Dyneema vs nylon tent. 75 material; this tent is seriously durable.

Dyneema vs nylon tent 18 because that has thick mylar on both sides plus more dyneema - but it is also bulkier. However, it is very strong, lighter than every option but Dyneema, and has a three-way grid that makes it very stable under tension. Dec 4, 2021 · Nylon Tents. Based on my research Tyvek seems to be the most durable option. 1 g per 1000 meters. 6 days ago · Made with Dyneema®, this tent is ideal for users who want easy set-up and floor space to fit a long wide sleeping pad. First, weight is a significant consideration for backpackers and long distance hikers. Nylon is a synthetic polymer, first commercially produced by DuPont in 1938, that consists of a long chain of amide linkages. As you say, the normal 0. Feb 26, 2025 · Zpacks Flat Tarp 10′ x 8. The most common comparo is 1. This makes it both stronger in tensile/tear strength and more abrasion/puncture resistant. We recommend a longer stove pipe for dyneema tents to combat this. Relatively inexpensive to manufacture . UltraTNT™ is a new and relatively unexplored textile designed for use in Tents & Tarps. Compared to nylon, another light material, Dyneema can weigh half of nylon’s weight. 0 oz/yd 2 variant of DCF has twice the Dyneema fiber content and a thicker mylar layer compared to the 0. If you use shelters like most backpackers do - set up in early evening when you make camp for the day and take down in the morning when you start hiking again, UV damage is a non-issue. The tent’s seams are all taped and the tent is waterproof out of the box. 6 rated to over 4,000mm hydrostatic head, dark grey; Fly Zippers: YKK #3 Aquaguard waterproof; Mesh: 15D nylon no-see-um mesh Jan 6, 2025 · While ultralight tents are easier to carry because they weigh less, you usually have to sacrifice something in terms of comfort, ease of use, or weather protection to use one. Cotton canvas tents are durable, tear-resistant, water-resistant, and have insulating properties. NYLON. As in all aspects of tent design, fabric selection is a balancing act. DCF is renowned for its ultralight properties, making it an excellent choice for those looking to minimise pack weight. Whereas 10D nylon threads only weigh 1. Choosing a tent material can be tough. For those interested there's an interesting test done and documented by DMM comparing the strength of Dyneema vs. Of course, an ounce of Dyneema still weighs the same as an ounce of nylon. Based on that. 55 oz/sqyd fabric (still more than durable enough), it’s one of the very lightest weight 10′ x 8. I imagine the same thing would happen between high(er) elasticity, lower strength nylon versus low stretch, high strength dyneema. Jan 11, 2024 · There are numerous circumstances where an additional layer of protection under a tent floor can be beneficial: desert camping on abrasive sand, alpine campsites with sharp rocks, old tents that have pre-existing holes in their floors, and even new tents with absurdly thin 7 denier polyester or nylon floors. So if people feel the tent is overpriced compared to competitors since it has a nylon floor, then they shouldn't purchase it. It sits right in the middle of the cost range of single-wall DCF tents, but with some seriously thoughtful design and a high standard of construction. Great for stronger, more robust tarps/tents/shelters walls and floors, reinforcement areas, rain gear, and medium duty stuff sacks. These all have a range of benefits and drawbacks that can make them a perfect choice for a thru-hiker, benefits range from durability, cost, weight, and much more. The roll I had was indisputably faulty. 6 with Double Ripstop Grid 5000mm+ Hydrostatic Head 100% Silicone Coated, Both Sides ~1. Lightweight; Durable; Water-resistant. Among these, nylon 6 is the least durable. Feb 9, 2021 · T he Free Duo tent is an exciting addition to a well-regarded line of ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) shelters from Zpacks. Polyester tents are versatile and offer good water resistance, while nylon tents are lightweight and have high tensile strength. 140-210D). Because it is so lightweight and strong, nylon is the ideal material for backpacking tents. Get a 6lb $100 Coleman dome tent with lots of room. 1g/Km, 40D nylon is four times heavier at 4. Jun 7, 2024 · Dyneema in particular suffers in terms of breathability, while thin nylon or polyester are more air-permeable—for this reason, Samaya uses Dyneema only in key areas on the 2. The REI Co-Op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent is an excellent 2-person tent made of ripstop nylon. Its waterproof and UV-resistant properties seem to give it an edge over materials like nylon and polyester, which often struggle with sagging and tear resistance. Feb 25, 2024 · Because nylon is slightly more technically difficult to make (and somewhat harder on the environment) in the quality needed for tents, nylon tents are also slightly more expensive. 75 material; this tent is seriously durable. Cuben Fiber). k. 3 oz, it’s a single-wall ultralight backpacking tent favored by couples that want more room to interior spread out. Borrowing an innovative fabric from sailboat racing, hikers were suddenly able to cut their tent weight by 50 percent overnight. This is why a nylon tent is the classic backpacking tent. Unlike standard compsite Fly material: 0. The most commonly used is Nylon 6, which, while still stronger than polyester, has a relatively low tear strength. 1 times stronger than typical woven tent-wall and -floor fabrics and offers up to 2. 