Clip-in Tyvek footprint?

[Strider]

A while ago I attempted to make a clip in Tyvek footprint for my TT Scarp 1. I put eyelets in the corners with short loops of 3mm shockcord that attached to the lower hooks shared by the inner tent. However, the eyelets tore out of the Tyvek after about 5 minutes! Can anyone suggest a better method to attach tie-outs to Tyvek? I know there are various glues and tapes out there, but I definitely don't want to spend a fortune for the sake of a footprint that stays put.

[Davidf61]

I folded the Tyvek over itself in the corners [ small triangle back on itself ] and then used PVA wood glue to stick it together. Then punched eyelet thru the two layers, seems very strong. Give it a couple of days to set.

[Strider]

Thanks David that is very helpful. I wonder if it would be worth sandwiching some thicker material in that triangle to help reduce the direct strain on the Tyvek?

The footprint I am using currently came with my tent and was originally supplied by Tarptent I believe. Have just ordered a piece of Homewrap tonight from Lady McGuyvey so hopefully that gives better results.

[Avatar]

Eyelets sound a bit under spec. Try 12mm grommets. I hem the edges by folding and PVA gluing about 3 or 4 cm in width. I used a hex shape.
Get a crisp fold before gluing and set with light even pressure for a couple of hours. Let the glue set for 2 days. You can try gluing pieces over the tear outs.
Use a sharp punch to make a clean hole for the grommet to sit in well back from the edge. You could get a 4-thickness in the corner (OK for 1443R),
or 2-thicknesss if you trim some or cut a diagonal section on corner before folding.

Caveat: Feels and looks strong but I haven't tested them yet. Intended only as a cheap peggable groundsheet with tarp options.
Might have a use as a shelter for a drizzly lunch stop or shade in high UV with 2 trekking poles and guys. Use your tent pegs or rocks.

[Strider]

Eyelets were 5mm or so. What's the difference between eyelets and grommets?

[Avatar]

There it is. The grommets are about 2.5cm diameter. Internal hole is 12mm. Much greater surface contact area on fabric and will probably take a larger thickness fabric as well. Trekking pole tips will just fit.
Bit of an art to how much you hammer. Kit has swage and die and a blunt hole punch. 4 firm taps are about right with die.
Hard not to split the grommet as it folds over.
I used a small conical stone on a drill to sharpen the inside of the concave punch. Bewdy.

[Franco]

my version :

Shock cord, hot glue and gaffer tape.
You will need longer loops for the Scarp.

[Strider]

Thanks Franco. How long has been held up so far?

The length of the loops will depend on what size the footprint is cut.

[Strider]

Just took delivery of some Tyvek Homewrap from Lady McGuyver. This stuff is completely different to the Tarp tent supplied footprint! It maybe 1443R perhaps? Texture is very similar to paper, no distinct grain/pattern like the Homewrap.

[Franco]

How long has been held up so far?

I did that 2-4 years ago (?) but only used it on some backyard test.
I don't use a groundsheet myself.
I have purchased locally 3 different types of home wrap, none like the one from TT (T34052).
The 1443R type feels like cloth, looks like this :

[Strider]

That looks nothing like the 1443R car cover I had a few years ago.

The T34052 (assuming thats what TT supplied) is horrible stuff. Picks up dirt and can't even get it off in the wachine machine with detergent!