I call it….The Draft Dodger
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Well, I won't be hiding from the army draft, but I hopefully will be hidden from the drafts while sleeping under a tarp.
While tarping this winter, I was using a simple plastic sheet as a groundsheet. Light and simple, but I often found my feet sliding off the edge, and drafts while tarping in the winter can suck. So, I decided to fix my problems.
Its essentially a groundsheet with an uncovered footbox, adjustable side walls, and a pillow pocket to keep your noggin dry and happy. I like the pillow pocket because I can put small things up there like my headlamp, gloves, and any other miscellaneous items that I don't want migrating onto the ground during the night. Tapered at feet and head. Could be especially helpful when using a quilt. But, um Travis, why don't you just use a regular bivy? I'm not an incredibly sweaty dude, but for some reason I've always pumped out a lot of moisture at night while sleeping. I have no need for extra trapped moisture. Plus, it will be added splash protection.
I used regular silnylon, some cord locks, shock cord, and a wee bit of grosgrain for a loop for the shock cord. I'd like to thank John at Bear Paw for the incredibly fast shipping of my materials.
BTW, I hate silnylon. Sewing it sucks. Some of you are magicians with this stuff, but me? Some of my hems look like I did this drunk. However, the hems are sturdy and sound, so that's what really matters. Oh, and sorry for the crappy pictures. It's late here so my cell phone camera isn't too keen on the dim lighting.
Anyways, it was a learning project and I hope to try the real world practicality of this out soon. Comments welcome, but if you insult me, you owe me a case of beer. :)
Oh yeah……135 grams.
William- Thanks!
Doug- You don't have cuben bed sheets, do you? :)
Craig- It wasn't too hard to design and I'm sure you can figure something out, but I can post dimensions if you want.
Todd- "Character infused seams." Love it!
Ben- No patent. I'll put the pattern up when I get around to it.
Ty Ty- This will mostly be used in winter and shoulder seasons where bugs won't be a problem, so a netted shelter isn't a concern for me. I use a mesh inner and tarp or a Double Rainbow in buggy conditions. I either use an MLD Trailstar or HMG Echo I tarp. I have full bug inners for both of those, but my groundsheet will be used when bugs are gone.
D Johnson- I am also curious to see if the tall walls will have a big effect on condensation. Time to test it!
Brad- Thanks, yeah, I could cut off that extra fabric where the seams were made. Could save 3 grams!! :)
Ty Ty (second post)- "I just don't see the point in having all the different components, fuss of setting up the different pieces." The nice thing about this is that you just throw it down like a ground sheet. No fuss! I only plan on pulling up the walls if necessary.
David- I should have had some beer DURING the process, not just after. I'll get nice and buzzed when I make my wife's. :D
Gregory- Thanks, and yes, I can put the plans up.
Clayton- Yes I think you could add a top for modularity, but since I always sleep under a tarp I don't think its too necessary. However, I thought about making a mesh top for it for bug season….
RE: Contrail- I really still like that shelter and had I the slightest need, I'd get one. It would serve a different purpose than a groundsheet and tarp though.
1. This takes 3 yards of fabric. All measurements include a 1" seam/hem allowance because I ended up double rolling my hems.
2. For the pillow pocket, I finished all edges then folded it up on itself so the pocket is 8" long at each seam. Since the groundsheet is tapered, it creates more of a pocket when you sew this together.
3. for the foot box, I matched up the corners and measured in 3.5", then sewed at a diagonal down to where the bottom corner was. Note that some edges weren't finished because they didn't need to be. This is "inside out" to clarify.
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