Tyvek Footprint for Ultralight Tent | Six Moon Designs

Description

Groundsheet for a Tent – Tyvek Footprint Six Moon Designs

Six Moon Designs Tyvek Footprint is a lightweight and durable groundsheet for use beneath a tent, mesh shelter or floorless tarp shelter. It protects the shelter floor from abrasion caused by stones, sticks, pinecones, sand and other rough ground while helping to keep the floor fabric cleaner.

Tyvek is a synthetic non-woven material made from spun-bonded high-density polyethylene fibres. When new, the material may look and feel slightly paper-like, but it is lightweight, difficult to tear and resistant to moisture and wear.

Tyvek Footprint is available in two sizes. Small is suitable for several one-person Six Moon Designs shelters, while Large is intended primarily for two-person models.

Please note: The groundsheet is not cut to the exact shape of an individual tent floor. It can be folded or trimmed to fit your shelter. All edges of the groundsheet must remain completely underneath the tent floor.

Why use a groundsheet under a tent?

A groundsheet creates a replaceable protective layer between the tent floor and the ground. It absorbs some of the abrasion that would otherwise affect the floor fabric and can therefore help extend the service life of a lightweight tent floor.

A groundsheet is particularly useful when the campsite is:

• rocky or covered with gravel
• full of exposed roots
• sandy or otherwise abrasive
• wet or muddy
• covered with needles, pieces of pinecones or small sticks
• used repeatedly or for an extended stay

A groundsheet also makes it easier to keep the tent clean. A wet or muddy Tyvek sheet can be packed separately from the tent and cleaned after the trip.

Tyvek does not replace careful campsite selection

Even when using a groundsheet, remove sharp stones, sticks, pinecones and other objects that could damage the shelter floor. Tyvek reduces wear on the floor fabric, but it does not make the tent floor puncture-proof.

Choose a level location where rainwater will not collect. Do not pitch in a hollow, dry stream bed or another area where water cannot drain away.

Choosing and positioning the correct size

The groundsheet should be slightly smaller than the tent or mesh shelter floor on every side. If Tyvek extends beyond the edge of the tent, rainwater running from the canopy may collect on the groundsheet and travel underneath the floor.

If the sheet is too large for your shelter, fold the exposed edges underneath the tent or trim the groundsheet to a suitable size. Test the fit beneath the fully pitched shelter before cutting it.

How to use the Tyvek Footprint

1. Choose a level campsite with good drainage.
2. Remove stones, sticks, pinecones and other sharp objects from the ground.
3. Spread the Tyvek groundsheet flat on the ground.
4. Place the tent or mesh shelter on top of the groundsheet.
5. Make sure the Tyvek remains completely underneath the floor fabric.
6. Fold any visible edges underneath the tent.
7. Pitch and tension the shelter normally.

Tyvek Footprint does not have attachment loops. It normally does not need to be staked separately, as the tent, sleeping mats and occupants keep it in place. In windy conditions, hold or weigh down the groundsheet while pitching the shelter so that it does not blow away.

Using Tyvek beneath a floorless tarp

Tyvek Footprint can also be used beneath a floorless tarp or another shelter without an integrated floor. It provides a cleaner surface for a sleeping mat, sleeping bag and smaller items of equipment.

A flat groundsheet does not provide the same protection as a raised bathtub floor. Surface water may flow onto or underneath the Tyvek if the shelter is pitched in a hollow or across a drainage route. Careful campsite selection is therefore especially important when using a floorless tarp.

Does Tyvek protect against moisture and cold?

Tyvek separates the tent floor or sleeping mat from direct contact with wet and dirty ground. It helps keep the shelter floor cleaner and may reduce the transfer of ground moisture to your equipment.

However, the groundsheet does not replace a waterproof tent floor and does not provide meaningful thermal insulation. A sleeping mat suitable for the conditions is always required for protection from cold ground.

Softening the Tyvek material

New hard surface Tyvek is relatively stiff and may make a rustling sound during use. According to the manufacturer, the material can be pre-washed in a washing machine to make it softer and easier to fold.

Pre-washing is not essential. Tyvek also becomes softer gradually through use, folding and packing.

Cleaning and drying

Shake off loose sand, needles and other dirt after use. Light dirt can be wiped away with a damp cloth or rinsed off with water.

• use a mild detergent when necessary
• avoid strong bleach and solvents
• allow the groundsheet to dry completely in a well-ventilated area
• do not store it damp for extended periods

A wet or dirty groundsheet should be carried separately from the tent, sleeping bag and dry clothing.

Can the Tyvek Footprint be cut to size?

Yes. Tyvek Footprint is a rectangular sheet that can be trimmed to fit the floor of your tent.

First place the groundsheet underneath the fully pitched tent and mark the required size. Leave the sheet slightly smaller than the tent floor and trim only a small amount at a time. Please note that a cut or modified product cannot be returned in its original condition.

Tyvek or Polycro?

Tyvek is suitable for users who value durability and easy handling. It is thicker and heavier than Polycro, but generally withstands repeated use and abrasive campsites better.

Polycro is suitable for users who prioritise the lowest possible weight and smallest packed size. It is considerably lighter, but also thinner, more difficult to handle in wind and generally less durable than Tyvek.

• Tyvek: more durable and easier to handle
• Polycro: lighter and packs into a smaller space
• Tyvek package contains one groundsheet
• Six Moon Designs Polycro package contains two sheets

Tyvek Footprint Small

• dimensions: approximately 213 × 91 cm
• weight: approximately 128 g
• thickness: approximately 0.18 mm
• material: hard surface Tyvek

Manufacturer-recommended shelters:

• Lunar Solo
• Skyscape Trekker
• Skyscape Scout
• Deschutes
• Deschutes Plus
• Gatewood Cape
• Serenity NetTent

Tyvek Footprint Large

• dimensions: approximately 213 × 122 cm
• weight: approximately 199 g
• thickness: approximately 0.18 mm
• material: hard surface Tyvek

Manufacturer-recommended shelters:

• Lunar Duo
• Lunar Duo Outfitter
• Haven Tent

Technical specifications

• Product: Six Moon Designs Tyvek Footprint
• Product type: tent groundsheet / footprint
• Material: hard surface Tyvek
• Material construction: spun-bonded high-density polyethylene fibres
• Thickness: approximately 0.18 mm / 7 mil
• Colour: white
• Attachment loops: no
• Sheets included: 1

Package contents

• 1 × Six Moon Designs Tyvek Footprint in the selected size

Our thoughts

Tyvek Footprint is a good option for hikers who want to protect a lightweight tent floor and extend its service life. It is not the lightest groundsheet available, but it is easier to handle and generally more durable than very thin Polycro film.

Tyvek acts as a replaceable wear layer: the more affordable groundsheet absorbs part of the abrasion caused by stones, sticks and sand instead of the more expensive tent floor. The best protection is achieved by combining the groundsheet with a carefully selected and cleared campsite.