pahillbillybear
07-05-2009, 01:41
What is sil nylon? How does it compare to ripstop? Which one is more water repellant? Any opinions on which would make a better tent?
wyominglostandfound
07-05-2009, 12:51
silnylon is ripstop. sil is just treated with silicone first. it is like greased snot and needs alot of patience and practice to work with. you will learn alot about sewing thats for sure!
Snowleopard
07-06-2009, 01:37
Silnylon is usually about 1.3 oz / square yard, or 1.1 oz/square yard plus the silicone waterproofing. Usually it is ripstop.
Typically when someone says ripstop or PU ripstop they're referring to nylon fabric that is 1.9 oz/square yard or more, BEFORE adding the waterproofing. The PU waterproofing is polyurethane and usually adds more than 1 oz/sq yard. So PU ripstop nylon weighs 3 to 3.5 oz/sq yard. It could also be a heavier fabric. 1.9 oz PU ripstop nylon is probably stronger than 1.1 oz silnylon. The heavier PU waterproofing is more waterproof than the typical silnylon.
Ripstop refers to a grid of stronger threads that stop rips. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ripstop_nylon