You can use 600D ballistic waterproof packcloth for a tarp if you want. The issue weight. My DIY tarps have all been treated ripstop. But then I'm not a long distance hiker so grams don't matter to me as much.
Printable View
You can use 600D ballistic waterproof packcloth for a tarp if you want. The issue weight. My DIY tarps have all been treated ripstop. But then I'm not a long distance hiker so grams don't matter to me as much.
Ripstop just means that there is a grid pattern of heavier threads to help stop rips from spreading. It's a type of weave, and can be found in lots of different "formats".Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydweight
Silnylon is Ripstop nylon that has been saturated with silicone to make it waterproof. That's the key, whatever you use, it has to be waterproof.
You can get ripstop with urethane coating, that will work as well.
Uncoated Ripstop will not shed water. It's great for a hammock, horrible for a tarp.
Okay, and sorry for all the questions, but I ordered this ripstip from my wife's wedding fabric wholesaler. He didn't actually know the weight of it, and I don't know if it's got urethane coating, but one side seems to be more 'plasticky'. And I'm wondering if that is urethane coating. I know it might me hard to tell without seeing it but maybe my description will help. If it is urethane, I'll order some more to make me cat tarp.Quote:
Originally Posted by sclittlefield
Don't be ... lots of good folks here willing to answer your questions ...Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydweight
Wrap it around the shower head, with a good seal, and see if water comes through when you turn it on. Go slow on the pressure. That's one way to tell if it's properly coated.Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydweight
Also, if you've got a yard or so, you can form a bag with it and fill it with a gallon of water. Suspend that over the bath and see if any comes through, and if so, at what rate.
I would assume you can get a wholesale price on the fabric if you do it that way. There is nothing essentially wrong with that. However, for the purposes of something as important as your tarp you might want to consider purchasing from one of the vendors present in the forums. My reasoning is very simple.. It might be worth the extra $15-20 to get something where you know the specs and you know its right for the job. The _might be's_ bother me a little bit. For stuff sacks and other things... who cares. For a tarp... it might be worth it.Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydweight
I love the templates, but what's the best way to attach them to the fabric so they don't fall when I'm trying to cut it?Quote:
Originally Posted by shevy77
That's true. Which vendors do you suggest?Quote:
Originally Posted by Ramblinrev