Ground sheets

A place to chat about gear and the philosphy of ultralight. Ultralight bushwalking or backpacking focuses on carrying the lightest and simplest kit. There is still a good focus on safety and skill.
Forum rules
Ultralight Bushwalking/backpacking is about more than just gear lists. Ultralight walkers carefully consider gear based on the environment they are entering, the weather forecast, their own skill, other people in the group. Gear and systems are tested and tweaked.
If you are new to this area then welcome - Please remember that although the same ultralight philosophy can be used in all environments that the specific gear and skill required will vary greatly. It is very dangerous to assume that you can just copy someone else's gear list, but you are encouraged to ask questions, learn and start reducing the pack weight and enjoying the freedom that comes.

Common words
Base pack backpacking the mass of the backpack and the gear inside - not including consumables such as food, water and fuel
light backpacking base weight less than 9.1kg
ultralight backpacking base weight less than 4.5kg
super-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 2.3kg
extreme-ultralight backpacking base weight less than 1.4kg

Re: Ground sheets

Postby QueenLucyVanPelt » Wed 23 Oct, 2019 3:49 pm

I've had great experience with a sheet of Tyvek. UL and durable. Also have used it in circumstances as a ground sheet to sit and chill out on, and as a wind breaker (cape or skirt). I have also used it a as a way to add extra warmth around a sleeping bag in colder climates. Super useful!
PCT SOBO '17, PCT SOBO Washington '19, Uinta Highline, GC R2R2R
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Re: Ground sheets

Postby ChrisJHC » Wed 23 Oct, 2019 4:01 pm

My polycro ground sheet lasted one night on the Larapinta!
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to clear all the rocks as the ground where I slept that night was nothing but rocks!

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Re: Ground sheets

Postby Lukasadventures » Sun 26 Jul, 2020 1:05 pm

Hoping to get some insight into your experience with a 0.7 mil/19uM polycryo groundsheet vs a 1.5 mil/32 uM version.
I'm looking at making my own tent footprint with one of these two thickness materials inc. reinforcing the edges with tape for durability & ease of use & interested to know if it's worth getting the thicker version for increased durability vs the weight penalty.
Thanks!
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Re: Ground sheets

Postby wildwanderer » Tue 28 Jul, 2020 7:21 am

I use the 0.75mm. it's been incredibly durable even when camping on rough terrain. Probably had 10-15 nights on one sheet and still no holes. Actually very surprised.

Helps to clear the site somewhat and have a mat to distribute the pressure the body puts on the polycro.

Dunno.. maybe I just got lucky with this sheet.
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Re: Ground sheets

Postby Lukasadventures » Thu 30 Jul, 2020 9:29 pm

Thanks wildwanderer, that's great to hear!
Cheers
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