My 16 year old Kelty is a little worn on the bottom. Need something to put on the ground underneath it. I've got an old tarp but want to keep it light. A co-worker told me to use that thin plastic that is used as a drop cloth when painting. Anyone else ever use this? Maybe just some 6 ml plastic? What's the best and lightest? Suggestions please.
Thank-you

W/O starting a innie/outtie debate, due to the condition of your floor bottom you might consider using both. Yes, the plastic will work and in this same category of gear is a thread talking about another possibility - tyvek, you might look at that as well.
Boppa

I use the "painters" plastic. It works just fine.

Thank-you. I will put it to the test next week. Supposed to be a good storm up there.

keep in mind the primary reason for a footprint is to help protect the bottom of the tent. That in mind, a good heavy plastic works well enough. We use the 6mil plastic for our scout tents (30+ tents) and it does a good job in preventing tent floor punctures from the outside ;-)

Kinda depends on tent size, 6 mil is fine, but if big tent, kinda hard to fold/pack 6 mil, makes big bundle if you have a big floor to protect, 4 mil may be better. I use 4 mil as the "standard", but if backpacking/going light, a 2 mil new one is good as well.

But I am innie guy, so the plastic doesn't get the ground abuse, the tent bottom does, so thinner may work better if you are innie type, thicker may be better for outie type.

What about a ground cloth from CCS?

That said, you don't want a ton of material hanging out from the edge of the tent. If it rains, water will collect on it and seep under the tent. You'll definately get wet then. It may be better too put it inside the tent.

My recommendation is to buy a footprint. They are light and fairly inexpensive and can clip to the tent. I have used plastic in the past and it does not last very long and it is heavy.

quote buz: "Kinda depends on tent size, 6 mil is fine, but if big tent, kinda hard to fold/pack 6 mil, makes big bundle if you have a big floor to protect, 4 mil may be better. I use 4 mil as the "standard", but if backpacking/going light, a 2 mil new one is good as well.


But I am innie guy, so the plastic doesn't get the ground abuse, the tent bottom does, so thinner may work better if you are innie type, thicker may be better for outie type.


"

I was thinking the same thing, 4 mil is plenty i.m.o.

4 mil sounds to be the way to go. I'll cut one tonight. Thanks for everyones input. Much appreciated.
Good paddling to all!

Buy a footprint, get some Tyvek (toss it in the dryer so its less crinkly before use) get some thick enough plastic. I'm not going to innie/outtie debate this one either, tho I'd use be using it for a groundcloth.