Big Agnes UL tent users: footprint/ground-cloth yes or no

Joe,

I’ve got a Copper Spur UL3 that came with a free footprint when I ordered it from Campsaver. I take make tarp more often, so it hasn’t seen a ton of use, but I’ve left the footprint at home about half the time, depending on how far I plan on going. No damage so far, but you do want to be careful and make sure you’re not pitching on sharp rocks, pine cones, etc.; common sense.

Have you looked at Tyvek 1443R, commonly used to make kites? It’s lighter than house wrap. You can find it at intothewind.com and sometimes on Amazon. Definitely cheaper that the BA footprint, and maybe lighter, too.

It weighs 40 grams per square meter, so if my calculations are correct, that would come under 3 ounces based on 29 square feet for the UL2.

This article may be of interest.

I've been using a Copper Spur UL1 the past few years with nothing under it and no floor issues. I check the site fairly thoroughly, and it's always forest duff or grass. I can easily repair the floor myself if needed, and I'm not that concerned about a small puncture.

Sand or rock are surfaces where I'd use a footprint, probably one I'd cut from patio door insulation film.

You'll only need it if you want to pitch just the canopy, otherwise just use a polycro if you feel the bottom of the tent needs more protection.

I have used the BA footprint for my UL 3 all last summer, mostly on Sierra granite, and the foot print itself is none the worse for wear (same material as the floor). Given this, I think the floor is plenty abrasion resistant and I would have no issues forgoing a groundcloth if I could camp on softer ground.

Incidentally, the BA groundcloth for my UL 3 is close to 6 ounces, but the one I cut from 2mil plastic is around 4, and does the jobs just as well.

I have the BA fly creek ul3. The only reason i opted for the factory made footprint was to provide the option of a dry pitch in the rain. I don't know if the copper spur series needs one for this, If not i would save the cash for sure. Hope this helps!

I would agree with some of the posts above that if your main concern is abrasion , then you could certainly go with a lighter and cheaper groundcloth. However, i have the Copper Spur UL2and I opted for the BA groundcloth, since this allows you to easily set-it up dry (Like Hudson mentioned) in the rain which is nearly impossible without it. Unfortunately, too often I make it to camp too late and I ended up setting up in afternoon mountain showers and this makes me glad that I bought a footprint…….just one more thing to consider :)

Really good comments, much appreciated

Polycryo. Works great on my UL7 solo. I actually prefer it to a factory groundcloth because it's clear and you can spot out pine cones etc. that might puncture your pad. And way lighter.

For what its worth my footprint came in at 7oz. Its only two oz but its kinda misleading if you ask me.