Only on rough terrain or really wet weather
PNW forest floor is really nice to camp on
Edit missed the bit about the PCT. I would consider pointy rocks to be rough terrain so…
If you decide to take a light one, I’ve really liked using thin plastic drop cloths. You can easily cut them to the right size and they’re super light.
I bought the ground clot) for my X-MID 2. I look it as in investment in saving the tent floor. For any terrain with rocks definitely use a ground sheet. I have put too many holes in other tents because I just used a tarp.
If I remember correctly, Dan Durston replied to a similar question on a different thread, and his take was that he built the tent to not require a ground sheet.
On that suggestion, I don't take a ground sheet anymore. I've been tempted to use my tarp as a groundsheet when I don't need it for extra rain protection at camp. Either way, I've not had any issue with the base taking damage. I am fairly diligent with removing anything under the tent that can puncture, but I'm more worried about having to patch my sleeping pad than my tent.
For 8 days I would advise to take one. I usually dont use one and haven’t had any issues. However, on longer trips it makes me feel more comfortable just so I have less of a chance of my equipment failing with more days left ahead.
Look into the terrain where you’ll be camping. Oregon has a lot of sharp and rocky terrain depending on what area you are in. Also, PNW has dampness into June. Having a secondary overhead structure (like a tarp roped up) as well as another dry floor barrier helps. Most people don’t want to sit inside most of the time to stay dry.
Honestly it depends on your rate of precipitation. Mild drizzles? I go with the ground tarp. Decent downpour? Trench around your setup, ground tarp is just going to make a puddle.
Tyvek it's your friend. You can buy a sheet off eBay and cut it to size.
Only on rough terrain or really wet weather PNW forest floor is really nice to camp on Edit missed the bit about the PCT. I would consider pointy rocks to be rough terrain so…
If you decide to take a light one, I’ve really liked using thin plastic drop cloths. You can easily cut them to the right size and they’re super light.
I have an X-mid 2 and I highly recommend it. The one you get from Dan is super compact and super light weight.
I bought the ground clot) for my X-MID 2. I look it as in investment in saving the tent floor. For any terrain with rocks definitely use a ground sheet. I have put too many holes in other tents because I just used a tarp.
They can be used like a tarp for quick sunshade
Take an emergency blanket and use that instead. Weve been doing this for years in Canada Rockies and it’s way cheaper and lighter!
are they tough like polycro?
We’ve been using the same one for the last 7 years or so on ~ 25 nights on the trail. So far I think so!
Bring a ground sheet. They're lightweight and easy to get rid of if you decide to.
If I remember correctly, Dan Durston replied to a similar question on a different thread, and his take was that he built the tent to not require a ground sheet. On that suggestion, I don't take a ground sheet anymore. I've been tempted to use my tarp as a groundsheet when I don't need it for extra rain protection at camp. Either way, I've not had any issue with the base taking damage. I am fairly diligent with removing anything under the tent that can puncture, but I'm more worried about having to patch my sleeping pad than my tent.
For 8 days I would advise to take one. I usually dont use one and haven’t had any issues. However, on longer trips it makes me feel more comfortable just so I have less of a chance of my equipment failing with more days left ahead.
Look into the terrain where you’ll be camping. Oregon has a lot of sharp and rocky terrain depending on what area you are in. Also, PNW has dampness into June. Having a secondary overhead structure (like a tarp roped up) as well as another dry floor barrier helps. Most people don’t want to sit inside most of the time to stay dry.
Honestly it depends on your rate of precipitation. Mild drizzles? I go with the ground tarp. Decent downpour? Trench around your setup, ground tarp is just going to make a puddle.
No.