Ground Sheets

[multisportscott]

Hi one and all, what are people using as light weight ground sheets under tarps, bivy bags etc?
I was keen to get some Tyvek Homewrap but I can't buy it by the metre here in Christchurch.
Has anyone tried or used a trimmed Space All-Weather Blanket?
I think that SilNylon will be too slippery, what do you guys think?
This is more a general bikepacking than SS racing set up question.
Cheers, Scott

[AZTtripper]

I just use an nylon tarp cut down and with the metal grommets removed.

[jeffkerkove]

I am using a Adv. Medical Kit S.O.L. Thermal Bivy cut in half.
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/product.php?product=146&catname=Essentials&prodname=S.O.L.%20Thermal%20Bivvy

[phil_rad]

I use a piece of Tyvek . Bought it here: http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?search=yes&bc=no

[Done]

I've never really used ground sheets, except for camping in commercial campgrounds where the sites seem to be composed primarily of filthy campfire ashes. I generally just choose a soft area that seems like it'll drain well in a storm, and then throw down the tent (if tent camping) or a pad and bivy bag (if bivying). In places with lots of prickles, like the desert southwest, I don't use an inflatable pad because it'll puncture. Maybe a ground sheet would add some life to my sleeping gear, but I've never worn anything out due to not using one.

I admit that on occasion I've slid off my pad and "pillow" (sweater, jacket, etc.) at night and woken up with leaves and pine needles stuck to my face--and my complexion was never better!

[sportsman]

Emily and I also used Adv. Medical Kit S.O.L. Thermal Bivies during the the CTR. we hadn;'t cut them in half, and as we were bivying just before Georgia Pass during the thunderstorm on Day 1, we were very happy to have full bivies under our tarps.....

[longman]

I use Tyvek with the ends folded over a few inches and taped like a pocket so my pad doesn't slide off. It fits my Big Agnes 20" x 78"  Air Core pad perfectly, weighs 3oz and rolls up to the size of a soda can. If you go to a construction site or anywhere you see someone working on a house they usually have cut-offs or leftovers they don't mind giving away or trading for some beer money. I once got two roll ends of about 40x4ft and 40x3ft for $10, that was enough to make a tarp, bivvy and 2 groundsheets with some leftover.

I also carry a small piece to use as a tire boot or for repairs if I ever need it. It can also be sliced up into strips and use instead of zip ties, the list is endless, I love me some Tyvek.

[WWOOF]

I am using a Adv. Medical Kit S.O.L. Thermal Bivy cut in half.
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/product.php?product=146&catname=Essentials&prodname=S.O.L.%20Thermal%20Bivvy

Does this still work at below freezing temps? the site says its only rated at 50F and above.

[r.stephens]

They say 50F and over, but that's without a sleeping bag.

[DesertDog]

Hi one and all, what are people using as light weight ground sheets under tarps, bivy bags etc?
I was keen to get some Tyvek Homewrap but I can't buy it by the metre here in Christchurch.

I just use simple 1 or 2 mil thick clear plastic drop/painters cloth cut to size.

If you do want to use Tyvek, check on ebay; just search for the work Tyvek, plenty of people that sell it by the foot.  Most of them 9' wide, so you only need to buy a few feet to have a 3' x 9' (1 x 3 meter) ground sheet.  Just not sure what they'll want to charge you on shipping and some may not want to ship internationally.

[JF-mtnbiker]

In Tour divide, I used a basic Adventure Medical Emergency Blanket. Weighs 2.5 oz. Keeps wet ground off your bivy and packs down to nothing size. (I used these for years backpacking in Yellowstone and Glacier Parks.) It got used 2 times when massive amounts of rain came down and i ran for cover too. Riding in the rain is one thing but when its coming down so hard you cant see, wraping up in this blanket/ground sheet allowed my rain gear to survive a total soaking and helped keep me warmer when not creating my own heat from riding. I forgot it in Pie Town, NM, along with alot of my food, but who cared. It got me that far and only cost 4 bucks.

[hanabil]

Hiya Scotty ( :
Why Tyvek? What are you planning?
x HB