Tyvek and Green Guard

[fin]

Does anyone here have any specific experience with making tarps out of either Tyvek or Green Guard house wrap? I've read the article on Tyvek, and it peaked my interest enough that I bought some of both Tyvek and Green Guard. I guess my most pertinent question is how to attach grommets/nylon loops to the tyvek or Green Guard? Has anyone used it as a vapor barrier or double bottom/gear storage area for your setup?

[tight-wad]

Yep - my first tarp, that I used for maybe 2 total weeks of backpacking / hanging was Tyvek. I can only get out 4 or 5 nights at a time a couple of times a year After I found this forum, and saved my pennies, I made a sil tarp.

I used small, rounded, wooden screw "covers" and slip knots in the guy lines. Simply wrap a little tyvek around the object (could use rocks or a small wad of bubble gum) loop the slip knot over the mass and pull it tight. Tie the long end of the guy line to a stake or a root or a bush. The screw "covers" are at HomeDepot, a dozen or so for a buck, used in "fine" furniture to cover up screw heads so you have pretty furniture / woodwork.

Tyvek works great for water and wind, and its light weight, but its relatively bulky compared to sil, and NOISY!

[fin]

Did you try washing the tyvek to make it more pliable? I heard that it gets less noisy after several washings, but I'm trying to imagine me throwing tyvek into my wife's washing machine, and what I'll have to listen to if she catches me doing it!

I kind of am leaning towards making a "cocoon" out of the stuff to totally surround my hammock - IF I can get enough noise out of it by washing it. It just seems like a lot of work for little reward. Maybe I just fold the stuff up and take it with as an emergency tarp on my group outings, or to wrap my gear in when canoeing in the rain.

I guess it will just be another project to test some theories on. At least it was really cheap!

[warbonnetguy]

is green guard made out of the same stuff? oelfin?

[fin]

Here's the website for Green Guard:

https://pactivnet.pactiv.com/Product...A5FBF6DF%5D%5D

Data:

Typical Physical Characteristics
Property Test Method GreenGuard® Classic Wrap
Color Green
Nominal Thickness ASTM D 1777
(inches) .008
(mils) 8
Weight ASTM D 3776 15.0
(lbs./1000 ft2)
Tensile Strength ASTM D 882 51/38
(lbs./in., MD/TD)1
Trapezoid Tearing Strength ASTM D 1117 37/49
(lbs., MD/TD)
Puncture Resistance ASTM D 781 344
(inch-lbs.)
Burst Strength ASTM D 751 155
(psi)
Water Resistance2 ASTM D 779 60
(10 minute min.)
Water Vapor Permeance ASTM E 96 15
(perms) Procedure A
(75°F, 50% R.H.)
For the most current product and code compliance information, go to green-guard.com

[warbonnetguy]

doesn't say what it's made of, sounds like a vapor barrier, tyvek is not a vapor barrier, and would probably be better for a sock

[tight-wad]

Did you try washing the tyvek to make it more pliable?

Yes - I followed some instructions somewhere. I washed it a couple of times actually, and, yes, it did make it a little more pliable, but only in spots. There was still a lot of sq. feet of stiff stuff. A few more washings, and maybe using a front loader with tennis balls would help. But a 10'x8' piece of tyvek is a ***** to get into and, when wet, out of a top loader washer! I took it out between washings just to try and move the stiff places around.

Since making my sil tarp, I still carry a smaller piece of this tyvek for a floor mat/ ground bug barrier, dry, clean sitting spot. (I don't like ticks. But, they like me!) (cause I'm so sweet )

I've done some other stuff with tyvek, e.g. made an 8 oz. backpack!!!. The more you use it, the more you work the stiffness out. Eventually you could have a nice piece of fabric.

For a cocoon, try 3 or 4 yards of $1.00 1.1 oz ripstop. Not as effective, but it works, and its cheap!

[Preacha Man]

I have worked a lot with tyvek, and it really is noisy. You can sew it, but I wouldn't recommend grommets as they would tear the fabric easy. It is bulky, but if you have it, might as well use it. Its not bad stuff.

[fin]

I'll figure out some use for it - has anyone tried using Holdon tarp clips? http://www.holdon.info/

They look interesting enough to try as additional clips for a tarp, maybe even for my tyvek if they don't slip too much.

[Shadowmoss]

Looks like you have to order them from the UK though, no US distributors listed that I could find. Could be an interesting line for someone here to sell .