High Sierra Topix

I always used something-polypropylene, Tyvek, or a footprint. It not only protects the investment, but acts as a vapor barrier, preventing ground moisture from being wicked upward and keeping sleep gear dry. Moisture wicked up out of the ground induces loss of insulative ability and adds to the weight you carry when you break camp.

Tyvek 1443r (also called "kite Tyvek") is slightly lighter than standard silnylon and about 2/3 the weight of common house wrap Tyvek. I like 1443r because it is soft after a few uses, folds easily, and more compact than the house wrap variety. It is also logo-free on both sides.

Ska-T wrote:Tyvek 1443r (also called "kite Tyvek") is slightly lighter than standard silnylon and about 2/3 the weight of common house wrap Tyvek. I like 1443r because it is soft after a few uses, folds easily, and more compact than the house wrap variety. It is also logo-free on both sides.

I have a tarptent made of kite tyvek. 14 oz - but not waterproof by any means.

A friend uses weedblock fabric from the garden center, very light and noiseless. Footprints don't have to be waterproof.

I switched from Tyvek to Polycryo a few years ago. http://gossamergear.com/polycryo-tent-g ... ction.html

AlmostThere wrote:A friend uses weedblock fabric from the garden center, very light and noiseless. Footprints don't have to be waterproof.

I wonder what that weighs!
I tried polycryo many years ago, but didn't like it in part because of its tendency to rip due to the rocks I place at each corner to hold down the ground cloth when sleeping roofless, which is most of the time.

Ska-T wrote:

AlmostThere wrote:A friend uses weedblock fabric from the garden center, very light and noiseless. Footprints don't have to be waterproof.

I wonder what that weighs!
I tried polycryo many years ago, but didn't like it in part because of its tendency to rip due to the rocks I place at each corner to hold down the ground cloth when sleeping roofless, which is most of the time.

It wasn't much. And it was a whole lot easier to roll and fold -- very pliable from the get go. If my tyvek ever bites it I'll probably get some. I also have a couple of sheets of polycryo, but usually use tyvek because it doesn't get wadded and stuck to itself.

I wonder if weedblock fabric grips the silnylon floor better than Tyvek? It also wouldn't trap water between the two layers so it wouldn't have to be cut to an exact footprint.

I don't think I've ever used a footprint. I guess I try and make sure I don't camp on things that would puncture my tent floor which is more often than not off trail cross country areas. And I've found all the standard tent manufacturers make quite durable tent floors.

I really do believe it's extra weight for how I backpack but I also don't bring a fly or tarp only. I use a cut trashbag as my floor for my winter tent (a MLD Duomid) and my Hexamid. Works out fine for those.