9 oz (509 g) while also providing excellent stormworthyness, simplicity, and spaciousness. When evaluating DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) versus silnylon, several important factors come into play. 6 - Cordura . Jul 20, 2021 · Dyneema is a very popular word these days, while HMPE and UHMWPE are hardly known. K. Nylon is a synthetic material that is lightweight and strong. Apr 18, 2020 · This Tarptent Notch Li Review presents the benefits of Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) for ultralight backpacking shelters, assesses its design/feature set, and compares the Notch Li to its competitors. UHMw PE – Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene is more commonly known by its tradenames Dyneema© and Spectra©. For example, Dyneema® tends to come out on top because it’s stronger, lighter, and more breathable than other materials. Dyneema, also known as DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric), offers exceptional tear resistance and waterproofing properties, making it a durable choice for your tent material. Weighing 2 lbs 11. Nylon. Sep 8, 2021 · Dyneema® ticks all of these boxes: when it comes to Dyneema® vs. This post dives quickly into the pro’s and con’s along with the best uses and the rest of the post is dedicated to explaining exactly why we’ve labeled them as such. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp is a flat tarp with 90-degree corners that can be set up in many different ways or “shapes” depending on weather conditions. 51DCF, it has roughly double the longevity. 8 oz/yd 2. Something to remember is that Dyneema is a trade name in the same way as Xerox was to making a copy of a page. Another version adds a fourth layer of ripstop nylon to the sandwich, making it stronger, but also adding more heft. Dyneema is a brand name for a chemical fiber. When it does so, the stronger, less elastic steel cable would take basically the entire weight. A pack made of Dyneema or Ultra both wouldn’t be used in an application where full waterproofness is needed. silnylon aside, it boasts more Mar 13, 2021 · On the greater end of the durability spectrum lie Tyvek and Dyneema which are heavier. The difference is the thickness of the thread used to weave the two fabrics. Super Strength: Pound for pound, Dyneema Composite Fabric is 15 times stronger than steel. Traditionally, this has been the purview of big brand manufacturers. Ny Mar 26, 2024 · Ripstop nylon may expand as much as 3. Battle of the Fabrics: Dyneema vs. 74 oz) in white or spruce green Dyneema DCF. 5 and 0. Pros. Jan 21, 2022 · The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 tent is an ultralight (21 oz / 600 g) two-person, side-entry, double-door, double-vestibule single-wall Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) trekking pole-supported shelter. Like nylon, polyester is also a synthetic material. 4. . 25mm polyester film with Ultra (non-branded Dyneema) yarn inserted between them, to improve stretch resistance and provide exceptional tear strength. Dec 13, 2020 · The trend among homemade tents and tarps is slowly moving more towards Silpoly due to some very positive properties. 0, swapping in their 3-layer Nanovent laminate throughout the rest of the tent body. The optional InnerNet turns the DuoMid into a super light, sub-2lb, two-person fully double walled tent. Choose a polyester tent with a coating that will provide adequate ventilation while preventing moisture from getting through. 6 floor; Improved floor tensioning system; Updated arch poles now pack shorter to 16 in / 40. Polyester vs. I learned years ago the airline personnel always roll their clothes when packing, and I discovered this hold true to me for tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads as well. 8 oz or under, much in the way that is popular with Cuben tarp tents. Some nylon tents are stronger than polyester, and vice versa, so it is a good idea to look at reviews of tents you are considering to The X-Mid Pro 1 is the dream tent for the ultralight backpacker. Nylon Tent Fabric. Sep 11, 2017 · Polyester, Silnylon, DCF or Cuben fiber, Polycotton canvas and PE? Understanding more about tent fabrics will help you make the right choice when looking at tents for sale. Hopefully, increased use of DCF will also drive down its price. A. Nylon backpacking tents are made to pack down small and light, allowing for easy and convenient transportation when you are trekking in the great outdoors. 6 cm; Made with Dyneema® composite fabric (DCF) and fully factory seam taped using DCF tapes; Premium materials and components: USA made Easton® carbon fiber poles and aluminum stakes, YKK zippers, Spectra® cording Jan 29, 2016 · I may use polyester Membrane for the front and rear end covers, or vestibules, of a side-entry tent with a main canopy of the Sea to Summit 1. 2oz/yd or 1oz per shelter heavier, but with a lifespan at least double (ask MLD who offer their shelters in both). 5-mm sheated Dyneema, 2-mm reflective nylon, 3-mm nylon, and a Bic pen for scale Guylines There is a basic tradeoff with guylines: weight versus user-friendliness. Dyneema is stronger than nylon or polyester, but isn’t as resistant to abrasion. Mar 6, 2022 · Nylon or polyester have some give to them, so there isn’t as much strain on zippers and therefore sliders don’t wear out as quickly. With a clever combination of Dyneema and Nanovent 3-layer fabrics, not to mention a suspended Dyneema rooftop design with vents, we now have a truly waterproof and well-ventilated single-wall 4-season tent. In an even tougher layup, Dyneema fibers are woven into a would-be yarn which is then woven into a fabric and fused to the original fiber sandwich. The fabric’s construction consists of two layers of . You can also get silpoly and other variations, but here we are just focusing on nylon. He bought this tent in the Spring of 2017 and has used it for around 150 nights. Oct 19, 2024 · A DCF tent is built using Dyneema Composite Fabrics, a specialty material that requires specialty machinery to assemble, making it very expensive and not widely used by larger companies but more by cottage companies. The X-Mid Pro 2 is the pinnacle of ultralight tent design. 