Alto Gear Loft vs Bigfoot Footprint: Which Tent Add-On First?
By Sea to Summit | Outdoor Gear To Equip & Inspire | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Alto Gear Loft and Alto Bigfoot Footprint on storage, floor protection, and setup. Decide which tent add-on to buy first for your backpacking trips.
Quick answer
Buy the Alto Gear Loft first if you want to clear clutter off the tent floor without adding weight or setup steps. Choose the Alto Bigfoot Footprint first if you often pitch on rough or wet ground and want to protect your tent floor and keep gear dry.
Storage vs. protection: what each add-on actually solves
These two accessories address different problems. The Alto Gear Loft creates overhead storage above your legs, so clothes, a headlamp, and small essentials stay within reach instead of ending up under your sleeping pad. The Alto Bigfoot Footprint adds a waterproof fabric layer under the tub floor and vestibule, shielding the tent floor from abrasion and keeping gear off wet ground. Neither replaces the other: one organizes the interior, the other defends the exterior.
- Gear Loft: interior organization and quick access.
- Bigfoot Footprint: exterior floor protection and dryness.
Weight and packed size trade-offs
The Gear Loft uses ultra-lightweight 15D polyester mesh, so it adds minimal weight and packs down small. The Bigfoot Footprint is made of 68 denier polyester, which is more durable but heavier and bulkier. If you count every gram, the loft is the lighter add-on; if you prioritize tent longevity on harsh ground, the footprint’s extra weight may be worth it.
Setup and compatibility
The Gear Loft attaches and detaches with quick-connect V-Toggles, making it easy to add or remove as needed. The Bigfoot Footprint is sized to your tent and uses circular-bartacked Hypalon attachment points; it also enables Dry Set-up and Take-Down, which helps keep the inner tent dry in rain. Both are designed for specific Alto models, so check the size options before buying.
Decision rules: which add-on first?
- If you mainly camp in dry, established sites: Choose the Alto Gear Loft first. It solves interior clutter without adding a separate groundsheet, and the mesh keeps weight low. Prioritize organization when floor wear is not a concern.
- If you often pitch on rocky, rooty, or wet ground: Choose the Alto Bigfoot Footprint first. The waterproof polyester layer protects your tent floor and helps keep gear dry during setup and takedown. Prioritize floor protection when abrasion or moisture is likely.
- If you want both eventually: Start with the footprint for tent longevity, then add the gear loft for interior convenience. The loft’s tool-free V-Toggles make it easy to add later. Buy in order of what protects your investment first.
Product facts
- Alto Gear Loft: Ultra-lightweight 15D polyester mesh with quick-connect V-Toggles. It adds barely noticeable weight and lets you install or remove the loft in seconds.
Alto Gear Loft - Alto Bigfoot Footprint: 68 denier polyester with circular-bartacked Hypalon attachment points. The tougher fabric and reinforced attachment points stand up to abrasive ground and frequent pitching.
Alto Bigfoot Footprint
Who should choose which
Best for
- Backpackers who want to organize small items overhead without adding significant weight.
- Campers who frequently pitch on rough or damp terrain and want to extend tent floor life.
Not for
- Those expecting the gear loft to protect the tent floor from abrasion or moisture.
- Ultralight travelers unwilling to carry the extra weight and bulk of a footprint.
