Breathable fabrics?

[Armor Like Fire]

Hey guys viper here! I'm confused at the whole brew lee fabrics thing, how can like silnylon be breathable but waterproof? What makes something breathable or not? I guess I'm not understanding something.

[Ramblinrev]

truly _waterproof_ fabrics are coated. That fills up all the pores in the fabric and does not allow _anything_ through. Sil is impregnated. The pores are still open but off such a small size that only air and vapor are allowed through. Sil has been known to mist in heavy rains as the drops disperse on impact. But the surface tension of the water drops keep them from penetrating the fabric. It's neat stuff.

[Armor Like Fire]

truly _waterproof_ fabrics are coated. That fills up all the pores in the fabric and does not allow _anything_ through. Sil is impregnated. The pores are still open but off such a small size that only air and vapor are allowed through. Sil has been known to mist in heavy rains as the drops disperse on impact. But the surface tension of the water drops keep them from penetrating the fabric. It's neat stuff.

Alrighty I went and checked it out I think I may understand now thank you!

[pgibson]

Two different things. Sil would not fall in the breathable fabric category. It's a highly water resistant fabric in most cases....to varying degrees depending on the actual coating process and quality of work done.

Breathable fabrics are not coated in any way, other than possible DRW coatings.

[Ramblinrev]

Two different things. Sil would not fall in the breathable fabric category. It's a highly water resistant fabric in most cases....to varying degrees depending on the actual coating process and quality of work done.

Breathable fabrics are not coated in any way, other than possible DRW coatings.

Not to dispute your knowledge of fabrics, which I know to be superb... I have seen places where sil is referred to as a "breathable" fabric. I don't remember where I saw it but I do remember I considered it to be a reliable source. My first thought was to respond as you did but then I remembered having seen those references. I also know that sil will mist under heavy rains and it will not hold water under pressure, such as a water carrier. I also know that sil is not truly a "coated" fabric but rather the silicon is impregnated into the yarns. Thus one difference between the DIY "sil" and the commercially manufactured silnyls available.

I suspect sil is one of those strange hybrid technical fabrics with does not follow usual and typical characteristics. Admittedly, quality differences are found between different manufacturers.

Edit: Upon deeper research I have found references to both "silicon impregnated nylon" and "silicon coated nylon" as well as an indication they are two different beasties. Perhaps this is the reason we seem to be talking at cross purposes. In my above response I was referring to "silicon impregnated nylon" and that is what I have seen indicated as breathable. Thus you would be right on target in saying that "silicon coated nylon" would _not_ be a breathable fabric.

[Armor Like Fire]

Oh alrighty That makes more since now! Perfect thank you guys! I hope I didn't make a wrong choice going with sil nylon :/

[JohnSawyer]

Oh alrighty That makes more since now! Perfect thank you guys! I hope I didn't make a wrong choice going with sil nylon :/

I would not make UQ's or hammocks out of Sil. Though technically breathable, they'll breathe so poorly that I personally would be a sweat ball by morning.

Tarps: yes... Maybe an UQ protector if you have lots, or a poncho...

John

[Armor Like Fire]

Yah my tarp is silnylon and the hammock untreated ripstop nylon