Ground sheet for hiking tent? (Ideally buy-able from shop)

[emma_melbourne]

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

[Zapruda]

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.

Last edited by Zapruda on Sat 17 Feb, 2018 7:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Moondog55]

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

[Lamont]

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...

[Moondog55]

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

[GregH]

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

[Moondog55]

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

[Lamont]

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

[NathanaelB]

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

[warnabrother]

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

[emma_melbourne]

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

[ricrunner]

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.

[NathanaelB]

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.

[warnabrother]

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

[Lamont]

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.

[warnabrother]

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