Saturated ground.

[ctznsmith]

Went for a wander on Dartmoor yesterday but vetoed staying out in the bivys as the ground was so saturated. Retreated back to the campervan* as I just had visions of water seeping up through the bags.

Would a groundsheet have worked to keep groundwater out in this situation?

*the 4am storm also made me glad of this decision.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Would a groundsheet have worked to keep groundwater out in this situation?

It would have certainly helped and depending on what it was made from should prevent any water reaching your bags. A bathtub groundsheet can be very useful too, although there is a small risk that any water finding its way into it, can't escape.

I'm just awaiting a bulk purchase of Tyvek to arrive. Once it does, it'll be available in the shop by the metre.

[Cheeky Monkey]

Would a groundsheet have worked to keep groundwater out in this situation?

It would have certainly helped and depending on what it was made from should prevent any water reaching your bags. A bathtub groundsheet can be very useful too, although there is a small risk that any water finding its way into it, can't escape.

I'm just awaiting a bulk purchase of Tyvek to arrive. Once it does, it'll be available in the shop by the metre.

Wahey on the Tyvek I keep putting off a bulk purchase so glad you're doing it Stu.

As for soaking ground conditions, I recommend a hammock

[Jurassic pusher]

Would a groundsheet have worked to keep groundwater out in this situation?

It would have certainly helped and depending on what it was made from should prevent any water reaching your bags. A bathtub groundsheet can be very useful too, although there is a small risk that any water finding its way into it, can't escape.

I'm just awaiting a bulk purchase of Tyvek to arrive. Once it does, it'll be available in the shop by the metre.

Wahey on the Tyvek I keep putting off a bulk purchase so glad you're doing it Stu.

As for soaking ground conditions, I recommend a hammock

One of the few perks of my job working for a small building firm is easy access to "spare" Tyvek!

[ctznsmith]

Will keep an eye out for the Tyvek.

[PaulG]

Good news on the Tyvek.
Interested in what width will it be and what grade? Building or the lighter 'clothing' grade?

[darbeze]

Dartmoor is a most excellent sponge! In my (somewhat limited) experience, I would suggest it is unique in its ability to hold water.

I don't think I would want to sleep out there at the moment, unless as mentioned, I was using a hammock.

I shall also keep an eye out for the Tyvek option. I used to print indestructible labels on it in a former life. It's a brilliant material. I have asked my local print department if they can get "samples" of it for groundsheet use, but so far they have drawn a blank...

Si

[benp1]

I have a bear paw designs bathtub sheet for use on saturated ground, but it's still a risk as water can find it's way over the top if you're not careful and then you're sleeping in a wet bathtub...