Quite probably a stupid question, but do (m)any of you use a ground cloth under your tarp / hammock? So far I haven't, but a buddy of mine suggested it could create a more comfortable and usable space. I'm skeptical.
Quite probably a stupid question, but do (m)any of you use a ground cloth under your tarp / hammock? So far I haven't, but a buddy of mine suggested it could create a more comfortable and usable space. I'm skeptical.
Yes. It's not necessary, but it helps keep things a little cleaner. Also handy when initially unpacking the backpack to have a place to put things so they don't get lost in the grass, leaves, etc.
Many use a small to medium piece of crumpled Tyvek. Crumpled up to soften it & remove the loud sound it makes when new. I learned this tip from several on HF.
Clarification. I use a small Tyvek ground cloth & I have seen others use one. I don't know if "many" do. And even if many do use one, no pressure for you to do it. I appreciate the HF sentiment & try to emulate "hang your own hang."
I haven't switched to Tyvek yet but plan to. Currently I either go without (when weight restricted) or have a piece of artificial turf. It is nice to not have to choose between immediately getting your feet/socks dirty or always having shoes/boots on when digging around for something.
I've used small pieces of plastic. Until I ordered one from Trailheadz Gear. Nice. I think it will last a lifetime.
I have a small mat I stand on when changing out of a drysuit - it protects the latex booties from puncture. That same mat then lives in front of the hammock - like a welcome mat - making it homier. Also keeps the socks cleaner while putting on shoes (one socked foot always wants to be on the ground).
In order to see what few have seen, you must go where few have gone. And DO what few have done.
I use a 3x5ish sheet of Tyvek. Did the crumple/smooth out method to quiet it. Works great.
I use it with the print side down, white side up in rainy weather. Helps keep it clean by seeing all that white and making a conscious effort to not get it muddy.
I couldn't do the white...or the logo
I bought a lightweight 4x6 green tarp for $0.99 at the discount store and cut it to size. Same weight as Tyvek. I finally freshened up to a new one after 7 years of use.
Old piece of tyvek for me. Just big enough to sit in the hammock with my feet and shoes under me and my pack under hammock. Also figured on folding it over pack shoes and whatever else if rain gets to blowing under the tarp a bit.
I just used the tyvek cause I had it. If not I’d cut a piece of cheap tarp.
It's certainly not a necessity,when I am canoe camping, the last couple of years I have been using a groundsheet under the hammock and found it helpful. Besides not standing on the ground, it provides something to put gear on (although I sometimes use a gear hammock) and it creates a barrier between the ground and the bottom of the hammock (although I do use an underquilt protector).
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