3 Newbie Questions.

[Ray Young]

1) How big does my groundsheet need to be when used in conjunction with a bivi bag and tarp?
2) Will my new alpkit drybags be 100% waterproof?
3) How do you clean a dry bag so it doesn't loose it's proofing?

Thanks.

[griffdowg]

1 - Groundsheet with a bivi bag?

2 - Yes, if you roll them right. Try it out with air in it and see what works best. If the air stays in the water will stay out.

3 - dont machine wash them, just dust them off and use a little warm soapy water, highly diluted though. Air dry, dont stick them on the radiator!

G

[Ray Young]

1 - Groundsheet with a bivi bag?

G

Will a groundsheet not help protect the bivi bag from damage then or am I being too careful, if you say I don't need it I will quite happily drop it.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Will a groundsheet not help protect the bivi bag from damage then or am I being too careful, if you say I don't need it I will quite happily drop it.

I think it depends on what type of bivvy bag you have. I'll stick my big RAB bag straight on the ground as it has a much thicker (and more waterproof) base than top. I wouldn't go sticking my TN bag straight on the floor though ... saying that it'd likely be on top of my mat.

I'll often carry a groundsheet for under a tarp but size depends on the other stuff I'm using. Just make sure no part of your groundsheet sticks out beyond your tarp or you'll get very wet if it rains

[Ray Young]

I have an alpkit hunka and I realize that the groundsheet should not extend beyond the tarp, just how small can I get away with, hence the question on size.

[Bearbonesnorm]

In dry weather I reckon 2' x 4' should do it Ray. Obviously your feet will overhang but that shouldn't really be a problem. If it's wet I'd say 2' x 6' should do the job.

EDIT: Out of interest Ray the Integral Designs solo groundsheet is 67cm x 215cm.

[gairym]

Out of interest Ray the Integral Designs solo groundsheet is 67cm x 215cm.

ordered!

thanks - solves a problem i've been having.

[Ray Young]

Thanks guys, I have an old groundsheet I can cut to size that will prove adequate enough.