Would you recommend a groundsheet?

[TurtleTracker]

I'm debating different rain gear for a thru-hike and zpaks sells a cuben fiber poncho that can be used as a pack cover and a groundsheet. I like this item because it's so lightweight and I've had decent luck with poncho's in the past. However, it's also probably the most expensive poncho I've ever seen. I feel like as someone in a hammock, a groundsheet could be beneficial because it gives you a place to put things under the hammock (including a place to sit) while keeping it clean/dry. I can justify the purchase if it really does offer a three in one use.

My question to you hangers is, do you see a benefit to having a groundsheet?

Also feel free to comment on my choice of rain gear if you feel inclined, I'm not above any advice.

Here is a link to the groundsheet:
http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/gr...t_poncho.shtml

[Floridahanger]

I like it except for groundsheet. Anything on the ground, I don't want to possibly damage if I'm depending on it for shelter. I would use it for poncho, pack cover and UQP(under quilt protector) and get a ground specific cover for under the hammock.

[jwright]

get a ground specific cover for under the hammock.

A piece of tyvex works great, cheap and easily replaceable.

[kayak karl]

for long distance, NO i never used one. just one more of those things that "weights nothing" i never left anything on the ground at night. food bag hung and empty pack hanging from suspension with my shoes.

[UrsaMajor1887]

Since taking to the air, I too have taken my gear up with me and do the and as kayak Karl and have not looked back.

As a hammock camper, I find I pay less attention to what is on the ground under me then I did when picking I was choosing a spot to sleep on the ground. I have woke up in the morning with 2-3" of standing water (it rained pretty hard that night) under my hammock and was glad I didn't leave my pack or shoes on the ground. I saw a video of a guy in his hammock and in the morning water was flowing over the ground under his hammock, like a river of surface water you would see on a trail in heavy rain. My shoes would have easily washed away in that situation.

[gary_pro]

Shug has a YouTube video on this topic. He has a piece of plastic that he's had for years and always takes with him. He uses it as a "door mat" and to put his pack on. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9doGxKZpIA

V/R
GaryP

[SilvrSurfr]

I don't leave anything on the ground if the weather is inclement. And even if it isn't, I'm not gonna bring a ground sheet no matter what it weighs.

[hang em high]

A piece of tyvex works great, cheap and easily replaceable.

+ 1

[Floridahanger]

Since using my gear loft the last 2 times, I didn't even get out my piece of plastic for the ground. Even my shoes goes into the gear loft to keep out creepy crawlies.

[nosckaj123]

Gear lofts are great, probably don't weight much more than a ground cloth either. I usually just hang my pack and whatever other items I have from my suspension/ridgeline