Footprint as a Rainfly

**Magoober** · 10-04-2010, 14:56

I am currently using a Kelty Noah 9x9, but am making a DIY SWT. However, I came across one of these http://www.rei.com/product/777756 while sorting through some family camping gear and was wondering if anyone had tried to use something similar as a rainfly. It weighs half of what my Kelty does, and the green color is more attractive (to me) as well. thoughts?

**jloden** · 10-04-2010, 15:56

EDIT: just noticed from re-reading your post that you probably already own this footprint. If that's the case this won't be much help but I'll leave it up anyway in case someone else finds it helpful

I looked at tent footprints from REI's clearance to use as a rainfly also. Unfortunately, I didn't end up trying it, so I can't tell you if it'd work. However, I thought I'd pass along some other options I considered:

1) Claytor Small Rainfly (10' x 7.5') - $50 (170z)

2) Hennessey Hex Tarp (144" x 115") - $59.95 (28oz) heavy, but also very large for a lot of coverage.

3) CampMor 8x10 Ultralight Backpacking Tarp - $79.99 (13oz)

4) CampMor 8x10 Coated Nylon Tarp - $39.99 (22.5oz)

I looked pretty closely at all four of those as options while looking for a cheaper tarp that'd still be light enough to backpack reasonably. The footprints were attractive for the price but I figured for around the same cost I could pick up one of the above tarps and not have to worry about whether it'd be adequately waterproof etc.

FWIW, I ended up just spending the extra money on a good lightweight tarp (used WB Edge in Spinn). But, I plan on more backpacking than car camping so weight was a big consideration for me. Anyway, figured you or someone else might benefit from my seemingly endless tarp research

**Cutter** · 10-04-2010, 18:36

I used a sierra designs small footprint as a tarp. It was barely long enough to cover the length of the hammock and I could easily see under the wings when in the hammock. The footprint is kinda like a diamond shape with the long axis pulled thinner.

It did rain that night, pretty hard. I did get a couple drops down on my feet, but that was all. I was offered a place in a tent with a couple of girls in the group if it got too bad. I stayed in the hammock, not sure what I was thinking.

good luck and have a good'un

cutter

btw i used the footprint because the 7x9 tarp I had became the dining tent/shelter from the rain.

**gunner76** · 10-04-2010, 19:18

I was offered a place in a tent with a couple of girls in the group if it got too bad. I stayed in the hammock, not sure what I was thinking.

What were you thinking ???

**gavinol** · 10-06-2010, 08:57

The footprint is shaped for the tent and vestibules. Our boots and bags that stay outin the vestibule sit on the footprint, not in the dirt. according to you which is better??

**DoWhatIDo** · 10-16-2010, 12:03

Was thinking about using a footprint as a rainfly also. Came across this ALPS footprint at rei. I now its 2x as heavy as a normally rainfly but it's only $22 with their sale. What do yall think?

**wisenber** · 10-16-2010, 14:18

Originally Posted by Giggity

Was thinking about using a footprint as a rainfly also. Came across this ALPS footprint at rei. I now its 2x as heavy as a normally rainfly but it's only $22 with their sale. What do yall think?

I don't think the ALPS footprint has so much as a grommet on them. If your going that route, why not just use a painter's drop cloth from the hardware store for a few bucks? It's lighter and cheaper.