Dyneema vs nylon tent vs polyester tent size Cuben Fiber (Dyneema) Cuben Fiber is a new tent fabric also known as Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF). 20D Nylon. Oct 19, 2024 · Unlike SilNylon, a polyester tent doesn’t have the tension issues and sagging that a nylon-based fabric does, so you can set it up once and not worry about it. These materials are treated to repel water and keep you dry during rainy conditions. Bulletproof fabric; Cut resistant fabric; Permanent flame retardant fabric Feb 14, 2024 · You may see a $500 nylon tent and a $300 polyester tent with an extremely similar design. In this camping gear review video we'll cover everything you need to know about popular ca Mar 14, 2024 · Nylon is typically stronger and lighter than polyester, making it ideal for ultralight and lightweight tents as well as tarps. 40D nylon is woven with threads that are twice as thick as those used for 20D nylon. 7) weight difference from 20D Nylon to 210T Polyester for the same tent! I would go for the 210T polyester tent if price and durability is a concern and the 20D nylon version if you want the lightest possible tent. . The lightest tent fabrics are 7D which is occasionally us For tents with polyester flys, we still use our 30D sil-nylon in the floors for its superior abrasion, tear, and puncture resistance. Generally, I’m ok with either. When it comes to buying a tent, whether it is your first tent or your 100th tent, it can be confusing to understand all the differences between the hundreds of options. Dyneema is incredibly waterproof due to the impermeable laminated layers, and has an out of this world strength to weight ratio. Polyester is for all other purposes or if I’m trying to cut costs. Different materials have unique strengths and weaknesses and selecting the “right” fabric is really about choosing which compromises Apr 9, 2025 · These waterproof coatings allow tents to be factory seam-taped so you don’t have to seam seal them yourself, something that a number of single-wall tent manufacturers, including Six Moon Designs, Lightheart Gear, and Tarptent require to this day with their silnylon and siliconized polyester tents. It does not necessarily mean that nylon is better, but there are many variations from which to choose nowadays. However, there is a reason that they are cheaper. Tent Fabric 101: Nylon vs Polyester vs Dyneema/Cuben. Products You May Like. The other tent is my friend Porter’s Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid XL made of 30 denier silnylon. With canvas tents, rolling is always more compact than folding. The best camping tent material depends a lot on how you'll use it. Nylon fabric Tents. That’s where Dyneema’s incredible packability shines. Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) is also a great option for tents in the rain. There are so many considerations that come into play when choosing a tent that other features will weight the final decision much more heavily. Enjoy car camping like a car Tent Fabric 101: Nylon vs Polyester vs Dyneema/Cuben. Below are some pros and cons of the most common tent fabrics and what they are most suitable for. Apr 2, 2024 · The best material for tents in the rain is a waterproof polyester or nylon fabric. As with polyester, nylon fibers are made from synthetic chemicals. However, regular nylon would sag and stretch from snow and winds, which is why ripstop nylon works better here. Usually around 16-20mm wide, nylon climbing slings are much bulkier (and more durable) than lightweight 6-14mm Dyneema slings. Each material offers unique strengths and weaknesses in terms of strength, durability, and weather-resistance, catering to diverse camping preferences and conditions. 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. A common assumption is that by buying an expensive product, you While 3-season tents work with a variety of materials, the best option for a 4-season tent is ripstop nylon. If strength is desired over weight, 40D nylons should be used but if weight is a priority, 20D nylon is better. Jun 19, 2023 · 09:44 Dyneema Tents 10:29 Canvas vs Nylon Tents 11:26 Canvas vs Polyester Tents 12:31 Nylon vs Polyester Tents 13:34 Recommendations. Oct 19, 2022 · In this article, I will be discussing the differences between a canvas tent vs nylon tent vs polyester. Polyester. The sun’s unyielding UV rays still take their toll. Firstly Dyneema is much lighter when compared to nylon for tents of similar strength. 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. 