Comparison: Best Ultralight Ground Cloth (Updated | Oct 28th)
When venturing into the outdoors, a reliable ultralight ground cloth is essential for comfort, protection, and portability. Designed to minimize weight without compromising durability, these compact solutions shield against moisture, uneven terrain, and debris. This comparison highlights top options, evaluating factors like material, size, weight, and ease of use to help you find a balance between performance and practicality. Whether for backpacking, camping, or minimalist travel, the goal is to simplify your gear selection with clear, unbiased insights into the best ultralight ground cloths available today.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for best value:
Clostnature Tent Footprint – Waterproof Camping Tarp -
Best for lightest overall:
Onewind Small Footprint -
Best for breathable tyvek:
Ultralight Camping Tarp -
Best for premium tyvek:
Ultralight Camping Tarp -
Best for insulated layer:
Ultralight Camping Tarp -
Best for large coverage:
REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint -
Best for heavy duty:
Hikeman Tent Footprint – Waterproof Camping Tarp -
Best for durable silnylon:
Ultralight Backpacking Tarp Ground Cloth 2.7 oz Waterproof Mini Pocket Blanket 27.5 x 48 Inches Compact Packable Groundsheet Hiking Gear for Two Pouch and Carabiner by DAKOUT Gear -
Best for compact design:
REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint -
Best for budget pick:
Clostnature Tent Footprint – Waterproof Camping Tarp
Product Comparison: Best Ultralight Ground Cloth
Best value
Clostnature Tent Footprint – Waterproof Camping Tarp, Heavy Duty Tent Floor Saver, Ultralight Ground Sheet Mat for Hiking, Backpacking, Hammock, Beach – Storage Bag Included
Clostnature
- A MUST FOR TENT: An extra tent tarp doesn't just give you extra waterproofing, it is used as ground cloths under tents to prevent wear and tear. There’s no question that an insulated tent footprint is a great idea to help protect your investment, definitely, the choice to extend your tent's life
- HEAVY DUTY: A tough groudsheet that can be easily overlooked but it makes all the difference when setting up the campsite. It is made out of ripstop 190T Poly with superior waterproof coating and designed to not only be lightweight but also be waterproof and powerful
- LIGHT&COMPACT: Size 87" x 59", weighing a mere 9.8 oz, it isn’t going to add a lot of weight to your pack. Impressed compact and able to fold into the drawstring storage bag, just the size of a cellphone
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL: This multi-purpose tarp could work for your specific needs. While the main focus most of the time will be working as a tent footprint you can also use this for a sunshade, beach picnic setup, hammock rain fly, or even as a general tarp shelter
- This footprint fits to Clostnature 2 person tent. Clostnature is an innovative brand that continuously works to improve your outdoor and sports experience. Every product you purchase has one-year guarantee for material and workmanship defects. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our customer support team
Lightest overall
Onewind Small Footprint, 4000mm Waterproof Rate PU Coating, 47" * 27" Ultralight Camping Ground Sheet with Carry Bag for Backpacking, Camping, Picnic, Mat
onewind
- 4000mm Waterproof Rate PU Coating. Onewind Tent Footprint is constructed with PU 4000mm coating on face side and silicone coating on the backside that helps keep moisture from seeping through your tent and protects it from daily wear and tear.
- Durable Quality. A tough groundsheet can be easily overlooked but it makes all the difference when setting up the campsite. This ground sheet is made of 1.1oz 20D high-strength ripstop silnylon that is windproof, rainproof, weather-resistant, and much lighter than the regular 210T polyester.
- Multipurpose and Versatile. This backpacking gear also makes an excellent rain tarp, survival shelter, picnic or beach mat, tent footprint, camping tarp, hammock rain fly, sunshade, beach mat, picnic blanket, ground mat or a rain shelter when backcountry camping. Good choice for backpacking, hiking, traveling
- Lightweight Compact and Portable. Our tent footprint only weighs 1.87oz/53g while cover size is 47" *27"/1.2m*0.7m, and packed small. So it's ultralight and compact and can easily slip in your pocket or side pack of backpack. It's also available in Medium and Small sizes that you can use as a ground mat when you are tired or bring with you during your outdoor adventures.
