Does Tyvek quiet down or is it always crinkly?

**cougarmeat** · 10-13-2014, 16:03

I usually use black Plastic film (Visqueen) for my ground cloth and thought I'd try Tyvek. I figured it was lighter and not as poke-able. But boy does it seem loud, crinkling at the slightest touch. Before I subject campmates to that racket, can I assure them that over time, the Tyvek will get quieter - loose some of that crackle, crackle - or is that just the nature of the beast and one of the trade offs for light weight and inexpensive.

**MDSH** · 10-13-2014, 16:07

It gets better.

In fact, they sell a soft Tyvek.

**pgibson** · 10-13-2014, 16:13

Throw it in the washing machine....a couple runs though and it will soften up quite a bit.

**dangerous** · 10-13-2014, 16:13

run it through the washing machine with some bath towels and NO SOAP. It will soften up a lot with no more crinkly noise. DO NOT PUT IT IN THE DRYER! hang it up to dry

**oldgringo** · 10-13-2014, 17:32

Originally Posted by dangerous

run it through the washing machine with some bath towels and NO SOAP. It will soften up a lot with no more crinkly noise. DO NOT PUT IT IN THE DRYER! hang it up to dry

This, and use a top loader. The object is to beat it up...front loaders are too gentle.

**MississipVol** · 10-13-2014, 18:00

Just use the softer version. It is just as durable but very quiet.

**humer91** · 10-13-2014, 18:05

throw it in the dryer with a bunch of poker ships, low heat.

**IRONFISH45** · 10-13-2014, 18:13

We sat around and twisted, turned and sat on our tyvek to get is softened up and to be not quite as slick or noisy. Now, the tyvek is sort, quiet and cut to shape. I found using it as a ground sheet (footprint) for my floorless tent, that it was very slick if not well broke in, use caution if you walk on it.

**Loki** · 10-13-2014, 19:25

Originally Posted by oldgringo

This, and use a top loader. The object is to beat it up...front loaders are too gentle.

Works like a charm.

**cougarmeat** · 10-14-2014, 15:12

Thank you for the replies. Good to know it wasn't just a fig newton of my imagination. Never seen "soft" Tyvek. I'll try the top loader washing machine trick and throw in a pair of old tennis shoes.