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 Topic: Generic groundsheet or tent specific
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14/7/2014 at 7:39pm
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A tailor made footprint is only a tarp cut to shape so if you can find a decent tarp that fits then you will save loadsa money.
As stated above, the tarp has to be a few inches (centimetres if you are young) shorter all round than the tent so that water running off the fly hits the grass and not the edge of the tarp. If it runs onto the tarp it will run underneath the tent and you will find yourself pitched on a lake.
I was lucky with my tent because it is almost square and I found a ready made tarp which fitted perfectly.
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15/7/2014 at 12:30am
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I don't know what size would fit your tent but normally the actual size of a tarp is a few centimetres less than the size given. This is because for some strange reason the size given is before the material is made into a tarp and hemmed. It might be best to ask before buying whether the tarp sizes given are accurate on the finished product.
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15/7/2014 at 10:03am
Location: Derby.
Outfit: T6 Hi-Top & Karsten
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I'd say that 6 x 5 would be fine. Chances are it will be more like 5.9 x 4.9 anyway, once it's hemmed (as referred to by Bob, above). The 5 x 4 would work, of course, but more of your tents groundsheet would be exposed to damp grass*
*The main groundsheet being exposed to the damp grass is not a problem. It will only be around the edges, where your footprint/tarp doesn't cover. Just take an old manky towel from the bottom of your airing cupboard, (we do all have those, right?) and as you roll the tent up, give those edges a wipe, if wet!
As stated, the important thing is to make sure the footprint/tarp doesn't stick out beyond the extremes of the tent, otherwise, the whole underside of the tent will be wet (from rain or even heavy morning dew) and depending on the ground level, it may well hold puddles throughout your stay.
Yes, the purpose of a footprint is two-fold. It keeps the main tent groundsheet clean and dry, and also gives that extra bit of protection from damage from stones/twigs etc. (But of course, check the pitch first, and clear it of such nasties!)
If the underside of your footprint is wet/muddy, bung it in a big bin liner, and sort it back home, in the garden. That's a lot easier than trying to wipe clean the whole underside of your tent's fixed groundsheet... hence why many of us use one! 
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15/7/2014 at 10:23am
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If GO are doing a package deal where its all thrown in for a discount price, I would go for that. If not then I would say smaller tarp just as good and easy to sort out at home with a wipe down. Carpet is a must, defo makes camping much more homely and warm. Have a lovely time in your lovely tent.
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15/7/2014 at 11:11am
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Agree with the tarp method, have used one many times.
I have also in the past kept and eye on the likes of Ebay and found footprints for discontinued tents going very cheap, especially off season.
I just google the tent of the footprint for sale and that gives me the size of the tent. It can take a bit of time researching the ones for sale to get one near the size you need but well worth it.
I got my last Vango one for £9.99 for my Vango Tigris 600xl, was for a completely different discontinued model but fitted exactly.
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