What is a 'footprint'

[Notmybag]

Looking at buying a second hand tent and quite a few are advertised as coming with a footprint. What does this mean?

Thanks

So can I just use a tarp then? Will rainwater not collect between my tent ground sheet and the tarp?

(I already have a eurohike cairns 4 man tent and thinking of getting something with more porch area)

You can just put a tarp under your tent, the main thing to ensure is that the tent fully covers either the tarp or footprint so that no water can get between.

Failed to do this on one occasion and ended up with water eventually forcing its way through the groundsheet of the tent.

A little confused-
Does the tarp need to be smaller than the built in groundsheet? Or the other way round?

IMO get the footprint or if not get large tarp and fold to fit same size as tent

But I would get footprint that is for actual tent myself unless really expensive

A footprint is really useful because it's the same size and shape as your tent (consider porch, side awning etc), so you can use it to easily mark out your pitch before you get the tent up. And it's a lot easier to clean a muddy groundsheet than it is a tent bottom!

"So can I just use a tarp then? Will rainwater not collect between my tent ground sheet and the tarp?"

If you use a tarp cut it to size, a tiny bit smaller than your tent. If the footprint extends beyond the tent rain will get on it and get between the two.

It is important that no footprint sticks out under the tent. Or it will, ad you day, collect rainwater which will pool between groundsheet and footprint.

A footprint gives some protection to your SIG against stones etc, and is good on wetter ground because your SIG stays dry and mud free for folding up.

Now I use my footprint if it looks as if things might get wet/ muddy, otherwise I don't bother. One more thing to pack and fold up.

I don't bother with a carpet , either.

Thank you so much. Very helpful replies for a 'non camper'