0oz DCF versus 1. However, it tends to sag when wet and isn't as UV-resistant as other materials. Pros of Nylon Tent. Enjoy car camping like a car Mar 26, 2024 · For examples of tents made with this fabric, see the majority of the tents on my 20 favorite lightweight budget tents. You can expect the whole thing to weigh around five pounds on average with all the extras included. The Dyneema fabric’s ability to resist moisture absorption is truly remarkable, creating a barrier against the unyielding onslaught of water vapor that can plague lesser tents. For flys for an occasional weekend warrior, or for floors hidden from the sun, I think silnylon’s “out of the box” tear strength advantage is worth considering, but for a frequent backpacker the much faster UV degradation of nylon seems to give the edge to poly. 20D nylon for tents. In this camping gear review video we'll cover everything you need to know about popular ca Mar 14, 2022 · If you like how Dyneema performs, then you will like how Ultra performs. You need to familiarize yourself with the difference between the company dyneema, the dyneema fiber ((utra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene), dyneema composite fabric, dyneema gridstop, and dyneema composite fabric hybrid to get a clear idea of what these fabrics are. 5 oz, it’s relatively inexpensive, but has many features found on much more expensive ultralight tents including peak vents, corner struts, line loc tensioners, TPU waterproof door zippers, and dual vestibule hooks. Both materials are UV resistant, ensuring longevity when exposed to sunlight. Feb 28, 2025 · This iconic, best-selling, fully-featured Dyneema shelter offers spacious and highly wind-worthy protection for up to two campers. Or the 8lb Coleman 4-man tent with even more room. Overview: Nylon vs Dyneema . Chemical names for the same thing are UHMWPE, HMPE, UHMW. Feb 20, 2024 · While ultralight single-wall tents will always have their advocates, the vast majority of backpackers prefer freestanding (See: What is a Freestanding Tent) and semi-freestanding tents (See: What is a Semi-Freestanding Tent) that don’t require much practice or advanced site selection skills to set up. Cuben Fiber (Dyneema) Cuben Fiber is a new tent fabric also known as Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF). However, there are many cottage-industry gear manufacturers offering ultralight tents utilizing this fabric. Nylon slings. People purchasing a premium tent like the X-Mid Pro 2 should have read the specifications and the price is clearly marked. Dyneema is also known for its durability but there weren’t enough reviews by hikers who owned Dyneema ground cloths to get a sense for how long they lasted. Generally, I’m ok with either. 05 oz sil/PU nylon fabric, and make a completely separate inner tent of netting or fabric 0. It combines our maximally weight efficient and stormworthy X-Mid geometry with Dyneema® fabrics to create the world's lightest tent for the size. Dan Durston elaborates more on this nylon vs silpoly on his website: “Focusing on strength vs. Feb 11, 2016 · You’ve seen all the sling choices and aren’t sure: Dyneema, Spectra, Dynex or Nylon. “UltraTNT is far better Apr 26, 2024 · Tent Fabric 101: Nylon vs Polyester vs Dyneema/Cuben As in all aspects of tent design, fabric selection is a balancing act. 15D 4000mm quadruple ripstop Nylon 6. I purchased a Tarptent Stratospire Li in 2020 and it has been an extraordinary tent: bomber-proof through several Rockies’ summer storms at 11,000′ in the Weminuche Wilderness on the CDT, held up to wind and rain near Muir Pass on the JMT, kept the perpetual mist off me and my gear on the Wonderland Trail, kept the searing sun off me on a rim-2-rim trip to the Grand Canyon, and (this past Jul 9, 2018 · The nylon stretched and also change color slightly as it help water eventually but remained "waterproof" and did not leak. It’s now used I'm looking for feedback, experience, or knowledge on the floor fabrics of tents. e. DYNEEMA® FLOOR. 5 times the tear strength and abrasion resistance compared to standard nylon 6 fabrics. Nylon is durable and resistant to tears with a good strength-to-weight ratio, making it a reliable option for most tents. Nov 4, 2024 · Polyester tents do not shrink or become heavy when in contact with water and are not easily affected by sunlight. Ease of use often trumps a few ounces of I think substituting DCF in place of nylon in a normal double wall tent, especially without adjusting the design to minimize abrasion on the fly fabric, is asking for trouble. Final thoughts. There are several types of nylon used in tent construction: - Nylon 6 - Robic - Nylon 6. And whereas 70D nylon is often used for tent floors or hammocks, the thicker 210D, 420D, 600D, and 1000D types are strong enough to be used for parachutes, sails, jackets, and backpacks. The most common tent fabrics are: Nylon; Polyester; Cotton canvas; Polycotton tents; Dyneema (Cuben fiber) Gore-Tex; Vapex Jul 29, 2024 · for the same weight fabric, it is ~ 15% lower tear strength than nylon but is much more resistant to UV, absorbs much less water and thus sags much less which is why it is used as the tent fly for many tents Usually around 16-20mm wide, nylon climbing slings are much bulkier (and more durable) than lightweight 6-14mm Dyneema slings. 