Brilliant idea to use cable ties. I had ,in the past, tied the elastic loops to the inner eyelet on the red and blue cords. Now I have fixed cable tie loops to 6 points beneath the tent close to the straps and fix the elastic to those. Effective and unobtrusive as everything is out of sight . I pitch as one with outer,inner and attached footprint,meaning that if pitching in the rain or on wet ground,I have a dry tent and storage area to move in to.
Thanks Tony. I eventually got hold of some suitable plastic toggles - an idea I think I touched on in this video. They're actually perfect for what I wanted, as they're a snug fit through the eyelets in the pegging straps. I've had the toggles for months but still haven't fitted them. I'll do it at some point and will make a short video to show them. It sounds like your solution does exactly what you want though. It's really convenient having everything all fastened together and ready to pitch. James.
Don't think I have ever been more interested in a tent footpront.... class mate. So professional!!!! Great use of a cable tie too mate genius!!!. You were obviously distracted by the swans I suppose due t being a pilot u were interested in altitude, trajectory and pitch ? 🤣 class as always brother
Joker 😂 I've actually ordered some toggles now, as I'd like to be able to pop the footprint on and off in a few seconds without having to throw cable ties away every time. Swans are nature's commercial airline pilots 😂😜 Had to get some tips!! 🤣 Cheers for checking in, grandad 👊😎 James.
I use simple and basic camo tarp sheets off ebay for a few quid each, might not be the exact size and shape but they do the job and never let me down. I have a 2mx1m for a 1man tent and a 2m square for a 2.man. Have put shock cord on the eyelets so can peg out separately if needed and once dried and aired out I always roll my tent up in them so it's ready to go as one package once I'm ready to set up. Especially useful for the porch area as you say.
Cheers Mark! Yeah, good shout. On those really big rainy days, it feels great to get the tent up, get inside, shut the door and have a fully dry environment to warm up and relax in. Luxury for £30! 😎
That's a very sensible approach 👌 And then the more expensive the tent, the more sense it makes to carry the weight penalty of a footprint so that you can protect that precious tent! Thanks, James 👍
I use a vango GP504 with my SC1. Couldnt quite bring myself to pay the full £55 for the TN one. Works very well. Material isn't the same quality as the TN one, but more than adequate. Slightly smaller than the SC1 fly so stays well under and out of the rain. Covers about half the vestibule. Enough to give some protected "kneeling" space in front of the inner but doesn't cover the whole vestibule. I replaced std quite thick shock cord loops with much thinner and longer ones and peg out with the outer. I like to be able to fold the wet/muddy footprint separate from the tent so like that its not attached. Thanks for the video !
Do you leave your carabiners on permanently? Or clip it all in place each time you come to pitch the tent? If these toggles I've bought end up doing the job, I'll have to upload an update video to show how they work.
@@joinmeoutdoors I leave them on permanently. It keeps the inner and outer and footprint all together so it doesn't get tangled up and take even longer to set up.
Ugh, that looks like a huge challenge, but you seem to be handling it like a champ! I always have issues with what footprint to get, even with the tent to be honest. Great to see on a very challenging camping how it performs, I'm gonna consider it for next year.
Sorry Mr Turtle, I just found your comment. I always take ages to make decisions about equipment like this too! I used the Southern Cross 1 with its footprint last weekend - video to follow soon 😊 Thanks, James.
Nice! I have the footprint but have never used it, so will definitely consider it. One thing I changed with my SC1 is the stuff sack. I found it much too big for the tent so purchased a proper compression sack for it. The difference in volume is substantial! Also, can’t remember if the shock cords are knotted but if they are, I’d consider sliding a small piece of heat-shrink tubing over both, before tying them again. Will keep them together and because it’s rubbery, there won’t be any danger of it snagging.
