Ground Cloths?

**cmoulder** · 11-30-2022, 07:27

Originally Posted by slugbait

Like cmoulder, I also use a piece of of polycryo (a clear plastic film used for insulating windows in cold weather) though mine is larger at 5x7 feet. It's pretty durable stuff- I do stand on mine. One warning- do not use on snow (don't ask me how I know this).

lol, yeah not good with snow.

Back when I were a groundling I had a very 'interesting' night using polycryo as a groundsheet. I got about 10 minutes of REM sleep, dreaming about greased pigs.

**brohawk** · 11-30-2022, 22:08

Thanks for all the feedback. I am currently doing the lighter tyvek version but was interested in hearing about other options. I like the shower curtain idea also.

**kstpehens** · 12-01-2022, 10:27

I bought a DCF zpacks rain kilt years ago. I have used it a handful of times as a rain kilt (great in warm weather during downpurs). However, It has served as my vestibule ground cloth and now I spread it out under my hammock to place my pack and shoes on - Because of this - it is one of my most used pieces of gear and still holding up.

**Oyster** · 12-01-2022, 11:58

I had an old pool warmer/cover laying around and cut a 30"x36" piece out of it. Works fine and is basically like a heavy duty piece of plastic. I started with a contractors trash bag which worked great and was dual purpose. Problem was being double layer you could go for a ride when the layers slide on each other. LOL.

**BlazeyJ** · 12-01-2022, 19:58

My version of a ground cloth is very similar to Shug’s, and wouldn’t exactly call it a ground cloth. I use a 22 x 18”piece of reflectix that I cut from a large roll. Weighs close to nothing and folds up easily. It doubles as a sit pad or even a foot pad to use in the hammock if things get colder than expected.

I usually put my extra stakes and camp shoes on top to keep from blowing away on windy days.

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**brohawk** · 12-03-2022, 22:14

Originally Posted by BlazeyJ

My version of a ground cloth is very similar to Shug’s, and wouldn’t exactly call it a ground cloth. I use a 22 x 18”piece of reflectix that I cut from a large roll. Weighs close to nothing and folds up easily. It doubles as a sit pad or even a foot pad to use in the hammock if things get colder than expected.

I usually put my extra stakes and camp shoes on top to keep from blowing away on windy days.

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Ah, yes. I carry one of those also. Great for kneeling to get fires started or keep backside warm while in my Helinox chair.

**Raladd** · 12-04-2022, 09:58

I have a 5’ x 4.5’ “picnic blanket” from Amazon (cheap water-resistant nylon) that I usually use, but I also have a Tyvek sheet with grommets I sometimes use, and a small 2’x2’ ground square that I use if I’m really trying to cut weight. I like having a floor for shoes, pack, etc. It reduces the leaf litter I’m sleeping with. I have some anodized aluminum tent stakes I use for the corners; they’re sort of thick shepherd’s hooks, so I don’t trash my foot if I step on one without shoes on, and that gives me some extras if I need them (since I don’t *have* to have the ground sheet).

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**Rolloff** · 12-04-2022, 15:53

I had a large WW tent worn out from Festival days past. I cut a 2' x 2.5' piece out of the rain fly and it became my goto.

I've had great intention to cut a more even and better-looking piece and hem the edges. Maybe get crafty and set it up to work as an emergency door or beak on short notice.

**brohawk** · 12-05-2022, 17:35

Originally Posted by Rolloff

I had a large WW tent worn out from Festival days past. I cut a 2' x 2.5' piece out of the rain fly and it became my goto.

I've had great intention to cut a more even and better-looking piece and hem the edges. Maybe get crafty and set it up to work as an emergency door or beak on short notice.

That's another great idea. I know I have old tent rain fly's piled up somewhere I could cut a piece out also. Need to see what they weigh compared to my tyvec.

**rodfather** · 12-11-2022, 22:08

I use a small ground sheet that came with my Coleman Sundome tent. It's about the size of a welcome mat. It's not ultralight but it's just what I use. During my most recent trip when it rained I also brought the ground sheet from my lanshan 1 trekking pole tent. I used it as like a rain pack cover for my backpack too so it had multiple uses.