Tyvek Groundcloth

[SGT Rock]

I've got a piece of tyvec and plan to make a groundcloth with foot pocket similar to the ones at LW gear. Any tips?

[Weeknd]

No tips, but this is exactly what I want to make. Haven't had the time or the Tyvek.

Please keep us posted And put pix on your excellent website if you don't mind.

Weeknd

[SGT Rock]

I recived the Tyvek. 108" x 48' weighed 7.7 ounces. I trimmed it down to 42" x 108". And then I made a 32" x 42" foot pocket by folding it over 32" up and sewing the sides, then turned it inside out so the seam is inside and protected. The overall length is now 74" x 32" and the weight is 6.7 ounces. Total cost with shipping was $8.25.

Something I couldn't find but eventually learned is the part with the writing (DuPont Lable) is supposed to go out to the weather, so that is the side you want to go to the ground. I'll try to get some pics while hiking this weekend. I'm planning to use my poncho/tarp combo instead of a hammock. I hope I can sleep LOL.

BTW, I modles this on the Tyvek groundcloth with foot pocket at LW gear. Theirs is actually longer according to their site, but weighs less. I don't know if they use a different grade of Tyvek.

[pobbie]

Where did you get the tyvek??? I've been looking for some for a while and how does its durability compare to that of silnylon.

[SGT Rock]

It has held up for a few trips fine, I wouldn't know how to compare it. I got it from a guy that did a big purchase based on a bunch of agreeing to pay for part of it.

[Skittles]

You can buy Tyvek for a fair price at Andy's place:
http://www.geocities.com/amytys/Tyvek.htm
I've ordered some from him, very good service. I recommend gluing it with thin to medium thickness cyanoacrylate glue (superglue) and then sewing for the strongest seam. You can get good quality glue from a hobby shop in bigger bottles, usually called CA for short. Glue alone should be plenty strong, but adding the stiching probably won't hurt. Have fun!

-Ian-

[SkyKing]

I have a 9' x 150' roll of Dupont Tyvek I'm using on the house but never thought of using it as groundcloth. It sounds like aluminum foil when you handle it. Sarge....what kind of stitch did you use when sewing and how durable is it? Do I need to seal the seams?

[SGT Rock]

I don't have a clue about the stitch, my wife did it for me. I did use some silicone to seal the stitches.

[Lugnut]

One cycle through the washer (warshin' machine for southerners) will stop the crackling sound. Supposedly it doesn't affect the properties of the material. Remember, printed side out.

[SkyKing]

Thanks for specifying WHICH machine there Lugnut! Us Hillbillys don't get NO respect....