Dyneema vs nylon tent review 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. I’ve spent a lot of nights in a bivy sack, more nights than in a tent by far. 3 oz, it’s a single-wall ultralight backpacking tent favored by couples that want more room to interior spread out. This means a much stronger fabric, but also a heavier one. 3 days ago · Ease of Cleaning: Nylon tents are relatively easy to clean but require gentle handling to avoid damage. It can be confusing with so many different fabrics, coatings and specs. 95 Weight: 43 ounces Material: Nylon Type: Freestanding. The tent has held up well and still seems new. 6 floor; Improved floor tensioning system; Updated arch poles now pack shorter to 16 in / 40. 1000D nylon Feb 19, 2023 · “It’s not just that nylon stretches, both [nylon and polyester] have stretch. 2 TT Notch Li (Dyneema fabric) tent and at $600. Nylon is a synthetic material that is lightweight and strong. MSRP: $449. The only other 2P Dyneema tent I see as a close competitor is the Tarptent Stratospire. Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Carbon Tent. For reference, a fiber is defined as “a thread or filament from which a vegetable tissue, mineral substance, or textile is formed. This tent features a unique double-wall parallelogram design, which has a number of positive implications: The X-Mid is easier to pitch than tents like the Unbound and Duplex Zip (requiring four stake-out points vs. Like nylon, polyester is also a synthetic material. In this camping gear review video we'll cover everything you need to know about popular ca Mar 26, 2024 · With a tensile strength of around 130N, 420D nylon is much stronger than 300D nylon, which breaks at around 45N, and it will typically also be more water resistant. Dyneema is also formed from fibers, at its basest physically-observable level. The best camping tent material depends a lot on how you'll use it. It’s now used Apr 2, 2024 · The best material for tents in the rain is a waterproof polyester or nylon fabric. This means that 420D nylon can withstand greater levels of stress, making it ideal for things like outdoor clothing and gear. Explore the battle of tent materials - Dyneema vs. 77 oz / 107 g rectangle of green DCF8 Dyneema® Composite Fabric measuring 96 x 52 in / 244 x 132 cm. Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total) Jan 28, 2023 · What is Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF)? Dyneema Composite Fabric is a non-woven, laminate material that is used to make ultralight backpacking gear including backpacks, tents, tarps, footprints, stuff sacks, and backpack rain covers. I feel like this is a pretty good article on the subject: Tent Fabric 101: Nylon vs Polyester vs Dyneema/Cuben. 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. 75 DCF (Dyneema® Composite Fabric A. 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 15D 4000mm quadruple ripstop Nylon 6. I would say durability is a notch below sylnylon but unlikely to be a problem for most. 0 oz/sq. 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. 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. Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) is also a great option for tents in the rain. MSRP: $549. My initial review can be found below. Feb 14, 2025 · This tent’s 20-denier nylon can’t match the stiffness of Dyneema (or even Nemo’s new hybrid poly/nylon OSMO fabric), but its waterproofing has proven to be reliable during testing so far. This is the material that DCF shelters such as the Zpacks Duplex Tent are Feb 9, 2021 · Read our review of the DCF Two. A. ) DCF, while the floor is more durable at 1. Below are some pros and cons of the most common tent fabrics and what they are most suitable for. This is a one-year review of the tent. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 is a rugged two-person pyramid tarp made with Dyneema DCF that’s seam-taped and highly waterproof. Sep 9, 2023 · In this camping gear review video we’ll cover everything you need to know about popular camping tent fabrics 09:44 Dyneema Tents 10:29 Canvas vs Nylon Tents. While you can purchase it alone, a modular inner tent and added vestibule are also available as part of the SplitWing Bundle. I think it is the right tent for probably 90 percent of long-distance hikers, assuming you use trekking poles. Uncover the pros and cons of each, from durability and weather resistance to cost and weight. 140-210D). These lightweight yet super strong and highly water-resistant materials tick important boxes for outdoor enthusiasts looking to keep their pack weight low. Mar 11, 2023 · Internal condensation tends to dry faster on Dyneema tents because they’re transparent and let heat through more readily which dries the internal condensation. Simply pit, there’s no getting around Apr 25, 2022 · (Walcoff is developing a 1. 51 ounce-per-square-yard (oz/sq. 20D Nylon. 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). Or the 8lb Coleman 4-man tent with even more room. A DCF tent, on average, will cost 2-3 times a sil-nylon tent of a similar configuration. 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 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. 59 oz/sqyd) and the same is true for the thinnest Dyneema material (. Using a bivy—a fully zippered cocoon-like sleeping bag sheath that provide a little Oct 24, 2015 · I have mentioned this before. Thanks. Mar 14, 2022 · If you like how Dyneema performs, then you will like how Ultra performs. It isn’t as light and low-stretch as Dyneema. It has a water-resistant zipper as a front door with two peak vents backed by noseeum mesh for inspection protection. 75 lb solo all-season modular tent. ” Jan 6, 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. Feb 25, 2024 · 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 tent’s seams are all taped and the tent is waterproof out of the box. Big Agnes Tiger Wall Platinum 2 Tent. 