View Full Version : Cheap Tyvek Groundcloth
I have been looking through the various forums to see if anyone has ever discussed this idea. I haven't seen anything, but I cannot imagine that this hasn't been thought of before. Has anyone ever tried making a cheap Tyvek groundcloth out of Fed Ex or USPS Priority Mail envelopes? These are made of Tyvek material but I am sure it probably isn't the same grade as the type used to wrap houses. However, the envelope material seems pretty tough and water proof and it seems that it wouldn't take too many to duct tape together to make one for a solo or two person tent. What about it? Anybody had any experience with this? If there is a sudden run on the FedEx boxes and post offices around the country, or if this is some heinous felony, you did not read this here. Thanks!
Just Jeff
03-20-2006, 21:12
Haha - yeah, it's been considered. I'm sure it would work for a ground sheet, but taking FedEx/USPS envelopes without paying is...um...stealing!
But more than that, the duct tape and stuff adds complexity, weight, bulk and failure points. You can get a 7'x4' sheet on eBay for like $8...probably won't break the bank and it'll be more functional.
Used envelopes make excellent stuff sacks, though.
Yeah, I agree with the stealing part except that I have a bunch of Fed Ex envelopes on hand from a previous job. They were given to us for free because we were good customers. I thought about the duct tape adding weight and failure points etc., but I wasn't sure if someone else might have come up with some innovative way to put the sections together. Nice idea, even if it was a bit poorly thought out. Thanks for the comment.
Hana_Hanger
03-20-2006, 22:25
:) turn the extra ones you have inside out...sew the ends....put in shock cord and a cord toggle and you have some cheap great dry/stuff sacks
Thanks HH! I've seen a couple of posts about that. Certainly these are an ounce or two lighter than commercial stuff sacks.
Just Jeff
03-21-2006, 00:57
And about $12 cheaper!
Try putting a few of them thru a cycle in the washing machine with just hot water, if they are the same stuff as the house wrap tyvek, as I assume they are. Then they will soften up like a piece of cloth. Will be much easier to use.
blackbishop351
06-30-2006, 01:48
There's a guy near me (Greensboro, NC) who makes some interesting stuff out of tyvek, then sells it out of his store and on Ebay.
For those of you in love with making your own gear, this won't be much help, but I don't usually have that kind of time. This guy's stuff is pretty cheap, but very well made. I have his poncho and had him make three different ground cloths for me.
Find him on Ebay, user id goodling_outdoor_products or his home page
http://goodling_outdoor.tripod.com
LostInSpace
06-30-2006, 02:42
If you realy do want to tape pieces together, go to Home Depot and get some tape specifically made for Tyvek. Is is lighter than duct tape.
fiddlehead
06-30-2006, 04:55
I don't see this as working too well, The duct tape (or special tyvek tape) is going to be: bulky, not waterproof, apt to come off, etc.
I think you should just get yourself some real tyvek housewrap. Ask at a construction site if you can see one. If they don't want to give you a piece, ask a good looking girl to ask for you. (construction workers are suckers for hot chicks)
I have a half roll at my home in PA from the last job i did, unfortunately, i'm not there to cut you a piece.