Tyvek groundsheet - how long do they last?

[gecko76]

Ripped a hole in mine last night. Generally folded twice, then lengthwise, then rolled tightly. Used maybe 15 nights.

Cheap so no worries replacing it, just wondering if that's normal?

Also, can it be recycled? Internet says Yes, but how?

[Bearbonesnorm]

All depends on the ground it's laid on really. Nothing wrong with taping the hole / tear rather than disposing of it.

[gecko76]

Cool. Any specific tape recommended?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Any specific tape recommended?

You can buy Tyvek tape but gaffa tape will work just as well.

[gecko76]

Thanks. I don't need a whole roll of tape just for this so will do that

[gecko76]

For the record, the rip was about 8 inches and the gaffa tape I tried wasn't sticky enough to stick, but found a roll of aged spinnaker tape at the Scout Hut and that's done it.

[RIP]

spinnaker tape

Good to repair stuff in preference to new obviously, but how much spinnaker tape was there? If there was enough you could make a complete spinnaker groundsheet like my one . Much better than tyvek - waterproof, sheds water easily for packing etc. And you can get pretty colours to coordinate with the rest of your gear .

[gecko76]

I'll keep repairing the tyvek as and when but I like the look of your spinnaker one Reg. What did you do, just order 2x1m? I quite fancy the gold.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325034144398 ... media=COPY

[RIP]

Yes that's the stuff. I very boringly went with white . Also vaguely remember getting 4m x 1m.

[RIP]

Sigh. Ebay or whatever it was asked if I wanted some spinnaker. No, I've just bought it from you (as above). Oh, hang on, this one is 35gsm, much lighter than the original. Feel guilty now for breaking my rule about trying not to buy stuff until predecessor has worn out, but I went for it. Almost halved the weight down to 64g - much more reasonable - for groundsheet with changing-room/toilet extension . Chose a daft colour this time too.

[ripio]

Yes that's the stuff. I very boringly went with white . Also vaguely remember getting 4m x 1m.

Is there a difference between this spinakker stuff and regular lightweight waterproof ripstop fabric?
Is it stronger?

[RIP]

Good question. Not sure TBH. This stuff doesn't seem to rip very easily - not that easy to cut to shape, and I pulled one cut edge apart as hard as I could and nowt happened. It's got the ripstop grid style weave. Obv it's pretty thin so won't stop a big thorn but keeps mat clean/dry and reduces abrasion. And you can wave it at the air ambulance when they can't find you .

We can call the Bearbones Helpline. I see it's being manned at the moment .