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. Enjoy car camping like a car This is just one variation of the many brand names manufacturers use to refer to super high denier nylon fabrics (i. Feb 14, 2025 · For those inclined to numbers, the tent’s fly uses 0. Silpoly. However, it tends to sag when wet and isn't as UV-resistant as other materials. The optional InnerNet turns the DuoMid into a super light, sub-2lb, two-person fully double walled tent. Available in SilPoly and . Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent. 95 Weight: 22 ounces Material: DCF fly, nylon tent body Type: Semi-freestanding. There are so many considerations that come into play when choosing a tent that other features will weight the final decision much more heavily. We recommend a longer stove pipe for dyneema tents to combat this. K. The Notch Li is a double-wall tent with an inner net tent w/ bathtub floor and an exterior May 19, 2025 · Canada-based Durston offers a different spin on the trekking-pole shelter with its X-Mid 2. That alone makes it a better tent material. MSRP: $999. Another plus of this design is the ability to use ones ground sheet for an under-the-stars camp while having the ability to quickly pitch the tent atop ones setup if a stray shower develops overnight as happened to me on a Apr 16, 2025 · While it is made with two-sided siliconized nylon, the SplitWing does not require seam sealing because it uses a double-needle lap felled seam which doesn’t leak. Or, if you are a single hiker, the Solo SOLO XL Innernet can be used to create a 1. Get a 6lb $100 Coleman dome tent with lots of room. For car camping, you'll want privacy. ” Durston believes this difference is all-important for trekking pole tents like the X-Mid. The silpoly on two hammock tarps and a tent did not sag, stretch, or need adjustment on the same outing. Cuben Fiber). Dec 6, 2023 · 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. Feb 14, 2025 · Dyneema boasts one of the best strength-to-weight ratios around, and the Duplex Zip can handle rougher treatment than tents that derive their ultralight weight from thin nylon or polyester. This tracks with competing Dyneema trekking pole tents; notably, the Zpacks Duplex uses the same fabric weights (Zpacks also gives the option of bumping up to a 0. And with its three hubs, quality DAC aluminum poles, and fully freestanding setup, the Hubba Hubba’s structure itself is solid. Feb 12, 2019 · UPDATE: I recently bought a 2020 Gen. 55 oz/sqyd Dyneema®) used. It's a polyester face fabric laminated to a dyneema composite fabric. Sep 19, 2023 · Seems like a lighter (dyneema vs. Mar 25, 2024 · NEMO Mayfly OSMO 2P Tent Review The Mayfly’s OSMO Rainfly is a mix of 15D nylon and 30D and abrasion resistance. Read the SectionHiker Splitwing Bundle Review. DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) has since grown in popularity. Usually around 16-20mm wide, nylon climbing slings are much bulkier (and more durable) than lightweight 6-14mm Dyneema slings. Aug 12, 2024 · In her review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Splash Bivy, Hailey Moore writes about why she prefers bivies over tents and offers her assessment of this featherweight dyneema bikepacking, or backpacking, sleeping kit companion. But OSMO is much quieter Oct 19, 2024 · Thru-hiking tents are made mainly from three primary materials: SilNylon, SilPoly, and DCF or Dyneema Composite Fabrics. They are more prone to damage from sunlight over the long term, but that’s seldom an issue for most people. Apr 16, 2021 · This doesn’t mean it’s not reasonable value when compared to other Dyneema tents – by way of example, the Dyneema Zpacks Duplex Tent is $750 (as tested), Big Agnes’ Fly Creek HGV2 Carbon is $850, and Zpacks’s Free Duo – that Logan recently reviewed – is $699, albeit it’s made in the US. 2-ounce fabric called Ultra TNT, but because of its higher weight, he predicts that it will be a budget-friendly alternative to nylon or polyester tents, rather than a competitor to ultralight Dyneema shelters). At a time when 20-plus-pound base weights had been common, 15- and even 10-pound base weights suddenly became widely attainable. it Is “spendy” but also likely THE highest quality Dyneema solo tent on the market. 600D nylon vs. If strength is desired over weight, 40D nylons should be used but if weight is a priority, 20D nylon is better. s. 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. Specifically the nylon VS Dyneema flooring of the Durston xmid pro 2+. Jun 8, 2023 · “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. Mar 26, 2024 · For example, a tent sheet of the thinnest nylon (7D) weighs approximately 17 g/m² (. Of course, try sitting in a Dyneema tent on a sunny day and you’ll pass out from the heat. IMO the difference in UV resistance between silnylon and silpoly is vastly overstated (usually by people selling silpoly shelters). “Nylon isn’t bad for a freestanding tent, because tent poles provide structure and the fabric is just kind of the skin. Generally, I’m ok with either. This is just one variation of the many brand names manufacturers use to refer to super high denier nylon fabrics (i. While there are other lightweight, waterproof tents in a similar weight range, they just don't perform as well as this one. Jun 6, 2024 · If you’re on board the Dyneema train, The X-Mid Pro design has near-universal appeal. These materials are treated to repel water and keep you dry during rainy conditions. sil-nylon), more generous netting fringe than the SMD Wild Oasis that I used on the CDT. I’ve used the tent extensively during the last year, camping maybe 40 nights in all kinds of weather from spring to full summer to fall. The tent is a pain to set up on wood platforms (see photo). 