Tyvek groundsheet footprint for tent

[Andy]

Just wondering if anyone knows where I can get some of this Tyvek material to try as a groundsheet/footprint for my tent. It appears to be very popular with bushwalkers but at this point apart from Bushwalking.com I can't find anywhere in Australia to buy smaller amounts than the 30m rolls on offer.

Apparently Tyvek home wrap allows vapour to pass through but not liquid and is extremely light and durable. I also like the way it can be cut with scissors and doesn't need edge treatment so it's ideal to cut it to include the vestibule.

Has anybody tried it? Maybe a group buy or similar is the way to go if enough interest?

[RonK]

I'd be visiting the nearest new housing estate and asking the builders for some offcuts.

[}SkOrPn--7]

Here you go Andy if Ron's suggestion doesn't work out all different sizes and price.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tyvek-backpacking-camping-waterproof-tarp-tent-rainfly-footprint-groundcloth-/170957751353?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27cde04439

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TYVEK-Sleeping-Bag-Liner-ground-cloth-sheet-4X9-ft-W-GROMMET-TABS-/261142948460?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ccd552a6c

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tyvek-Tent-Footprint-Ground-Cloth-sheet-camping-3x9-For-Ultralight-Backpacking-/121038148602?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2e6f93fa

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tyvek-Tent-Footprint-Ground-Cloth-sheet-camping-4x9-For-Ultralight-Backpacking-/121038148629?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2e6f9415

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tyvek-Tent-Footprint-Ground-Cloth-sheet-camping-5x9-For-Ultralight-Backpacking-/150964204950?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23262af596

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tyvek-Tent-Footprint-Ground-Cloth-sheet-camping-6x9-For-Ultralight-Backpacking-/150964204964?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23262af5a4

[Andy]

Thanks guys, I tried feebay too but postage kills it for me. It is supposed to be very cheap so RonK's suggestion might be the go.

[RonK]

Thanks guys, I tried feebay too but postage kills it for me. It is supposed to be very cheap so RonK's suggestion might be the go.

Turn up around 4pm with a six pack.

[maxknott]

i got some from http://bushwalk.com/forum/index.phpi think it was about $50 for 6 metres including postage

[Aushiker]

Henry Shires of Tarptent fame sells various sizes for US$12.00 + postage. I guess it comes down to how much you need.

I haven't seen it used here in WA on building sites so not sure if you can get it a Bunnings or the like.

Andrew

[Andy]

I've tried tarptent but I was hoping to get it locally and possibly from a builder or roofer type of tradie who is willing to sell a couple of metres. I'll keep with the regular tarp for now and perhaps I'll stumble across some tyvek in future.
I went up to the Kodak housing development thinking it might be a good place to try but it's all the blue foil backed stuff so no luck there. I was surprised though at how flimsy and cheap modern house construction looks. Couldn't see much in the way of insulation either.

[festybiker]

wondering how you went Andy.??

I too have an interest in trying out Tyvek as a lightweight tarp, groundsheet etc. It seems to be the go with the "ultra" lightweight nuts out there, in here and typing this post.
As a tradesman in Melbourne, i do not think it is yet available and cetainly not used mainstream in housing construction here. Would be happy to hear otherwise.

I will try some of the provided links above as i have only to date found Ebay US suppliers who charge by the meter and it seems confusing to work out the postage.

Keep in touch, i think Tyvek has yet to become as popular here as the US. Maybe its not that good, or maybe its just not that available and hence not that popular. From my research however it seems like its a great product for any touring cyclist.

Will let you know how i go.

[Andy]

Hi Festy,

I gave up for now. I ended up deciding to travel in Asia and not take the tent. I'll follow it up when I get back but that is several months away. Let me know if you get some though.

Cheers,
Andy

[RonK]

Anyone still looking for Tyvek may find it worthwhile to follow up on the Bushwalk Australia forum.

[festybiker]

Tyvek ordered. will keep 'youse' posted.

[Regello]

Tyvek ordered. will keep 'youse' posted.

Hi festybiker, where did you order form? I need 4 meters x 2 meters.

[festybiker]

Hi Regello. i went through Ebay US. I paid about $30 delivered for a 3m x 3m piece. There is a link above to a Bushwalk Australia Forum as another option.

As yet, it has not arrived.

let me know how you go too.

[elStado]

I'm using a Tyvek groundsheet with my Tarp Tent (paid a couple of bucks extra for it when I bought the tent).

It's a handy bit of material, basically it looks and feels like thick greaseproof paper except it is extremely durable and water resistant. It's also very light which is sometimes a challenge when there's a strong wind blowing as the groundsheet keeps trying to escape as you are trying to set up the tent on top of it.

I want to get some myself to make into a awning to go off the side of the car. As it's durable, water resistant, heat reflective and light weight it would be a perfect material for an awning on the campervan.

[festybiker]

Nice Elstato, good idea. I have made a bivvybag out of it with some double sided tape and stick on Velcro. It's kinda like a Tyvek Pastie that I slip into on 1 side.

It has a rinderpest foam mat inside and a sleeping bag. Weighs in at a small pinch over 2kg. Certainly beats the canvas swag at 5kg.!!