Looking for Fabric Weight Comparison

[frisbeefreek]

Google and searching didn't yield an obvious answer, so I turn to the crowd--

I'm looking for a comparison of weight per area for various fabrics -

Tyvek
Silnylon (0.9 and/or 1.1oz)
Other fabrics as available for tarp tents

I'm starting a DIY Tarp-tent project, but want to engineer a weight before cutting the cloth.

Thanks - FrisbeeFreek

[Dogwood]

I have some of this info, but U R better off visiting Thruhiker(they sell materials to do it/build it yourself gearhead types. Also, material specs and descriptions can be found at some of the small specialty UL gear manufacturers like MLD, ULA, Gossamer Gear, etc.

[slow]

Cuben
spinn
sil
in that order as price and wt.Quest outfit has all you need.:)

[jrnj5k]

i second questoutfitters.com

[frisbeefreek]

Thanks for the questoutfitters link. Perfect.

Never heard of Cuban. Sounds like great stuff -- Too bad it's so expensive (especially for my first try). Look's like some UL enthusiasts are using it - doesn't look like commercial companies have adopted it - Only a matter of time.

[Franco]

Frisbeefreek
Keep in mind that Tyvek is a brand not a product, so you need to know the type that may work for you. For example Home Wrap is commonly used as a groundshhet but I would not suggest that for tent material, on the other hand 1443R (Soft Tyvek) is a good choice for that. BTW this is the reason for conflicting reports about Tyvek, a bit like two guys arguing about the performance of an unspecified Ford car.
The so called 1.1oz silnylon is usually 1.3oz (or thereabout) when coated , this will vary slightly from batch to batch.
Cuben (not related to Fidel) can be very light (again different grades are available) , does not stretch but it is rather difficult to work with for tent material.
Franco
http://www2.dupont.com/Tyvek/en_US/products/tyvek_styles/tyvek_styles.html (http://www2.dupont.com/Tyvek/en_US/products/tyvek_styles/tyvek_styles.html)

[frisbeefreek]

Franco -

Thanks for the headsup on Tyvek. I knew it was proprietary, but having the specific type is very helpful. I'm leaning towards the Silnylon.

Mostly I'm trying to get away from my 3.5lb solo tent (Sierra Design Lightyear). Not a bad tent, but not good enough to warrent the extra weight.

Cheers-FF

[Franco]

FF
Since it's hard for me to glue two pieces of paper together, sawing is all too much, however from what a gleaned over the years about tent making, silnylon should be much easier to use than rigid material (laminates) like Cuben and Tyvek ( IE your design,cut,assembly has to be spot on, silnylon is a bit forgiving) .
This is the advice from Roger Caffin at BPL : (silnylon) Slippery stuff. Use LOTS of pins, a fine needle, and a low tension.
Roger has designed and made several tents.
Franco
http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/DIY_RNCTents.htm (http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/DIY_RNCTents.htm)

[Franco]

I think that I meant sewing...

[frisbeefreek]

Franco (or anyone) --

Can you tell what type of Tyvek you have by looking at the sheet?

I just got some free Tyvek, but I can't tell what type it is -- I don't see a product code/type anywhere on the material (I have a 9'x12' sheet). When I weighed it, I got 1.8oz/sqyd, so I have a feeling this isn't the stuff you referenced above (either the 1443 or the lightweight 1.2oz/sqyd stuff I wanted). My source was a dumpster at a construction site, so I can't go back to them and ask.

Thanks-FF

[Franco]

Hi FF
Chances are that you have a piece of HomeWrap . 1443r is 1.2oz per sq/yard and I think is only used for clothing and some weird applications like kites,tents and bivvies .
I only have a piece of HomeWrap with me and it is clearly marked as such, however it does not have any of the Dupont product numbers.
Franco

[Franco]

I was making my bed tonight when I remembered a common use for soft Tyvek : labels. For example the label of my pillow and my WM bags. Have a look, you should both recognize it and see and feel the difference with the other kind.
Franco

[frisbeefreek]

Thanks. I forgot to search the WB forum's. My question has been answered before -- Here is an excellent link that another WB'er listed:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=525

Look's like I got hard shell 1016 product. I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I'll have to keep my eye open for the soft stuff.