Originally Posted by
sturgeon
I'm no expert, but I think the sil version would really block all rainsplash from the ground as well as sideways rain from hitting your underquilt. Like, totally and completely 100% block it.
That's good, but since it is waterproof that means it isn't breathable, so there's a possibility of condensation of the moisture from your body forming on it on a cold night, and soaking your underquilt. That's bad. Maybe there's enough air getting in there to stop that, but I don't know.
On the other hand, in extreme temperatures well below freezing, where there's obviously no risk of rain, the sil version could be used as a vapour barrier, by putting it between the hammock and the quilt. The moisture from your bod would form on the sil, and your hammock might get wet, but you'd be warm and your quilt would be bone dry.
As i say, I'm no expert. I bought the breathable version just to have an extra layer to block the wind that robs my Underquilt of its warmth. I figure the amount of rain spalsh under my tarp in even a big storm is not great, and the non-sil nylon should be able to handle it. I'm not into winter camping so I don't need a vapour barrier.