What do you use for a ground mat to step on?

[skinnerback]

Seems like (from looking at pics) that a LOT of folks don't use anything at all to step on (ground tarp? small mat? waterproof canvas, about 3' x 4' with sewn on loops for staking out?) when getting out of the hammock or to just lay gear on so that it's not in the dirt/ground/grass/snow. I tried searching for different 'keywords' and didn't see a thread so if this has been covered, forgive my nomenclature ignorance. Anyone have a favorite mat? Preferably something light and not too big. Maybe my answer would be a 6'x6'ish tarp to 'burrito shell' around my gear while I'm away from camp during the day and open it up at night to have a clean step-out spot. Being used to tent camping, I'm not completely savvy to the hanging way of life. I'd just like little more shelter/privacy when hanging in campground or when I don't want to change wet fishing/swimming clothes in front of all the womenfolk...

BTW..as far as gear, I just got my Warbonnet RidgeRunner and a double zip equipped Spindrift sock in the mail this week (trying it out this weekend) and I'm planning on eventually getting a Superfly tarp to aid in the privacy department.

Thanks in advance for your replies...
Franceasaurus

2x2 piece of reflectix works for me.

[swoody126]

i use a piece of a discarded banner

billboard signs are made of this material and the old ones go to the land fills

i cut mine about 2' x 4', "dog eared" the corners & put a small grommet in each corner

i use 4 stakes to hold it in place

sure makes dressing cleaner/more friendly(i hate dirty socks)

also makes this OLD MAN'S appointments w/ the "indian alarm clock", during the night, less unsettling

sw

[TxTiger]

Seems like (from looking at pics) that a LOT of folks don't use anything at all to step on (ground tarp? small mat? waterproof canvas, about 3' x 4' with sewn on loops for staking out?) when getting out of the hammock or to just lay gear on so that it's not in the dirt/ground/grass/snow. I tried searching for different 'keywords' and didn't see a thread so if this has been covered, forgive my nomenclature ignorance. Anyone have a favorite mat? Preferably something light and not too big. Maybe my answer would be a 6'x6'ish tarp to 'burrito shell' around my gear while I'm away from camp during the day and open it up at night to have a clean step-out spot. Being used to tent camping, I'm not completely savvy to the hanging way of life. I'd just like little more shelter/privacy when hanging in campground or when I don't want to change wet fishing/swimming clothes in front of all the womenfolk...

BTW..as far as gear, I just got my Warbonnet RidgeRunner and a double zip equipped Spindrift sock in the mail this week (trying it out this weekend) and I'm planning on eventually getting a Superfly tarp to aid in the privacy department.

Thanks in advance for your replies...
Franceasaurus

I just got the same set up but have not had a chance to try it. I hope to try it the last week in April. I got the cloudburst with the door kit in lieu of the Superfly. It was a more expensive way to go than buying the Superfly, but I thought it would provide a little better fit for the Ridgerunner. For a ground sheet, I bought an 8'x10' waterproof tarp from Amazon. It was something like $12 shipped. I used it two weeks ago under and in front of my tent and it worked great. Give us some feedback after you try it.

[Beast 71]

maybe I am missing something, I just sit up, hang feet over the side and slip my shoe, boot, or general footwear on my feet. what is the point of carrying a groundsheet? getting changed I just do that in the hammock or stand on my shoes instead of in them.

Certainly the lighest option.

I've never used a ground mat for under the hammock. What makes you want one?

My creaky, old and sawed on back (The reason I switched to a hammock from a tent.), makes it a little tougher to dress in or even to get into or out of a hammock. A small mat helps me do either without stepping in the dirt with my socks on.

I use a small ccf seat pad for it. I use it to sit on; in the canoe, around the fire, on shore while bobber fishing and as a kneeling pad (for rough weather in a canoe) too. So the weight is worth it to me for comfort and convenience. .

[Johnco]

I like to use a small piece of tyvek as well.

[Alpine Dad]

I use a 3 mil 55-gallon contractor bag. It weighs about 2 oz. Should I ever be forced to go to ground it can be sliced down the sides and used as a ground cloth to protect my hammock from damage.

I carry two of these. One I use as my waterproof pack liner and the other as a floor mat. When the conditions are wet I put my entire pack in the second one to keep it dry as I sleep. (And each weighs 140 grams).

Cheers

[gunner76]

I use to carry a piece of tyvek when over night backpacking but don't anymore.

Now if I am car camping I take a 2x3 ft section of indoor/outdoor carpet.

[Klaussinator]

I was gonna go the Tyvek route, but one day got to looking at the dog food bags we discard every other week since we have two big labs. Most dog food bags are made from a woven plastic material, kind of like feed bags used to be, only stiffer. I can cut one of these open, dog-ear the corners for stakes, and have a nice 3' x 4' piece that I can fold up and stick in my pack. The stuff is nearly indestructible, and if one gets messy I just throw it out and grab another. Yes, I do scrub down the inside with a brush and soap to get rid of any dog food smell.

-Klauss

[Two Tents]

I was gonna go the Tyvek route, but one day got to looking at the dog food bags we discard every other week since we have two big labs. Most dog food bags are made from a woven plastic material, kind of like feed bags used to be, only stiffer. I can cut one of these open, dog-ear the corners for stakes, and have a nice 3' x 4' piece that I can fold up and stick in my pack. The stuff is nearly indestructible, and if one gets messy I just throw it out and grab another. Yes, I do scrub down the inside with a brush and soap to get rid of any dog food smell.

-Klauss

More recycling love! Dogfood bags are super tough. My dog, ben, uses one to lay on. He carries it rolled up with his evolite foam pad.

[c0wb0y_hubs]

I recently got a bunch of heavy duty plastic, and I was able to cut out 6 little porches about 2'x4'. We'll be using for the first time tomorrow. I can hardly wait to get in to the piney woods.