I found a fabric supplier on ebay that has a large selection of all kinds of fabrics, including the outdoor fabrics that we use. Some are camouflage patterns that are so popular. Not knowing the quality of these, I was able to obtain a sample packet of these outdoor fabrics. Let me state here that I don't know the people that run that ebay store or have any vested interest. Actually, SunnyTrike pointed me to that source.
I just want to report that the fabrics are aggressively priced, so I took a look at the samples. Most are priced from $2.50 to $3.50 per yard. This following is my assessment:
The nylon calendared ripstop water resistant fabrics (of which there are many colors) held a pocket of water, 1/2” deep over a cup for ˝ hour without dripping or even wetting out. The samples weighed 1.3 oz/sy on my scale.
The silnyon coated ripstops did not mist through onto a kleenex backing while I held it under a kitchen faucet spray for 30 seconds. The spray was forcefull! Those samples weighed 2.4 oz/sy on my scale.
There is a very interesting “Digital Coated Ripstop” that is 1.6 oz before coating and 2 oz/sy after coating on my scale, that would make a beautiful camo tarp at a reasonable weight, even for backpackers.
There is a wide assortment of camouflage PU coated ripstop which is of course much heavier but good for car campers that appears to be of good quality. They weight 4.2 oz/sy on my scale.
There was a uncoated 1.9 oz/sy nylon ripstop (black & olive) that proved to be about as water resistant as the lighter weight DWR samples. The weight was confirmed on my scale.
Of special note, there was two samples of camouflage uncoated 1 oz/sy material that was extremely breathable, but not at all water resistant, that would be suitable for a very breathable hammock cover material. However, as I post this, it looks like it is all sold.
Also, of special note, is a gorgeous navy blue, PU coated ripstop that has a unique pattern in it that I loved. I just can't think of anything that this lightweight backpacker would make with 4+ oz/sy material.
The main problem I see with this supplier is that the descriptions leave a lot to be desired. However, they seem responsive to emails and were willing to send me a package of samples.
I point to this as another source to consider if your normal suppliers do not have what you want. Their good points, as I see them, are the broad selection and low prices. However, you may want to contact them directly to negotiate the normal shipping when buying multiple items (the ebay store simply adds the maximum amounts).
The ebay store is:
http://stores.ebay.com/Fabricsupplier
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Originally Posted by rjcress
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