That's a good move. I don't take any of my tents out camping in their original bags for that very reason. Dry bags/compression sacks make a huuuuge difference to pack size! 👍 The shock cord is knotted, that's right. I untied and re-tied mine when trying out different options. I don't think there's too much of a risk of them snagging, but time will tell. A flame might seal them up if they start to come apart at the ends also 👍
@@joinmeoutdoors ah I meant heat-shrink tubing as an alternative to the cable ties. I would definitely file that cut end down, if you haven’t already. Regarding the pack size, Terra Nova said they didn’t suggest packing it down smaller. I’ve honestly no idea why it would be bad for it.
Ah I see what you mean. The cable ties allow a fair bit of free movement between the peg-out loop and the footprint, which is why I left the cable ties nice and loose. My fancy little side cutters give a nice close cut (bought specifically for cutting cable ties off flush, for automotive installations), but sanding down afterwards may be necessary if using ordinary side cutters 👍
Just spotted your comment about Terra Nova's recommendation not to compress the tent. I imagine this is because there are some plastic clips that could be damaged if you are heavy-handed when compressing the tent. That's probably a sensible recommendation tbf, but I haven't broken any of my tents...yet! 😬
@@joinmeoutdoors think you’d be very unlucky to break one simply by compressing it. I just roll mine tight and put it in the back before compressing. It’s not like we’re leaning all our weight onto them.
I wish my southern cross 1 went up like that, I might find out that there's a special button to press one day. Never used a foot print because it's the first time I've heard of one. Cheers. All the best from Andy 👍
Cheers Adge, I love it too! Shame I've made it heavier, but I may opt to leave the footprint at home if I know for a fact that the ground I'll be camping on is soft and safe. Thanks, James.
I use a German Army Elephant mat , it’s perfect under most tents . Made of a hard wearing rubber type material. Folds up and stores down the back of 48L Osprey Kestrel. I think footprint is important to protect from wear and moisture 🇮🇪👌
That looks like a heavy duty thing to protect you for a lot of years 👌 We kneel on our tent floors and lean over onto our elbows etc, so it wouldn't take much to pop a hole in. Protection all the way! 👍 ATB, James.
Depends on circumstances i guess, soft grass or a beach pitch then not really, woods or on a hill with rocks yeah, but i also think they do give an R value of some sort I think, so maybe they would be good in the cold/snow. Just my opinion of course and just my thoughts, I don't use mine often, if at all, its like putting tents up for dummies with me as it is 😆. Nice review though buddy, have a great weekend 👍 😊
Yeah, absolutely. If you know that the ground you're going to be camping on is dry and/or soft, then you might decide to save the weight and leave the footprint at home. It'd be interesting to see how much of an insulating effect a footprint has, now that you mention it 🤔 Thanks for watching, and have a great weekend yourself 👍 James.
That sounds like a reasonably convenient setup. Does the Helm have elasticated peg-out loops then? They're Dyneema on the Southern Cross tent, so that wouldn't work unfortunately, plus that system would mean that in bad weather, your footprint would already be wet by the time you put your tent on top of it. Having the two connected beforehand would prevent that, but they haven't really been designed in that way. I've ordered some plastic toggles to try out - I wonder if they'd work for the Helm as well? I'll make a video once I have I've got them 👍
Oh I see. They are elasticated on the Helm so that's how they differ. I've not had the misfortune of pitching it in the rain yet but you're right, it wouldn't be good to get it wet first. In dry weather it does help you get a gauge of flat ground. I'll have the same issues in the wet, keeping it underneath the tent while I pitch. I'd appreciate seeing if your idea works. I'll stay tuned. Thanks.
@@thewildcampolians I'm like you - I tend to be out camping when the weather is decent for being outside and enjoying the views, so it probably won't be an issue most of the time. Fingers crossed for these toggles though! Thanks, James.
I always use footprints for my tents but some don't cover the vestibules but if the manufacturer doesn't do them that covers the vestibules I get 1 made from quint craft.i keep them attached to my tent also.ive had issues with the footprint getting water between tent floor and footprint which isn't great with the weight of you and your gear it can come into the tent.
