Backpacking question

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Ok, for all you backpacker out there, of which I know there are several on this board I have a question about using Tyvek for a groundcloth (footprint) for a tent. I've never used the stuff before, but have heard good things about it. I've got a plenty big piece of it which I will be cutting to size to fit my tent just as I would a plastic groundcloth.

I have two main questions. 1- which side do you put up, and which side toward the ground? I know that on houses we put the wording towards the outside (i.e. toward the weather) but I'm uncertain about which side to put toward the ground. Having the wording down would make the most logic to me, however I could be wrong. 2- for those of you who have used Tyvek for a groundcloth what have you found to be drawbacks? Are there any solutions for those shortcomings?

Any help would be appriciated. If all else fails I can take the visquine (plastic sheeting) groundcloth that I have now, but Tyvek sure is lightweight. I don't have the option of getting a fitted footprint from the manufacturer (Marmot) since this is a discontinued tent. I even spent a good 1/2 hour speaking with a very nice lass in the repair department who was trying to locate one for me.

Thanks for you help,
Mitch

[Kerr the Walker]

I have never thought to use tyvek for a ground cloth but it makes a ton of sense. I've only ever used the thick plastic sheeting from the hardware store. Tyvek certainly would be lighter.

My only concern would that it might tear more easily than the heavier stuff, but I may be way off on that. Solution to that could be to carry a backup. With the weigjht savings you still may end up ahead.

I would agree that "out" side down makes the most sense but would love to hear from any tjat have tried it too.

[Dan R Porter]

It is mmy experience that tyvek tears easily. But thats just me. I am switching to a hammock for my backpacking here soon. They are so much lighter for ultralight packing, and much more comfy! And you can be your own vestibule for your gear! I doubt I would put anything food/waste material under me in bear country though.

[cavscout]

Check these two articles

Article 1

Article 2

Lots of other great info on HammockForums.net and Whiteblaze.net

PS, I'm a hammock hanger also and highly recommend it over ground dwelling

[ForresterModern]

From reading Cavscout's articles it appears that regular tyvek is not a waterproof barrier, but that version used for sheathing houses is. If the latter is what you are using, other than its inherent weakness to puncture ant tearing, I think Tyvek wouold make a wonderful undercloth for a nylon tent. The purpose of an undercloth is to prevent moisture from the ground coming up through the bottom of your tent to moisten the underside of your sleeping gear, thereby diminishing its thermal effectiveness. The waterproff tyvek seems to be able to do that job, and likely at alighter weight than a standard poly footprint. One word of advice--make sure that your foot print is at least an inch or two smaller than your actual tent's footprint so there is non of it showing after you drop your tent on top of it. If any shows, and it rains or dews heavily, that water will run on top of the undercloth and get under your tent directly, leading to moisture issues getting into the floor of your tent and anything resting thereon. A waterproof tent footprint should always be slightly smaller than the tent itself, covering mostly the areas where you plan to step, place objects on the floor, and sleep.

[The Barry]

I wouldn't use tyvek. Tent footprints are usually made in the same or a similar fabric to the tent itself. This material will be more tear resistant and puncture proof than tyvek. Tyvek is a fairly fragile garment, and I wouldn't use it as a ground cover.

[Standard]

Thanks for the insight guys. Has anyone on this site actually used Tyvek?
Normally I use a footprint that is made specifically for the tent from (usaully) coated nylon. In the event that is not available, as is the case for my Marmot Titan 3 tent then I cut a sheet of visquine plastic about 3 inches smaller on each side that the actual floor of the tent. I've never had any issues with this in all of my backpacking. However, I've heard many good things about the Tyvek and was hoping to get some input from folks who have actually used the stuff.
The advise you all have posted has been helpful, keep 'em coming. Thanks again all.