Lightweight and perfectly sized for Zephyr 2, it clips right onto the frame assuring a perfect fit and floor protection. It's much lighter than a tarp.
Ever since I started using tents with floors (yes, I'm old enough that my first ones were floorless), I learned that putting a tarp under your tent helps prolong the life of the floor AND it keep the underside of the tent cleaner (i.e., no sticky pine needles or clumps of dirt sticking to the bottom when you go to roll it). Prior to getting this floor saver for my Extreme 3 tent, I typically carried around an extra tarp or some plastic sheeting. I didn't see much benefit in paying extra dollars for something so simple. Yet since I was plunking down a fair amount of cash for the tent, I decided to give one a try. "What could it hurt," I figured.
Well, it proved its worth on its first trip. Tarps and plastic sheeting are no fair substitute. They'll get the job done, but not as easily as this.
WEIGHT & BULK
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The first area where the floor saver wins is weight and bulk. Yes, using the thinnest plastic film can get you a comparable weight, but the floor saver is ligher than any basic tarps (e.g., common blue tarps). It wins hands down in the bulk department. It packs smaller than a mens large t-shirt. It's small enough to fit nicely into the tent bag without needing to cram it in.
EASE OF USE
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Once I got used to using it, I realized it was a real time saver. Each corner has stap loops that are stiched part way through. At first I thought it might be a manufacturing defect. As you set up the tent, however, you can hook the tent pole end behind the stiched division. When all pole ends are in place, the floor saver is fairly taut and will move with the tent. The remaining part of the strap loops can be used to pick up and move the tent--a real benefit. Since it is cut the right size for the tent, I also save a lot of time. No more do I have to fold the ends of my plastic or tarp under the edges of the tent (if you leave the tarp edges out, they catch water and let it run under your tent). That was another of those tasks that took a little extra time, and had to be re-done every time I would adjust the tent location, even if only a little bit.
EXTRA USES
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Since the corners already have loops, you can string the floor saver up as a quick makeshift tarp. Perfect for creating a little shade, or as a cover during a quick cloudburst.
CONCLUSION
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If you are investing in a quality tent lik the ALPS Extreme 3, plunk down a bit more and get the floor saver. It will prolong the life of your tent, and is much easier to use than the other options.
