"Groundsheet Protector"

[ericrobo]

Thanks for the very useful replies re Alcohol stoves...

And next I need info about groundsheet protectors..

Have received my Terra Nova Photon 1 tent, it's light, but a bit flimsy...

so I'm thinking I will need something to protect the groundsheet from stones or twigs etc.

Terra Nova sell one for about £35 but it probably weighs too much..

I read somewhere that some folks have used window insulation material, very light, and cheap...

What do you guys use ? Or do you not use a groundsheet protector, but take great care in where you set up your tent ?

I believe also that under trees is not so good because of risk of sap getting onto your tent ?

Any comments appreciated

Regards

Eric

[ScotRoutes]

The "best" solution is to avoid pitching where you might damage the groundsheet. That might involve going over the area and picking out anything that might be a problem. I used to use my "emergency" bivvi bag (the big orange plastic kind) as a groundsheet protector.

[TheBrownDog]

Saw these a while back and might just order one myself

backpackinglight sell groundsheet/footprints made from tyvek - a Dupont product used for everything from heavy duty envelopes to moisture barriers in buildings. £13, 100g and pretty robust I should think. The small one should do your Photon but they also do a double size .

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/shelt ... WB106.html

Even with one of these you'd still want to clear the site of sticks and stones, even if it is dark and cold and wet ... again.

[d45yth]

Do you know any roofers? If so, they would surely be able to get you an off-cut of roofing membrane, be it Tyvek or something similar. You jogged my memory about a mate who was supposed to be getting me some stuff known as 'Roofline', he suggested that instead because it's green in colour (not that it makes much difference).

[99percentchimp]

window insulation material, very light, and cheap...

What do you guys use ?

Exactly that - DIY store, cheap for loads of it and can easily be cut to size. Very light and folds to nothing. Seems to be good so far. As Scotroutes above, I do check for the worst stuff before pitching.
Occasionally when it's really cold a very thin bit of old Karrimat get substituted for extra insulation. Missed that last night.

[royAB]

Double glazing sheet (the stuff that tightens with a hair dryer) - cheap as chips & v.tough. Have used it for groundsheet & tarp - if you need to join it for bigger sheets the (usually)supplied double sided is fine. Clear 'helicopter' tape to make reinforcing tabs on the corners/wherever (use hole punch for holes - stops tearing) & then archery target pins for superlight, sharp pegs.

[Anthony]

I'm in the 'Don't bother' camp personally. It's one more thing to faff with, there are articles online finding footprints cause more trouble than good with moisture.