Tent Footprint Test: Tyvek vs Polycryo vs Cuben fibre (DCF)

If you are wondering which if any of these materials to use under the tent to protect your inflatable sleeping mat when wild camping, hopefully this video will help! UPDATE: I just tested the 43 gsm 'soft feel' lightweight Tyvek to see how it compared...3 tests 70-90 g force to puncture. It seems to have a semi perforated finish, so it depends which bit a prickle touches, but it feels a bit like fabric and not shiny like normal Tyvek, so less likely to deflect prickles too!

[@DiabloOutdoors]

This is absolutely not scientific, but you know what? The difference is so big, that your test is good enough for me. Well done my friend!

[@rkatrails]

That was a very good test, loved it! In the past I've favored Tyvek but didn't like the bulk. I then bought the matching groundsheet for my tent because it also has corner straps to stake out together with a sheet of polycrco for redundancy. You make a good point that the tent manufacturers ground sheets aren't necessarily puncture proof, so the polycryco redundancy will help. But Tyvek is the clear winner here.

[@MinackerMovies]

I just tested the 43 gsm 'soft and light' Tyvek to see how it compared...3 tests 70-90 g force to puncture.

[@martinerhard8447]

another interesting test would be washed hardstructure tyvek. some people put it in the washer to make it softer and less noisy

[@MinackerMovies]

@@martinerhard8447 I tried this, 3 normal washes mixed in with clothes which softened and reduced the crinkle noise...the pierce resistance came out much the same, but just not so slippery, shiny and deflective for angled prickles perhaps.

[@martinerhard8447]

@@MinackerMovies this is interesting.i always thought the pierce resistance could go down dramatically

[@peternewman1609]

@@MinackerMovies Thank you for your helpful video! What weight/style of tyvek did you test in the video? (The type with resistance of 150-200g).

[@MinackerMovies]

@@peternewman1609 Hi, I believe it is 63gsm Housewrap, not the soft 43gsm or the Supro that is about twice the weight.

[@geezer8484]

have often wondered which would be best but would never have thought of this experiment. Thanks for sharing

[@imatt6566]

Excellent comparison test. Currently making the decision which to use. This is very useful information.

[@mikeroy6713]

Of all the ground sheet research I’ve done I wish I’d come across this first. Thanks Professor!

[@eaglessj]

Excellent test, I use tyvek and I’m glad to see that it works 4 times better than a much more expensive DCF ground sheet.

[@_..____]

Super interesting test. Thank you for showing this.

[@evangelist2251]

I knew there was lighter options but I always felt Tyvek just works very well for the weight and this confirms it. If you use inflatable pads carrying Tyvek for just a few ounces more might save you from having to fix your pad in the middle of the night. Going ultralight is great with some things but other's it's just better to have slight more durability, in my humble opinion.

[@MinackerMovies]

Agreed, I use Tyvek for the same reason and I did the test out of curiosity as several people were saying how good polycryo is.

[@evangelist2251]

@@MinackerMovies another thing I use a ground cloth for is when we take a break I like to lay it down and that polycro looks like it would be harder to get it to lay flat and be durable in sticks and whatnot. It just looks like using glorified Saran wrap. Haha. Thank you so much for doing this video. I was considering trying out the poly but now, not so much.

[@LostBoy1026]

Great test well done! I've always used tyvek. I was going to try out polycryo but I guess this video answered that lol. Thanks for the video and demonstration.

[@AndreFB69]

Thanks a lot for sharing! as the saying goes down here in my country: "against the facts, there's no arguments".

[@AlZSurvival]

Thank you!

[@underdgk9]

Great starting point. However, we don't need the most puncture resistant material in all situations. The performance threshold of polycro is sufficient in many scenarios and at significantly lower weight. Like all gear, different characteristics are desirable in different situations, knowing performance qualities allows for best choices.

[@MinackerMovies]

Agreed, if you know the place you're going to. I go on treks from 1 to 6 weeks over mountain and valley so never sure what to expect along the way and don't want a flat mat so take the most protective for the weight.

