Tent Floor Material Comparison

Polyethylene is used for cheap models.

Tent floor material comparison.

But if you count every ounce when out on the trail keep this in mind if you are looking for a pole tent. Nylon or polyester is the most suitable choices. It creates a waterproof barrier is more affordable has greater breathability than silicone and has a surface which allows the application of tape on tent seams. It was originally developed by dupont in the 1930s and was used extensively for parachute production during wwii.

Basically there is nylon 6 nylon 6 6 robic nylon and cordura nylon which is a nylon 6 6 high tenacity nylon. Carbon fiber is incredibly lightweight but will cost a little more and have a few downsides. While made slightly differently carbon fiber and fiberglass are another alternative tent material for poles. Nylon 6 is the least expensive and weakest but still stronger than polyester.

At wholesale 5 yard is considered expensive for high quality nylon. Waterproof and water repellent coatings e g. Space age material with a price tag to match. Tent floors for example require strong tear resistant fabric while rainflies need to be strong yet also supple.

1200mm silicone the last set of specs in the formula refers to fabric coatings. Polyurethane or pu coatings applied to polyester and nylon fabrics are more like a layer that sticks to the surface of the tent fabric. The difference between a tent with a floor of polyester and one of polyethylene is like the difference you feel when you dress with clothes of synthetic material or dressing in a plastic foil.