Breathable Groundsheets – Everything You Need to Know

Breathable Groundsheets are perfect for those who are looking to camp and not ruin the grass or ground that the tent is based on. It is also extremely helpful for those looking for better air flow and ventilation when camping.

In this article we are going to talk about breathable groundsheets, what they are and how they are used while camping.

What Is A Breathable Groundsheet?

Breathable groundsheets are an important item on your camping supply list to make your experience more enjoyable. A breathable groundsheet appears similar to a regular groundsheet to provide a barrier between your feet and the ground. This ground surface covering offers a cozy living space with your awning at your campsite.

Although you can survive without a breathable groundsheet, using one makes it feel a little less like roughing it in the woods. When you arrive at a campsite, a breathable groundsheet is one of the first things you’ll secure into the ground to pitch your camper’s awning.

The primary purpose of breathable groundsheets is to provide comfort in the camper’s awning and protect you from items lying in the grass. They’re made from fabric that allows the grass beneath your feet to breathe while adding luxury to your campsite. A high-quality breathable groundsheet can make you feel right at home despite being in the great outdoors. And there is a wide range of materials to select the breathable groundsheet for your preference.

What Is The Difference Between A Breathable Groundsheet and A Normal Groundsheet?

Breathable groundsheets and normal groundsheets serve the same function but are made from different materials. With breathable groundsheets, the material allows the grass to breathe like there was no barrier on the ground. The breathable material is easier on the grass to ensure it doesn’t lack the nutrients to survive. But normal groundsheets are constructed from material that doesn’t maintain the health of the grass.

When all campers use breathable groundsheets for their campsites, it’s easier to care for the grass. But if each camper brings normal groundsheets, the grass will eventually die from loss of nutrients. Since normal groundsheets aren’t eco-friendly, long-term use of them is discouraged amongst campers.

When you pack up your camper after your trip, normal groundsheets tend to leave the grass yellow. With breathable groundsheets, the grass will retain its green color since there’s not nearly as much damage done.

In addition to protecting the grass, breathable groundsheets tend to be more effective against wet surfaces. With normal groundsheets, rainy conditions can cause water to sit on your floor and your feet to get wet. You also have to pay attention to condensation from the awning dripping onto your groundsheet.

Many normal groundsheets are ineffective at draining water onto the ground. On the other hand, quality breathable groundsheets drain excess water directly into the ground.

What Are The Benefits Of A Breathable Groundsheet?

Breathable groundsheets offer numerous advantages for your camping trip compared to normal groundsheets or camping without one. The right breathable groundsheet can make a huge difference if you’re looking to add comfort or style to your camping trip. When you’re searching for the groundsheet for you, consider these benefits of breathable groundsheets:

Eco-Friendly
An obvious perk to using breathable groundsheets over normal groundsheets is the lack of damage to the grass.
The breathable materials prevent the grass from losing nutrients and dying while on your trip.
For eco-conscious campers, this reason alone is a deciding factor to use breathable groundsheets.

Protection Against Insects and Weather
After a long afternoon of hiking, breathable groundsheets let you kick off your boots and relax.
The material shields insects and thorny plants to protect your feet at your campsite. It also provides a barrier against the weather if it rains during your camping trip.
Not only does the breathable groundsheet protect your feet, but it also prevents your awning from getting damaged.

Gives You A Comfy Space
Without a groundsheet, your feet are exposed to grass, insects, and plants. Your awning offers limited protection from the environment, and there’s no space to put your camping supplies.
When you use a breathable groundsheet, you’ll have a small space to put supplies.

Makes it Easier to Set Up Your Awning
When it’s nasty weather outside, putting up your awning can be a dirty endeavor.
You’ll often have to get on the ground to put the awning up and won’t have protection from mud and water.
By securing a groundsheet first, you have a comfy base to put up your awning.

Remove Water Easier
Unless you purchase a cheap breathable groundsheet with poor materials, they’re effective at draining water.
Whether excess rain or condensation drips onto your groundsheet, you don’t want standing water on your floor.
This makes your feet prone to getting wet in your awning space.

Come in Multiple Materials
Breathable groundsheets are made with a variety of materials to fit your individual preferences.
Many breathable groundsheets use carpet material to provide a pleasant feel to your campsite.
The fleece carpet is a common fabric used in breathable groundsheets for its extra insulation on cold surfaces.
Cushioned groundsheets add more comfort to your space, and easy-lock floor tiles can be adjusted based on the amount of needed space.

Come in Different Sizes
The size of your breathable groundsheet needs to align with your awning. If your groundsheet is too small, then insects can still get inside your awning space. Fortunately, most breathable groundsheets come in a variety of sizes to ensure you find the right fit for your awning.

What Are The Drawbacks To Breathable Groundsheets?

Here are some of the drawbacks to consider when using breathable groundsheets:

Although there are several advantages to using breathable groundsheets, they do pose a few challenges for campers. Here are some of the drawbacks to consider when using breathable groundsheets:

Harder to Pack – If you’re pressed for space, breathable groundsheets can be more difficult to pack than normal groundsheets. They’re often bigger than normal groundsheets, and you should adjust your packing list accordingly.

Can Let in Moisture – This isn’t a problem for all breathable groundsheets, but some fabrics tend to attract moisture. When you’re trying to keep your awning flooring dry, the wrong fabric can create a cold or damp surface. It’s usually the cheaper breathable groundsheets that have this problem. To avoid this, ensure you purchase breathable groundsheets made from tightly-woven fabric.

Some Fabrics Can be Costly – Breathable groundsheets are made with a variety of fabrics at different price points. If you’re looking for a high-quality material, then you’ll have to invest more money with your purchase. But it’s a worthwhile investment to ensure you get a better material for your awning flooring.

How To Care For Breathable Groundsheets?

After your trip into the outdoors, it’s imperative to clean your breathable groundsheet. Mud, dirt, and foul odors can sink into your groundsheet after being on the ground for days or weeks. But the method to care for your breathable groundsheet could be different based on the material. That’s why you should read the owner’s manual of the specific breathable groundsheet you purchase.

Some materials are easier to clean than others and simply need a thorough hose down after each use. But wet, muddy surfaces can really do a number on your breathable groundsheet, and you may want something more powerful. Unless your groundsheet’s manual says otherwise, a pressure washer is a great solution to clean the material. When mud is stuck into tightly-woven fabric, scrubbing alone may not get the job done.

However, some breathable groundsheets warn not to use a pressure washer or machine wash in fear of damage to the material. Some recommend using a sponge, brush, or hose with warm soapy water to clean the groundsheet. Although the stingiest dirt stains may require a pressure washer, ensure you’re able to use it on your material.

And you also never want to pack your breathable groundsheet damp and leave it stored for a long time. This can lead to foul odors that are dreadfully difficult to remove.