[@underdgk9]

​@MinackerMovies Yes, indeed. Along those lines of thinking, I often travel in a wetland filled with wild rose and blackberry briars that send hidden canes and nascent sprouts up in the surrounding grasses, completely invisible to the unwary trekker. When pitching-up there I use an even more puncture resistant plastic that has the added benefit of having a thermally reflective silver aluminized-type coating. I don't know the precise name but it's available in the UK at Treadlite Gear. It's distinguished from it's lesser mylar brother by being thicker and having a rip-stop reinforceing grid. It's quite lightweight and has the ability to deflect those nasty hidden thorns!

[@MinackerMovies]

Thanks, I'll check that out.

[@acnud]

Thanks for this information, I have used the poly in the past (got some cheap in pound stretcher) but will change to tyvek now. No point saving weight if it won't save your tent floor.

[@pressurechangerecord]

Great comparison. We can now do our own experiments with different materials and different sizes of pins, needles, sharp things etc.. 👍

[@juggler99999]

the only really useful video about tyvek vs polycryo

[@MinackerMovies]

Thank you!

[@kke]

I'm curious to know if polycro under something like 20d silnylon, which is the bottom of many tents, actually in a meaningful way prevents puncturing the silnylon. If you put on vinyl gloves, I bet you can push your finger through something like let's say styrofoam without breaking the glove and without meaningful difference in the force required to do so. My logic says it will be the same with polycro, the material wraps around the sharp object like a condom, only slightly dulling the tip of it, allowing it to still puncture your tent or the sleeping pad. Using a polycro ground sheet will still likely lengthen the lifespan of your tent because there's less abrasion, but I have a hunch it doesn't add much to puncture resistance.

[@marciomarcelogross6353]

Excelente comparação, parabéns pelo vídeo. Brasil.

[@NewBookz]

Thanks, well done!

[@DorsetPiper.]

Good info. I use tyvek if want light load out ( large rectangle I can double up) but also cut up old tent groundsheet (redundant one or cheap charity shop purchase) to size and jiggle /sow eyelets in as need. Cheers.

[@lynchetts]

Very interesting

[@navelaviator18]

Tyvek may have won the piercing test but it's still heavy! What I found interesting was that polycryo was nearly on par with cuban fiber with this piercing test! Polycryo is like $10 for a sheet that you can cut/shape and It weighs in at around an ounce or two. CF is usually hemmed so you can't shape it as easily. It can cost anywhere between $60 to $100+ for a pre-made ground sheet and can weigh anywhere from 4oz to 6oz and up.

[@MinackerMovies]

I included cuben fibre not as a suggested footprint, but because it is often used as a tent bathtub floor and some claim it is puncture resistant, as some claim polycryo is puncture resistant. All 3 materials tested are puncture resistant to an extent but tyvek will best protect an airmat, so for me it is worth carrying.

[@DenisThibeault]

Thanks for this great demonstration. What thickness was the DCF in this experiment?

[@MinackerMovies]

To be honest, I'm not sure about the DCF thickness, it was a spare cube fibre stuff sack, didn't want to try it on my real groundsheet!

[@petergilbert72]

Thanks for this. I recently bought a Tarptent with a very thin feeling nylon floor. I think it needs some protection as I sometimes pitch on stone or abrasive rock. I have an old Hilleberg footprint which is of similar size to my new tent but weighs around 220g. I was interested in perhaps saving a couple of hundred grams with polycro but seeing its poor performance I defo prefer Tyvek! But I’ve read that Tyvek is crinkly but you can wash and crush it to rid it of its crunchy sound - but any wrinkles absorb water. Tyvek is moderately heavy it seems so, for the sake of 100g or so weight difference, I’ve decided therefore to keep my Hille footprint and adapt that as the most assured all round solution. 😃 Btw I was surprised at how poorly the DCF performed. It’s oft reported that DCF isn’t resistant to abrasion but that it is ‘strong’. Easy puncturing suggests it’s not that strong.

