We've got a newfangled all enveloping type tent (pictured right). By which I mean the groundsheet is sewn onto the sides of the tent, so there are no cold draughts or damp drips coming in. It's a great idea I think, makes the tent a sealed little pod that feels cozy and secure. But as you can't separate the groundsheet from the rest when it gets packed away the muddy groundsheet is rolled up with the rest of the tent and cleaning it requires getting the whole tent out. This might not seem a big hassle but given our tent is the size of an aircraft hangar and our garden is the size of a postage stamp getting it out back at home is not an easy operation. We have a solution though. A footprint.
A footprint is basically a second groundsheet that goes under the tent. It's exactly the same size and shape as the tent (it has the same 'footprint' get it?) and it keeps the bottom of the tent clean, problem solved.
Not only that though, it also has a few of other advantages too. Firstly, it gives you an extra layer of insulation under the tent. Secondly, (this one is really neat) it lets you see how much space the tent will take up before you pitch it, so you can work out the best position really easily before you even get the tent out of it's bag. Thirdly it gives you a clean dry area on which to unpack (and repack) the tent itself so the tent never has to touch the ground at all. Neat.
One word of caution though, buy your footprint when you get the tent. Some models go out of production pretty fast (like ours has) so it might be tricky to obtain one a few years down the line.
Packing tents
Congratulations on the aquasition of your new mobile palace. A footprint is a good idea, it will prolongue the life of the tent. When pitching make sure there are no sharp objects to poke through your groundsheet, footprint as this will let water in. Also if the foot print gets a hole then water WILL get between the two and not drain away until the two are seperated, giving an uncomfortable feel. With packing, try and imagine folding the tent in half so the groundsheet does not touch the inner, this is repeated until the size of the bag - with yours i'm guessing lengthwise in half possibly twice then fold the other way in thirds or quaters. By doing it this way it is possible to wipe down the groundsheet as you fold. Good idea to have a d-pan and brush so you can swwep out and also a used d-cloth to wipe down. If you can take the tent down in stages so you can let it all dry out. If the tent is at all damp it will mildew which will affect the waterproofing so you will have to develop a drying system at home - this is a real pain and takes up the whole garden/shed/house. You will break bits so have a repair kit that includes gaffa tape, spare pegs to make an improvised pole sleeve (worth having an actual pole sleeve as well) a sewing kit and spare string. Happy camping.