Tips and Tricks

Housewrap Tyvek—We tried the common Housewrap-type Tyvek as a groundsheet, and found that it works just fine. It’s a little on the heavy side and is a bit stiff, but it softens up with use. You can put it through the washing machine with no soap and soften it up quite a bit. Overall, its very tough and makes a great groundsheet or tent footprint. Since it's supposed to be breathable, it theoretically is not waterproof. But we and many other ultralighters, have used it in wet conditions and have had no trouble with water coming through. You can even sew it with a sewing machine.

Kite Tyvek—There are several different types of Tyvek for different applications. We discovered another type of Tyvek we call Kite Tyvek because we found it on a kite supply website. It is a thinner, softer Tyvek used to make kites, car covers and other things. We ordered some to give it a try and we really like it. It basically has all the benefits of Housewrap Tyvek, with half the weight, and is much softer. There is also a #10 Tyvek, which is also thinner and lighter, but it is also stiffer.

Tarp Tieout Cord—When you purchase a tarp, it usually does not come with cord and stakes. So one question that often comes up is “what type of lightweight cord should I use for my tarp tieouts?” We have often seen people use cord that is much too heavy. In our research, we found that nylon cord stretches when it gets wet, so your tarp slumps. So we use braided 100# Dacron cord, which is sufficiently strong and does not stretch as much as nylon cord. Whatever type of cord you use, be sure its braided rather than twisted. Twisted cord tends unravel with repeated use. Kelty TripTease cord contains a Spectra core and is very visible so you don’t trip over your tieouts. Another light/strong tieout cord is AirCore Spectra Cord sold by Bozeman Mountain Works. 

What Size Tarp to Get—For a one-person tarp, the 6’x8’ size is about right for a shorter person. If you are 6’ or taller, a 6’x9’ or 7’x9’ size would be better; it gives a little more protection beyond your head and feet. For a two-person tarp, we use an 8’x10’ size, and highly recommend it. It provides lots of protection and room for two people.

What’s Silnylon?—Silnylon is short for “silicone impregnated 1.1 oz ripstop nylon”. Its impregnated with silicone, not just a surface coating, which makes it very waterproof and durable. It actually weighs 1.3 oz/square yard with the silicone treatment. It is readily available from stores that sell outdoor fabrics, like Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics, and costs around $8 a yard. You can find 2nds for much less, for example Noah Lamport sells 2nds for $2.75 a yard if you purchase 10 yards. Most people who have purchased 2nds say they can’t tell the difference. Note that silnylon is very slippery and fairly difficult to sew.

Seam-Sealing Silnylon—If you purchase a silnylon tarp, pack cover, bivy, etc. that has seams in it, they need to be seam sealed, otherwise water will leak through the stitching. Silnylon requires a special seam sealer, and the best product seems to be McNett’s Sil-Net, which is available in most outdoor stores. Ordinary DuPont Silicone II Sealer, available in most hardware stores, also works just fine. Although the instructions on the tube say to apply it directly, it is much better to apply a thin (and adequate) coat by diluting it first with mineral spirits so its about the consistency of nail polish, then applying it with a small brush.

Tarp Stakes—Titanium stakes are a little pricey, but it is really nice to have light stakes that don't bend very easily. We chose to keep it simple and light and use thin aluminum pins (0.1 oz each) that are used to pin down landscape fabric. Yes, they are very flimsy, but the trick we use is to place a rock on the tieout cord in front of each pin to hold them firmly in place. There is no shortage of rocks in the Southwest!

Plastic Soda Bottles for Water Bottles—Don’t be reluctant to use a plastic soda bottle for a water bottle. We have been using them for years and haven’t had one crack or puncture yet. The cap seals tightly, so no leakage problems either. They come in every size and shape you could want. They weigh much less than a traditional Nalgene bottle, and best of all they’re free.

Water Repellent/Breathable Sleeping Bag Cover—A sleeping bag cover is a useful item to have if you are concerned about rain blowing in under a tarp. We made our own bag covers using the RainShed Bivy Sack RS180 pattern, but left them open at the top. We used silnylon on the bottom and Pertex 4 on top, which is water-repellent and breathable. They weigh 7 ounces and are very versatile. Tip: You can make an inexpensive bag cover out of kite Tyvek, which is soft, cheap, and easy to sew. No need for a pattern, just sew it like an envelope with one end open. For shorter trips in fair weather, we use our bag covers instead of taking a tarp. They protect our sleeping bags from dew, and will keep us dry in a light shower. You can purchase a lightweight bag cover made by Equinox, (click on Shelters) for around $60.

Make Your Own Silnylon Stuff Sacks—Silnylon stuff sacks are available for purchase, but you can easily make your own so they are just the right size. Thru-Hiker has great instructions on how to make them. Also, consider making some of your stuff sacks out of no-see-um netting or other light mesh. They are very lightweight and you can see what's inside. Many purchased "lightweight" stuff sacks have a heavy drawcord. We use either a high quality 3/32" braided cord from a local outdoor store, or the 100# braided dacron cord that we use for our tent tieouts.