On Nov 9, 2006, at 9:30 AM, Iuliana and Adrian Stingaciu wrote:

>
> That's still pretty heavy for an ultralight ground sheet, and not even
> waterproof! I have seen people use a space blanket for a ground sheet,
> cut in half for one person it's only 1.5 oz, but it does tear easily.
> I wouldn't use it on pine needles, small rocks, pine cones, or other
> sharp objects.
>
> I recommend the Gossamer Gear Polycryo Ground Cloth (32"x96"). It is
> the lightest (1.3 oz) ground sheet I have found and much stronger than
> a space blanket.
> www.gossamergear.com

I used a Mylar space blanket for a ground cloth on a week long Grand
Canyon backpack trip and it was in many little pieces by the time I
was done. It isn't the surface that tears it, it's just not strong
enough. It would tear if you slept with it on carpet unless you
never move at night. I also bought some silnylon from
throughhiker.com to use. The stuff is really slick, impossible to
stay on it. I tried adding little dabs of silicone here and there
and that helped but still is more trouble than it's worth. So, for
me the Tyvek is one of those things that may weigh a little bit more
but makes my camping experience better than the alternatives. The
fact that it breathes a little seems to help with condensation under
my bag too. I've never had my bag or pad wet from moisture coming up
from the ground.

I'm not familiar with the Gossamer Gear ground cloth. Maybe it is
the best. You can bet it will be the most expensive.

Adrian, did you say your bivy bag weighs 6 ounces? Is it the Mont
Bell? I'd like to hear how you like it. Would you buy it again and
what else would you consider. This may be my next camping purchase.

Gary