On a recent question that was closed as a duplicate (correctly) one of the comments was to use a foil blanket as a ground sheet instead of a tarpaulin in a bid to reduce the overall pack weight. Is this an effective strategy? I have images of the foil tearing after being lain on and stretched.
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Yes, you can use an emergency blanket as a substitute for most of a tarp's uses, but as you suspect it's not going to be as durable.
The Mylar that they're made of is surprisingly tough and I doubt that it would rip or tear, but I would expect it to develop plenty of very small punctures and begin to lose its aluminum coating (possibly making a glittery mess) within a few uses. It would be worth picking a brand and testing them out before committing to it.
Personally I like to carry a contractor's trash bag. I hammock and use the trash bag to store my pack and boots to keep them dry while I sleep or as a pack-liner. The bag can be cut open into a large makeshift tarp or poncho, they're tough. They also begin to get small perforations and tears after a number of uses, but I'd suspect they'd be stronger than Mylar–although they're also heavier.
STW
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You can in a pinch, but not what it is made for. Won't last very long at all and will make a ton of noise. Get a piece of Tyvek and cut it to size. Cheap, light and durable. Can't beat it.
Ken Graham
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Joseph Lippens
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Tyvek is amazing! Some of my White Mountain maps are Tyvek and until I got them I never realized how bomber the stuff is. – STW Jul 02 '16 at 02:58