Registered: 02/23/03
Posts: 2124
Loc: Meadow Valley, CA
The cuben fiber packs, shelters are super light and stand up fairly well, not something that will last to pass on to kids. Much stronger than tissue, they just don't like sharp objects. Duane
The big agnes fly and floor is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating. They don't state the denier in the specifications. Hmmm... why wouldn't they?
The well-received Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 uses lightweight 20-denier nylon for its floor, and Gamber says the Platinum uses even lighter fabric. Just how much lighter he isn't willing to say.
Is this as light/tough as the cuben fiber? Do different fabrics handle sharp objects better?
Is there a page that overviews and compares the performance of current fabric technology?
Got the Fly Creek 2 Platinum this year and have to say, that floor is really thin. First tent I've felt the obligation to use a sheet beneath, so it might be a step too far in down-spec'ing.
Is this as light/tough as the cuben fiber? Do different fabrics handle sharp objects better?
Is there a page that overviews and compares the performance of current fabric technology?
Go to http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/ for the best I've seen. Should you wish to do business with Ron (Ron Bell, Mountain Laurel Designs), I can recommend that shop's work. I have several items and have used them hard with no complaints.
finallyME: I got a response from a tent producer, who wished to remain anonymous. I admire their designs and quality. Their company makes affordable tents, and doesn't actually use the advanced fabrics, but, he said the fabric technology is improving. I think that's about as good an answer as I'm going to get, without having third-party performance testing.
Rick_D: The used fly creek on ebay have holes in the fabric! Although I don't remember if it was in the floor.
Re. the Fly Creek, I'd suggest the standard, as opposed to the Platinum, for anybody who routinely camps where the ground is abrasive or has sharp things. I don't yet see a way around taking a groundsheet, closing the gap on the few ounces saved over the standard model.
Camping on forest duff I don't think it would be as necessary, but I don't get many opportunities where I hike.
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