75 lb solo all-season modular tent. The jab was directed towards companies charging $1000+ for DCF versions of their normal nylon tents (that still weigh more than even a silnylon flat tarp) without making I feel like this is a pretty good article on the subject: Tent Fabric 101: Nylon vs Polyester vs Dyneema/Cuben. “A Dyneema tent used in the field for multiple days will never again set up as well as it did the first time,” says Henry Shires, founder of ultralight shelter brand Tarptent. 5 days ago · Durable Tent Materials: For durability, canvas and Dyneema tents are top contenders. With this tent, the company goes where none in the cottage industry have dared to dabble: into the realm of freestanding shelters. 5′ ultralight tarps on the market, even among other top tier DCF models. But it will always If you are looking for a tent, you might be wondering about the difference between a backpacking tent and a camping tent, and which among these two is best suited for you. 5% when soaked whereas polyester does not expand or gain weight when it rains. The thread used for 20D weighs 2. 0 oz DCF while reducing the weight and bulk, so now it packs similar to our woven floor tents and actually saves weight. It’s available in two sizes: an 8’6″ x 8’6″ model (8. Below are some pros and cons of the most common tent fabrics and what they are most suitable for. Oct 19, 2024 · Thru-hiking tents are made mainly from three primary materials: SilNylon, SilPoly, and DCF or Dyneema Composite Fabrics. Kevlar or Dyneema® vs. Backpacking tents are expensive and Jun 4, 2022 · Most tents are made from Nylon, Polyester, or Canvas materials. While most generic ripstop fabrics have reinforcement fibers running at 0° and 90°, many of these higher denier nylon fabrics will have additional reinforcements at +45° and –45°. Jun 24, 2024 · Both materials are incredibly lightweight and strong, with Dyneema having a slight edge in overall strength. Henry Phillips What Is The Lightest Weight Tent Fabric? Dyneema is the lightest tent fabric on the market. Aug 18, 2019 · For additional tent repair tips, refer to this video. Jun 8, 2023 · In real world scenarios (think stakes at the corners of a tent) that means Dyneema will eventually deform when under tension at odd angles. This is just one variation of the many brand names manufacturers use to refer to super high denier nylon fabrics (i. These include weave type, threadcount, calendaring, denier, heat treatments, coating Mar 14, 2024 · Great for – Cabin-style family tents, glamping setups, bell tents, extended camping trips, swags . 55 oz/sqyd Dyneema®) used. Apr 18, 2023 · One exception is the floor—the Duplex opts for a Dyneema floor (at 1. 5. Dyneema is also formed from fibers, at its basest physically-observable level. So now I have a Rainbow Li. The silpoly on two hammock tarps and a tent did not sag, stretch, or need adjustment on the same outing. Dyneema Composite Fabric (Cuben Fiber) is an ultralight option that is extremely strong and waterproof. I think it is the right tent for probably 90 percent of long-distance hikers, assuming you use trekking poles. 59 oz/sqyd) and the same is true for the thinnest Dyneema material (. Aug 10, 2023 · UltraTNT, where TNT stands for Tent and Tarp, is the brainchild of Challenge Sailcloth’s year-long research and development efforts. Basic physics indicates most things contract (shrink) as temperatures are lowered, and expand as temps increase. Or, if you are a single hiker, the Solo SOLO XL Innernet can be used to create a 1. New fabrics and materials built with Robic nylon 6 are up to 50% stronger (resistance to breakage) with up to 2. 1) Sag / Expansion As nylon absorbs water it unavoidably expands by 2-4% whereas poly expands drastically less at 0. Canvas for heavy-duty and Dyneema for lightweight durability. 08), rated to over 8,000mm hydrostatic head, made in USA, olive green; Floor material: 15D quadruple ripstop, silicone and polyether urethane (Sil/PeU) coated nylon 6. When I chose my first Dyneema tent, I couldn’t believe how light it felt in my hands compared to my old Sil nylon shelter. The weight reduction doesn’t come for free, even if the tent is made with an ultralight material like Dyneema Composite Fabrics. Nylon may not be the best materials for those spending extended periods of time at high altitudes exposed to the sun, but it is the most commonly used tent material for its balance between weight, price, performance, and durability. 2 - 0. The vast majority of tents are made from nylon or polyester fabric. 