Groundsheet?

[Split toe]

Has anyone used a dyneema tarp for a ground sheet so you can used it as a backup shelte/tarp if needed?

 

[Desk Jockey]

I have one. I think it is hyperlite mountain gear. Works fine. Fairly durable. It is small and light. 4-5oz. It also costs over $100. You probably save 4-5oz over a comparable nylon or thyvek sheet. If you are an ounce counter it might be worth it but it is an expensive way to trim a fairly small amount of pack weight.

i like and use more a thing from seek outside called a matty mcmat face. It is a very thin pad. I cut one to 25” wide and it weighs 6 oz. it is a ground cloth and a sit pad.

 

[mmac]

I use the same hyperlite tarp. It is expensive, but I have a couple back up quick tie loops on it and I can whip it out during the day or if needed emergency shelter. It isn't cheap, but I really like it.

 

[darcytribe]

I have one. I think it is hyperlite mountain gear. Works fine. Fairly durable. It is small and light. 4-5oz. It also costs over $100. You probably save 4-5oz over a comparable nylon or thyvek sheet. If you are an ounce counter it might be worth it but it is an expensive way to trim a fairly small amount of pack weight.

i like and use more a thing from seek outside called a matty mcmat face. It is a very thin pad. I cut one to 25” wide and it weighs 6 oz. it is a ground cloth and a sit pad.

I too use this as a ground sheet, bonus is my pad doesn’t slid around on it like tyvek.

 

[nosman4]

The only problem that I have heard about using dyneema as a groundsheet would be if you want it to still be water proof when used as a tarp. Dyneema is susceptible to micro tearing and abrasions and doesn't stay waterproof for long when used between you and the ground, especially on rough or rocky ground.

 

[Nimrod62]

I have not used it, but Ron Bell at Mountain Laurel Designs sells a DCF Ground Cloth that is designed more as a ground sheet, but he says it can be used as an emergency tarp. DCF/"Cuben Fiber" is very pricey for a ground sheet, but MLD's gear is great.

 

[ethan]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I’ve wondered the same thing about rip stop nylon. I have a small emergency tarp and I’ve wondered about the durability issues if using it as a ground cloth

 

[MilhouseG19]

I wouldn't recommend using Dyneema or cuben fiber as a ground sheet and then as a tarp. You will get tears relatively quickly. The stuff is strong in terms of tear strength but is sucks for abrasion resistance. Tyvek would be better and you can get stick on tabs to rig it for an emergency shelter in a limited sense. Silnylon works too but its slippery. Seam sealant can be put on it in small strips or dots to prevent some slippage.

 

[ethan]

I wouldn't recommend using Dyneema or cuben fiber as a ground sheet and then as a tarp. You will get tears relatively quickly. The stuff is strong in terms of tear strength but is sucks for abrasion resistance. Tyvek would be better and you can get stick on tabs to rig it for an emergency shelter in a limited sense. Silnylon works too but its slippery. Seam sealant can be put on it in small strips or dots to prevent some slippage.

i do the seam sealant trick on my sleeping pads. Makes a world of difference !

 

[MilhouseG19]

i do the seam sealant trick on my sleeping pads. Makes a world of difference !

I use a 1/8" foam pad from MLD now. Seek Outside also sells them. 8oz and has a ton of uses. Emergency sleeping pad, nap/sit pad, and protects my sleeping pad from the ground.

 

[ozyclint]

cheap disposable table cloth

 

[nettereo16]

I've got 3 seasons so far on my Polycro sheet without any punctures or rips.
Weighs about 1.5 ounces. I stuff it in my pack and dont worry about it.