Ground Sheet For Tarp Shelter

[yankee907]

I've been using two contractor trash bags I've used and replaced them a couple of times using them to pick up trash on the way out or before I leave. I'm rethinking the cheap shower curtain thing mentioned previously!

[charringlight]

Right now I use 2 or 4 mil (can't quite remember) plastic painter's drop cloth from Lowe's.

It works, but the problem I have with them is that if the ground is wet they're much more difficult to shake the leaves out of than my heavier equinox tarp. They're also harder to clean off when I get home, and I end up replacing them pretty frequently. I end up with a lot of wet leaves in my pack, which is kind of annoying. I figure there's someone to make fun of me for that.

Haven't yet tried tyvek, so I don't know if it has the same issue.

I'm currently talking myself into getting a MEST tarp, though... It would be a great emergency tarp in a day hike kit and a ground sheet on planned overnights.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9300 using Tapatalk

[TheProfessor]

I made one from cat food bags; it works but it's slippery. Last week, I pitched my pup tent on a slight slope and my thermarest and I slid part way out the door by morning. The old poly tarp was a better choice.

[jime]

I use Tyvek or a 5x7 nylon tarp that I've had for a while. Perhaps the $9.97 Walmart one would work.

I wash my tyvek in the bathtub to get rid of the crinkliness and soften it. I dry it outside but the dryer is a good idea.

[mario]

Couple of hair-on deer hides on a bed of boughs.

Mario

[snapper]

When re-enacting with Mario I use the canvas that my blanket was rolled up in. When doing modern camping a piece of 4 ml plastic is what's under my pad & sleeping bag. I too have had an issue with damp leaves sticking to it but I fold it so they are inside and don't wet any of my other gear.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...Be well.

snapper

[jasonhcc]

I'm another one for using the GI Emergency blanket. They just hold up much better and also serve for other uses. Tyvek doesn't reflect body heat.

[wacken]

'cause the constant presence of strong wind in my area i cannot use the lean to set up,so i use the tarp as a tube tent.i tie all grommets on the longer side with electrician
tie zips and in that way i have a floor too.

[ReallyBigMonkey1]

If the ground is dry and no rain is expected, I use an el cheapo moving blanket. Like the kind you wrap furniture in when its on a truck.

[Hank McMauser]

Being that I work in a lumberyard, I've found lumber wrapc to be extrremely inexpensive(free for the asking) although they are a little bulky. Some have an actual paper backing and they are pretty bulky, but there are some that are without paper backing and they aren't too bad. They are waterproof, and I've had wet pants/boots to show for it when uncovering the boards after a rain shower. I've fasioned them into a tarp with duct tape reinforced tie out points and had ok success with it.