the sun and tarps

[asval]

Hello, long time lurker and first time poster here.

I'm looking for a tarp for my No-See-Um No More Hammock Bliss and while reading info on different tarps have found that a lot of them don't recommend exposing the tarp for long periods of times to direct sunlight. Now planning to use my hammock while cycle touring for extended periods, this has me a bit worried that my tarp might fail on me in tropical or desert type regions.

So are there any tarps out there who can stand up to the sun or do tarp makers assume we'll be hanging next to big bushy healthy trees who'll blot out the sun?

[Poppabear]

When cycle touring I only spend a night or two at each location. If this is similar to what you do. . The only time you need to worry about a tarp degrading is if you leave it pitched in the direct sun. At the same location for weeks on end. Other than that you should not have any problems with your tarp at all. Other than normal wear and tear.

[KerMegan]

yeah- consider the washing instruction tag on most swimsuits says "do not use chlorine bleach"..
I mean- really? KM (who is feeling cynical today...)

[asval]

When cycle touring I only spend a night or two at each location. If this is similar to what you do. . The only time you need to worry about a tarp degrading is if you leave it pitched in the direct sun. At the same location for weeks on end. Other than that you should not have any problems with your tarp at all. Other than normal wear and tear.

Yeah same thing and most of the time for camping is done at night, but sometimes I do like to set a tarp up along the beach and stay for a little while (if I find a good spot and nice company). Mostly though I was planning on using the tarp, when not set up, as a trailer cover, but I guess it might be better if I just a get a heavy duty rubberized poncho that can double as a spare if something happens to the one I ride with.

yeah- consider the washing instruction tag on most swimsuits says "do not use chlorine bleach"..
I mean- really? KM (who is feeling cynical today...)

Guessing that was a quip on moderation (pure chlorine Vs diluted)

I guess mainly I was wondering if there might be some fabrics that are more resistant to sunlight than others or that might offer more protection from sunlight. So far I've only used ponchos and my only experience with tarps are car tarps. I've read that the guide gear (urethane coated) is bombproof, but I haven't read anything as to how much protection it offers from the sun. Other tarps I'm considering is the Madcat (silnylon) and the kelty noah (polyester???)

[warbonnetguy]

synthetic materials in general shouldn't be left outside in direct sunlight for prolonged periods- uv degredation

[PuckerFactor]

I can't recall who did it, but someone did a test where they sprayed a patch of ripstop with UVGuard, or something and left it outside in the elements for over a year, and the treated patch was like new.

PF

[oldgringo]

One of life's pleasures is good gear that finally, after years of use, wears out. Don't love it to death, use it to death.

[pabu boy]

I can't recall who did it, but someone did a test where they sprayed a patch of ripstop with UVGuard, or something and left it outside in the elements for over a year, and the treated patch was like new.

PF

I use aerospace 303 protectant on all my fishing gear, including the kayak.
So far it has been awesome (about a year now).
I am sure it will be fine on a tarp even though I have never tried.
http://www.303products.com/

[asval]

One of life's pleasures is good gear that finally, after years of use, wears out. Don't love it to death, use it to death.

Ain't that the truth, but I'm not worried so much about the gear wearing down after years of use. See I'm planing a Europe to Asia touring trip around march and I'm worried it'll fail me somewhere off in some distant land .

I use aerospace 303 protectant on all my fishing gear, including the kayak.
So far it has been awesome (about a year now).
I am sure it will be fine on a tarp even though I have never tried.
http://www.303products.com/

I've used that stuff on my car for years and it's worked wonders under constant sunlight. Don't know how it'll react with tarps, but I'll give it the old spot test and report back if it goes badly

[HitchHiking]

If you can spare the weight canvas is fantastic. There is some great 6 - 8 oz stuff around that makes great tarps. Its prichy though for the good stuff.