The Challenges of Ultralight Trekking As avid long-distance hikers with a passion for ultralight trekking and ultralight gear, we know the demanding requirements of this hobby all too well. Every single gram counts when you're covering long distances and want to enjoy untouched nature in all its splendor. As long-distance hikers, we often use ultralight tents and tarps to intensify the feeling of freedom, lightness, and closeness to nature. Material Tests and Experiments In our many years of experience as hikers and DIY gear builders, we've tried numerous materials to find the optimal ones, including for use as groundsheets or tarp bases. We've experimented with construction films, roofing tarps, and conventional camping groundsheets, as well as specialized products like Polycro Groundsheets and Tyvek Hardstructure. Some have even used secondhand tent groundsheets to save money or opted for camping groundsheets from Decathlon. But many of these solutions proved to be either too heavy, not durable enough, or didn't offer the desired protection. The Development of XFOIL – The Ideal Ultralight Groundsheet My professional experience in the plastics industry gave me the insight and resources to find the ideal material. After many trials, the result is XFOIL. This special ultralight groundsheet is not only waterproof but also extremely versatile. It's perfect for DIY or MYOG projects – whether as a tarp, tarptent, rain poncho, or even a stuff sack. Thanks to its light weight and flexibility, it's probably the best option for long-distance hikers and gear builders. XFOIL – More Than Just an Ultralight Groundsheet XFOIL is more than just a response to the needs of ultralight hikers – it's the result of my personal journey and passion. A product developed by a hiker for hikers. It not only protects against moisture and cold from below, but also reduces the overall weight of your gear without compromising performance. This transparent groundsheet is even better suited for transparent tarps and tarptents, offering an unparalleled view of the starry sky. Foil - but extremely thin Nevertheless, we would like to reiterate that XFOIL is an ultra-thin film. At only 19 μm thick, it is significantly thinner than a human hair (typically 50 to 100 μm in diameter). Therefore, despite XFOIL's robustness, it is important to choose your campsite carefully and check for sharp objects like thorns to prevent damage, just as you would with any other protective covering, and always handle the film with care. Such caution is necessary to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. When used as a tarp or tarptent, etc., the film is virtually indestructible from wind and weather. Therefore, special attention must be paid to the attachment points, where the entire force is concentrated. The technology behind it And since we frequently receive inquiries about the material, here are a few key points for the techies: 6-layer film, 19 μm, UHMWPE/HDPE/LLDPE + graphene, UV cross-linking – gel spinning for UHMWPE, melt extrusion for other layers, plasma post-treatment. P.S.: We won't address the question of when a groundsheet is ultralight here ;)