Some time ago I came across a Pinterest post on a WW1 mk7 cape/groundsheet. Basically its a groundsheet you can wrap round you and wear as a cape. The design is fairly simple, with a large rectangular groundsheet with a triangle add to one half that drapes over one shoulder as a cape, and a large high collar inset into one edge.
Interesting I thought. I have poncho tarps in different models, but as rainwear they are known to be flappy and as tarps they are at the limit of usable size. This can give a different combo... but there are one or two things I'd like that the original doesnt manage. Lighter for one, but also able to use with a quilt or blanket under, and with spray protection on the foot end for use in a small tarp.
So, after quite a few sketches I ended up with what you see above. The black fabric is tent floor material, waterproof and perfect as a ground sheet. It includes a fold flat footbox in a breathable Pertex ..and some reflex details in case Im on a roadside in the dark.
The black material seems to be a heavier weight than what I ordered (which was a roll end) but I only found out once I'd made it. Target weight was around 200g... about the same as my rain jacket or my bug bivvy. It ended up at 260g. Irritating but the resulting product feels fairly bombproof.
For shelter use it doesn't provide bug protection so in Sweden it's best for use outside of June and July. For rain wear use, there's no hood.... I'm still considering options there. I have a long neck so hoods often sit uncomfortably on my pate. A brimmed hat is likely to be the answer but a ripstop hood would be easy to sew as an add on.