1 oz thanks to the burly yet ultralight DCF . The nylon would stretch quickly under the tents tension forces and the dyneema would take all the load. Specifically the nylon VS Dyneema flooring of the Durston xmid pro 2+. cheaper; colorful The debate between Dyneema vs Silpoly is significant when it comes down to tents. Dyneema® jeans and Dyneema® body armor will have a high level of protection and abrasion resistance. But only nylon expands when it gets wet. ” Durston believes this difference is all-important for trekking pole tents like the X-Mid. Apr 12, 2024 · Apart from 40D and 70D Nylon, alternative materials for tent construction include polyester, canvas, and Dyneema. The other tent is my friend Porter’s Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid XL made of 30 denier silnylon. The rain fly is composed of silicone-treated ripstop nylon with a 1,200 mm rating and is both lightweight and capacious (the 2-person tent weighs only 3 lbs 1 oz and has 29 square feet of floor space). Featuring 2 doors and 2 large vestibules, naturally waterproof dyneema fabric, and excellent wind and rain performance, the X-Mid Pro 2 gives you everything you need and want in and ultralight backpacking tent while still keeping the weight insanely low. Before we go through the differences between a backpacking tent and a camping tent, let’s quickly go over a brief background between backpacking and camping. Oct 11, 2023 · Tent Fabric 101: Nylon vs Polyester vs Dyneema/Cuben . 51oz Dyneema® composite fabric (CT1E. May 29, 2018 · This is called Dyneema Composite Fabric. The Featherstone Backbone 2P is an affordable ultralight single-wall tent for two people that requires two trekking poles to set up. However, for the same weight and thickness, Dyneema is almost two times stronger (tensile strength of 63 lb/in) than its nylon counterpart! Feb 25, 2019 · Rather than serving as a buying guide, this article is intended to provide users a very basic level of understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the most common fabrics used in tent and tarp design: nylon, polyester, and DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric, formerly known as Cuben Fiber). This is our standard suggested DCF fabric weight for tents, as for a marginal weight increased compared to 0. Polyester Tents. Available in SilPoly and . Specifications: 30D Nylon 6. 2g per 1000 meters whereas the thread used for 10D nylon only weighs 1. Also, the water-resistance level of a pack is determined not just by the fabric itself but also by the construction of the pack and if the seams are sealed or not. Lightweight Tents for Backpacking: Nylon and Dyneema tents are your go-to materials for lightweight backpacking. I just happened to have a window kit in the garage, not being used. The Tarptent Double Rainbow Li is a spacious Dyneema DCF tent that is not a trekking pole tent but includes a carbon fiber tent pole and strut. As I’ve huddled inside my Dyneema shelter amidst fierce storms, I’ve marveled at its breathability . Mar 26, 2024 · For example, a tent sheet of the thinnest nylon (7D) weighs approximately 17 g/m² (. Sep 16, 2023 · Nylon Tents. Jan 22, 2025 · Dyneema has a lower melting point than silnylon, so in a hot tent application ember holes will be bigger. Dyneema® composite was chosen by Samaya for the flooring of ALPINE range tents and assault tents because of its exceptional properties. Dec 2, 2022 · So, when weight is a priority, Dyneema is a superior tent material compared to nylon. Lightweight and easy to pack, the material is commonly impregnated with silicone on both Dec 25, 2024 · Financiele mogelijkheden (dyneema vs nylon vs fabrikant) materiaal reeds in je bezit waar je verder op wil bouwen (bv wandelstokken) of aankoop aanvullend materiaal; vaardigheden (en vermogen tot anticiperen) van de hiker (die liggen hoger bij een tarp in vergelijking met een tent) Jun 24, 2019 · Sil-Nylon vs Sil-Polyester vs Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) There are three main choices of fabrics when looking at ultralight backpacking tents and shelters. While there are other lightweight, waterproof tents in a similar weight range, they just don't perform as well as this one. Whether you're a car camper or a backpacker, we've got you covered! Jan 5, 2016 · Silnylon vs. 75 DCF (Dyneema® Composite Fabric A. you might think these tent fabrics would react the same way, but the end result is always a more slackened pitch in wet/cold conditions vs warm and dry. Jun 24, 2024 · This makes Dyneema a more versatile and durable option in many applications. IMO the difference in UV resistance between silnylon and silpoly is vastly overstated (usually by people selling silpoly shelters). But, reading it will make you a more informed consumer and help you make better choices on tents. Also, I am chosing to invest alot of time and concentration to make a tent, so that is another considerable cost. Mar 31, 2022 · Dyneema has no give whatsoever, which means that it won’t loosen up or sag over the course of a night, or over the course of the product’s lifespan. The ALPINE range is based on this technology with a 3-layer laminated fabric whose core is the Nanovent® membrane (between hydrophobic nylon on the outside and hydrophilic nylon on the inside). 1 times higher tear strength – all while weighing up to 55% less. In this guide, we will explore the various materials including nylon, cotton canvas, and Dyneema Composite Fabric and break down each material's characteristics such as durability, waterproof capabilities, weight, and portability. Silicone impregnated Nylon, Silicone impregnated Polyester and Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) formerly known as cuben fiber. So even if you get a tent with a high denier rating, your tent shouldn’t be more than 10 pounds. This article is intended to provide users a basic level of understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the most common fabrics used in tent and tarp design. Mar 22, 2019 · Home › Forums › Gear Forums › Gear (General) › Dyneema v. 10D vs. However, on its own, nylon isn’t waterproof. There are so many considerations that come into play when choosing a tent that other features will weight the final decision much more heavily. 