Confusion on PU coated fabric

[Nift]

Looking at http://www.walmart.com/ip/Springs-Cr...range/21853421 and http://www.walmart.com/ip/Springs-Cr...nceal/21853425

Both show to be PU coated. I know that is water proofing of some sort but not how effective. I looked at both in store and the material feels like canvas and have a black coating on the inside side of the material.

Would this be good tarp or bivy material? Stuff sack maybe... Still trying to wrap head around material.

Thanks for expertise.

[nothermark]

It sounds like a heavy duty polyurethane coated oxford weave polyester. If that is the case it will be very heavy for backpacking but would make a Poncho, cook tarp, or heavy waterproof bag where weight was not an issue. It should be very waterproof so using it on the bottom of a bivy would make sense.

[lymphocytosis]

Looks expensive! If you must have camo as pictured then your selection is more limited. If not, check out Backwoods Daydreamer. Lots of good fabric there with specs up front. Scott has a heavier sil digi camo for around $3 a yard.

[mattyg]

the black is the pu coating and how waterproof it is depends on how thick the coating is. the site doesnt really have enough info to tell you if it would be good. it would be heavy.

[Nift]

Thank you for the information! Only looking at this one as it was the only PU coated I could go to store and look at.

Thanks for the suggestin on a better source.

[Detail Man]

PU coatings tend to wear off after a period of time. Ever seen the sticky/peely/dust come off the inside of an old backpack? That's why silnylon is so suited for tarps. The silicone is impregnated into the fibers.