I just discovered Quint Craft this year - she seems to be quite the crafter! 👌 I'm sure your tents will give you lots of years of service with that level of care 👍 James.
It was a good un! I spotted it on Instagram and decided I might as well pick up a footprint. I'll try to remember to post something on my RUclips channel if I see similar sales in the future. Are you in need of any Terra Nova bits?
Just the SC footprint. I’m not on any social media. ADHD and these things don’t mix. I’d tell em what I think without filters! Your reviews are really good. Didn’t even notice about the sound. Atb
Okay, well I'll give you a nudge if they have a sale again. Or you could lease mine off me for only £9.99 per month? 😉 I much prefer filter-free speech, personally! I'm glad my review style works for you. I'm still noticing lots of things to improve in each video, but these things take time 🙂
@@joinmeoutdoors only a 180 to my prediction of 1000 before year end. You should contact Atom packs in Keswick and ask the to send a sample of Atom pack Mo 50. Very expensive but AFAIK the most perfectly designed pack. AND put your Buy me a coffee on a front page link?
Do you know what year your Cloud Peak 2 was manufactured, Simon? I don't remember my Cloud Peak 2 having hooks on its footprint, but it hasn't been out of its bag for 2 years!
I just pulled out my Cloud Peak 2 and, sure enough, the footprint is connected with hooks at the corners like yours 👍 With the cable ties carefully cut flush on my SC1 footprint there aren't any sharp bits, and when the tent is pitched and in use, the cable ties will be right out by the pegs, so there's no danger of you sitting on them under the tent floor or anything. I do wonder if I could buy some little toggles to attach to the shock cord and pop the toggles through the red/blue peg-out straps, instead of using the cable ties...
@@joinmeoutdoors msr elixir 1 👍 really big porch,but whats left over gets tucked in between inner and outer down the sides,so technically,tarp,footprint,bathtub,and when i pack tent away,its packed up on the tarp,so the tarp (if it hasnt rained) is the only thing thats wet from the ground,tarp weighs 200 grams so not an issue
Brilliant idea to use cable ties.
I had ,in the past, tied the elastic loops to the inner eyelet on the red and blue cords.
Now I have fixed cable tie loops to 6 points beneath the tent close to the straps and fix the elastic to those.
Effective and unobtrusive as everything is out of sight .
I pitch as one with outer,inner and attached footprint,meaning that if pitching in the rain or on wet ground,I have a dry tent and storage area to move in to.
Thanks Tony. I eventually got hold of some suitable plastic toggles - an idea I think I touched on in this video. They're actually perfect for what I wanted, as they're a snug fit through the eyelets in the pegging straps. I've had the toggles for months but still haven't fitted them. I'll do it at some point and will make a short video to show them. It sounds like your solution does exactly what you want though. It's really convenient having everything all fastened together and ready to pitch. James.
Interesting video! Definitely enjoyed watching and some good informations 🔥👍 Thanks for sharing! Have a nice day 🤠👋
Thanks! 🤗 Have a good day yourself 👍 James
great video exactly what I needed just bought one southern cross and want footprint straight away!
Oh perfect! I've also made a short video about a method for attaching the footprint, which you might find useful 👍 Thanks, James.
great scenery! Thanks for sharing!
I could film a swan documentary there next time! 🤣 Thanks for watching 😊 James.
Thank you for your information on using the footprint🙏🏻👍🏻
I hope it helped 😊 Thanks, James.
Nice informational video 👍
I'm glad you think so, thanks 👍 James.
