I want to make my own tarp-tent, and eventually a backpack aswell. I've come up with a tent design by modifying an old heavy tent and settinit up in the garden. The design is similar to Brawny's, with a single hiking staff at front centre and the fabric sloping away on 3 sides.

What weight silnylon should I use? (it should take gale force winds) - and where can I buy it in the UK?

(Or is there a UK-based forum I should ask this question in instead?) Thanks for all your advice.

Steve
Cardiff, UK

Try this website. http://www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk/Pennine_Fabrics.asp

They are in North Yorks, Via Lancaster,LA2 7LF what ever this means. They have a large line of fabric to include "Pertex Quatum" and will ship to the US for anyone over here that is looking for the stuff.

Thanks, but I've looked there. I thought pertex wasn't waterproof? I thought that silnylon is the standard fabric? (and is just as light - 1.1oz or 1.9oz), as used by golite, henry shires tarp-tents, black diamond, dancing light gear, etc.

Let me know if I'm wrong on this!

Steve: I am sure you a right about Pertex not being waterproof. Take a look at this forum for answers to your questions about making shelters:

http://www.thru-hiker.com/anyboard/forum1/index.html

AYCE, the moderator, can supply silnylon and answer your questions.

Thanks Steven, that site looks much better for what I'm doing :) I'll see what AYCE says about UK suppliers.

In the UK from........
wwww.pointnorth.co.uk
or
www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk

I dont see any cost advantage going DIY on tents and backpacks. There are a conciderable number of cottage industry makers and suppliers in the US who have very competitive prices on tried and tested designs. No point in reinventing the wheel.

AndyL
DunRockin

I've been to both of those sites, but I can't seem to find silnylon there. They have lightweight pertex, and heavier nylons. Do they call it something else?

Steve,

I came upon those two UK sites when looking for a euro source for silnylon, they didn't have it at the time, if I remeber right. Anyway, you can order from a US dealer. You just pay more for shipping but with the favourable exchange rate at present it'll be probably cheaper than anything you could buy at home, particularly if you are not charged customs tax (I sometimes am, sometimes not...).
I've purchased silnylon from Noah Lamport at www.noahlamport.com , they seem to be the best priced but you have to get a minimum of 10 yds. Actually, they don't call it silnylon but look under "Nylon Ripstop 2nds, Silicone Coated, Zero Porosity" and that is the stuff.
Then, there are many others. Off the top of my head:
www.owfinc.com
www.seattlefabrics.com
Ayce at thruhiker.com might ship to you too.

http://www.pointnorth.co.uk/shop_product.asp?product_id=78

this ist what you are lookiing for!

The 62gm/m**2 for that material works out to approx 1.85oz/yd**2 .... more or less 33% heavier than what is typically called sil nylon in the ultralight backpacking context