Bushwalk Australia

I am wanting to get a groundsheet for my hiking tent.

Ideally that doesn't involve stuffing around for months trying to get some Tyvek from someone and liasing for weeks. (As I want to do a hiking trip in about a week's time.)

Tent floor area is approximately 218 x 127 cm.

Floor fabric of tent is 30D Nylon Ripstop and it feels a bit thin / flimsy so in addition to clearing the area I'm to pitch I would like to take a ground sheet and pay the weight penalty.

I do have a Grabber Space blanket that I could potentially use - 213 x 152 cm, but it weighs 340 grams.

Any thoughts on what to use that can be bought quickly / from local shops?

Or do you think I should just use the Space blanket?

Best, Emma

Hi Emma, I don’t bring a footprint as most of my time is spent camped on soft alpine grass and tussock but when I walk in areas like the Budawangs I bring one of those thick orange garbage bags for under the tent or bivy. They are about 100g from memory and when cut they cover a large area. Worth a shot in lieu of tyvek for the time being.

What's the budget?
Black plastic builders film from Bunnings in a small roll, recycle when is gets too many holes in it. Ditto Engineered flooring underlay, Spotlight and a cheap XL shower curtain perhaps
I have a big plastic bag the mattress and base was delivered in, I use sections of that cut as I need it, those are about $10- each at a bedding shop and you could probably cut a dozen from a single shipping bag as they are sized for king beds

Yep, if your desperate black plastic Bunnings. Garbage bags chopped up. You can get it/them quick. I do understand the thought to protect your investment.
But think about not using one. I never do or have, and camp on everything and anything -just give the ground a really good lookover and stomp your way around the area where your tent will go. I use old Lebanese bread bags (those things are tough!) outside my tent in the porch to put my shoes on.
It seems a bit of heresy in Aus. not to use one but being an atheist...

I only use an extra when on snow and then it is usually for insulation purposes. Floors are A/ cheap enough to replace and B/ easily resealable using diluted silicone but I do understand the wish to protect an investment and extend the usable life

This might be worth a look. Not light weight but didn't feel too heavy. Size is 150 X148 so it might just work? Good old Kmart! http://www.kmart.com.au/product/lightweight-mat/1754379

I might go and grab a couple of those myself, not for the ground but as windbreaks
Ta muchly

Hi Emma,
Another possibility...
Put this into google
Duck Brand Indoor Extra Large Window/Patio Door Shrink Film Kit, 84-Inch x 120-Inch, 282450 Amazon
I have looked at this, it is very much referenced on the redditul-many say it is gold while some don't.
Maybe for another time. It is polycryo and very light and a bit fragile some say, others say it lasts for ages with a bit of care.
I would have a crack at it maybe if I could see it first. There are many pics on Sectionhiker with Philip Werner using it under his many shelters. Apparently there is a heavy duty version also. Couldn't find Duck brand here but the 3M stuff seems to be at Big Bunnings. Much more expensive than Amazon though I think.
GG also sell it.
If I want a floor I would buy this.
Those Kmark ones look ok too.
Cheers

The clear builder's film doesn't smell as bad as the black one and comes in same weights.

Simon at Tiergear has Tyvek for sale.. no fussing around at all - order from his website and it arrives a couple of days later.

This is what I use with some shock cord loops through grosgrain ribbon loops on each end

Hi Tyvek is the nicer softer type.. not the crinkly home wrap stuff too

Awww - thank you so much everyone!

I have just logged on after a busy weekend, and so lovely to see all these great ideas.

Thank you, thank you.

I'm going to look at this options right now.


Best,

Emma

I use black builders plastic. done around 60 nights so far no holes yet. I cycle tour and clean the area thoroughly. Even so, got a roll for $7 and it will do 10 ground sheets.

warnabrother wrote:Hi Tyvek is the nicer softer type.. not the crinkly home wrap stuff too

What is Hi Tyvek? I have the crinkly stuff, it's a bit annoying and I'd be happier with something better.

sorry, that was a typo.. should have been "HIS" tyvek.. he carries the 1443R type tyvek..the soft stuff.. not 100% waterproof, more showerproof.. but seems good enough for a ground sheet/footprint

NathanielB
apparently if you put that 1443 Tyvek through the washing machine a few times it softens and quietens dramatically and doesn't affect performance at all.
From my reading. Please check with a search if interested on el-googlo.

1443 Tyvek is the soft stuff.. no need to put it through the washer..