Nice 👍 You have a great weekend 👍
Thanks Arnstein, and yourself! 👋
Don't think I have ever been more interested in a tent footpront.... class mate. So professional!!!! Great use of a cable tie too mate genius!!!. You were obviously distracted by the swans I suppose due t being a pilot u were interested in altitude, trajectory and pitch ? 🤣 class as always brother
Joker 😂 I've actually ordered some toggles now, as I'd like to be able to pop the footprint on and off in a few seconds without having to throw cable ties away every time. Swans are nature's commercial airline pilots 😂😜 Had to get some tips!! 🤣 Cheers for checking in, grandad 👊😎 James.
@@joinmeoutdoors great idea and will really make a difference!! Good work mate ..... your the main guy 👊
Thanks buddy. Get out there and show us your light-up tent 😎
I use simple and basic camo tarp sheets off ebay for a few quid each, might not be the exact size and shape but they do the job and never let me down. I have a 2mx1m for a 1man tent and a 2m square for a 2.man. Have put shock cord on the eyelets so can peg out separately if needed and once dried and aired out I always roll my tent up in them so it's ready to go as one package once I'm ready to set up. Especially useful for the porch area as you say.
A very popular way of doing it, and much cheaper than purpose-made footprints 👍
Great video mate! I should really buy one for my helm! Especially with the bad weather coming in now! 👍🏼
Cheers Mark! Yeah, good shout. On those really big rainy days, it feels great to get the tent up, get inside, shut the door and have a fully dry environment to warm up and relax in. Luxury for £30! 😎
Nice video! I always use a footprint. I just want to protect the bottom of my tent for as long as I can. Well done. Crow✌️
That's a very sensible approach 👌 And then the more expensive the tent, the more sense it makes to carry the weight penalty of a footprint so that you can protect that precious tent! Thanks, James 👍
I use a vango GP504 with my SC1. Couldnt quite bring myself to pay the full £55 for the TN one. Works very well. Material isn't the same quality as the TN one, but more than adequate. Slightly smaller than the SC1 fly so stays well under and out of the rain. Covers about half the vestibule. Enough to give some protected "kneeling" space in front of the inner but doesn't cover the whole vestibule. I replaced std quite thick shock cord loops with much thinner and longer ones and peg out with the outer. I like to be able to fold the wet/muddy footprint separate from the tent so like that its not attached. Thanks for the video !
That sounds like a good solution, and a fair bit cheaper than the official SC1 footprint. Good to hear from another SC1 owner 👍 Thanks, James.
I use a terra nova tent. I carabineer the groundsheet to the dyneema loops to keep everything in place.
Do you leave your carabiners on permanently? Or clip it all in place each time you come to pitch the tent? If these toggles I've bought end up doing the job, I'll have to upload an update video to show how they work.
@@joinmeoutdoors I leave them on permanently. It keeps the inner and outer and footprint all together so it doesn't get tangled up and take even longer to set up.
That sounds handy 👍
Ugh, that looks like a huge challenge, but you seem to be handling it like a champ! I always have issues with what footprint to get, even with the tent to be honest. Great to see on a very challenging camping how it performs, I'm gonna consider it for next year.
Sorry Mr Turtle, I just found your comment. I always take ages to make decisions about equipment like this too! I used the Southern Cross 1 with its footprint last weekend - video to follow soon 😊 Thanks, James.
Nice! I have the footprint but have never used it, so will definitely consider it.
One thing I changed with my SC1 is the stuff sack. I found it much too big for the tent so purchased a proper compression sack for it. The difference in volume is substantial!
Also, can’t remember if the shock cords are knotted but if they are, I’d consider sliding a small piece of heat-shrink tubing over both, before tying them again. Will keep them together and because it’s rubbery, there won’t be any danger of it snagging.
That's a good move. I don't take any of my tents out camping in their original bags for that very reason. Dry bags/compression sacks make a huuuuge difference to pack size! 👍
The shock cord is knotted, that's right. I untied and re-tied mine when trying out different options. I don't think there's too much of a risk of them snagging, but time will tell. A flame might seal them up if they start to come apart at the ends also 👍
@@joinmeoutdoors ah I meant heat-shrink tubing as an alternative to the cable ties. I would definitely file that cut end down, if you haven’t already.
