underquilt Fabric

[litetrek]

How important is DWR fabric for an underquilt in the Southeast if you're using a giant tarp (clark vertex)? Downproof regular rip stop would breath better and its a lot cheaper. I'm thinking of buying a shell from underquilts.com and weighing the options.

[Lost_Biker]

As long as it down proof, it doesn't have to be dwr treated material. The only reason to use treated ripstop is to ward off rain splash/sideways rain from soaking the uq. You can use an under cover to stop your uq from getting wet.

OTOH, the dwr treated stuff does breath pretty well - I make hammock socks from it.

Hope this makes sense - it's early and I'm still working on my coffee.

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[litetrek]

Thanks. As you said, a DWR treatment is just for resistance to absorbing moisture. I'm a long distance backpacker and don't want to deal with another thing to carry, so the over cover is something I don't want to do.

I guess the essence of my question is this: is blowing rain really an issue with a hammock if you use a large tarp and know how to use it? If its a problem the DWR treated fabric is probably worth the extra cost to me.

[Shug]

Thanks. As you said, a DWR treatment is just for resistance to absorbing moisture. I'm a long distance backpacker and don't want to deal with another thing to carry, so the over cover is something I don't want to do.

I guess the essence of my question is this: is blowing rain really an issue with a hammock if you use a large tarp and know how to use it? If its a problem the DWR treated fabric is probably worth the extra cost to me.

You can always use a Weathershield if you think the storm will blow rain in. I have never had it happen....yet.
http://www.2qzqhammockhanger.com/ham...cessories.html

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/shop/dri...n-kit-applied/

Shug

[Lost_Biker]

Thanks. As you said, a DWR treatment is just for resistance to absorbing moisture. I'm a long distance backpacker and don't want to deal with another thing to carry, so the over cover is something I don't want to do.

I guess the essence of my question is this: is blowing rain really an issue with a hammock if you use a large tarp and know how to use it? If its a problem the DWR treated fabric is probably worth the extra cost to me.

I have had wind blown rain from bad storms come under my tarp and soak my hammock, but it's rare. Moisture from fog is more common and the dwr lets it bead up and roll off.