I've used pads, but anymore just throw down a $4 moving blanket from Hazard Fraught. It's plenty big for gear, and keeps dust from getting kicked up on your stuff. If the ground is wet, a tarp goes down first. If it's actually raining, we've got a canopy. This is all for a fixed firing position. Burrs, stickers, and seeds can stick to the blanky, but in general it works well.
If on the move, then no pad, blanky, etc. Just shoot with what's around you.
