We always advise the use of tent footprints to prolong the life of your tent. If you are going to invest in a quality tent, the least you can do is look after it properly. This tough footprint is made from the same groundsheet material as the tent & therefore adds another layer of protection, reducing water ingress, minimising abrasion from rough ground & generally protecting the tens groundsheet from premature wear, after all it is the bit of the tent that gets the most abuse. The Hilleberg footprints are designed to completely cover the full outer tent area so you get the added bonus of a groundsheet in the vestibule area.