Why Use the C Bar 2 Footprint
A dedicated footprint does more than catch dirt. The Big Agnes C Bar 2 Footprint is shaped to match the tent floor exactly, so there is no excess fabric to trap water or add weight. Placing it under your tent protects the floor from sharp rocks, twigs, and abrasion, which extends the life of your shelter. Because it is designed for the C Bar 2, the grommets and corners align perfectly with the pole clips, making installation straightforward even on uneven ground.
What the C Bar 2 Footprint Offers
- C Bar 2 Footprint: To extend the life of your tent floor, we recommend using a Big Agnes footprint or ground cloth. This confirms that the footprint is a purposeful accessory, not an optional extra. It directly addresses the main reason most campers buy a footprint: floor protection.
C Bar 2 Footprint - C Bar 2 Footprint: The Big Agnes footprint also enables you to pitch a lightweight, Fast Fly shelter while leaving the tent body behind. The Fast Fly configuration requires the footprint, tent fly, poles, and stakes. This is a key benefit for ultralight backpackers. The footprint doubles as a ground sheet for a minimalist shelter setup, saving significant weight when you want to skip the tent body.
How to Install the C Bar 2 Footprint
Setting up the footprint correctly ensures it protects your floor without causing water pooling or misalignment.
- 1. Clear and level your campsite: Remove sharp objects and debris from the area where you plan to pitch the tent. A clean surface reduces wear on both the footprint and the tent floor.
- 2. Lay the footprint flat: Unfold the C Bar 2 Footprint and position it with the grommets facing up. The shape is tailored, so it should lie flat without wrinkles. If the ground is damp, you can flip it so the coated side faces down for extra moisture resistance.
- 3. Align the corners with your tent's pole clips: Place the tent body over the footprint, matching each corner grommet to the corresponding pole clip. The footprint should sit just inside the tent's perimeter—not sticking out, which can collect rain, and not tucked under, which leaves the floor edges exposed.
- 4. Stake the footprint corners (optional for Fast Fly): If you are using the footprint alone for a Fast Fly setup, stake down the corners first, then attach the tent fly and poles. The catalog confirms that the Fast Fly configuration requires the footprint, tent fly, poles, and stakes.
Fast Fly Setup: When to Use It
The Fast Fly configuration is a lightweight alternative for trips where every ounce matters. By leaving the tent body at home, you rely on the footprint as your ground sheet and the fly as your only overhead cover. This setup is best for fair-weather trips where condensation management and bug protection are less critical. The footprint provides a clean, dry surface to sleep on while the fly keeps off rain and wind. Remember that you lose the mesh bug barrier, so bring a head net or bivy if insects are expected.
What the Catalog Does Not Confirm
The supplied information does not specify the exact dimensions of the C Bar 2 Footprint, its weight, or the material thickness. These details may matter if you are comparing it to a generic ground cloth or trying to estimate pack weight. For precise measurements, check the product packaging or contact the manufacturer directly. Similarly, there is no instruction on how to clean or store the footprint; a gentle rinse with water and air drying is a safe general practice for coated nylon.