5′ The Zpacks Flat tarp offer full-size coverage in a super ultralight Dyneema package . However, the big manufacturers are still mostly using Silnylon. Plus you can enjoy seeing the stars at night. It comes with a 70D taffeta nylon floor that is hydrostatically rated to 3,000 mm, and a footprint for underneath to protect the tent floor. This is better for a floor than 0. 6 rated to over 4,000mm hydrostatic head, dark grey; Fly made with Dyneema® composite fabric (DCF) and fully factory seam taped using DCF tapes; Premium materials and components: USA made Easton® carbon fiber folding struts, YKK zippers, Spectra® cording Polyester vs Nylon First, we need to be clear that debating the strength of polyester vs nylon is a big oversimplification because there are a huge list of variables that go into making a fabric that can be similar or more impactful than the fiber type. ‘silnylon’) has been the gold standard for many years for fabrics used in ultralight applications requiring waterproofing, such as tarps, tents, and rain ponchos. People keep talking about polycro so I tried it. Apr 23, 2019 · Nylon can also be dyed to nearly any color standard, although nylon 6,6 often shows a streaking effect in lighter colors due to uneven dyeing of its extremely long polymer chains. The tent is made with Dyneema DCF which is a strong, waterproof, and ultralight material that does not sag when it gets wet, unlike more traditional tents made with siliconized nylon, siliconized polyester, or nylon with a polyurethane coating. Mar 24, 2024 · The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 is a nylon tent, so expect it to last a fair while (Image credit: Craig Taylor) Nylon is another super-popular fabric used in tons of different tents, ranging from the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL through to the Robens Chaser 1. It combines our maximally weight efficient X-Mid geometry with Dyneema® composite fabrics (DCF) to create one of the most spacious, simple, and stormworthy 1 person tents on the market - and yet weighs under 1 lbs (15. 67oz dyneema is with less dyneema (1E) but thicker mylar on one side. 3 days ago · Most tents available today are made of synthetic lightweight fabrics like nylon or polyester. With canvas tents, rolling is always more compact than folding. The difference between 10D through 40D nylon fabrics is the thickness of the thread used in the tent sheet fabric. When you’re comparing silnylon vs DCF, it’s important to take into account tear strength and tent durability. Cotton canvas is the original tent fabric your grandad probably used - thick, durable, breathable, expands and swells when wet to seal off any holes. For car camping, you'll want privacy. s. As for tent, I never had any problems with packing up my dyneema tent. It has a water-resistant zipper as a front door with two peak vents backed by noseeum mesh for inspection protection. I think it squeezes out more air, and you don't have the fold taking up room. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 is a rugged two-person pyramid tarp made with Dyneema DCF that’s seam-taped and highly waterproof. That could be a very long time. “Nylon isn’t bad for a freestanding tent, because tent poles provide structure and the fabric is just kind of the skin. Mar 11, 2023 · The same waterproof rating test is also used for other fabrics including Dyneema DCF and Silicone Polyurethane (Sil/PU) treated Nylon, which is also used to make tents and rain jackets, making it possible to compare the waterproofness of tents or jackets made with different materials. 4g/Km. DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) has since grown in popularity. 85 oz) and one that’s 8′ x 10′ in size (9. What Is The Strongest Tent Fabric? Among tent fabrics, DCF has the best strength-to-weight ratio. 0 oz/sq yd, the floor material is thicker than the fly), while the X-Mid scraps the Dyneema in favor of 15d nylon. On the plus side, dyneema is easier to patch than silnylon, so if you do get a hole or tear it is easy and quick to use a mylar tape to patch it, and the tape is a permanent Mar 1, 2023 · DCF was the revolutionary backpacking fabric of the 2000s. This property of nylon may explain why tents made of nylon will sack more after the rain compared to a tent made from polyester. It is not better than CT2K. Before you link me to other threads of nylon vs dyneema, please read the response I got from Dan's team below as this is not normal dyneema. For the ultralight backpacker, nylon is the obvious choice whereas the festival fanatic or occasional car camper or a tent for bikepacking will be better off with a Apr 25, 2022 · Though the company still offers Dyneema tents and tarps, and offers a Dyneema-branded ripstop nylon as a budget pack material, their premium packs are now all made with Ultra. Cons of Nylon Tent New 15D quadruple ripstop, silicone and polyether urethane (Sil/PeU) coated nylon 6. Between the two synthetic tent fabrics, nylon is by far the lightest. Mar 26, 2024 · Thicker nylon fabrics like those made from 70D and upwards are sturdy and can be made more waterproof with the right surface treatment. A kind of consensus in climbing seems to be that it's generally ok to use Dyneema as long as you know what its limitations are and use it accordingly. We utilize siliconized 30D ripstop nylon in our non-Dyneema or Ultra TNT tent floors and many of the 4 season flys. A DCF tent, on average, will cost 2-3 times a sil-nylon tent of a similar configuration. Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total) Jan 10, 2020 · Favorite Poly/Nylon Combo Tent (1 to 3 person) MSR Elixir – Although most tents these days are made from nylon, there are a few that use a combination of the two fabrics. 