Groundsheets for camping, or ground tarpaulins, are used as a floor when camping.
Most camping resorts do not allow tarpaulins or sheets that are solid and do not breathe, as that kills the grass on the camping sites. But many resorts do not have grass or provide paved camping sites, so they are less strict about the type of groundsheet used.
What are groundsheets made of?
Camping ground sheets are tarpaulins made from high-density polyethylene or nylon mesh.
A groundsheet is a netted or meshed fabric that is used as a base on which a tent is erected. Groundsheets serve to protect tents against rough surfaces and caravanners use them as a ground cover or camping carpet inside caravan tents.
For this reason, groundsheets need to be made from durable material that can withstand wear and tear outdoors.
The use of Polyurethane in camping groundsheets
Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile polymer (a large molecule of petroleum-based plastic) that is water-resistant and is often used in camping groundsheets because of its durability.
It is used to coat or laminate the fabric of solid camping groundsheets, which helps to protect the groundsheet from wear and tear.
In South Africa, groundsheet usually refers to a nylon net also used as a shade net over carports and as shading in agriculture. Netting is preferred because most camping resorts require that the grass on their camping sites be allowed to grow. Solid groundsheets kill the grass.
Advantages of using polyurethane camping groundsheets
Polyurethane camping groundsheets are durable which ensures that campers can use a sheet for many years.
Polyurethane groundsheets are lightweight and easy to pack, making them ideal for caravan campers with limited space.
Groundsheets or nets are resistant to tears but they have no resistance to fire and they melt easily.
How to care for and maintain a polyurethane camping groundsheet
Cleaning a camping groundsheet
Most campers clean their groundsheet with water and a fabric detergent such as washing powder. Some use a high-pressure washer to clean the detergent. There are campers who take their groundsheet to the carwash to have it cleaned with their high-pressure washers.
I don’t clean my groundsheet after every camp, but when it gets too dusty or starts showing marks we put it in a large municipal dustbin with detergent and water. I then get into the dustbin and dance on the net.
After a few minutes of dancing, we hang it on the clothesline and rinse it well with a hosepipe. It then hangs until it is completely dry.
Storing and protecting groundsheets when not in use
Because groundsheets are made from polyurethane, it does not like direct sunlight or being stored in a damp container.
Camping ground sheets can be stored open if it folds well or in a custom-made bag if you prefer your camping gear protected.
Nylon groundsheets
Nylon groundsheets or nets are preferred by caravan campers in South Africa.
There is no scientific or other reason for it, other than nylon nets are mostly found in outdoor and camping shops.
The advantages of nylon
Nylon can deflect and withstand higher temperatures than polyurethane and it has better chemical resistance which makes it resistant to oils such as cooking oil.
Nylon is one of the versatile products made from petroleum-based raw materials and has a silk-like appearance and texture.
Nylon can be melt-processed into fibres, films or shapes. It is used in clothing, as reinforcement of other materials such as rubber in car tyres, injection-moulded parts and as rope or thread.
As a thread or rope, nylon is used to make mesh groundsheets.
Nylon is stronger and more stretchable than polyester, so it is more often used in making groundsheets although it is more expensive. Nylon also colours well while polyester rejects dye.
Nylon makes the best groundsheets and is more often used in manufacturing camping groundsheets for the hard South African soil where most campers park their caravans and pitch their tents.
Canvas
Canvas is not used in groundsheet manufacturing due to the durability and popularity of synthetic fibres.
Because canvas cannot be used as netting, it is impractical for use in South African camping resorts due to the need to protect the grass on campsites.
Last remarks about groundsheets for camping
There is a move towards paved camping sites in South Africa.
Many campers do not use groundsheets when camping on paving, but most still prefer groundsheets and will continue using them.
Groundsheets are the nearest thing to a camping carpet and help campers keep their living space clean and homely.