Polycro

I see this being used in a lot of UL setups for a ground sheet. But I've been in to all the trade stores (Mitre10, Placemakers etc) and they've never heard of it. I've seen US websites talking about going to Home Depot and asking for "plastic shrink wrap window insulation" but that makes no sense to store staff either. Where do I get it in NZ? What's it called?

Not Tyvek is a whole different product. It is used by a lot who think Polycro isn't strong enough. Tyvek seems to be indestructible and last forever whereas Polycro might only last 50 nights but is even lighter, which works well for some and not for others. Thanks though.

snappa's comment http://tramper.nz/?view=topic&id=8256&messageid=48770#message48770

Great thanks I'll head to Bunnings in Saturday.

hugh made a comment he uses plastic pack liners for a ground sheet, maybe cut open?

The Polycro from HomeDepot is a plastic window insulation that shrinks to a drum tight finished when blow dryer is used. It is extremely helpful in old houses with single glaze windows during the winter. We do use it for ground sheets. I also use one for a rain kilt I made. It is thinner/lighter than a packliner and stronger than a rubbish bag.

You can buy pre-made Tyvek footprints. I got one of these back in April. http://www.equipoutdoors.co.nz/contents/en-us/p2552_Luxe_Ultralight_Tyvek_Footprint_210_x_80.html Surprisingly tough and light. They have a slightly waxy finish, so if you are forced to pitch on a slight slope then watch out your bits & bobs don't slide away.

I tried to send this email to Reverse so here it is in case they see it here. Hi Reverse I'd be very appreciative if you could talk about any design innovations for this. I've been experimenting with plastic bags but they tear easily and could be annoying when stepping up high. I have a tyvek/polypropylene jacket (driducks) but that too is very fragile and on tracks with bordering vegetation, I need to wear another light goretex jacket over it to protect it. Be good to hear back from you. cheers Honora

Thanks for all the info. After looking at it I just went with the plastic table cloth from the warewhare (i.e. wuddy fuddy / The Warehouse). $4.00 and once cut up only 86 grams. Pretty decent. I have seen some polycro weighed at 40g for a single tent groundsheet but those if those are $40 from Bunnings then $36 is a decent saving for 40g. Pic of it cut out under the tent inner with some area included for the vestibules. https://www.dropbox.com/s/fdq2esblz0bhoc7/IMG_0168.JPG?dl=0

You could have got cuben fibre. Only would have been a few hundred.... 😛