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. Nov 4, 2024 · Polyester tents do not shrink or become heavy when in contact with water and are not easily affected by sunlight. by Tim Hunt . 40D vs. Specifically the nylon VS Dyneema flooring of the Durston xmid pro 2+. Nylon is a synthetic material that is not only lightweight but also packs away with ease, making them a much better option for backpacking and hiking. The actual units are strange: denier is the weight in grams for 9 km of thread. 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). Do you want it to be light, strong, or inexpensive? You can pick two, but you sure as hell can’t have all three. It's often used in backpacking tents because of its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. 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. Jan 8, 2024 · More on Tents: Tent Fabric 101: Nylon vs Polyester vs Dyneema/Cuben . While Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) outperforms traditional tent materials like nylon and polyester when it comes to UV resistance, it’s not invincible. 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. 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. Between the two synthetic tent fabrics, nylon is by far the lightest. Get a 6lb $100 Coleman dome tent with lots of room. Nylon Tents. Additionally, Dyneema is unaffected by moisture and does not absorb water and expand or stretch. However, this might change soon as the technologies advance providing higher quality formulations for high-end Oct 11, 2023 · However, for a polyester tent to be waterproof, the fibers have to be woven extra-tight. 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. Aside from that, it also dries faster and doesn't lose strength when wet. This is why a nylon tent is the classic backpacking tent. That saves you roughly 2lbs compared to carrying either tent, neither of which serves any purpose in the wildernesses you visit. I feel like this is a pretty good article on the subject: Tent Fabric 101: Nylon vs Polyester vs Dyneema/Cuben. Sep 16, 2023 · Nylon Tents. This is then called Silpoly. Often used for tarps/tent flys and stuff sacks. com. This superiority in tear strength makes a significant difference when you’re weighing options between Silnylon vs DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) tents. Mar 1, 2023 · DCF: Dyneema Composite Fabric, or a textile made of a widely spaced grid of Dyneema fiber sandwiched between two sheets of polyester plastic laminate (mylar). That keeps the tent tight and more structurally sound in wet conditions. The traditional dogma in the backpacking tent world is that nylon is a superior fabric over polyester because nylon has better abrasion resistance, better tear strength, and May 11, 2025 · Dyneema DCF is the lightest weight material and the most expensive, in part because it requires specialized manufacturing processes. Find the perfect material for your next trip! Jan 22, 2025 · Dyneema is incredibly strong for it's weight and the tent material is basically a ripstop pattern of dyneema fibers sandwiched between mylar film layers. Learn how to choose the perfect tent for your camping adventures with our in-depth guide. Canvas vs Nylon Tents and Polyester. Tents made with siliconized polyester (silpoly), siliconized nylon (silylon), and Polyurethane (PU) coated silnylon are much less expensive than Dyneema because they can be sewn using conventional methods. I'm looking for feedback, experience, or knowledge on the floor fabrics of tents. 100% silicone coatings (no PU or PeU) are not only the longest-lasting coating type available but they even increase the tear strength of the fabric (unlike PU or PeU coatings) making 100% silicone the obvious 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. Dyneema maintains its impressive strength-to-weight ratio longer than competitors Nylon Tents. Nylon Nov 19, 2022 · They’re also applicable to tents of all sizes, from single dome tents to family camping tents. A long and recent thread on BPL argued poly vs nylon to death, and both sides of the issue were represented by charts. Denier Denier (or "D") is a strange unit that tells us the thread size. Lightweight Materials How UV Exposure Affects Dyneema Tent Lifespan. But it’s not just about initial packability. 