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  1. #1
    Senior Member SweetLou's Avatar
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    Why SilNylon for Tarp?

    I use silnylon for my tarp but I was thinking why. Wouldn't another fabric that doesn't stretch be a better choice so that tensioners wouldn't be needed?

    Now, I am not a fabric expert by any means. But isn't there a waterproof lightweight polyester that would do? Or does this also stretch but not as much but still needing tensioners?

  2. #2
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    Fabric stretches when it gets wet. All lightweight fabric does to one degree or another. In addition the most stress on tarps is located is located on the bias (diagonal) even more so with a cat cut. The bias is a natural source of stretch in any fabric, particularly lightweight.

    Non-wovens (eg tyvek) do not have the same characteristics, but they do hove their own set of drawbacks. Reinforced poly-vinyl tarps can be used but they weight a ton and are not suitable for most foot mode camping.

    Sil is one of the best compromises for low weight, high durability and good protection. But there is nothing that dictates the use of sil.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

    "Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
    Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn

    We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series

    Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies

    Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint

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