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RE: [at-l] Ground Cloths

Grey Owl said "Most tents will eventually leak, especially where they come
into contact with the ground This is why one uses a ground clothe that does
not let water leak into the tent.  I personally prefer a piece of plastice
cut to fit the foot print of the tent."

I agree that overtime all tent will develop small pinprick holes in the
bottom. I have a tent that's over 20 years old with dozens of small pin
pricks in the bottom. Yet I can stay perfectly dry even in a driving
rainstorm. The primary key is in the placement of the tent. On the AT I've
seen many people setup their tents in area devoid of any forest litter or
vegetation. Also any vegetation found is quickly removed. This leaves a
pretty stark site. When rain does falls, the runoff comes down the slope and
directly under the tent.

By picking locations with plenty of forest litter, the run off is better
absorbed into the ground litter. The bottom of the tent remains clean and
relatively dry. If care is taken on the placement of the tent, no trace of
tent is left when you leave. It is quite possible to hike without the extra
wait of a ground cloth.

Ron



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