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 article. Or the 8lb Coleman 4-man tent with even more room. Although both materials are artificial polymers, they have several basic differences which are crucial. Bottom Line: Polyester should keep most rain out, but water can still seep in. Polyester tents are a good budget option. The following is a list of advantages and disadvantages. Plus you can enjoy seeing the stars at night. Each has it`s advantages and disadvantages. It is ultimately up to you which one is better for your needs, so take a look at the pros and cons of both. As in all aspects of tent design, fabric selection is a balancing act. Bottom Line: Polyester is heavier than nylon but much lighter than natural fabrics like canvas. Jan 3, 2025 · Discover the pros and cons of popular tent materials like canvas and polyester. Unlike traditional nylon or polyester tents that stubbornly resist compression, Dyneema tents fold down to a fraction of their size. A textile made of DCF with an additional face fabric to protect it from abrasion (typically 50D or 150D Don’t forget that DCF is essentially a polyester membrane reinforced with UHMWPE strands to reduce weight and increase strength- there are also polyester tents available with many of the advantages of Dyneema, but at a higher weight. Polyester tents are not as common as nylon tents due to several reasons such as reduced tear strength. When it comes to choosing between these two popular tent materials , several factors come into play, such as cost, strength, lightweight properties, and Oct 11, 2023 · Tent Fabric 101: Nylon vs Polyester vs Dyneema/Cuben . Polyester Tents. Overall, polyester is a good choice, particularly if you use a waterproof tent fly. Nylon traps heat better compared to other fabrics, which is a feature you absolutely want in a winter tent. It’s not suitable for prolonged high UV exposures. Dec 2, 2022 · Is Dyneema or nylon better for tents? Dyneema is better for tents compared to nylon. DCH: Dyneema Composite Hybrid. Price: Polyester tents are typically found at the lower end of the price spectrum TEL:+86 18858335540 E-MAlL:towextech@163. Jon’s subject is probably too nebulous to nail down with a chart, as Diane suggests; but for comparing utility of a fabric for tents, it should be possible to at least sta As in all aspects of tent design, fabric selection is a balancing act. In order to find the right Jul 29, 2024 · poly-nylon composite made from recycled polyester and nylon yarns and backed with a polyurethane coating for waterproofness giving “4x more waterproofing than polyester or nylon fabrics” and “3x less stretch than nylon when wet” and “20% more tear resistant” Tent Fabric 101: Nylon vs Polyester vs Dyneema/Cuben . Tear Resistance: Thanks to the inherent strength and malleability of the fabric, polyester tents aren’t as vulnerable to tears as their nylon counterparts. Traditionally, polyester is best, but modern technology has done for things to change. Among the many features to consider, tent materials are one of the most critical aspects to get right. 3 days ago · Learn the pros & cons of different tent materials like nylon, polyester, canvas, and Dyneema. 10 Benefits of Canvas vs Nylon tents: Durability resulting in longer useful life; Handle inclement weather better 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. However, it’s worth noting that silnylon may lose tension when soaked, potentially causing the tent fabric to sag . While nylon must be coated with Silicone (thus silnylon) and/or PU to achieve waterproofing, it remains vulnerable to UV exposure, necessitating When I contemplate tent fabrics, Dyneema consistently distinguishes itself for its long-term durability. Additionally, Dyneema does not absorb any moisture and is waterproof. 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. Dec 13, 2024 · Innovations in tent materials such the use of Dyneema (DCF), rip-stop nylon, silicone, and polyester blends along with the development of advanced aluminum alloys and carbon-fiber poles have given rise to the ultralight movement, allowing hikers to undertake longer and more challenging voyages into the wild. While silpoly, a nylon or polyester blend, offers good tear strength and guarantees tents can withstand various outdoor conditions, it doesn’t match the exceptional tear resistance Dyneema Dec 4, 2021 · On average, polyester tents can weigh between four and 10 pounds, depending on the dimensions. Polyester tents tear more easily than nylon and generally have a poor strength-to-weight ratio Jun 4, 2022 · Nylon tent is sturdier and more lightweight than a polyester tent. Helpful folks who love the… Feb 6, 2021 · “Those kind of charts always seem a little dubious to me. 