Regarding the pack size, Terra Nova said they didn’t suggest packing it down smaller. I’ve honestly no idea why it would be bad for it.
Ah I see what you mean. The cable ties allow a fair bit of free movement between the peg-out loop and the footprint, which is why I left the cable ties nice and loose. My fancy little side cutters give a nice close cut (bought specifically for cutting cable ties off flush, for automotive installations), but sanding down afterwards may be necessary if using ordinary side cutters 👍
Just spotted your comment about Terra Nova's recommendation not to compress the tent. I imagine this is because there are some plastic clips that could be damaged if you are heavy-handed when compressing the tent. That's probably a sensible recommendation tbf, but I haven't broken any of my tents...yet! 😬
@@joinmeoutdoors think you’d be very unlucky to break one simply by compressing it. I just roll mine tight and put it in the back before compressing. It’s not like we’re leaning all our weight onto them.
I wish my southern cross 1 went up like that, I might find out that there's a special button to press one day. Never used a foot print because it's the first time I've heard of one. Cheers. All the best from Andy 👍
Haha! I think the key is to make sure lots of people are watching when you hurl it at the ground. THEN the magic kicks in 😉 Cheers Andy!
Great tip! Love that tent 😁
Cheers Adge, I love it too! Shame I've made it heavier, but I may opt to leave the footprint at home if I know for a fact that the ground I'll be camping on is soft and safe. Thanks, James.
@@joinmeoutdoors the southern cross floor is incredible quality anyway so I think you'd be fine in most conditions 🙂
I'm sure you're right! 👍
I use a German Army Elephant mat , it’s perfect under most tents . Made of a hard wearing rubber type material. Folds up and stores down the back of 48L Osprey Kestrel. I think footprint is important to protect from wear and moisture 🇮🇪👌
That looks like a heavy duty thing to protect you for a lot of years 👌 We kneel on our tent floors and lean over onto our elbows etc, so it wouldn't take much to pop a hole in. Protection all the way! 👍 ATB, James.
Tyvek is your friend people. Cheap, light, waterproof and durable. Make your own groundsheet/footprint
Very light and cheap indeed! A good option 👍
Depends on circumstances i guess, soft grass or a beach pitch then not really, woods or on a hill with rocks yeah, but i also think they do give an R value of some sort I think, so maybe they would be good in the cold/snow. Just my opinion of course and just my thoughts, I don't use mine often, if at all, its like putting tents up for dummies with me as it is 😆. Nice review though buddy, have a great weekend 👍 😊
Yeah, absolutely. If you know that the ground you're going to be camping on is dry and/or soft, then you might decide to save the weight and leave the footprint at home. It'd be interesting to see how much of an insulating effect a footprint has, now that you mention it 🤔 Thanks for watching, and have a great weekend yourself 👍 James.
I believe you need to peg out the footprint first then the tent. The tent cords stretch over the same pegs. Thats how the Helm 2 one works.
That sounds like a reasonably convenient setup. Does the Helm have elasticated peg-out loops then? They're Dyneema on the Southern Cross tent, so that wouldn't work unfortunately, plus that system would mean that in bad weather, your footprint would already be wet by the time you put your tent on top of it. Having the two connected beforehand would prevent that, but they haven't really been designed in that way. I've ordered some plastic toggles to try out - I wonder if they'd work for the Helm as well? I'll make a video once I have I've got them 👍
Oh I see. They are elasticated on the Helm so that's how they differ. I've not had the misfortune of pitching it in the rain yet but you're right, it wouldn't be good to get it wet first. In dry weather it does help you get a gauge of flat ground. I'll have the same issues in the wet, keeping it underneath the tent while I pitch. I'd appreciate seeing if your idea works. I'll stay tuned. Thanks.
