DIY tyvek footprint questions

[Finch]

I have a piece of tyvek that I want to use as a footprint for my Double rainbow. It came with several of the adhesive grommet tabs. My piece of tyvek is just barely wide enough for the tent floor to sit on. It's pretty much exactly the same width but it's plenty long. Is it really necessary to apply the grommet tabs to each corner of the tyvek for it to be secured to the stakes? If anything, I was just thinking about attaching the grommet tabs so the ridge pole would go through the grommets but I wonder if that is even necessary. Anything wrong with just lying it on the ground and placing the tent on top? I've seen the poly groundcloths that are like that - same concept, right?

I was also thinking I could save the adhesive grommet tabs and make a tarp (more tyvek) for rainy days in camp. Good or bad idea?

One more thing, have you guys had success with making this stuff quieter by washing and drying it?

 

[jim thorpe]

I'm by no means an expert, but I have been told that footprints should be exactly the same size, if not bit smaller, so that moisture can not run off and get between the footprint and the floor of the tent.

 

[mtswampfox]

Not sure anything will quiet tyvek. Even after time it should remain fairly stiff. Hope someone can prove me wrong on this as its the only drawback have found with this stuff?

 

[Jcberg]

I laid down a large sheet of Tyvek inside my Sawtooth last year and it worked great. I didn't stake it or do anything special. My only suggestion is to apply silicone or something to give your sleeping pad/bag some grip. That stuff is slippery!

 

[trophytaka]

throw it in the was with no soap 2 or 3 times. works great for quieting it down.

 

[Finch]

Alright, thanks guys. I'll cut it down and forget the grommets.

 

[Finch]

It appears washing it a couple times does indeed soften it. I balled it up first real good before the first wash. Dried it on the clothesline and balled it up again. Washed it for a 2nd time, dried it, and balled it up again. It really is noticeably quieter. I think balling it up is the key.

 

[durangobrad]

The grommets are unnecessary. My tyvek purchased off ebay also came with some. I have been using it under my two man tent for 2 years now with no grommets. Also use it as a floor in my seek outside bt-2. It gets quieter and more supple with time.