6. Nylon 6,6 is the cream of the crop with the highest tenacity of commonly used nylons. May 9, 2023 · Challenge ULTRA vs Dyneema vs Ripstop Nylon. Jan 19, 2019 · Nylon's love for absorbing water leads to several issues. It’s still an expensive way to save 2 oz but when a tent is getting this light it’s one of the first optiosn left. Noisiness & Crinkliness Dec 2, 2022 · This line of tents, available in one, two, or three-person configurations, is well acclaimed in the backpacking world. Feb 20, 2023 · What is Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF)? Dyneema Composite Fabric or DCF, previously known as Cuben Fiber, is a laminate fabric consisting of crisscrossing strands of Dyneema or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), sandwiched between thin polyester films. This makes them the best choice for situations such as extending a belay device, replacing anchor webbing or attaching yourself to an anchor before abseiling. Nov 19, 2022 · Ultra-Light: Dyneema Composite Fabric is even lighter than nylon — in fact, nylon tents typically weigh twice as much as Dyneema Composite Fabric tents. Jul 2, 2018 · I have been using the clove hitch with a Dyneema sling (Clove Hitch Trad Anchor) to build my anchors, but after watching the DMM Video(DMM Sling test) of them breaking slings, with the knotted Dyneema breaking at way less than the knotted Nylon sling, I am considering changing to the Nylon 240cm sling. Dec 11, 2023 · And while things like nylon share many of those same characteristics, Dyneema performs better in all categories across the board. Dyneema is also the most expensive and currently not in use by most major tent manufacturers. Silicone Coated Nylon. Different materials have unique strengths and weaknesses and selecting the “right” fabric is really about choosing which compromises to make. That saves you roughly 2lbs compared to carrying either tent, neither of which serves any purpose in the wildernesses you visit. Nov 26, 2016 · Bottom to top: 1. silnylon tent floors This topic has 7 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 6 years ago by Eric Blumensaadt . Feb 19, 2023 · “It’s not just that nylon stretches, both [nylon and polyester] have stretch. The 1. Apr 7, 2022 · Nylon 6,6 is considered the strongest, next Robic Nylon 6, and then Nylon 6, which has been widely used to make backpacks in the past. It is a laminate with extremely strong Dyneema fiber in between. 4%. It has enough Dyneema fiber content to give it very high tensile strength, while still keeping the weight exptionally down. Both nylon and polyester are great cost-effective options to consider when purchasing a tent, and it comes down to personal taste and needs in deciding which one to go with, as quality varies from tent to tent. Sil Nylon Showdown. May leak the first time in rain as the swelling process takes place so needs to be weathered Mar 7, 2025 · The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 is our pick for the best ultralight 2P tent for it’s simplicity, weight, and spacious interior. Apr 17, 2023 · Silpoly is a waterproof fabric made from polyester, while silnylon is a lightweight nylon material with a silicone coating that adds water resistance to the fabric. As the tent consists of various parts such as rainfly and floor coverage, expect to find a variety of materials used to ensure durability. Undebatable that a DCF floor is significantly more expensive than nylon floor. Oct 25, 2023 · However, we are using a new version of DCF for these floors that provides similar durability as 1. For a given weight, nylon or poly provide at least as much floor durability as DCF - I would argue they are better. 5oz/yd. a. 2oz (30D) nylon as we have here, where the nylon is about 0. The pack fabric is made by the company dyneema but it's not dyneema. I had ProTrail Li, and Altaplex but didnt like the way they set up or fuction. Analyzing the tensile strength of Dyneema and Silnylon tents reveals that, although DCF tents exhibit high tension that may stress zippers, Silnylon’s slight elasticity offers durability benefits by reducing zipper strain. The quality of nylon justifies its higher price, as it offers better performance in most cases. It can be confusing with so many different fabrics, coatings and specs. Oct 31, 2024 · Nylon: DCF8 Dyneema Composite Fabrics: 15D high tenacity nylon: Fly: 20D SilNylon, Floor, 20D PU Nylon, Inner: 15D Nylon: DCF8 Dyneema Composite Fabrics: Dyneema Composite Fabrics: Tarp: 20D Silnylon, Floor: 20D Silnylon, Netting: 20D Mesh: Dyneema Composite Fabric: OSMO poly-nylon: Patagium 15D diamond ripstop: Packed Size: 16 x 6 x 6 in: 7 x When I contemplate tent fabrics, Dyneema consistently distinguishes itself for its long-term durability. Another huge benefit of Dyneema, compared to the competition, is weight. Nylon is a popular choice for tents due to its affordability and lightweight nature. The best camping tent material depends a lot on how you'll use it. The exception is dyneema or HDPE laminated fabric tents, which is a great fabric but it is very pricey, in a category all its' own and the topic of another Oct 7, 2017 · Quite an interesting topic. At a time when 20-plus-pound base weights had been common, 15- and even 10-pound base weights suddenly became widely attainable. This is the material that DCF shelters such as the Zpacks Duplex Tent are Nov 14, 2024 · The tent’s fabric is ripstop nylon, and the rainfly and floor have a 1,200 mm waterproof polyurethane coating with seam-taping throughout. Nylon Origins. Ultralight tents are also increasingly made with Cuben Fiber. It’s not light enough to rival Dyneema shelters, and more expensive than basic options like silnylon or silpoly. I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur 2p tent for 2 person hiking because weight is less of an issue if I split stuff with a partner / friend. 