Polycro vs Tyvek

[trapperjay]

Great thread IMO

 

[Dos Perros]

The folks discussing alternatives to Tyvek...

...how noisy are they? The first time I deployed my Tyvek in the elk woods I became very aware how loud it is. I've since heard you can put it in a washing machine to soften it up.

 

[jwb300]

The folks discussing alternatives to Tyvek...

...how noisy are they? The first time I deployed my Tyvek in the elk woods I became very aware how loud it is. I've since heard you can put it in a washing machine to soften it up.

Yep - either wash it (be aware that it may shrink up to 5%) or just ball it up in your hands a few times until it softens like a fabric.

 

[4ester]

Yep - either wash it (be aware that it may shrink up to 5%) or just ball it up in your hands a few times until it softens like a fabric.

This. Just roll it up and twist it and work it with your hands. I agree the first time you take it out it's terrible.


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[ianpadron]

This. Just roll it up and twist it and work it with your hands. I agree the first time you take it out it's terrible.


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Same thing with the SOL, crinkles like a mofo first time out of the bag, but after roughing it up a bit you're good to go.

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[Dos Perros]

Is polycro noisy?

 

[slow]

Running tyvek thru the washing machine a cycle or two will definitely make it softer and quieter. No detergent though, just water.

 

[arthurvino]

Just wash and no drier?


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[slow]

I hung mine outside with a bunch of clothes pins. Washing it will cause some shrinkage. I thought putting it in the dryer might exacerbate this in addition to causing fraying.

 

[Ironman8]

Those of you using or looking into tyvek, look for the tyvek that is used to make kites. I found mine off of amazon. It's lighter weight, softer, quieter, and more pliable than what you'd find on a construction site. Only difference is it won't be free (but it wasn't expensive either).

Also, just my experience, but my polycro ground sheet didn't make it through even half of my 9 day hunt in Idaho a couple years ago. Ripped to shreds and was much harder to keep layed out properly under my pad. Definitely packed smaller and lighter weight, but just didn't work for me. Took the kite/tyvek material with me last year to CO for 11 days and the same sheet will be making it out with me this year as well. I can get a weight and dimensions on my piece if anyone is interested.

 

[realunlucky]

Those of you using or looking into tyvek, look for the tyvek that is used to make kites. I found mine off of amazon. It's lighter weight, softer, quieter, and more pliable than what you'd find on a construction site. Only difference is it won't be free (but it wasn't expensive either).

Also, just my experience, but my polycro ground sheet didn't make it through even half of my 9 day hunt in Idaho a couple years ago. Ripped to shreds and was much harder to keep layed out properly under my pad. Definitely packed smaller and lighter weight, but just didn't work for me. Took the kite/tyvek material with me last year to CO for 11 days and the same sheet will be making it out with me this year as well. I can get a weight and dimensions on my piece if anyone is interested.

I'm interested. I'll have to look into kite stuff

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[Ironman8]

Alright, finally got to measure and weigh my piece of Tyvek. It came in roughly at 3x7 and weighed in at 3.1 ounces.

Someone asked me for the link to this, so I'll post it here: Amazon.com: Tyvek 1443R Kitemaking Material

 

[jtw]

My experience with polycro was it was super noisy, like it woke me up when I stirred in my sleep noisy. It lasted one night before I ditched it.

 

[jspradley]

Good idea on the SOL blanket. For $5 it's easy to replace when it eventually wears out! How crinkly is it though? I cant stand repetitive noises when im trying to sleep..

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[ianpadron]

Good idea on the SOL blanket. For $5 it's easy to replace when it eventually wears out! How crinkly is it though? I cant stand repetitive noises when im trying to sleep..

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Doesn't bother me one bit and I'm a pretty light sleeper.

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[Flyrod]

Use a SOL emergency blanket and forget about it! 5 bucks, super durable, reflects your body heat (or doesn't...see photo) and weighs nothing.

Yes I'm aware the reflective side is down.

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this looks like a win for me…. duel purpose for pack weight. It was already in the pack, now I can save space and weight by ditching the tyvek. Emergency and general use… perfect

Thanks.

 

[mtnrunner260]

I just got back from 5 nights on the SOL in Wyoming. Worked great and couldn't say for sure but felt plenty warm with reflective side up under a 9x9 tarp.
If you want to go crazy you could grab this.

Ultralight Ground Cloth

 

[rbljack]

ive been looking at this option myself. I have a sawtooth coming in the mail (cant wait!!!! ) and will need to find which ground cover I want to use. Been told that most use tyvek, but I also though the SOL products might be worth while too. Either way, I guess I need to run it through the washer a few times...LOL. thanks for the tips.

 

[TradLife406]

Went with the Polycro. Folds up inside my Megatarp!

 

[fort fireman]

I just got my mountainsmith mountain shelter . My plan is to use my SOL emergency blanket as well for a ground c cover. I already have one in my pack so , two birds one stone sort of thing. I'm glad to see others are using them as well. I was thinking of getting tyvek but then I started thinking and decided to try the emergency blanket. Now I'm reading this thread and I'm liking my plan even more. It's nice to have some outside reassurance on this stuff.