[@MinackerMovies]

I have no idea how good the Hille footprint is but generally the woven fabrics pierce quite readily. The softened Tyvek loses pierce resistance too, it seems to be the shiny surface and stiffness that provide the 'glancing off' and the 'tough to pierce' effects. I find the crinkling is only whilst getting in the tent, then once flattened with sleeping mat, bag etc it's ok.

[@petergilbert72]

@@MinackerMovies thanks. Hilleberg don’t publish details for their footprints but their floor material is triple polyurethane coated nylon with a 15/20m hydrostatic head described as “highly puncture & abrasion resistant”. Of course, my second hand footprint may be quite old so its powers will be less.

[@tarawilliams6041]

Thank you! I'll stick with my Tyvek.

[@thomaslcrawford]

Excellent test and video! Thank you for putting the test together and showing us each of the offerings out there. I'm curious is window tinting film is also an option given it is a bit thicker?

[@MinackerMovies]

Thank you. I've never tried actual window film, but I think people have said it is the same as polycryo, but don't take my word for it.🤔

[@Tanko3691]

@@MinackerMovies Similar material but the cost difference is significant I would think.

[@kosmatifizik]

I wanted to comment that dyneema is woven, but it turns out its not! Interesting results. It would be nice to also test the lighter 1443r tyvek variety. Also i think a scratching test might be closer to real world conditions. Any idea how to do that?

[@cowabunka]

thx for piercing that cuban fibre! and now we know

[@clayb.6077]

Hi I have a question. I've done a lot of personal testing on differnt tents of how the fabric degrades over time . my last experiment was I took a new lime green hyke& byke Zion 2p and left it set up in my back yard for 10 months. The 63d fabric went from a bright green to white and became brittle. My question is , is the tyvek alot heavier than the dyneema ? I wonder if you could put a waterproof coating on it and make a rain fly out if it. . I've not had any dyneema before to test and have been looking for dyneema fabric alternatives that isn't so expensive.

[@MinackerMovies]

Tyvek is definitely heavier than dyneema, at a guess around double. It is pretty tough, I have made a couple of small bags from it (sewn) and even printed a waterproof map on the white side of A4 of it on an hp printer. It is already waterproof I think you will find, just seams will need proofing. People have made bivi bags from it successfully. It sounds like you have a new project coming on!

[@clayb.6077]

@@MinackerMovies I had an idea. If they could turn tyvek into a thread and I know I've seen a ad that mentions a Japanese company that can weave things in a new way to make things stronger. I feel you could make what I call tyvek ultralight weave. That would be like a synthetic cloth that's waterproof. Very strong and possibly add a UV resistant component that wouldn't degrade as fast over time. Also be a cheaper option than dyneema for tents.

[@Tanko3691]

Good video. I have a question, I would be interested to know what results you could acheive IF a) the polycryo was pre-shrunk (its intended state) before cutting to shape and b) The Tyvek was pre-washed, which I notice people have done to make them softer less crinkley.

[@MinackerMovies]

I don't know about the polycryo. If the Tyvek is washed it does get softer and less crinkly but also less able to deflect thorns as it loses its hard surface shine.

[@Tanko3691]

@@MinackerMovies Thanks for the reply, if you have any spare time and a piece of polycryo hanging about it would be interesting to hit it with the hairdryer and do your puncture test again see what results you yield...that would make a good Part 2 to your video.

[@njg5942]

Loved the quantitative, replicated approach-thanks! I’d add that the average downward force exerted by the tent occupant is likely to exceed all of those values, so not sure that the large observed differences will mean as much as we’d like with regard to punctures. A chafing test would prob yield similar results, however. A water proofing test would prob yield the reverse order. Match the material to the most likely conditions I guess.

[@repetition5674]

Would it be possible to compare the three different materials for warmth/cold (as well as wind resistance)? I am thinking of making a full tent from polycryo - it is so cheap (yes not very private). There will probably be issues of noise from the rain/wind. many thanks

[@MinackerMovies]

I doubt there would be a lot of difference, but what I can tell you is that the polycryo is not very strong and rips easily if caught on anything sharp, I reckon if you tried to sew it it would rip from the stitch holes. Tyvek is strong and can be sewn and of course dcf is very strong.

