Do you use a ground cloth?

**MacEntyre** · 05-30-2010, 23:15

I have a small piece of grey plastic tarp material, hemmed with loops in the corners, that I found while cleaning up a camp site in Congaree Swamp. However, I would like to do without it. My problem is what to do with my pack when it is raining and I cannot hang it on a tree...

This weekend, I modded a Byer Traveler Hammock, at TruGracie's suggestion. Tossed the strings and added short Whoopies. I'll use it as a gear hammock under my hammock, maybe. It is 7' long, kinda like a XXL Bushman Hammock Chair.

I'd like to be consistent with my own claim about hammock camping:
"Nothing but the soles of your shoes touches the ground."

- MacEntyre

P.S. Anyone ever peek under Stormcrow's tarp? That boy is messy! Gear all jumbled in a big pile...

**Mustardman** · 05-31-2010, 00:34

I carry a multi use gear hammock / jerry chair / pack cover / ground cloth, but since I started carrying it, I haven't had any weather where I felt I needed a ground cloth (ie rainy, sloppy, muddy nastiness).

**stormcrow** · 05-31-2010, 00:44

Originally Posted by MacEntyre

P.S. Anyone ever peek under Stormcrow's tarp? That boy is messy! Gear all jumbled in a big pile...

Sigh...'tis true 'tis true. I can get quite the spread going..

I am working on my system too. When I go out most of the time these days, I am not too organized because I am getting everything ready at the last minute. Also, since I use pretty much everything I bring (there is another thread on that going) I am always kind of moving everything around.....

....ok, yeah I am messy....I have issues...but I am working on it....

To stay on topic though, I do usually carry an extra trash bag and end up using for that purpose many times. It does not weigh much but it is always in the back of my mind as the next piece contemplate getting rid of....

Cluttercrow

**MedicineMan** · 05-31-2010, 02:35

Cluttercrow! is that a shug influence? funny regardless.

**cgul1** · 05-31-2010, 06:45

I use tyvek
still using the bottom entry on my HH EXP UL (am I the last?) and my black (imitation)crocks are easier to find etc, not to mention dropped small gear and keys....

cgul1

**Cranky Bear** · 05-31-2010, 06:52

I use tyvek as well!
If anyone need's some send me a pm and I will send you a cut of it as I have a "BIG" roll of it (3ft wide roll) "NO CHARGE", call it my "pay it forward" to the great people of HF!!!!!!!!!

CB

**SGT Rock** · 05-31-2010, 06:54

You could always just get a couple or three USPS priority mailer envelopes, open them up, and sew enough together to get the right size you want. Free.

**millergear** · 05-31-2010, 07:27

Always! Generally a large, clear trash bag that weighs less than an ounce. Gives me a dry place to dump out my pack and root around for what I need. At night I put things I need to keep dry in the bottom and place the open end where I can step onto it to get my pants on. If it's raining hard or it's very muddy my pack goes in it before hanging it. And it goes under my sit pad on wet ground.