Footprints and Accessories

The small pieces of a camping setup often make the biggest difference to how well a trip goes. A groundsheet that protects your tent floor, sturdy stakes that hold in wind, and guylines you can actually see at night all quietly keep your shelter standing and your gear dry. Footprints and camping accessories are the unglamorous kit that saves a soggy, flapping night under canvas.

Our footprints and accessories range covers tent footprints, stakes, guylines, and the practical camping extras that keep a shelter pitched and protected, from trusted outdoor brands. Whether you are protecting a backpacking tent or securing a family setup, there is kit here to help your tent last longer and perform better.

Not sure what you need? The guide below walks through footprints, stakes, and accessories, and how to choose them. Browse the range below, and see our wider camping equipment range for tents and sleeping gear.

What Is a Tent Footprint?

A tent footprint, also called a groundsheet, is a protective layer that sits between your tent floor and the ground. Its job is to shield the tent floor from abrasion, moisture, and sharp objects, taking the wear that would otherwise damage your tent. On rocky, rough, or damp ground, a footprint adds a real layer of defence and helps keep the inside of your tent dry.

Because the tent floor is one of the hardest parts of a tent to repair, a footprint is a cheap way to protect an expensive piece of kit. It is one of the first accessories experienced campers add to a new tent.

Why Use a Footprint?

• Protects the tent floor: guards against abrasion, punctures, and wear from rough ground
• Keeps you drier: adds a barrier against ground moisture seeping up
• Extends tent life: takes the wear so your tent floor lasts longer
• Versatile: can double as a clean ground sheet for picnics or a simple shelter
• Packs small: lightweight and easy to carry alongside your tent

For the small weight and cost, a footprint earns its place in almost any camping kit.

Choosing the Right Footprint

The key to a good footprint is a proper fit. It should match the dimensions of your tent floor or be very slightly smaller, so it covers the floor without extending beyond the edges. A footprint that sticks out past the tent can actually channel rainwater underneath, which defeats the purpose, so sizing it correctly matters.

Many tent makers offer footprints designed for specific tent models, which guarantees a precise fit and often includes attachment points that line up with the tent poles and stakes. If a model-specific footprint is available for your tent, it is usually the easiest choice.

Tent Stakes and Pegs

The stakes that come with a tent are not always up to the job, especially in hard, rocky, or soft, sandy ground. Upgrading to stronger or ground-specific stakes makes a real difference to how securely your tent pitches. Different designs suit different ground: thicker V-stakes and sturdy pegs hold well in most soils, while longer or wider stakes help in soft sand.

Carrying a few spare stakes is always wise, as they are easy to lose or bend. A set of good stakes is a cheap upgrade that keeps your tent standing when the wind picks up.

Guylines and Tensioners

Guylines are the cords that run from your tent to the ground, adding stability and stopping the tent flapping or collapsing in wind. Reflective guylines are especially useful, as they catch torchlight and help you avoid tripping over them in the dark around camp. Good tensioners let you adjust the lines quickly to keep the tent taut as conditions change.

Properly guyed out, a tent is far more stable and quieter in wind, so it is worth taking the time to peg out all the guy points rather than just the corners.

Other Camping Accessories

Beyond footprints, stakes, and guylines, a handful of small accessories round out a camping kit. Repair patches and seam sealant let you fix small tears and leaks on the go, while a mallet makes driving stakes into hard ground much easier. Storage sacks keep everything organised, and spare parts mean a minor failure does not spoil a trip.

Keeping a small bag of these essentials with your tent means you are ready for the usual camping mishaps, from a bent stake to a small tear, wherever you pitch.

Caring for Your Footprint and Accessories

A little care keeps your camping kit ready for the next trip.

• Brush or wipe off dirt and mud after each use
• Let footprints and accessories dry fully before storing to prevent mould
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Check stakes for bends and guylines for fraying, and replace as needed
• Keep spares and repair kit together so they are ready when you need them

Packing a footprint away damp is the quickest way to grow mould on it, so always dry it before it goes back in the bag.

How Much Do Footprints and Accessories Cost?

Prices depend on the item and the brand. Stakes, guylines, and small accessories sit at the lower end of the range, while model-specific footprints for larger tents sit higher. Most of these items are inexpensive, which makes them an easy and worthwhile way to protect a more costly tent.

Because a footprint protects your tent floor and good stakes keep it standing, these accessories often save you money over time by extending the life of your main kit. You'll find a spread of budgets across the range.

Why Buy Your Footprints and Accessories from Surface2Air Sports?

We have been serving campers and outdoor enthusiasts since 2002, with a shop in Poole and a full range online.

• Tent footprints, stakes, guylines, and camping accessories in one place
• Model-specific footprints for popular tents
• Trusted outdoor brands
• Honest advice on sizing and compatibility
• In-store help and online support

Whether you are protecting a new tent or restocking your camping essentials, we can help you choose. Pair a footprint with a tent from our tents range, and explore Kelty for footprints and accessories designed for their tents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Footprints and Accessories

Do I really need a tent footprint?

It is not essential, but a footprint protects your tent floor from wear and moisture, extending its life. For the small cost and weight, most campers find it well worth using.

How do I choose the right size footprint?

Choose one that matches your tent floor or is very slightly smaller, so it covers the floor without extending past the edges, where it could channel rainwater underneath.

Can I use any groundsheet as a footprint?

You can, but a model-specific or correctly sized footprint fits best and avoids water pooling underneath. Generic sheets work if sized and tucked in correctly.

Why would I upgrade my tent stakes?

The stakes supplied with a tent are not always suited to hard, rocky, or sandy ground. Stronger or ground-specific stakes hold more securely and are less likely to bend.

What are reflective guylines for?

Reflective guylines catch torchlight so you can see them in the dark, helping you avoid tripping over them around camp, while keeping your tent stable in wind.

How do I look after my footprint?

Brush off dirt after use, let it dry fully before storing, and keep it somewhere cool and dry out of direct sunlight to prevent mould and fabric damage.

Should I carry spare stakes?

Yes. Stakes are easy to lose or bend, so a few spares in your kit mean a lost or damaged stake will not stop you pitching securely.

Do you sell tents and sleeping gear too?

Yes. Our wider camping equipment range covers tents, sleeping bags, and more.