Where Do You Put Your Groundsheet ?

[David Springthorpe]

When using a tent with an inner, do you use a large one between the ground and
the tent, or a smaller footprint sized one inside the inner itself ? Amongst the
people I walk with, the former seems to be more the practice, the reasoning
apparently being that it protects the underside of the inner. The downside I see
is that in the case of rain, this type of groundsheet might collect rain that
might well on top of it and underneath the tent. For the record, I mostly use a
Macpac Microlight (i.e. waterproof tub floor) with an internal length of light
plastic only.....

DS

[Stephen Brooker]

Post by David Springthorpe
When using a tent with an inner, do you use a large one between the ground and
the tent, or a smaller footprint sized one inside the inner itself ? Amongst the
people I walk with, the former seems to be more the practice, the reasoning
apparently being that it protects the underside of the inner. The downside I see
is that in the case of rain, this type of groundsheet might collect rain that
might well on top of it and underneath the tent. For the record, I mostly use a
Macpac Microlight (i.e. waterproof tub floor) with an internal length of light
plastic only.....
DS

I use a space blanket that (apart from about 10-20cm in length) fits
perfectly inside the tent. Seems to work well in keeping the cold and damp
out, especially in summer when I quite often don't worry about taking the
thermarest and sleep on the ground.

S.

[Marshall Wilkinson]

DS,

You replied to a topic on this very subject, entitled, "innies and outies"
in September 2000. If you've forgotten you're approach on the matter, you
wrote:

" I've abandoned my long use (old habits die hard) of mostly using an
Emergency Blanket as a groundsheet (silver side up), either directly
on the ground when using just a fly or inside my inner, and now use a
section cut from a lightweight sheet of grey plastic underlay
purchased from BBC Hardware (works out at about $2) - cheaper and has
better dimensions. I have only used this in my inner so far, and not
on the bare ground as yet, but will try it this way now that the
weather is warmer and I only carry my (Microlite) fly - may be too
thin for prolonged use on rough ground.....

D.S"

Is memory not serving you any longer? ;)

Marsh.

[David Springthorpe]

On Fri, 24 Oct 2003 15:45:17 +1000, "Marshall Wilkinson"

Post by Marshall Wilkinson
DS,
You replied to a topic on this very subject, entitled, "innies and outies"
in September 2000. If you've forgotten you're approach on the matter, you
Is memory not serving you any longer? ;)

3 years is a long time ago and I have much more important things to
remember.....

DS

[Andrew Mitchell]

It depends on how tough the floor is and how pointy the ground is.
Often don't use one at all (if using Macpac or WE...which have pretty
rugged floors), but if I do it's usually a between the inner and the
ground to help stop the floor from puncturing. Slighly smaller than
the inner itself. If it's too large and extends beyond the fly it
funnels water under the floor.

I honestly don't know how much use it is, as I've only ever had one
floor puncture, and I don't know how it happened.

Post by David Springthorpe
When using a tent with an inner, do you use a large one between the ground and
the tent, or a smaller footprint sized one inside the inner itself ? Amongst the
people I walk with, the former seems to be more the practice, the reasoning
apparently being that it protects the underside of the inner. The downside I see
is that in the case of rain, this type of groundsheet might collect rain that
might well on top of it and underneath the tent. For the record, I mostly use a
Macpac Microlight (i.e. waterproof tub floor) with an internal length of light
plastic only.....
DS

[HarryH]

The quick answer is: 'on the ground'.

I use a sheet of builder's plastic (Fortecon ®) between the ground and the
underside of the tent.

I cut the plastic sheet to the same shape as the tent floor (a Mac Olympus
in this case), and slightly smaller, so that there is no groundsheet
extending beyond the tent itself. Water pooling on top of the groundsheet
has never been a problem.

