X-Pac material for a hammock Tarp?

**namnat** · 01-17-2013, 05:36

Hello I am a noob to hammocking and have decided to go DIY route just so I can say "I made that and it works". Also I wanna save a few $$. I'm gathering ideas and researching a lot before I make any purchases.

What are your thoughts on using X-Pac tmaterial for a hammock tarp?

I want a tarp that is very durable and something I wont have to re-coat every few years. Not to worried about weight here. Just want some ideas.

I do know that its expensive material for a tarp but am willing to pay for something that will stand the tests of time.

Would just plan ol 1.9oz coated ripstop work just as well?

Let me know your thoughts and ideas.

Thanks in advance to helping out a nooby.

**Brute1100** · 01-17-2013, 05:38

Do you have a link to this x pack... I'm not familiar with it...

**namnat** · 01-17-2013, 05:42

Originally Posted by Brute1100

Do you have a link to this x pack... I'm not familiar with it...

Scroll to bottom there are three different types. I was thinking about the last one (X-Pac TX07)

http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/p...oated-fabrics/

**Fish<><** · 01-17-2013, 05:51

Originally Posted by namnat

Scroll to bottom there are three different types. I was thinking about the last one (X-Pac TX07)

http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/p...oated-fabrics/

holy moley thats some heavy stuff! you would need a truck to haul that thing around!

ok i was looking at the wrong xpak, but it's still double the weight of sil.

**FLRider** · 01-17-2013, 06:17

Honestly, for cost and longevity concerns, 70d sil-nylon (approximately 1.9 oz/sq yd before the silicone coating) is probably your best bet. It's as durable a material as you'd ever need for a tarp (more durable than you probably need, honestly, as long as you take minimal care with your gear), relatively cheap, and is silicone-impregnated rather than polyurethane coated (which can crack and peel after a few years).

Honestly, 30d sil (1.1 oz/sq yd before coating) is plenty strong for a a tarp. As long as you don't walk on your tarp, you should be fine as long as you put in tie-out reinforcements (the guides on DIY Gear Supply recommend 200d for this, and I've found that fairly on-target with my own tarp).

But, if you're really worried about durability, 70d sil might be a better bet. Like, if you were giving it to a first-time camper under the age of thirteen, that would be a good bet.

Hope it helps!

**namnat** · 01-17-2013, 06:37

Originally Posted by FLRider

Honestly, for cost and longevity concerns, 70d sil-nylon (approximately 1.9 oz/sq yd before the silicone coating) is probably your best bet. It's as durable a material as you'd ever need for a tarp (more durable than you probably need, honestly, as long as you take minimal care with your gear), relatively cheap, and is silicone-impregnated rather than polyurethane coated (which can crack and peel after a few years).

Honestly, 30d sil (1.1 oz/sq yd before coating) is plenty strong for a a tarp. As long as you don't walk on your tarp, you should be fine as long as you put in tie-out reinforcements (the guides on DIY Gear Supply recommend 200d for this, and I've found that fairly on-target with my own tarp).

But, if you're really worried about durability, 70d sil might be a better bet. Like, if you were giving it to a first-time camper under the age of thirteen, that would be a good bet.

Hope it helps!

Thanks for the info. I really had no idea that 70d sil was actually impregnated with silicone. I thought it was just a coating. I may swing the way of some sil-nylon. Thanks again!

**FLRider** · 01-17-2013, 06:45

Originally Posted by namnat

Thanks for the info. I really had no idea that 70d sil was actually impregnated with silicone. I thought it was just a coating. I may swing the way of some sil-nylon. Thanks again!

Not a problem. The sil treating process involves rollers to press the stuff into the weave of the fabric, so it's more durable than just a coating (leastiwse, that's my understanding of it; I could be mistaken). And 70d is the same weight fabric (though a different coating) as they make the GI ponchos out of--and those are intended to be used as emergency bivvy sacks. 70d is plenty abrasion and tear resistant.

**FireInMyBones** · 01-17-2013, 07:06

Originally Posted by namnat

Hello I am a noob to hammocking and have decided to go DIY route just so I can say "I made that and it works". Also I wanna save a few $$. I'm gathering ideas and researching a lot before I make any purchases.

What are your thoughts on using X-Pac tmaterial for a hammock tarp?

I want a tarp that is very durable and something I wont have to re-coat every few years. Not to worried about weight here. Just want some ideas.

I do know that its expensive material for a tarp but am willing to pay for something that will stand the tests of time.

Would just plan ol 1.9oz coated ripstop work just as well?

Let me know your thoughts and ideas.

Thanks in advance to helping out a nooby.

X pac makes great backpacks and other bags that need to hold weight and be durable.

Originally Posted by FLRider

Honestly, for cost and longevity concerns, 70d sil-nylon (approximately 1.9 oz/sq yd before the silicone coating) is probably your best bet. It's as durable a material as you'd ever need for a tarp (more durable than you probably need, honestly, as long as you take minimal care with your gear), relatively cheap, and is silicone-impregnated rather than polyurethane coated (which can crack and peel after a few years).

Honestly, 30d sil (1.1 oz/sq yd before coating) is plenty strong for a a tarp. As long as you don't walk on your tarp, you should be fine as long as you put in tie-out reinforcements (the guides on DIY Gear Supply recommend 200d for this, and I've found that fairly on-target with my own tarp).

But, if you're really worried about durability, 70d sil might be a better bet. Like, if you were giving it to a first-time camper under the age of thirteen, that would be a good bet.

Hope it helps!

I agree with FLRider on this. It is a great way to save money and weight for a DIY project. I've never had sil loose its impregnation on me. It might be worth it to look at someone else's tarp from in your area to get a good feel of the sil you might work with.

**sargevining** · 01-17-2013, 08:31

Originally Posted by Brute1100

Do you have a link to this x pack... I'm not familiar with it...

The Hammock Pack is made with X-Pac.

Great stuff, but a bit heavy for a trap, I think.

**namnat** · 01-18-2013, 01:00

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to buy some 70d sil from DIY supply. Just wish they had it in cammo. I wanna do some stealth hammocking. But black should be good enough.

Thanks again everyone. Much obliged.