Difference in tarp material?

[kikoraa]

So I know the differences between silpoly and silnylon but I realize there's also sil and silPU4000 on RBTR. I'm wondering what that pu means and if that's better or heavier or what? I also don't know what denier Is recommended and what hydrostatic rating is recommended.

My goal is to go lightweight so I'm looking at 1.1 silpoly.

May try the 0.9 later as this is my first tarp and I don't want to ruin a light material.

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[MAD777]

I've had total success with silnylon 1.1 and 0.9.

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[FJRpilot]

The PU designator means its coating with polyurethane. Makes for a more waterproof material (high static head pressure ).

[kikoraa]

Is that recommended over no pu coating?

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[WalksIn2Trees]

I think the most balanced is the SilPoly... cost vs stability vs weight.

Silnylon is more common, lower priced, a little heavier, but it's known for stretching a little when wet and some don't like that, but the stretch can be mitigated with side-pulls.

PU got a bad rap for delamination over time, but I think the newer versions that RSBTR carries are supposed to have fixed it or last longer, but if I recall PU is still heavier than the other options.

Cuben is the lightest option, comes in the fewest color options, also the most expensive and most plastic sounding when the rain drops hit it.

I've been successfully using Silnylon tarps with no issues other than my own stupid mistakes but probably I will make the switch to SilPoly unless RSBTR figures out how to custom print on cuben.

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[FJRpilot]

There are most likely others more qualified to answer that. My understanding is that one side is coated with normal Silicone and the other is polyurethane. I have only ever used the Silicone coated polyester fabric which I am extremely happy with. I would recommend a 2-3" cat cut even though it's such a low stretch fabric and folks will tell you it's not necessary. It really helps if you like a "taunt" pith on your tarps.