Cheers,
Harry

Post by David Springthorpe
When using a tent with an inner, do you use a large one between the ground and
the tent, or a smaller footprint sized one inside the inner itself ? Amongst the
people I walk with, the former seems to be more the practice, the reasoning
apparently being that it protects the underside of the inner. The downside I see
is that in the case of rain, this type of groundsheet might collect rain that
might well on top of it and underneath the tent. For the record, I mostly use a
Macpac Microlight (i.e. waterproof tub floor) with an internal length of light
plastic only.....
DS

[Justin Thyme]

I have an ex-army canvas groundsheet that I put on the ground beneath the
tent. Being heavy canvas it is as tough as nails and protects against spiky
grass puncturing the tent floor. I've never had a problem with it pooling
water - last time I went out it rained cats and dogs for 2 days and had no
problems.

Post by David Springthorpe
When using a tent with an inner, do you use a large one between the ground and
the tent, or a smaller footprint sized one inside the inner itself ? Amongst the
people I walk with, the former seems to be more the practice, the reasoning
apparently being that it protects the underside of the inner. The downside I see
is that in the case of rain, this type of groundsheet might collect rain that
might well on top of it and underneath the tent. For the record, I mostly use a
Macpac Microlight (i.e. waterproof tub floor) with an internal length of light
plastic only.....
DS

[Mike]

Post by Justin Thyme
I have an ex-army canvas groundsheet that I put on the ground beneath the
tent. Being heavy canvas it is as tough as nails and protects against spiky
grass puncturing the tent floor. I've never had a problem with it pooling
water - last time I went out it rained cats and dogs for 2 days and had no
problems.

Ah, there's a better way, a Hennessy hammock.
No need to worry about groundsheets, and such a good night's sleep.

[Roger Caffin]

Post by David Springthorpe
When using a tent with an inner, do you use a large one between the ground and
the tent, or a smaller footprint sized one inside the inner itself ?

Neither. It seems to me that the groundsheet is meant to do that job, so I
don't use a footprint at all, inside or outside. My Olympus floor has
handled the ground for about 10 years without damage.

Thoughts:
* A thin plastic or nylon cloth footprint is NOT going to stop sharp spikes
from going through both it and the groundsheet, so clear the ground
properly.
* The tent groundsheet is meant to be waterproof: you don't need another
layer.
* Any footprint is going to add to the weight of your pack.
* Abrasion mainly happens when the tent moves: make sure the tent is well
secured and doesn't move.
* Abrasion can happen if you kneel on the groundsheet on a stone or other
hard object and put really high pressure on it, so we carry a couple of very
thin foam mats (2-3 mm) which we put inside the tent. These are essential on
the snow, extremely useful on sheet rock and very(!) light, and so we always
carry them. (Plus of course our Therm-a-Rests).

Cheers
Roger Caffin

[Aushiker]

On Fri, 24 Oct 2003 20:11:18 +1000, "Roger Caffin"

Post by Roger Caffin

Post by David Springthorpe
When using a tent with an inner, do you use a large one between the ground

and

Post by David Springthorpe
the tent, or a smaller footprint sized one inside the inner itself ?

Neither. It seems to me that the groundsheet is meant to do that job, so I
don't use a footprint at all, inside or outside. My Olympus floor has
handled the ground for about 10 years without damage.

Hi

Have to agree with Roger on this one. I don't use anything with my
Wilderness Equipment Second Arrow.

Andrew

http://aushiker.com - Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia
2003 Bibbulmun Track End to Ender
President, Perth Bushwalkers Club - http://www.perthbushwakers.asn.au

[Phil Cook]

Post by David Springthorpe
When using a tent with an inner, do you use a large one between the ground and
the tent, or a smaller footprint sized one inside the inner itself ? Amongst the
people I walk with, the former seems to be more the practice, the reasoning
apparently being that it protects the underside of the inner. The downside I see
is that in the case of rain, this type of groundsheet might collect rain that
might well on top of it and underneath the tent. For the record, I mostly use a
Macpac Microlight (i.e. waterproof tub floor) with an internal length of light
plastic only.....

The trick is to use a groundsheet slightly smaller than the tent inner between
the inner and the ground. That way any moisture (from rain that seaks under the
fly or condensation running of the inside of the fly) runs onto the ground and
doesn't get between the groundsheet and the inner. I never wear boots inside the
tent and most of the floor is covered by sleep mat in anycase so there is no
need to protect the inside of the inner. I sometimes udse a small piece of
plastic sheet outside the inner tent entrance in the porch if the ground is
sodden when I pitch the tent, mainly to prevent soggy knees when crawling in and
out.

