{"id":18986,"date":"2023-11-08T15:11:55","date_gmt":"2023-11-08T04:41:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=18986"},"modified":"2025-02-13T07:39:44","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T21:09:44","slug":"guide-choosing-right-size-groundsheet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/guide-choosing-right-size-groundsheet\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Choosing the Right Size Groundsheet"},"content":{"rendered":"

So. You\u2019ve just made a sizeable investment in a quality swag<\/a> or tent<\/a>, and you\u2019re looking for ways to ensure it stays cared for and protected for as long as possible?<\/p>\n

The first thing you should consider is a groundsheet<\/a> \u2013 sometimes also referred to as a footprint<\/a>, ground tarp<\/a>, or floor saver. Call them\u00a0what you will, but regardless they\u2019re a crucial piece of camping kit. For the sake of this blog, we\u2019ll call them groundsheets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Groundsheets<\/a> exist to protect the floor of your tent against everything that nature throws at it – from the ground up! An insurance policy, if you will. You\u2019re much better off financially to replace a groundsheet<\/a> every so often than your entire Black Wolf Turbo<\/a> or MSR Hubba Hubba<\/a>!<\/p>\n

They\u2019re often not as cheap as you\u2019d hope – but it certainly does soothe the frustration when faced with damage, in that you only need to replace the groundsheet<\/a> as opposed to the entire tent<\/a> or swag<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Groundsheet<\/p>\n

Groundsheets can do a whole lot more than just protecting the underside of your tent or swag. Image: Oztent<\/em><\/p>\n

Benefits of a Groundsheet<\/h2>\n

Groundsheets <\/a>also assist with waterproofing your tent<\/a> or swag<\/a> floor, act as a barrier in wet conditions, preserve the vegetation underneath your swag<\/a> or tent<\/a>, act as a wind or weather break, help to prevent condensation<\/a>, and offer an emergency shelter<\/a> when needed.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are many benefits to owning a groundsheet. Image: Coleman<\/em><\/p>\n

Regulations of Groundsheets<\/h2>\n

Believe it or not, there are some rules around the use of groundsheets <\/a>\u2013 especially in privately operated caravan parks.<\/p>\n

The most common is that groundsheets <\/a>in some camping and caravan parks can only be made of open-weave shade cloth fabric. This is to allow the grass to breathe and minimise damage. No one enjoys a dusty campsite, and grass does require some upkeep to be maintained.<\/p>\n

Some caravan and camping parks are now also asking that you lift or even move your groundsheets <\/a>(as well as the tent or swag) at frequent intervals, to help maintain the health of the grass.<\/p>\n

\"Groundsheet<\/p>\n

Mesh groundsheets will be necessary for some places to protect the grass. Image: Black Wolf<\/em><\/p>\n

Options:<\/u><\/h2>\n

Made-to-Fit<\/h2>\n

These are groundsheets <\/a>designed by manufacturers to specifically fit under their compatible tents. In most instances, the groundsheet also fits underneath the awning. Usually made with mesh fabric, some are still only available in solid fabric.<\/p>\n

The major benefit here is that you can purchase with confidence, assured of a perfect fit without hassle.<\/p>\n

Some of the tents in the current range at Snowys have made-to-fit groundsheets <\/a>available separately include:<\/p>\n