- Easy and Simple Pitching. This ground tarp includes multiple attachment points for flexibility and different usage. You can fix 4 corners as a tent footprint or picnic blanket, or you can hang it as a sunshade or rain fly. Onewind Outdoors creates innovative camping gears using lighter but tougher materials to ensure that you can pack and travel light without leaving any essential gears behind.
Breathable Tyvek
Ultralight Camping Tarp, Backpacking Tarp, Tyvek Sheet, Tent Footprint, House Wrap, Tent Flooring, Ground Cloth, Camping Fly – Multiple Sizes
MODERN GRIZZLY
- SUPERIOR PROTECTION: Our Tyvek footprint tent ground sheet provides an extra layer of protection for your camping gear and ensures that your tent floor exterior will remain clean and free from dirt, mud, and debris.
- BREATHABLE GROUND COVER: Our breathable tent ground cloth provides a barrier between you and the ground while stopping water flow from ground to your tent floor, but allowing air to circulate through its lightweight fabric.
- DURABLE MATERIAL : Made with Tyvek tarp. Our Tyvek ground sheet is designed to be durable, waterproof, and resistant to tears and punctures. This ensures that your tent ground tarp is protected from all the elements!
- EASY SETUP: Setting up our under tent ground mat is simple and quick; just spread it out under your tent before setting up your tent. Quick and easy at the end of a long day hiking.
- BACKPACKING GROUND TARP ULTRALIGHT : Weighing only 5 ounces great for ultralight backpacking , tent , bivy, bedroll, or bag.
- PACKED FOLDED SIZE OF THEN FOOTPRINT TYVEK:7 inches x 5 inches x 1 inch
- PUNCTURE RESISTANT: Resists punctures, tears and abrasions. Stronger than plastic tarps
- MADE IN THE USA: Support a local USA business.
Premium Tyvek
Ultralight Camping Tarp, Backpacking Tarp, Tyvek Sheet, Tyveks Tent Footprint, Tyveks House Wrap, Tent Flooring, Tyvekes Ground Cloth, Camping Fly, Multiple Sizes
MODERN GRIZZLY
- Superior Protection: Our Tyvek footprint tent ground sheet provides an extra layer of protection for your camping gear and ensures that your tent floor exterior will remain clean and free from dirt, mud, and debris.
- Breathable Ground Cover: Our breathable tent ground cloth provides a barrier between you and the ground while stopping water flow from ground to your tent floor, but allowing air to circulate through its lightweight fabric.
- Durable Material: Made with Tyvek tarp. Our Tyvek ground sheet is designed to be durable, waterproof, and resistant to tears and punctures. This ensures that your tent ground tarp is protected from all the elements!
- Easy Setup: Setting up our under tent ground mat is simple and quick; just spread it out under your tent before staking it down using the tarp grommets.
- Backpacking Ground Tarp Ultralight : Weighing only 5 ounces great for ultralight backpacking , tent , bivy, bedroll, or bag.
- Packed Folded Size of Tent Footprint Tyvek:7 inches x 5 inches x 1 inch
- Puncture Resistant: Resists punctures, tears and abrasions. Stronger than plastic tarps
- Made in USA
Insulated layer
Ultralight Camping Tarp, Backpacking Tarp, Tyvek Sheet, Tyvek Tent Footprint, Tyveks House Wrap, Tent Flooring, Tyvekes Ground Cloth, Camping Fly, Multiple Sizes
MODERN GRIZZLY
- Superior Protection: Our Tyvek footprint tent ground sheet provides an extra layer of protection for your camping gear and ensures that your tent floor exterior will remain clean and free from dirt, mud, and debris.
- Level Up: Our versatile tent ground cloth is made from high-quality tyvek material. This camping tarp under tent provides an extra layer of insulation and protection against moisture, ensuring a dry and cozy camping experience.
- Experience the Ultimate Convenience: Our tyvek ground sheet i designed to fit perfectly under your tent footprint 2 person tent. This tent footprint acts as a barrier between your tent and the ground, stopping water flow from ground to your tent floor, but allowing air to circulate through its lightweight fabric.