[Rheilly Phoull]

Post by Phil Cook

Post by David Springthorpe
When using a tent with an inner, do you use a large one between the ground and
the tent, or a smaller footprint sized one inside the inner itself ? Amongst the
people I walk with, the former seems to be more the practice, the reasoning
apparently being that it protects the underside of the inner. The downside I see
is that in the case of rain, this type of groundsheet might collect rain that
might well on top of it and underneath the tent. For the record, I mostly use a
Macpac Microlight (i.e. waterproof tub floor) with an internal length of light
plastic only.....

The trick is to use a groundsheet slightly smaller than the tent inner between
the inner and the ground. That way any moisture (from rain that seaks under the
fly or condensation running of the inside of the fly) runs onto the ground and
doesn't get between the groundsheet and the inner. I never wear boots inside the
tent and most of the floor is covered by sleep mat in anycase so there is no
need to protect the inside of the inner. I sometimes udse a small piece of
plastic sheet outside the inner tent entrance in the porch if the ground is
sodden when I pitch the tent, mainly to prevent soggy knees when crawling in and
out.
--
Phil Cook looking north over the park to the "Westminster Gasworks"

Something to consider is a piece of 80% shade cloth, it is strong and allows
drainage. Personally I use a doubled over section which gives good
protection and it can also then extend out in front, but then again I am not
carrying it on my back !!

[G Hutch]

I also use a groundsheet under my Sierra tent that has inbuilt floor.
I must admit my groundsheet extends past the sides of the tent fly but not
the ends. Yes water has collected but if the tent has a small head to tail
slope it takes away most of the issue.
I use an old ground section of a cheap tent, which is thick plastic.

On a recent trip there was much burnt out grass and many small bushes with
burnt and pointed ends. The groundsheet provides a degree of protection from
charcoal, twigs, thorns, etc. I have found it perfect in 15 years of use.
Folded up it also provides a good platform to use as a seat for lunch etc
Greg Hutchison

Post by David Springthorpe

Post by Phil Cook

Post by David Springthorpe
When using a tent with an inner, do you use a large one between the

ground and

Post by Phil Cook

Post by David Springthorpe
the tent, or a smaller footprint sized one inside the inner itself ?

Amongst the

Post by Phil Cook

Post by David Springthorpe
people I walk with, the former seems to be more the practice, the

reasoning

Post by Phil Cook

Post by David Springthorpe
apparently being that it protects the underside of the inner. The

downside I see

Post by Phil Cook

Post by David Springthorpe
is that in the case of rain, this type of groundsheet might collect

rain

Post by David Springthorpe
that

Post by Phil Cook

Post by David Springthorpe
might well on top of it and underneath the tent. For the record, I

mostly

Post by David Springthorpe
use a

Post by Phil Cook

Post by David Springthorpe
Macpac Microlight (i.e. waterproof tub floor) with an internal length

of

Post by David Springthorpe
light

Post by Phil Cook

Post by David Springthorpe
plastic only.....

The trick is to use a groundsheet slightly smaller than the tent inner

between

Post by Phil Cook
the inner and the ground. That way any moisture (from rain that seaks

under the

Post by Phil Cook
fly or condensation running of the inside of the fly) runs onto the

ground

Post by David Springthorpe
and

Post by Phil Cook
doesn't get between the groundsheet and the inner. I never wear boots

inside the

Post by Phil Cook
tent and most of the floor is covered by sleep mat in anycase so there

is

Post by David Springthorpe
no

Post by Phil Cook
need to protect the inside of the inner. I sometimes udse a small piece of
plastic sheet outside the inner tent entrance in the porch if the ground

is

Post by Phil Cook
sodden when I pitch the tent, mainly to prevent soggy knees when

crawling

Post by David Springthorpe
in and

Post by Phil Cook
out.
--
Phil Cook looking north over the park to the "Westminster Gasworks"

Something to consider is a piece of 80% shade cloth, it is strong and allows
drainage. Personally I use a doubled over section which gives good
protection and it can also then extend out in front, but then again I am not
carrying it on my back !!
--
Regards ............... Rheilly Phoull