Griz Beaks - gram-weenie question of the day

**MAD777** · 09-20-2011, 12:33

I am considering making Griz Beaks for my hex tarp. In the course of planning this project, I stopped and asked myself, "Why do these need to be waterproof?"

Since I don't have the answer to that question, I am bringing it to you all-knowng HammockForum members.

For example, consider nylon. Waterproof silnylon weighs about 1.4 oz/sy while uncoated nylon weighs only 1.1 oz/sy.

As I understand it, the intended purpose of a beak is to block the wind-tunnel that open tarps could experience. Regular nylon should do the job.

What about wind blown rain," you ask? I might be wrong but I think uncoated nylon (or spinnaker) would keep the hammock dry in that application.

So, what's the verdict? Can I be a gram-weenie and still have functional beaks?

**wwk10** · 09-20-2011, 12:40

I dont know the answer, but this may replace the cliche' antecdote of gram weenies cutting off the handle to their tooth brush to save weight. Now it will be: gram weenies only water proof the parts of their tarp they think will get wet.

I am not a gram weenie, but I learn so much from you guys so keep it up.

**Boothill** · 09-20-2011, 12:42

i made a pair of doors for my BMJ and just used 1.1oz ripstop, not necessarily to save grams, it was just the the extra fabric i had laying around and they seem to work just fine for me

boot

**MAD777** · 09-20-2011, 12:58

Originally Posted by wwk10

I dont know the answer, but this may replace the cliche' antecdote of gram weenies cutting off the handle to their tooth brush to save weight. Now it will be: gram weenies only water proof the parts of their tarp they think will get wet.

What toothbrush handle??? Oh, you mean the part of my finger that attaches to the palm of my hand!

Originally Posted by Boothill

i made a pair of doors for my BMJ and just used 1.1oz ripstop, not necessarily to save grams, it was just the the extra fabric i had laying around and they seem to work just fine for me

boot

THAT'S what I'm thinking!!

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 09-20-2011, 13:04

Originally Posted by MAD777

For example, consider nylon. Waterproof silnylon weighs about 1.4 oz/sy while uncoated nylon weighs only 1.1 oz/sy.

Help out a mathtard here please.

How many grams difference does that actually make? Just askin'.

**trinni** · 09-20-2011, 13:09

the diff doesnt matter. the juice is worth the squeeze

**Violent Green** · 09-20-2011, 13:09

Don't see why it wouldn't work. Worse case, just treat it with some Revivex for basically no increase in weight

Ryan

**MAD777** · 09-20-2011, 13:25

Originally Posted by Law Dawg (ret)

Help out a mathtard here please.

How many grams difference does that actually make? Just askin'.

Depending on their size, that's about 1.4 oz, AND it's FREE! No wait, better than free - nylon costs less than silnylon - this could be a FIRST!

**AaronAlso** · 09-20-2011, 13:44

Originally Posted by Law Dawg (ret)

Help out a mathtard here please.

How many grams difference does that actually make? Just askin'.

If my mathtard skills are up to par today that should be about 8.6g difference per yd^2

In all seriousness though, a heavy DWR treatment should be sufficient for a Griz Beak. When the "doors" are closed gravity is working against the water slowing saturation significantly.
That being said, I don't think I'd use them without some kind of water resistance. Saving a few grams isn't worth the risk of getting me or my gear wet.

**Buffalo Skipper** · 09-20-2011, 13:45

Speculation here, but if you get blowing rain, and the nylon begins to absorb moisture, won't that add to you weight once you pack up? If so, this seems like a diminishing return. Save 1.5 oz now, carry 3 oz more later.

That is my unscientific observation.