[@repetition5674]

Thanks so much for your prompt and thoughtful reply MM. Much appreciated. I am thinking of taping rather than sewing.

[@JediStockTrader]

Have you tried it yet?

[@Big-Government-Is-The-Problem]

which type of tyvek was used in the test in the video? i see a website selling "Type 10 Hard Structure Tyvek. Weight: 1 linear ft (1’x 9′) = 1.9 oz / 54 gr" is that the same type? this website has many different lengths and widths so thats good but im not sure if its the same build quality as the one you used. also what type of Dyneema was used? was it 1.0 oz/sqyd

[@MinackerMovies]

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283866816990

[@hubby-tubadventures01]

Saw a vid of a guy doing his own tyvek foot print. he stated it was very noisy and to beat this noise he put the finished sheet in a washing machine. Have you done this with yours to quieten it and if so does it change the prick test results?

[@MinackerMovies]

I heard that too but not tried it. I dont find it too noisy but I suspect that softening and taking off the shell like feel may make it less likely to deflect thorns

[@hubby-tubadventures01]

@@MinackerMovies Speedy reply, thanks. There was also a reply to one of the vids I watched suggesting that they can be tumble dried with a couple of tennis balls to soften too. Do you have a link for the Tyvek product that you use for your mat? Currently in the process of buying a ground mat and think I will go the Tyvek way.

[@MinackerMovies]

@@hubby-tubadventures01 I get mine from Ebay, not sure which seller but usually about £6 for 2.5x1.5m with some Tyvek tape and bungee loops, which I don't use.

[@hubby-tubadventures01]

@@MinackerMovies is this the right product www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tyvek-Housewrap-breather-Membrane-2-8m-Wide-by-the-metre-Cheapest-anywhere/283896942603?hash=item421993900b:g:Gr0AAOSwsG9ervXz ?

[@MinackerMovies]

@@hubby-tubadventures01 This is where I bought mine, lots of folks selling stuff on there now. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tyvek-ultralite-groundsheet-footprint-tarp-Per-metre-1-4m-wide-63g-sq-m/282511928071?hash=item41c705eb07:g:J3UAAOSwcndZuP4N

[@MarianBobolny]

I wish you had tested tyvek+cuben fibre in the same time (as two layers). I am wondering whether the durability would be doubled

[@MinackerMovies]

I don't think so, the dyneema is fibrous strands between thin 'plastic' sheet. It's strength is when under tension due to the fine fibres, not from the sheet which holds them together.

[@StephaneArcher]

can you try with an emergency blanket?

[@MinackerMovies]

I think you'll find it similar to the Polycryo

[@jimmys60ny]

They saw you coming when you bought that polycro. It's less than 10 quid a pack in Wickes (which is top price store) and you can cut 4 single person tent sheets out of a pack. It may fail the prick test but its great on rough ground. I tend to clear the area with a branch or my feet before setting up my Tarp and wouldn't set up too close to a thorn hedge anyway. But that's the beauty of this hobby, there's a lot of choice and twice as many decisions to make. I may still give tyvec a go if I find a builder with a bit spare,.

[@MinackerMovies]

There are different grades of Polycryo, this was the thick version, the thinner type is commonly available in shops and cheaper. Beware, I've had punctures (before using Tyvek) not from hedge thorns or gorse as they are visible, but sharp common prickles. growing among grass.

[@jimmys60ny]

@@MinackerMovies do you mean like thistles😭. Not had that problem with polycro, so far, no doubt it'll happen. One absolute certainty with polycro is it is 100% watertight. I've heard Tyvec can leak through creases or after it's been softened in a washing machine, do you have any experience of that?

