Does it make the ripstop DWR nylon more water resistant compared to the same weight non-calendered ripstop DWR nylon?
Does it make the ripstop DWR nylon more water resistant compared to the same weight non-calendered ripstop DWR nylon?
Calendaring is the process of passing the fabric over heated metal rollers to kinda fuse and melt the individual fibers together. It results in a more shiny fabric surface with much smaller holes between the fibers. A calendared fabric will be a little stronger diagonally because the fibers are somewhat locked or "melted" in place and there is less of a chance of the individual fibers shifting and separating.
I wouldn't say that it adds any substantial water resistant properties (like to prevent water from passing through it), but the fabric itself is indeed much tighter because of the calendaring.
From a personal standpoint, I don't like laying on a heavily calendared ripstop in warmer weather because it often gives me a damp, clammy feeling.
Is this because of moisture not passing through the fabric? I don't know.
Last edited by PapaSmurf; 08-29-2013 at 21:05.
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