View Full Version : anyone know?
sandsnakes
02-09-2008, 16:19
Anyone know what material is used as groundsheets in modern tents? I am interested in the integral kind. I would appreciate the technical specs and fabric type.
Ta!
Sandsnakes
I think they`re a variety of man made fibres such as nylon, polyester and polyethylene.
Have you looked on any manufacturers websites ? There should be plenty of info in the tech specs.
Rich
sandsnakes
03-09-2008, 10:11
Thanks, tried but not as helfull as you would think.
S
helixpteron
03-09-2008, 17:37
A material which is very popular in the USA is Tyvek.
There are companies, groups and individuals making clothing, shelters (tents & tarps) and load bearing gear with this material, which is strong, light, waterproof, and is moisture vapour permeable.
Tyvek tape is far superior to duct tape.
The main use is for moisture (damp) barrier material within the construction industry, I had difficulty finding the right type of Tyvek tape for my Alpacka Raft field kit and bought a roll from Alpacka directly.
Tyvek has a HUGE following in the outdoor community stateside.
Hope this helps.
sandsnakes
05-09-2008, 13:09
Thanks Helix,
I am looking to redesign the concept of the bivvy bag. Thinsulate between two layers of ultra light weight base (tyvek, pu coated polyester etc). With Ventile panel running along the top. I have always found the goretex bags a bit damp, and using light weight materials and thinsulate I hope to increase insulation from the ground. Plus a hooped hood with a window so you are not tied in but do stay warm and have air circulation.
Sandsnakes
Nice concept SS - count me in for one of your prototypes
Wouldn`t the Ventile panel add extra weight though, especially when it get totally soaked ? Obviously it doesn`t dry as quickly as other synthetic materials.
just a thought ....
Rich
Anyone know what material is used as groundsheets in modern tents? I am interested in the integral kind. I would appreciate the technical specs and fabric type.
Ta!
Sandsnakes
It's probably either a 2 ounce or 4 ounce pu coated Nylon, I would say get in touch with PointNorth (http://www.profabrics.co.uk/contactus.php) and ask them, they are likely your best bet.
Anyone know what material is used as groundsheets in modern tents? I am interested in the integral kind. I would appreciate the technical specs and fabric type.
Ta!
Sandsnakes
I guess it depends on the make and model, some have 190T PU coated nylon with a 5000mm hydrostatic head, others have a H/H of 1500mm.
Some are just your basic reinforced PU coated nylon, same as you get in cheap builders tarp which is just two layers of Low Density Polyethylene laminated (sandwiched) around a weave of High-density polyethylene. .
sandsnakes
06-09-2008, 20:10
The idea is to make a strip along the the bag about a 12/18" wide that will allow out moisture. Every bag I have come across so far is basically damp if you get more than warm at night. Given our odd climate when a thermal front ****s, the air temp can raise by about 10c in a night. So the challenge is light weight, tough, ground insulating and true moisture permability.
S