[@MinackerMovies]

I only use the Tyvek under the tent groundsheet so if it does leak at creases I don't know, but I don't think so. The softer type and washing to soften the std type means reduced prickle proofing. I think the harder shinier surface helps deflect angled prickles. I tested the softer type, it's significantly less prickle proof!!

[@drumlabyoutubechannel]

question is: what is the thickness of the 3 samples ? do they all have the same thickness ?

[@MinackerMovies]

Yes I can see your point and no they are not. The fact is you cannot choose to buy them in the same thickness and if you could there would likely be no weight advantage in the polycryo. My aim was to give a comparison of the materials people are using for their tent footprints and see which provides the best protection because it’s not all about weight.

[@drumlabyoutubechannel]

@@MinackerMovies you can also try out poluyrethane and PVC which are available with different thicknesses

[@greatwhite88]

I wash my tyvek a few times before I use it. Makes it very quiet people/ animals won’t here you for miles 😂

[@MinackerMovies]

Just be aware that if you lose the harder shiny surface it's less likely to deflect thorns.

[@user-zq9xh4rc3c]

i ALWAYS compromise weight for durability

[@MrJimmywalton]

Does it matter which side of the tyvec goes to the ground?

[@MinackerMovies]

No, I tend to put the same side down every time so the other stays clean.

[@MrJimmywalton]

MinackerMovies the reason I ask is because when installed in a pitched roof the printed side faces outwards. I was wondering if it might collect water under the tent.

[@MinackerMovies]

@@MrJimmywalton Interesting, not sure why, unless breathability works better one way? Never had an issue white side down.

[@MinackerMovies]

I found this on a backpackinglite posting where someone did their homework... "…calling Tyvek just to be sure and they said the house wrap is "non-directional," so it can be installed anyway you want".

[@MrJimmywalton]

Must be right then. Apparently it’s breathable like Gortex. I can see how it would stop sharp things penetrating the the tent floor. I was just wondering if it would allow rain to puddle between the tent floor and the Tyvek. I did an experiment with my breathable ground sheet and it held water both ways round. So the question is whether it makes it more likely to have water coming up through the tent floor?

[@millanferende6723]

0:53 - no it doesn't, mine weights 120g for 150x200cm. You need to get "soft Tyvek 43g/m2". Not the heavier ones. That is very important. :) Good video, thank you for that!

[@kosmatifizik]

But it would also make it less resistant. Right?

[@spuriouseffect]

I put a 25 gram piece of reflective mylar under the tent, and a 50 gram pad under the neoair xlite. Both cost less than a quid.

[@willsmith7475]

cool what is the 50 gram pad?

[@spuriouseffect]

@@willsmith7475 That one in the link that I sent you is just the first one I found. I bought a bunch of them when they were a quid, but now I think the cheapest you can find them is 4 quid. I just cut the grommets and shock cord off of them and was left with a tough, waterproof sit-pad/underpad.

[@spuriouseffect]

​@@willsmith7475 I guess links aren't allowed to be posted on youtube anymore because the one I sent you was deleted. Anyway, it's just one of those cheap silver reflective sunscreens that you put inside your windshield to keep your car cool on sunny days.

[@willsmith7475]

@@spuriouseffect that's a great idea, thank you for taking the time to share it

[@DL-zp3fk]

I just use a heavy tarp and keep it moving.

[@Im_With_Stupid]

Dyneema is good material for walls, but awful material for floors. Not only does it have poor puncture resistance, it has even worse abrasion resistance. It always amuses me to see people say things like "I have a Dyneema tent. I don't need a ground sheet because Dyneema is stronger than nylon or polyester!" while being the very people who need them the most. Or they say "My tent is Dyneema. I don't need a ground sheet because Dyneema is waterproof!", never minding the primary function of a ground sheet is not moisture resistance. You CAN get a strong Dyneema floor, but the weight, bulk and cost of it just to be comparable with a woven material makes it pointless.

[@MinackerMovies]

To be honest, I prefer Dyneema to the usual silnylon for the tent floor itself because the silicon stuff is too slippy. Tyvek is good protection under any material.