- Protect You and Your Tent: Our ground cloth for camping is made from durable tyvek material. It offers superior strength and protection against rough terrains, ensuring comfortable and enjoyable camping for you and protecting your tent.
- Stats for Backpacking Ground Tarp Ultralight : Weighing only 5 ounces and 5ft x 8ft it is great for ultralight backpacking , tent , bivy, bedroll, or bag.
- Easy Setup: Setting up our under tent ground mat is simple and quick; just spread it out under your tent before staking it down using the tarp grommets.
- Made exclusively in USA: This ultralight backpacking gear is made with pride in the USA. Support USA products by buying USA.
- Protection: Tyvek sheet that serves as an excellent waterproof barrier between you and the ground.
Large coverage
REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint, PU 2000 Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp with Drawstring Carrying Bag for Ground Camping Hiking (106"x83" UL Black)
REDCAMP
- DURABLE: REDCAMP waterproof tarp is made from 210T ripstop polyester fabric that is waterproof (PU2000mm)
- LARGE: 106''x83”/270cmx210cm, perfect for 3-4 person. You can place the camp ground cloth under your tent to provide an extra moisture layer
- MULTIPURPOSE TENT TARP FOR UNDER TENT: The outdoor tent footprint is ideal for beach, picnic, camping or sporting events. It can also be tied to provide a sun or rain canopy, which is a must-have for any outdoor activity
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT: Ultralight tarp only weighs: 1.06lbs/480g. with drawstring carrying bag, package size: 4.3''x10.2”/11cmx26cm
- GANURANTEEDG: REDCAMP offers a 365-day limited manufacturer warranty. If you're not satisfied for any reason, please contact us immediately and we will give you a reply within 24 hours
Heavy duty
Hikeman Tent Footprint – Waterproof Camping Tarp, Heavy Duty Tent Floor Saver, Ultralight Ground Sheet Mat for Hiking, Backpacking, Hammock, Beach – Storage Bag Included(S-83”x35”)
HIKEMAN
- More Durable Material: 210D Oxford Strong Fabric combined with the unique waterproof (PU 2000mm) design protect your tent against dampness or moisture,outdoor essential equipment;
- S Size:210cmX90cm/83”x35”,perfect for 1 person tent use.Double reinforced edge make the tarp more strong for wilderness trip,backpacking adventures,or outdoor sport event.
- Easy Use:Unfold and lay it on ground like picnic mat in the place you choose to camping,then use the stakes fix it;Our tent mat have 4 woven strap corner straps,and each have a grommet eyelet in the middle,which is convenient for stakes or tie rope.
- Portable:The lightweight(0.48lbs/220g with bag) ground cloth can compresses easily into a compact size(20cmX8cm),and a suitable drawstring pouch will come together for storing and carrying;
- Multi-purpose:Our item can provide a great blow protection from outdoor element like wet grass,snow,sand or tree debris,so you can use as tent footprint,ground sheet,picnic mat,hammock shelter,beach mat;It can also covering things,and you can use for sun or rain canopy,tarp shelter.lots function waiting for you to dig out.
Durable silnylon
Ultralight Backpacking Tarp Ground Cloth 2.7 oz Waterproof Mini Pocket Blanket 27.5 x 48 Inches Compact Packable Groundsheet Hiking Gear for Two Pouch and Carabiner by DAKOUT Gear
DAKOUT GEAR
- Lightweight and compact tarp for travel. If you’re on the move, our ultralight backpacking tarp is only 2.7 oz and packs into a neat mini stuff sack where you can also stow your phone & keys.
- 100% waterproof. Certified PU8000mm silnylon fabric means you can pop it down on the wet, muddy earth and nothing will seep through, keeping you dry & comfortable.
- Large enough for two. If you’re backpacking with a buddy, you can throw this small mat down & both take a break. The ideal dirt tarp and ground sheet for removing boots to keep dirt outside the tent.
- Puncture and tear resistant, the perfect compact outdoor tarp for hiking & roughing it in the wild. Premium Ripstop Silnylon materials won’t wear when folding, packing, or while on the ground.
- Reflective corner tabs that are easy to tie down in the wind and to find in the dark. Perfect sized pocket to keep small items in order or your camping blanket weighted down.
