A ground sheet, which should be used in combination with a tarp for casual picnics and day camping, is very useful in a variety of situations. Ground sheets are smaller and more lightweight than tarps, and you can place them on the ground under your tent or sleeping bag. Unlike conventional leisure sheets, they are highly waterproof and comfortable to sit on, and their outdoor-specific durability makes them tear-resistant and safe to use.
There are various types of groundsheets, such as large bathtub-shaped ones and those made of canvas with a great atmosphere, which can be used according to your camping style and purpose. In this issue, we will introduce a tarp-oriented groundsheet that is easy to use for outdoor and leisure activities, along with its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Using a Groundsheet for Tarps
Perfect size for seating style
Groundsheets for tarps are sized to be useful as leisure sheets, and are also recommended for picnics and seating style under tarps. Many products are easy to use for family or group camping, and are lightweight and compact enough to carry, making them perfect for use with tarps.
They also go well with the wild ground style where a campfire is the main attraction, making tarp-oriented groundsheets a useful item in a variety of situations.
The bathtub type is outstandingly comfortable
A bathtub-type groundsheet that can be raised at the edges prevents mud and dirt from getting inside, providing a sense of security and making it very comfortable to use. With only about 10 cm of rise, you can relax as if you were in your own living room.
The bathtub type is also easy to use as a ground sheet for one-pole tents that do not have skirts, and one will be a great help in outdoor activities.
Some products can also be used as a tarp
A tarp groundsheet has the advantage that it can also be used as a tarp or a camp curtain, depending on the product. Canvas sheets are resistant to campfire sparks, making them perfect as windbreaks around campfires or as tarp guards, and are recommended for rugged camping styles.
For walking camping and UL-type styles, it is easy to divert the ultra-lightweight and compact groundsheet to a tarp, making it easy to lighten your load.
Good cost performance
Many tarp-oriented groundsheets are very cost-effective and easy to incorporate. They are easy to purchase and use without hesitation when you want to casually enjoy the outdoors under a tarp, such as at a day camp or picnic.
They are useful for various leisure activities such as sports events and excursions, and purchasing several products for different uses will not affect your wallet.
Disadvantages of Using a Groundsheet for a Tarp
The choices are too wide
When it comes time to choose a tarp groundsheet, there is a huge variety of products to choose from, and the disadvantage is that there are too many choices. For a tarp groundsheet, we recommend products that match the seating or ground style, or for leisure activities such as picnics or cherry blossom viewing. It will be easier to choose a product that is designed to be used with a tarp casually.
How to Choose a Groundsheet for a Tarp
Choose a bathtub type
For a tarp groundsheet, we recommend a bathtub-type product that can be raised up at the edges for ease of use and is the right size and comfort for 2 to 4 people to sit on, making it ideal for leisure time activities such as di-camping and cherry blossom viewing. If you enjoy casual outdoor activities with family and friends, you can’t go wrong with a bathtub-type product.
Choose a canvas one
Popular for their bushcraft and rugged bivouacking styles, canvas groundsheets are also ideal for applying with tarps. The thick fabric has a paraffin coating that reinforces its waterproofing properties, and it is also to a lesser extent, impervious to the common cold air on the ground.
It is especially recommended for those who want to mainly enjoy bonfires, and is safe to use as it is less likely to be punctured by fire sparks.
Select a lightweight and compact product
If you want to lighten your luggage as much as possible, you can choose a lightweight and compact mini-sized groundsheet. It can be easily spread out while hiking or climbing and can be used as a simple tarp by using tree branches.
We also recommend mini-sized groundsheets because they come in handy in a variety of outdoor situations, and having one is extremely useful.
Select by manufacturer
Groundsheets for tarps are available from a variety of manufacturers, all of which are very easy to use and attractive. Snow peak’s living sheets are very durable and can be used in inclement weather thanks to snow peak’s unique excellent water resistance.
Coleman’s products are leisure sheets, but they also make excellent groundsheets, and their waterproof material is recommended for a variety of leisure and outdoor activities.
For canvas products, FUTUREFOX and CONCOS are available in rugged colors with a great atmosphere.
Recommended Ground Sheets for Tarps
snow peak Living Sheet TM-380
This is a bathtub-type product that allows you to enjoy a seating style under a tarp or in a shelter, and the edge rises 10cm to prevent mud and water from getting in. It is made of Snow Peak’s typical high-spec fabric, and is highly durable and waterproof. It is useful not only for camping but also for picnics, and if you have one, it will be useful in a variety of leisure and outdoor activities.
Coleman Leisure Sheet Deluxe 2000036157
This is a bundle of leisure sheets, but with its natural cloth-like feel and firm, thick fabric, it is extremely comfortable to sit on. The backing is made of waterproof PEVA material, and the bathtub shape is thick and resistant to water damage, making it useful even on rugged ground. It is easy to carry and comes with a stylish handle, making it a recommended product that can be used in a variety of situations.
The first tarp-oriented groundsheet that is very useful not only for camping but also for picnics, cherry blossom viewing, and other leisure activities, there is no harm in incorporating it into your outdoor activities. It is cosy and easy to purchase, so please refer to this article to make your choice.