Gear Review Te Araroa

Review – Groundsheet – Window Insulation Film (review Feb 15, updated Dec 17)

Groundsheet – Window Insulation Film

Rating: 10/10

Good: Light, strong, waterproof

Bad: nil

Weight: 31 g

Description: Window Insulation Film which is a clear lightweight plastic (Polycro) that is really tough and puncture resistant. Sold in New Zealand in all Hardware stores for $25-30. The length was perfect for my tent and I cut to fit the tent floor + 30 cm for the vestibule.

Comments: This is the first time I have used a groundsheet for a tent and the first time I have used Polycro. I was very impressed with how durable this material was. It looks like flimsy plastic but took a lot of abuse. I once set up in an area that had lots of old blackberry and saw the thorns trying to pierce the polycro without success. Because of my confidence in this material I was not fussy where I put my tent up and it opened a wider range of options for my campsites.

The key reason I went with a groundsheet was to be able to pack my tent up with the bottom dry and clean. This reduces abrasion on the tent floor as you are not rolling it tightly with sticks and dirt. This Window Insulation Film exceeded my expectation and I will be using it in the future. I am even taking one traveling with me as a way to keep my sleeping bag clean if forced to camp on dirty ground/mattresses or places that might have bed bugs.

UPDATE 2017. I am still using the same groundsheet and have used this while travelling when in dodgy places that I want protection from the dirt and potential bed bugs in low budget accommodation.

 

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