I usually carry the footprint for my Nemo Hornet 1 tent, but it mostly gets used as a groundcloth to have a clean, dry place to sit at lunch or in camp. When in the forests of Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana I rarely need it under my tent, but if it’s muddy, or I’m camped on an abrasive surface, or otherwise concerned about punctures, I can always use it if I decide to.

The thinner fabrics do seem reasonably durable - but if you tend toward lighter gear (and at age 70, I do, too) a shorter useful life is one of the trade-offs.