@@thewildcampolians I'm like you - I tend to be out camping when the weather is decent for being outside and enjoying the views, so it probably won't be an issue most of the time. Fingers crossed for these toggles though! Thanks, James.
I always use footprints for my tents but some don't cover the vestibules but if the manufacturer doesn't do them that covers the vestibules I get 1 made from quint craft.i keep them attached to my tent also.ive had issues with the footprint getting water between tent floor and footprint which isn't great with the weight of you and your gear it can come into the tent.
I just discovered Quint Craft this year - she seems to be quite the crafter! 👌 I'm sure your tents will give you lots of years of service with that level of care 👍 James.
@@joinmeoutdoors yea she does some great things and the quality is top notch
Wish I’d seen that sale 😮
It was a good un! I spotted it on Instagram and decided I might as well pick up a footprint. I'll try to remember to post something on my RUclips channel if I see similar sales in the future. Are you in need of any Terra Nova bits?
Just the SC footprint. I’m not on any social media. ADHD and these things don’t mix. I’d tell em what I think without filters! Your reviews are really good. Didn’t even notice about the sound. Atb
Okay, well I'll give you a nudge if they have a sale again. Or you could lease mine off me for only £9.99 per month? 😉 I much prefer filter-free speech, personally! I'm glad my review style works for you. I'm still noticing lots of things to improve in each video, but these things take time 🙂
@@unclepeteswildadventures try freshairjunkie.co.uk for cheaper terra nova stuff. I payed £445 for a SC2 and footprint.
@@joinmeoutdoors only a 180 to my prediction of 1000 before year end. You should contact Atom packs in Keswick and ask the to send a sample of Atom pack Mo 50. Very expensive but AFAIK the most perfectly designed pack. AND put your Buy me a coffee on a front page link?
I just use a cheap tarpaulin from most markets. To fit under my tent costs about a fiver works a treat
An even cheaper way to protect your tent 👌
I keep the footprint on cloud peak 2, this uses simple plastic hooks. Stays on no issue.
Do you know what year your Cloud Peak 2 was manufactured, Simon? I don't remember my Cloud Peak 2 having hooks on its footprint, but it hasn't been out of its bag for 2 years!
@@joinmeoutdoors I only got it late last year. It just makes it easy to separate if it's been wet and have to dry all parts out separately.
Yeah that's handy. I wonder if that's one of the many upgrades they've implemented on later tents then? I'll have to go and check mine now!
@@joinmeoutdoors I would not trust cables ties, sharp edges, could damage tent.
I just pulled out my Cloud Peak 2 and, sure enough, the footprint is connected with hooks at the corners like yours 👍
With the cable ties carefully cut flush on my SC1 footprint there aren't any sharp bits, and when the tent is pitched and in use, the cable ties will be right out by the pegs, so there's no danger of you sitting on them under the tent floor or anything. I do wonder if I could buy some little toggles to attach to the shock cord and pop the toggles through the red/blue peg-out straps, instead of using the cable ties...
A pretty pricey footprint even in the sale! They do come in handy though, even if it's just keeping the bottom of your tent nice and clean.
I won't tell you what a Hilleberg Soulo footprint costs then! (Clue: It costs the same as an OEX Phoxx II tent 🤣)
@@joinmeoutdoors I was going to say I could buy several tents for the cost of that footprint. My latest tent was just £7.99 and it's a good one.
😂
I have a foorprint AND a small tarp for vestibule ,tuck it up between inner and outer in bad weather,stops the wind
Okay, I think I see what you mean 👍 What tent is that on?
@@joinmeoutdoors msr elixir 1 👍 really big porch,but whats left over gets tucked in between inner and outer down the sides,so technically,tarp,footprint,bathtub,and when i pack tent away,its packed up on the tarp,so the tarp (if it hasnt rained) is the only thing thats wet from the ground,tarp weighs 200 grams so not an issue
That does sound nice and neat to pack away, and 200 grams is well worth all those benefits 👌