[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
[pct-l] Spinnaker Fabric
I made the reference. The spinnaker fabric I use (and this is my super-secret
source) comes from
http://www.cubenfiber.com/
The fabric I use is known as CN1K.08 and I am pretty sure is lighter than the
spinnaker fabric used by Gossamer Gear. Since it is not siliconized you can use
adhesives on it rather than sewing it--which means (ta-da): no seam seal! That
eliminates a really messy and weight-adding step, as well as eliminating the
need for a sewing machine.
Cuben spinnaker fabric comes in 48" widths and lengths of 30 feet or more. You
can buy "ends" for less per square yard than you can full length pieces, and
that's what I do. It's fairly expensive. Last time I bought any (a year or two
ago) it was about $14/lineal yard (48" width).
It comes in various weights, but I've only ever used the lightest weight stuff.
It is surprisingly strong, has almost no stretch, and is completely waterproof.
If I remember correctly, the CN1K.08 weighs about 0.6 ozs/square (English) yard
(36"x36"). Because it consists of a layer of cross-laid fiber sandwiched between
two layers of very thin polyester film, it is pretty hard to tear.
I don't sail, but I discovered during my research that spinnaker makers and
ultralight hikers share some requirements for fabric: high strength, water/wind
proof, light weight, easy fabrication of complex shapes. It's amazing how far
they've come since the days of sewing canvas sails.
--Steve
Richard Woods wrote:
> My guess is tyvek too, but I just read a mention of spinnaker fabric -
> any sources? Kevlar?
>
> Mo Jo
>
> On Sunday, September 11, 2005, at 06:36 PM, dsaufley@sprynet.com wrote:
>
>> My guess is Tyvek.
>>
>> L-Rod
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Richard Woods <wpsnotebook@charter.net>
>> Sent: Sep 11, 2005 11:39 AM
>> To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
>> Subject: [pct-l] Re: pct-l Digest, Vol 29, Issue 11
>>
>> Don't think I'd use velcro either. Henry Shires sez to paint non-skid
>> lines on the inside bottom of my tarptent with a mix of 1 tbsp clear
>> 100% silicon sealer mixed with 2-3 tbsp mineral spirits or paint
>> thinner. Paint it on with a disposable brush. When dry the lines feel
>> slightly tacky, but don't really collect dirt much, and what does
>> attach washes right off. Keeps your bag from sliding around inside, and
>> the tent from sliding around on the space blanket. You could likely do
>> the same with the tyvek, or mylar, although it might be wise to test a
>> small spot first.
>>
>> FWIW my first trip out with my new Squall 2 got me some holes in the
>> tent bottom to repair. Held it up to the light and found a half dozen
>> or so pinholes primarily in the area where my bag was spread. Same
>> sealer mix is used to repair holes and seal seams in silnylon.
>>
>> Which is more puncture resistant, a space blanket or Tyvek?
>>
>> On Sunday, September 11, 2005, at 10:02 AM,
>> pct-l-request@mailman.backcountry.net wrote:
>>
>>> From: "Marshall Karon" <m.karon@comcast.net>
>>> Date: Sat Sep 10, 2005 7:26:09 PM US/Pacific
>>> To: <Hiker97@aol.com>, <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
>>> Cc:
>>> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Tent Ground Cloth
>>>
>>>
>>> Why? Why Velcro? Why fix it to the bottom of a tent? Just leave it
>>> separate. Use Tyvek. Packing will be far easier if you don't attach
>>> anything to your tent. I actually use a 1.5 oz Mylar space blanket on
>>> the inside. If I'm careful, it doesn't rip. Sure, it is noisy and if
>>> you are a slope you slip. The bottom of the silnylon tent wears well.
>>> Works for me.
>>>
>>>
>>> Marshall Karon
>>> Portland, OR
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: <Hiker97@aol.com>
>>> To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
>>> Cc: <Rattlesnake5648@Yahoo.com>; <carolwbruno@yahoo.com>
>>> Sent: Saturday, September 10, 2005 7:06 PM
>>> Subject: [pct-l] Tent Ground Cloth
>>>
>>>
>>>> I am thinking of using a SpaceBlanket as a tent ground cloth. It
>>>> would have
>>>> international orange on one side. I would Velcro it to the bottom
>>>> of my
>>>> tent (with silicone seam sealer) with the orange side toward the
>>>> ground.
>>>>
>>>> This way I could use my freestanding tent as a signal if I picked it
>>>> up and
>>>> pointed/waved it toward someone. The SpaceBlanket is a little
>>>> heavier than
>>>> Tyveck, but I think it might be worth it.
>>>>
>>>> I am still thinking about this. Anyone have an opinion???? I think
>>>> I got
>>>> this idea from this list, but I cannot remember because I am old.
>>>>
>>>> Your hiking buddy, Switchback
>>>> Safety First and Signaling Hiker
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> pct-l mailing list
>> pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
>> unsubscribe or change options:
>> http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>>
> _______________________________________________
> pct-l mailing list
> pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> unsubscribe or change options:
> http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>