Hi, can someone tell me if Typar can be used just like Tyvek as a groundcloth? I'm not sure, it looks a little different. One side is covered with a charcoal colored fiberous spray, almost has a fiberglass look to it. I also don't know if the weight properties are even remotely similar to even consider as a groundcloth. Website is Typar

I believe Typar is a landscaping cloth. It's purpose is blocking weeds and erosion control. It's nothing like Tyvek.

Paddy, had you taken the time to look at the website that was posted, you would see that it is indeed a house wrap much like Tyvek. It's weight is listed at 3.1osy (oz. per square yard?) I do not know how that stacks up against tyvek, but it seems a little heavy to me.

ken

So it is, I stand corrected. This is the stuff I was thinking of: Typar Landscape Fabric

It seems heavy to me as well, but I'm not familiar with the actual weight of Tyvek. Was hoping to get the opinion of a construction type who might have knowledge of both. My neighbor down the street is doing a remodel and he said I could have any of his left over "Tyvek", except it turned out to be Typar. We'll see. Thanks for the replies. NCC

It is about the same weight per square yard as House Wrap Tyvek maybe a bit more. House Wrap is not really all that light. There is, however, a lightweight Tyvek available that is used for making kites and such that only weighs 1.3 oz per square yard. Check Jim Woods Base Camp website. He published an article there on making a kite screen stove windshield and he lists a source for the light Tyvek.

On Ebay, some of the steady sellers of Tyvek will list the weight per square yard. If they are selling the LW version, I'm sure they would brag about that.

According to the website, it is more waterproof and less breathable than tyvek homewrap. Tyvek comes in different types, so you would have to compare it to all to be fair. Usually the lighter Tyvek breathes better, but isn't very waterproof. Here is a chart to compare different types of Tyvek. Tyvek Types

It looks like it is significantly heavier than what is used at Quest Outfitters, referred to by Jim Woods. Quest Fitter's Tyvek is 1.2oz my "free stuff" is more than 3 oz per square yard. Oh well. Thanks all for the info. NCC

RV covers are made of varying fabrics, some of which are different types of Tyvek from my understanding. They are used to provide UV, rain, and weather protection overall.

You can still utlize the heavier fabric to make the gear you want. If it works for you then spend the money for the lighterweight Tyvek. Some folks don't care for Tyvek after all the trouble of aquiring and making the gear <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Although Tyvek is breathable and technically not waterproof, it is in fact functionally waterproof. Tyvek housewrap is very durable and commonly used for groundsheets, but its heavy . "Soft structure" Tyvek (Type 1443R) is the stuff Tyvek clothing is made of, weighs 1.3 oz/sq yd (the same as silnylon) and is functionally waterproof. My wife and I have been using it as a groundsheet for years, and Jim Wood got the idea from us. Big Sky International is now making their tent footprints of 1443R Tyvek, and one version of Tarptent's new SubLite tent is made of this same Tyvek.

You don't need to debate whether its waterproof or not, it is. We have been using it for 8 years, with no problems. A good source is Into The Wind $3.50 per yard.

The Tyvek used for envelopes is #10, which is light but stiff. Type 1443R is very soft and much better for groundsheets. You can also make an inexpensive bivy out of it; just sew it up like an envelope with one end open.