I have a design for a hammock tent and I need to make a tarp type roof from something. Cost is no object and I want water proof, but it can be non-breathable, weight is most important and I am thinking of Sil Nylon and not multiple layered product like goretex or Event. Suggestions? Is there a coated ripstop lighter vs waterproof than sil nylon? Does sil nylon really bleed through in rain? Jim
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These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.
I have a two main tarp from GoLite that I bought about ten years ago, and the only time it leaked was through a seam. I still have it and use it, carry it on all my daily hikes in case I want to get out of the wind or rain. I carry that and a little down blanket in my Gregory Miwok.
Is there a coated ripstop lighter vs waterproof than sil nylon? Does sil nylon really bleed through in rain? Jim
1) not that I know of,
2) Well, supposedly, but I've been freaking poured on up to biblical proportions under silnylon and never had a problem. it needs to be seam sealed, but with that I've never had an issue. I personally consider silnylong "waterproof" yes you'll get condensation under it. but whopeee..
Registered: 05/28/08
Posts: 278
Loc: Texas Hill Country
Originally Posted By Jimshaw
I have a design for a hammock tent and I need to make a tarp type roof from something. Cost is no object and I want water proof, but it can be non-breathable, weight is most important and I am thinking of Sil Nylon and not multiple layered product like goretex or Event. Suggestions? Is there a coated ripstop lighter vs waterproof than sil nylon? Does sil nylon really bleed through in rain? Jim
SpinnUl or Spinnaker fabric. It's about 3oz less than sil on a 10 x 10.
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Just because you don't take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.... Pericles (430 B.C)
Good luck with that. I'm sure there's someone somewhere who will buy it.
Cuben is about it, for lighter than nylon waterproof fabric, but it's godawful expensive and perhaps not really what you'll want if the wind is blowing branches out of trees - nylon will rip too eventually but I've had branches and cones bounces off it.
Never seen water come through sil - I'm with those that theorize it's condensation and when rain hits the condensation bounces off.
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"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki
hanks everybody. I ordered a 10x10 Equinox siltarp from REI yesterday. Used my 20% off, my dividend and got free shipping. I will buy mosquito net at REI when my Vargo Ti alcohol stove comes in.
I would not say that I am converting to Hammocks, I love my tents and I'm getting my Warmlight down filled air mattress repaired, however here in Oregon there are many lakes in volcano country with lava rock instead of dirt, and trees everywhere there isn't a rock and steep hills leading down to the lakes. So I have a design for a tent that pitches in the air around my hammock. I am seeking a manufacturer who will pay royalties for the design, so until then - no photos. It will weigh under a pound and a half. I bought Spectra rope on ebay yesterday. Jim
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These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.
I have to say I'm curious to see how you end up marketing this, since other attempts at a combo tent have failed so well that you never hear about them any more....
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"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki
Hands down Cuben fiber is the material of choice. Just make sure when constructing the tarp not too go too thin. There are several weights ranging from .3oz and up. You may want to the lightest possible but I would suggest at least the 0.48oz or higher to provide durability. Also, be careful when putting the tarp together, I don't know if you've worked with Cuben fiber before, but you can't just sew it and call it a day. The fabric will simply tear. You need to tape it. Truthfully, I don't think Cuben fiber is worth it. Silnylon is light/durable/cheap enough for me (plus it is easier to work with and more readily available). Good luck!
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