Ground cloth?

KP · 04-08-2010, 20:42

I know it sounds silly but because I'm a newbie I'm not embarrassed to ask stupid questions. I've seen many pictures that show a CCF pad or sometimes what appears to a ground cloth of sorts under the hammock, on the outside, on the ground. Most of the shots seem to be in the winter. What is the purpose of placing a pad on the ground under the hammock? Does it help to keep the under quilt dry or is it warmer, does it have anything to do with anything? Is it as simple as it's just there because it's a convienent place to put the pad when not in use. You see I do have dumb questions but I'm sure there are at least 25 hangers that know the answer and will jump at the opportunity to give me the down and dirty, nitty gritty right answer.

Thanks folks. Kat

**Mule** · 04-08-2010, 20:49

I put a ground cloth under my hammock to keep my pack off the ground/snow, and sometimes a ccp to keep my feet warm when I step out at night to pee. I also use a ground cloth to lay on around the campfire. Until I started doing this, I used to get dirty while camping, now I stay clean. I never really ever get down in the dirt. Hope this helps.

**Kallorne** · 04-08-2010, 20:52

i like to have a "doormat" to keep my socks clean, dirt out of my sandals, feet warm etc... plus having been a long time tarp camper i refuse to go anywhere without a groundcloth, it's like my security blanket......

**titanium_hiker** · 04-08-2010, 21:04

now, is sil a decent ground cloth? I've heard that it isn't, but other people insist it is. Definitive answer please!
Also: what is a good light weight groundcloth fabric?

TH

**MacEntyre** · 04-08-2010, 21:06

I use a small ground cloth under my hammock. I prefer that the only things that touch the ground are the soles of my shoes!

**lazy river road** · 04-08-2010, 21:07

I keep a CCF pad under my hammock for numerous reasons. Stella sleeps on it, and no stella is not my GF she is my dog

. I use it to put my pack on when filtering water into my bladder on muddy ground or just when setting up camp. Its also good to use for steping on when getting in and out of my hammock to keep feet clean. And im sure their are many more reasons. And no ? is silly, ive asked plenty of silly ?'s. Happy Hanging

**Kallorne** · 04-08-2010, 21:12

Originally Posted by titanium_hiker

now, is sil a decent ground cloth? I've heard that it isn't, but other people insist it is. Definitive answer please!
Also: what is a good light weight groundcloth fabric?

TH

a groundcloth goes on the ground...so it wears out quickly, i wouldn't use anything spendy. i've used plastic, tyvek, ponchos, old tent flys. really anything that's water proof will work. mine doubles as a pack cover, extra tarp coverage, flotation device for pack, undercover for hammock, and occasionally used when i have to sleep on the ground. example: in a cave with very smooth walls and no way out

KP · 04-09-2010, 06:18

You see! I knew you all would know exactly why you put those CCF pads and ground cloths under your hammock and it looks like I wasn't too far off of guessing the reasons! Thanks folks! Also, it's good to know that Stella is not your GF.

**Trout** · 04-09-2010, 06:51

I'm planning on sewing up a piece of tyvek for the HH, but haven't decided what size to make it. What size do you folks usually have yours 4'x 6'?

Note: after I first got married, I brought home a three legged, female black lab dog... which my wife wasn't pleased about (it being a dog). Anyway, I named the lab girlfriend. So, when I was out with the dog somewhere, I could say I was out with my girlfriend or something like it. Best dog I've ever loved....

**gargoyle** · 04-09-2010, 07:06

4 x 6 is a good size, considering you may use it for an actual "I gotta sleep on the ground

" moment. Of course, smaller equals lighter and less bulk, so the choice is yours?
Make a small and a big? Say a 3 x2 and a 3x4? Then you could carry both, or leave one at home.