Tent footprint - Are these worth buying??

[FusionChefGeoff]

Can't work out why you'd need one.

Also, our tent is a 2016 model we got in the sales and can't find a footprint for it anywhere! If we do need one, can you get a generic ground sheet instead??

People have managed without them until recently, but if you really want one you can make your own - see gizmodo.com/how-to-make-your-own-tent-footprint-for-25-1666007412

I have found mine (bought very cheaply in a sale) useful when packing up from wet or muddy ground. Tent groundsheet nice and clean and dry for folding, footprint wet / muddy, much easier to dry at home.

You can use ordinary cheap tarp. I don't think you need to hem it or make eyelets, just lay it down under the groundsheet.

It must not stick out beyond the groundsheet, not even a bit!

But I have managed the vast majority of my camping life without a footprint.

It can extend the life of your sewn in groundsheet as it protects it a bit from stones etc and as Test says it makes packing up easier. Just get any groundsheet and cut to size.

One of the downsides of a SIG is that it's very often the last part of a tent to dry. A footprint can help with this as it stays dryer and can help protect against tears etc from rough ground. But it's just an extra groundsheet and yes a plain generic one will work just as well, either folded or cut to size.

I find ours works well to keep the chill off. I think it's just extra insulation from the ground. Also because we're not expert pitchers it gives me a good idea of how big the tent is and helps me pick a pitch!

We always use one for the reasons given above - it keeps the tent much cleaner and dryer. Ours was for our old tent though and isn't quite the right size for this one - doesn't really matter.

I always use one, especially if the ground is harder or there are little twigs and stones. It's a bit of extra insulation and reduces the chance of the bottom being caught on something.