Tent footprints into tarps?

[Atlas918]

I am looking for a inexpensive tarp option for a backup setup to give out to friends as a loner when they want to join me.

Can tent footprints be used overhead as one would use a tarp, provided the footprint is big enough?

[Rolloff]

The answer is yes.

In all but the rarest of cases however, you will still wish to evolve to better weather coverage. There are a multitude of better options out there, but you hang what you haz.

Hiking, Car camping, Cycling, Yakking?

All can allow for different equipment, application, and margins for error.

As long as you can manage to get 6"+ over both hammock suspension points, you should be able to swing it

Don't forget your drip lines! And a poncho to toss over the weather end.

[Ratdog]

Yes, but as was said, good to have a poncho for one end if it really starts to come down.

I like it for a summer option, keep the sun off, light to moderate rain, lots of ventilation.

[Kerflop]

Agreed on you hang with what you haz... My first trip out was with a (HEAVY AS ALL HECK) blue WalMart tarp. It worked great and was super cheap.

[Atlas918]

Good to know. Thanks for the imput guys

Just looking for an inexpensive option for a backup/loner unit; probably going to go with a Kelty Noah 9

[Not_Yet]

probably going to go with a Kelty Noah 9

I have a Noah's 9 and like it... it is an easy one to setup as long as you have the space. If I remember correctly the thing requires like 172+/-" RL in Diamond formation.

[Bannerstone]

I discovered that the 40# dog food (Purina Pro Plan) bags we buy are basically the same material as a blue tarp. I think many brands use similar material. Cut them down to welcome mat size and wash thoroughly for the food smell.

Not terribly UL but not bad.

David

[anvil440]

Just got back from a weekend camping trip to Pedernales Falls State Park in TX. Used the foot print from my Big Agnes tent. Worked Great. Rained the whole time I was out there. Thunder and lightning, swollen creeks and white water river. Slept dry.

I rigged it real low and used a couple of pebbles to make pull outs.

The footprint is for a Lynx Pass 4. It measures about 8'x7'. Only waterproof on one side. Comes with a stuff sack. Smaller than a 1 liter bottle and pretty light. On sale from REI right now for $22.

http://www.rei.com/product/849203/bi...-2012-closeout

[Imapuppy]

Thought I'd bump this as I just ordered quite a few footprints from OutdoorOutlet.com for really cheap.

Here is one good candidate, the Sierra Designs Wu Hu 4, for $7.49 (I picked up 4 of them for $6.37 each with a 15% off coupon that is now expired):

http://www.outdooroutlet.com/product...Hu-4-Footprint



Here is another, the Kelty Lounge 4, which I picked up for about $8.50 each (they are now $9.99 and they have 8 left):

http://www.outdooroutlet.com/product...ge-4-Footprint



Both of these have big enough measurements to be suitable and are also small and lightweight and both are coated nylon and come with stuff sacks. I also like that although they aren't cat cut, they are hex cut. $50 gets free shipping, so you might either want to order in bulk and resell them (their stock is limited) to get free shipping or find some other stuff to fill up your total. Anyway, enjoy!