Ground Sheet For Tent

[scottn1au]

Hello Trekkers,

I wondering peoples thoughts on ground sheets and did anybody take one.
The suggested itinery list taking one incase of wet weather but is it really necesary, I'm trying to reduce weight as I intend to carry my own pack but I may change my mind yet.
I have bought a Mantis 2 tent and may be hard to use with a ground sheet because of the odd shape.

Any thoughts and opions are most welcome.

Scott

[Fluppy]

Hi Scott,

When we went, we did take a ground sheet & were mighty thankful we did – not because of the rain – but because of the condensation in the early morning.

However, I don't think a groundsheet is totally necessary. Once or twice our porter had our tent set up but forgot all about the ground sheet as my partner had it in his pack – so our porter just hacked down some banana tree leaves and laid these out under our tent. Did the same job & less to pack up in the morning

fluppy

[Lorna]

I didn't take a groundsheet Scott, nor did anyone on our trek. We had quite a few nights of rain… but the tents remained dry inside. The porters dig little trenches around your tent in heavy rain, to drain water away. Enjoy your trek …. I'm sure you will.

[phantom]

Hey,
Groundsheets or footprints are a good idea in this sort of climate. You will save the tent floor from cuts and punctures and keep some moisture away but you still end up with a wet groundsheet to pack away. The beauty of them is you can always use it for other purposes if you need to.

One of the better substitutes that are getting around at the moment is a product from the building industry called Tyvek. it is a moisture barrier used in the housing inddustry. They are using it on the walls etc . It is a breathable fabric that allows air to get through but keeps out moisture. It is excellant for groundsheets and if you can get some off cuts it is the best stuff. Bunning do sell it but I think only in large rolls. Thats the catch . So if you kow a builder he might have some offcuts that would be suitable.

Enjoy Kokoda it is a great trip , keep your gear simple and the weight down. Use everything well in advance and cull any luxuries.

[peterh13]

Hi Scott.

I took a mantis 2 tent with me and found I didnt need a ground sheet.
The ground was always wet and we had 1 night of heavy rain and the mantis didnt let in any water at all.
I wouldnt bother with the ground sheet.I carried my own pack and you really need to have it as light as possible.
Regards Peter.

[Rocky]

Scott,

Like most questions on equipment it'll come down to a number of things. Personally I didn't take a ground sheet and didn't need one. But my tent was a cheapy 3 man dome and I didn't need to protect it. Similarly we were lucky with huts and spent more nights inside than out. Some things to consider:
Is your tent expensive? Do you want to protect it?
Are you going in a busy time or with a big group? The busier and bigger the more likely you are to be outside.
Is space an issue for you? You may be getting porters or sharing the tent which may allow you to take more or share some stuff with your mate.

[scottn1au]

thanks for the replys guys.

I dont think I will bother with a ground sheet after reading your thoughts.

Anyhow the more organised I get the heavier my pack becomes lol

Regards Scott

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