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Lighter, stronger fabrics?

Old 10-31-07, 04:26 PM
  #1  
eternalvoyage
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Lighter, stronger fabrics?

I'm trying to find out more about these. Ripstop nylon used to be one of the best, but there seem to be some new kids on the block.

Does anyone know of other fabrics that are especially light and strong?

Or of websites that discuss them?, or sell them?

****
I am touring right now, and I have a jacket (a parka) with me that is very functional. But it is quite bulky (it has a nylon exterior shell, coated for water resistance, and polyester lining, ventilation zippers under the arms, etc. -- one of the better such jackets I've seen. Still, it is unnecessarily bulky.).

Layers (maybe snug cashmere or something like polypro next to the skin, then other layers as needed) -- with a very light, very compact windshell/rainshell -- these seem like a much more versatile way to go. And there is much less weight and bulk.

I also have a pair of pants that is light and versatile, dries fast, looks good, cleans easily . . . and is great to have along.

And there are probably even lighter versions of all these things out there.

****
Groundcloths are another thing that can be relatively bulky and heavy, or compact and light. Tarps as well can vary quite a bit.

Other items can also cover quite a range of weight and bulk and yet have comparable functionality. It seems much better to go with more compact and lightweight materials and designs.

If each item taken on tour is very light and compact, the cumulative bulk and weight savings [for the overall gear taken along -- for the entire package] can be striking.

****
I am especially interested in the fabrics themselves. [Ultralight kevlar, for example, sounds durable and abrasion resistant, and well suited for a groundcloth (and perhaps for other things as well).]

Finished products would also be of interest.

Has anyone come across anything light or light/compact that might be worth a look?

Last edited by Niles H.; 10-31-07 at 08:07 PM. Reason: minor change in title
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Old 11-01-07, 02:54 AM
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G'day

In terms of the actual gear, take a look at these two websites for ideas. BackpackGearTest.org and BackpackingLight. You might also find the Yahoo! group, BackpackingLight informative.

In terms of fabric, check out Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics.

Regards
Andrew
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Old 11-01-07, 08:28 AM
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What about Tyvek?

I always layer when touring. I bring a cotton t-shirt for comfort, 2 long-sleeve poly-pro shirts for warmth - one ultralightweight, one medium weight - I wear them riding as well as around camp (even in the rain - polypro doesn't absorb water), one long-sleeve jersey for riding on cold days, a fleece vest (those sleeves are heavy ), an ultralight high-vis windbreaker, and my rain jacket. When it gets cold I put all of those things on. If that's not enough, I go huddle in my sleeping bag.

I don't use a groundcloth under my tent. I've never seen the need, and it's one less thing to carry. It has never caused me any discomfort or inconvenience. I'm careful about what I spread my tent out on. But that's just me.
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