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. This means a much stronger fabric, but also a heavier one. 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. 708K subscribers in the CampingGear community. Better UV Resistance The polyester offers better UV resistance than SilNylon, which is a big plus if you plan on leaving your tent out in the sun for extended periods. Canvas tents and nylon or plastic-based tents have their advantages over each another. Period. Nylon tents will usually be towards the top of the price spectrum. Personally I like Dyneema webbing for load bearing purposes but it is $$$ and available in limited widths so you can’t use it with all components. The very lightest woven fabrics are 4-5D like a superlight down jacket or windshirt. Longevity And Wear Polyester and nylon are two common materials used in tent manufacturing, and each has its unique characteristics when it comes to longevity and wear. It can be confusing with so many different fabrics, coatings and specs. Jul 8, 2024 · Additionally, some nylon tents may not be as durable as polyester tents, so it is important to consider the conditions you will be camping in before deciding on a material. Camping enthusiasts know that selecting the right tent is a key factor in having a successful outdoor adventure. A community to get advice and to show off camping and backpacking gear. He bought this tent in the Spring of 2017 and has used it for around 150 nights. Your tent Sep 9, 2023 · 09:44 Dyneema Tents 10:29 Canvas vs Nylon Tents 11:26 Canvas vs Polyester Tents 12:31 Nylon vs Polyester Tents 13:34 Recommendations. 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 Feb 25, 2024 · That’s almost one pound (0. Different materials have unique strengths and weaknesses and selecting the “right” fabric is really about choosing which compromises to make. I’ve watched in awe as my 14-ounce Dyneema shelter disappeared into a stuff sack smaller than a water bottle. Home; Products Menu Toggle. The camping tents manufactured from nylon happen to be far more common when compared to the canvas tents. What is more helpful is know the context. Like nylon, polyester is also a synthetic material. For tents there are 2 types of materials: polyester and nylon. Apr 12, 2024 · What Are the Alternatives to 40D and 70D Nylon for Tents? Apart from 40D and 70D Nylon, alternative materials for tent construction include polyester, canvas, and Dyneema. This makes Dyneema the superior tent material when weight is a priority. However, it can tear easily, so opting for Ripstop fabric is advisable. Tent Fabric 101: Nylon vs Polyester vs Dyneema/Cuben . One of the critical aspects of finding the perfect tent lies in the tent fabrics, and the age-old debate of polyester vs nylon tent continues to be a hot topic among outdoor enthusiasts. by Tim Hunt. Crafted from either nylon or polyester, a silnylon tent is treated to enhance its waterproofing properties, making it an excellent ally against the rain. Jan 8, 2024 · However, for a polyester tent to be waterproof, the fibers have to be woven extra-tight. Polyamide is nylon and often a bit lighter but I hear the UV resistance is considerably less. As the most popular tent materials on the market, nylon and polyester both make up some truly high-quality tents. However, it tends to sag when wet and isn't as UV-resistant as other materials. Choose a polyester tent with a coating that will provide adequate ventilation while preventing moisture from getting through. Mar 26, 2024 · The rip-stop threads are clearly seen in a nylon tent sheet. Nylon expands about 4% which can be 6" of slack over the arch of a tent, whereas poly is about 10x better for this. Apr 6, 2023 · Some tents have various “blends” of fabric to achieve the goal of the tent. 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. For car camping, you'll want privacy. The trend among homemade tents and tarps is slowly moving more towards Silpoly due to some very positive properties. Nylon is a synthetic material that is lightweight and strong. ” Could not agree more. I think it squeezes out more air, and you don't have the fold taking up room. Mar 26, 2024 · The most important difference between nylon and Dyneema is that Dyneema is much lighter than nylon for the same strength. Dec 13, 2020 · Instead of nylon, sometimes polyester is used with the same process. nztwsa bynnguwh qvce welth ozhr oec hxzhbchu izfov elahw ifhy