Hardware (Bunnings) drop sheets as groundsheets

[Eljimberino]

Hi

I'm wondering if anyone has used the plastic painters drop sheets as groundsheets for a tarp or under their tent?

Clear plastic sheets that are less than a dollar or two. Like this one: http://www.bunnings.com.au/paint-partner-2-6-x-3-6m-clear-plastic-drop-sheet_p1661260

If so, how does it compare to the polycro groundcloths sold by Gossamer gear and MLD? Found here: http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=144

Is it worth spending the extra for what those companies sell, as opposed to the hardware shop offerings?

And finally, how do the above compare to tyvek?

I've used tyvek. I like it. But if I can cut 100g off for the same sized sheet, I'm keen.

Thank you for your thoughts.

[ErichFromm]

the drop sheets from bunnings (at least the ones I've used) won't protect your tent from anything. they are to keep floor clean, not prevent holes etc. they are not really even designed for multiple use. tyvek is the go - light and very hard to puncture. just scrunch it a lot or put through washing machine so it becomes less stiff....

[Franco]

See this thread for some ideas :
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... d_id=68291
The stuff sold by GG (called by them polycryo, not as most spell it polycro) is window insulation material.
The film that is applied on window glass for something like double glazing.
Available on E Bay, under "polycryo" and a similar product is under "Frost King"
The GG version is this type :
" thick window insulation sold online at Ace hardware ,cross linked polyolefin."
GG used to buy them in rolls and cut them up .
Available under Duck window insulation film, the indoor type.
Some swear by it , some swear at it. (can be sticky and pick up dirt , more than Tyvek)

[Drew]

I've recently tried a clear plastic drop sheet from Bunnings. I wanted to buy some of the polycryo but the shipping was too expensive (I emailed MLD and they offered a cheaper rate but still pretty pricey).

The drop sheet I used is Grunt brand. A cut a piece from the roll about 255cm x 100cm and it weighs 215gm. It is quite robust plastic and gives a reasonable amount of protection (possibly more than tyvek). By comparison, the piece of tyvek I'd used is 215cm x 90cm and weighs 165gm (this was an attempted bathtub floor so has gaffer tape and bungee cord and weighs a little more than just tyvek).

I wanted the polycryo because tyvek is breathable and I felt it contributed to condensation in my shelter (allowing moisture from the ground to pass through the groundsheet).

The plastic does collect a bit of dirt and is a little bit heavier than tyvek, but I think it will last for quite a few trips. The one the OP posted the link to is very thin and wouldn't protect from much I don't think. The one I used is here: http://www.bunnings.com.au/grunt-2-x-5m ... m_p0810296

[Franco]

I wanted the polycryo because[b] tyvek is breathable and I felt it contributed to condensation in my shelter (allowing moisture from the ground to pass through the groundsheet). [/b]

What type of Tyvek did you try ?

[Drew]

What type of Tyvek did you try ?

Not sure. Whatever it is that you get from Tier Gear.

[Franco]

If it is somewhat soft it is 1443R.
That will breathe well but ..it does breathe well.
The Home Wrap type ,in my opinion, is much better if used for groundsheets.
There are several types of Home Wrap too but they are all more water resistant then the soft/clothing type.
Here is a chart of the various types :

[MacMan]

I have a piece of home wrap that I use. Certainly can't hurt having the extra reflective insulation.

[Lindsay]

I have a cheap Kmart tarp cut to size as a footprint for my Tarptent. Had no troubles at all with it and as my tent is stowed in an outside mesh pocket of my pack it also serves to protect the tent from damage while walking.

[Drew]

Here't the polycyro on Amazon - much cheaper shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002 ... ZN3UZSZQS6

[walkon]

I've got the heavy tyvek under one of my tents that has done over a hundred nights now. It isn't waterproof anymore but that doesn't worry me as it is there solely to protect the tent floor, which it still does well. The tier gear tyvek is too flimsy and only lasted 30 odd nights before it started to fall apart.

A footprint is there to protect the tent floor not keep it waterproof, that's what the tents tubb is for. Tyvek is great as it is thin and rolls up nicely with the tent in its bag which is something that plastic doesn't do as its not as flexible.

The bunnings drop sheets hardly keep the paint off the floors and holes easily, highly wouldn't recommend it.

[Orion]

I've used those polyethylene painter's sheets. A lot depends on the thickness chosen. The really skimpy stuff doesn't hold up to abrasion all that well and it can tear. As you go thicker it gets better -- and heavier. But they work. I've used one as a tarp a couple of times. A little tape to repair holes isn't a bad idea.

For car camping I used to use a thick sheet polyethylene. It never tore or developed holes. But it was heavy and bulky and dirt stuck to it. It was cheap though.

The polycryo window shrink wrap stuff also comes in different thicknesses. I use it for cowboy camping or the "floor" in my floorless tent. While it's durability to weight ratio is far superior to polyethylene it can still develop holes. I've noticed a difference between the two thickness grades I've tried.