Compact design
REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint, PU 2000 Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp with Drawstring Carrying Bag for Ground Camping Hiking (55"x87" UL Black)
REDCAMP
- DURABLE: REDCAMP waterproof tarp is made from 210T ripstop polyester fabric that is waterproof (PU2000mm)
- LARGE: 140cmx220cm/55''x87", perfect for 1-2 person. You can place the camp ground cloth under your tent to provide an extra moisture layer
- MULTIPURPOSE TENT TARP FOR UNDER TENT: The outdoor tent footprint is ideal for a tent, the beach, picnics, camping or sporting events. It can also be tied to provide a sun or rain canopy; This is a a must-have for any outdoor activities
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT: Ultralight tarp only weighs: 0.56lbs/258g, package size: 3.14''*8.6"/ 8cm*22cm
- GANURANTEEDG: REDCAMP offers a 365-day limited manufacturer warranty. If you're not satisfied for any reason, please contact us immediately and we will give you a reply within 24 hours
Budget pick
Clostnature Tent Footprint – Waterproof Camping Tarp, Heavy Duty Tent Floor Saver, Ultralight Ground Sheet Mat for Hiking, Backpacking, Hammock, Beach – Storage Bag Included
Clostnature
- A MUST FOR TENT: An extra tent tarp doesn't just give you extra waterproofing, it is used as ground cloths under tents to prevent wear and tear. There’s no question that an insulated tent footprint is a great idea to help protect your investment, definitely, the choice to extend your tent's life
- HEAVY DUTY: A tough groudsheet that can be easily overlooked but it makes all the difference when setting up the campsite. It is made out of ripstop 190T Poly with superior waterproof coating and designed to not only be lightweight but also be waterproof and powerful
- LIGHT&COMPACT: Size 87" x 59", weighing a mere 9.8 oz, it isn’t going to add a lot of weight to your pack. Impressed compact and able to fold into the drawstring storage bag, just the size of a cellphone
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL: This multi-purpose tarp could work for your specific needs. While the main focus most of the time will be working as a tent footprint you can also use this for a sunshade, beach picnic setup, hammock rain fly, or even as a general tarp shelter
- This footprint fits to Clostnature 2 person tent. Clostnature is an innovative brand that continuously works to improve your outdoor and sports experience. Every product you purchase has one-year guarantee for material and workmanship defects. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our customer support team
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What is an ultralight ground cloth and why do I need one?
An ultralight ground cloth is a thin, lightweight protective layer placed under tents or sleeping pads. It shields gear from moisture, dirt, and abrasion, extends tent lifespan, and adds insulation. It’s essential for campers prioritizing weight savings without compromising durability.
What materials are ultralight ground cloths typically made from?
They’re commonly made from ripstop nylon or polyester, often coated with waterproof materials like silicone or polyurethane. These fabrics balance durability, weather resistance, and minimal weight, ideal for backpacking and minimalist camping setups.
How do I choose the right size for an ultralight ground cloth?
Measure your tent or sleeping pad’s dimensions and add 6–12 inches to each side for full coverage. A larger cloth prevents exposure to ground moisture but avoid excessive size, which adds unnecessary weight.
Can an ultralight ground cloth be used for purposes other than tents?
Yes, they’re versatile. Use as a sit pad, gear organizer, emergency shelter, or picnic mat. Their compactness and durability make them useful for various outdoor scenarios beyond just ground protection.
How do I clean and maintain an ultralight ground cloth?
Brush off debris, spot-clean with mild soap and water, and air-dry completely. Avoid harsh chemicals or machine washing, which can damage waterproof coatings. Store rolled loosely to prevent creases.
Are ultralight ground cloths waterproof, and how is that measured?
Most are waterproof, rated by hydrostatic head (mm). A rating of 1, 000–3, 000mm suits light rain, while higher ratings handle heavier downpours. Check product specs to match your weather needs.
What’s the difference between a ground cloth and a footprint?
A ground cloth is a generic protective layer, while a footprint is a brand-specific, tailored tent floor protector. Footprints often fit exact tent models, while ground cloths are universal but may require trimming.