objects getting through
  • They can be picked up for as little as £4.00
  • They can weigh as little as 200 grams
  • They can be easily cut to size - so they don't extend anywhere near the outer walls of the tent, therefore they don't catch the rain.
  • Easy just to stick under the tent once it's pitched
  • They add to the comfort of an inflatable mattress, especially if your inflatable mattress is a short size, i.e. it doesn't reach to your feet - the foam mat will!
  • Your inflatable mat is less likely to get punctured, because of the foam mat underneath it!
  • If your inflatable mat DOES get punctured, you've got a dependable back-up to keep you warm!
It is important, when in the tent, to keep most of your weight over the foam mat in order to get the best protection for the groundsheet. Another downside is the bulkiness of foam mats. But you won't stop me!








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