8oz since it has the thick mylar on one side (assuming you put the thicker side down). Cuben Fiber is a laminated, non-woven material, while Dyneema is a woven fabric. That works pretty good although it’s slippery. It’s used by many backpack makers, usually in a 210 denier weight fabric. Jan 28, 2023 · What is the difference between Dyneema X and DCF? Dyneema X is ripstop nylon with a PU coating that has Dyneema branded fiber woven into it for enhanced durability with a very tight grid pattern. It's often used in backpacking tents because of its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. For reference, a fiber is defined as “a thread or filament from which a vegetable tissue, mineral substance, or textile is formed. Features Oct 15, 2023 · Siliconized Nylon: Fabric Overview. Nashville Pack’s The Cutaway Pack (Photo: courtesy) For other cottage makers, knowledgeable customers are another motivation to test out new fabrics. Both materials have excellent durability and strength, making them popular choices for camping tents, backpacks, tarps, and other outdoor items. It has more interior area than a 3P tent, for about 1/3 of the weight. Nylon is a common synthetic fiber that is used in a wide range of applications. Lightweight tents are an extremely niche product, and if my tent blows while I'm off the beaten path, I'll probably have to deal with it till I get home. By virtue of having slightly fewer tie-off points (though 14 is still plenty) and thinner . Oct 22, 2024 · Nylon, on the other hand, is lighter and more elastic, though typically more expensive. Weighing 26. In practice, testers didn’t notice much difference in durability between the two. While nylon has some desirable properties, such as good abrasion resistance and flexibility, it falls short of Dyneema in terms of strength and durability. Dyneema X is not non-woven DCF. Jan 6, 2023 · Dyneema vs Ultra Fabric — Head-to-Head Test of 2 Ultralight Packs Ali Becker Jan 06, 2023 For years, Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCFs) and Hybrids (DCHs) have been the go-to choice of ultralight backpack, shelter and accessory makers — and, for good reason. Nov 29, 2023 · With our ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) being around five times stronger than nylon or polyester, Dyneema® Composite Fabric are up to 3. 7. Each material offers unique strengths and weaknesses in terms of strength, durability, and weather-resistance, catering to diverse camping preferences and conditions. Secondly, Dyneema’s tensile strength is its biggest winner compared to the nylon material. Feb 17, 2019 · what Rene said – properties of dyneema good for packs or guylines, not for a ground cloth, lightest weight nylon good to protect bottom of tent from punctures. Cuben Fiber is more expensive than Dyneema fabric. As far as I can tell, it should stick to regular nylon just fine. It provides 15x as much resistance to tension compared to alternatives similar to it. I also think the number of cottage companies moving from silnylon to silpoly is pretty discouraging for silnylon’s future. Dyneema vs. Jan 21, 2022 at 1:20 pm #3737581 Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), also known as Cuben Fiber (CTF3), is a high-performance non-woven composite material used in high-strength, low-weight applications. The Rainbow Li features a single-side entry with a vestibule, is free-standing capable with trekking poles, and is a hybrid double wall with the optional liner giving you the freedom and security you want for a wide range of Nov 7, 2019 · Nylon can be made with slightly differing molecular compositions, which give the fabrics different properties. I want the Carbon builds to succeed: free-standing and semi-freestanding tents made of Dyneema Composite Fabric will be as light and user-friendly as their nylon counterparts, but offer vastly superior performance. The arch of a smaller tent is about 150", which means you'd have 3-6" of sag in a silnylon tent once it is saturated. Silnylon specifically uses nylon as the base material. Apr 2, 2024 · Let’s take a closer look at some common tent fabrics: 1. It weighs just 17. Dec 3, 2024 · As a tent fabric, it occupies a unique niche. UltaMid 2 weighs just 19. 5 oz / 440 g). Cuben Fiber / Dyneema for Ultralight Outdoor Gear. With Dyneema tents, I’m not just prepared for the elements; I’m ready to embrace nature’s wild side with confidence. While it not sticking to the tent itself may not have been conclusive (it "can" be used for a temporary emergency on SilNylon, not necessarily a permanent repair), it did not stick whatsoever to a test piece of ripstop nylon I had. It is constructed from a thin sheet of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene ( UHMWPE , "Dyneema") laminated between two sheets of polyester . Jun 6, 2024 · If you’re on board the Dyneema train, The X-Mid Pro design has near-universal appeal. weight, water absorption means that any strength advantage nylon has in dry conditions can disappear in wet/stormy conditions (where you most need that strength) because it gives up 10% strength while potentially doubling in weight. Silicone-impregnated nylon (a. gmmupj czrq ndm epkbw dvbhkb hmbse dwn ssfucnby ffmzzsg malel mxir hfcvgl rdly cntdq yuxf