Hennessy Hammock Weathershield Questions

[headchange4u]

I finished my Tyvek bottom WS for my HH. I used grosgrain for the tie-outs and Tyvek tape for reinforcements and I also coated thread with super glue to keep the Tyvek from ripping. I tested this technique with scrap Tyvek and it held very well. I also tried to dye the Tyvek but it didn't work out to well.

This is a pic before I tried to dye it:

After soaking in a dye bath of 2 bottles (twice what is recommended) of black Rit Dye for 24 hours this is the result:

I was kinda disappointed in the dye results. If anyone know a better technique please let me know.
The Tyvek tape I used held up well in water. The tape was on for the full dye bath soak plus 3 trips through the washer to remove excess dye. The tape seaped a little around the edges but is still firmly attached. You can get a better idea of the color difference in the pic below. At least it not bright white now. I also added small grommets (not in picture) behind corner attachment points and in the middle at the head and foot to run a drawstring through to sinch the ends. I don't know if I will need them but if I do they are there.

[slowhike]

when i tryed dying tyvek, it didn't take much better than yours. but someone made a good point earlyer about washing it several times before dying.
it may take quite a bit to soften it up but, i belive that's what's what it would take for the tyvek to absorb dye very well.
i know it takes time... washings... pack & un-packing... flaping in the wind... to get it really softened up.

[headchange4u]

I washed the Tyvek 3 times before I did any of the sewing and dyeing. It was very soft when I attempted to dye it. I also kept working the dye into the Tyvek as it was soaking. Even this didn't help much

[Coffee]

Nice project.

How do you think the Tyvek compares in weight as function to DWR nylon in a weathershield?

[headchange4u]

Tyvek Home Wrap weighs 1.7 oz per square yard. I think the material that JRB uses (MPP) weighs almost the same. I am in the process of writing up a pretty extensive article about Tyvek in all it's different forms. I will get it posted in the next day or two. Kite Tyvek (much more fabric like) weighs between 1.15 and 1.25 oz per square yard, depending on type.

[The Breeze]

Let me quess you are black up to about the elbows ?

[headchange4u]

Let me quess you are black up to about the elbows ?

I managed to stay clean. It did dye my thick yellow kitchen glove a very dingy shade of gray.

[headchange4u]

I finally bought a set of scales from Ebay. I suspect I will go gear-weighing-crazy in the near future. I did get to weigh the top cover and the Tyvek weather shield:

HH DIY Top Cover = 5.3 oz
Tyvek Weather shield = 5.1 oz
Small Seam Sealed Silnylon Stuff Sack = .2 oz
Total: 10.6 oz

I was surprised by the weight on the Tyvek weather shield. I expected to be really close to the JRB in weight because Tyvek HomeWrap is supposed to be 1.7 oz per square yard, which I thought was about the same weight as the MPP used for the JRB model. It came a lot lighter than the listed weight of the 9.2oz JRB weather shield. Since I now have scales I will verify the weight of the Tyvek once I get a chance.

It has really got me thinking about making one from Soft Structure Tyvek or Kite Tyvek. It weighs 1.25 oz per square yard and supposed to be able to be dyed easily.

[headchange4u]

Okay I'm an idiot. Lat night I tried to check the accuracy of my scales with a nickle but it would not even register on my scales. That's when I noticed there were Styrofoam strips inserted between the scale platform and the base to protect it during shipping.

I removed the Styrofoam and here are the correct weights:

Top Cover:6.9oz
Weather shield:6.7oz
Stuff sack: .4oz
Total: 14oz

[FanaticFringer]

Thought I'd bring this thread back to life since I plan on making a top cover for my Hennessy ULB. I'm sure others may want to make one. Simple project that should really make a difference. I plan on using some 1.4oz untreated ripstop.