Polycro footprint - DIY

[GilligansWorld]

So I haven't seen much here on the poly Crow Footprints but on YouTube I've seen quite a bit where these things are fairly cheap and appear to be very durable. They resist punctures and seem to have a very waterproof footprint at a extraordinary really reasonable price. I have found these at the Lowe's for around $4 - 2 sheets included 62"X210"and 62"X252".

I know these things inherently aren't great because if a rip starts it will go clean through them. It would appear however if you use a duct tape border a lot of your issues with the rips starting our fairly well solved and when cutting if people are very careful they can avoid the rips starting.

My question is this are there any Forum members with extensive experience with this if so what seem to be the best way of handling the rip or tearing issue?

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[Otter1]

I have used the same DIY (well, cut it myself with scissors from a large sheet of window film from Wally World) polycryo ground sheet for several years of ground dwelling. It is quite puncture-resistant (with care) but you are correct about what happens when ripped.

If you add a duct tape border, IMO, you should have skipped the weight savings altogether and should have bought a tougher tarp to begin with. Not recommended.
I bring tape along for such repairs, if needed.

I love the stuff.

[OlTrailDog]

I use it a lot for a ground cloth under a tent. Usually find it at the thrift stores in donated boxes of window weather covering. Repair? Fab a new piece since it was so cheap.

[GilligansWorld]

I use it a lot for a ground cloth under a tent. Usually find it at the thrift stores in donated boxes of window weather covering. Repair? Fab a new piece since it was so cheap.

How long does that stuff usually last?

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[Otter1]

How long does that stuff usually last?

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7+ years so far with no tears. I clear the ground a good bit (but not thoroughly).

[Brooklyn]

How long does that stuff usually last?

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20 uses is a good standard I hear.

[OlTrailDog]

How long does that stuff usually last?

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How long it lasts is directly dependent on what type of ground it is covering. Sharp rocky ground, not so much. Forest litter and duff, a long time. But it lasts long enough that it has garnered a following as an effect and inexpensive ground cover.

[GilligansWorld]

How long it lasts is directly dependent on what type of ground it is covering. Sharp rocky ground, not so much. Forest litter and duff, a long time. But it lasts long enough that it has garnered a following as an effect and inexpensive ground cover.

Well I appreciate the feedback. I wasn't even thinking about it but apparently this is the off-season for finding that stuff. I lucked out and found a kit through ACE Hardware that's a 1.5 mil 7 ft by 9 ft for $12.99.

We're headed out for a trip this week I'll have to take some pictures and update everybody.

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[MikekiM]

Well I appreciate the feedback. I wasn't even thinking about it but apparently this is the off-season for finding that stuff. I lucked out and found a kit through ACE Hardware that's a 1.5 mil 7 ft by 9 ft for $12.99.

We're headed out for a trip this week I'll have to take some pictures and update everybody.

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For that price, I would suggest Tyvek instead.

I bought a three yard run of it on Amazon for $13 a while back..

[GilligansWorld]

For that price, I would suggest Tyvek instead.

I bought a three yard run of it on Amazon for $13 a while back..

MikekiM - what is weight on the tyvek for a 7' x 9' section - this polycro weighs like nothing...

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