40D vs. yd. The HMG packs use fabric made by the company Dyneema, but it's not made out of the Dyneema Fiber (utra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene). e. Make an informed choice for your next outdoor adventure. Mar 1, 2023 · DCF was the revolutionary backpacking fabric of the 2000s. Polyester Tents. Sep 16, 2023 · Nylon Tents. 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. While its auxiliary features such as thin mesh, guylines, and line locks prioritize weight savings over durability, this tent surpassed even my lofty 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. six), gets around the headache of having the trekking pole situated in the middle of the Sep 27, 2019 · I want the Carbon builds to succeed: freestanding and semi-freestanding tents made of Dyneema composite fabric will be as light and user-friendly as their nylon counterparts but offer a vastly May 11, 2025 · Tents made with Dyneema DCF are very expensive, but also very lightweight, waterproof, and strong. 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. 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°. But then again I know plenty of people with Dyneema Tents that swear by their towels. MSR Hubba Hubba NX: Many camping tent reviews say this tent offers excellent weather resistance and ventilation. While not as light as Dyneema, Nylon Ripstop contains small, reinforcing threads that make the fabric more resistant to rips and punctures. It's often used in backpacking tents because of its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. 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 Jul 22, 2024 · The struts are removable for packing if you want to make the tent smaller when packed – though rolling rather than stuffing the Dyneema is still recommended. Mar 22, 2019 · Home › Forums › Gear Forums › Gear (General) › Dyneema v. I say this because Dyneema fabric, although strong, requires special reinforcement at stress points to have the necessary durability. silnylon tent floors This topic has 7 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 2 months ago by Eric Blumensaadt . Jul 9, 2018 · The nylon stretched and also change color slightly as it help water eventually but remained "waterproof" and did not leak. Consider reading my review of the Naturehike Mongar tent if you want a slightly bigger tent with the additional option of 15D Nylon for a really light tent! Conclusion 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. Ultra’s release last year also came as cottage manufacturers faced short supplies of Dyneema. I'm looking for feedback, experience, or knowledge on the floor fabrics of tents. Sep 19, 2024 · The NEMO Hornet 2P uses a thin 10-denier Silicone/Polyurethane Nylon Ripstop material for the rainfly and 15-denier Silicone/Polyurethane Nylon Ripstop for the tent floor. I own and use a dyneema tent and some tarps and ground clothes. “UltraTNT is far better able to resist deformation because of the extra diagonal weave. Enjoy car camping like a car Mar 26, 2024 · The rip-stop threads are clearly seen in a nylon tent sheet. Dyneema composite fabric is 2 layers of plastic film with some Dyneema fibers laminated in between to reinforce it. The ends of the tent are supported by tripods which create more room above the head and feet. Jan 22, 2025 · Dyneema has a lower melting point than silnylon, so in a hot tent application ember holes will be bigger. Best Nylon Tents: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2: Known for its lightweight and durability, ideal trail tent for backpackers. Weighing 26. It’s fully waterproof and doesn’t retain moisture, making it effective for wet conditions. 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). 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. May 6, 2025 · Paul “Pie” Ingram is a thru-hiker based in Helsinki, Finland, and has checked off the AT, Annapurna Circuit, CDT, and more than 400 miles of the High Sierra Trail. fly fabric). Ingram’s favorite tent is That saves you roughly 2lbs compared to carrying either tent, neither of which serves any purpose in the wildernesses you visit. Borrowing an innovative fabric from sailboat racing, hikers were suddenly able to cut their tent weight by 50 percent overnight. 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. But only nylon expands when it gets wet. 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 really like the higher floor walls of the Durston X-Mid 2 P tent and the fact that it has a silnylon floor is to its advantage. A pack made of Dyneema or Ultra both wouldn’t be used in an application where full waterproofness is needed. 4 days ago · 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. 0, swapping in their 3-layer Nanovent laminate throughout the rest of the tent body. Dyneema tents must be folded when packed not stuffed, but can still be surprisingly bulky despite their low weight. Feb 13, 2025 · The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ground Cloth is a 3. My tents are zpacks and my tarps are a mix. 40D nylon is woven with threads that are twice as thick as those used for 20D nylon. Dec 11, 2023 · And while things like nylon share many of those same characteristics, Dyneema performs better in all categories across the board. They seem to cut more easily but resist punctures and tears better. 95 Weight: 31 ounces Material Jun 13, 2023 · Excellent well illustrated, detailed review. It’s a groundsheet, you know, that thing you put on the ground when you camp to protect your gear from whatever horrors may be strewn about your campsite. 75-oz. IMO dyneema is half the weight for about 3x price. hpofktd oovwi vumhjmf rzrldz recni skhiwx qenj mjc udgj preir