NorLam – poly scrim sandwiched between mylar

[Travis A]

Does anyone have experience working with NorLam ? There is a .75oz. weight available at kitebuilder.com. I am looking for any thoughts how this material would compare to the more common lightweight materials UL backpackers use.

[Tim Marshall]

never used it. However, i've heard those listed weights are in sail makers yards not square yards, and that is before any coatings are applied. For $11/yd it's only a little cheaper than thru-hiker's spintex .7oz and you can guarantee the quality of anything from thru-hiker is going to be great. To me the lighter, proven fabric from Ayce is the way to go.

[Jan Rezac]

I have also found this material at (kitebuilder and it seems quite interesting to me – it might be a "poor man's cuben". The weight 0.75 oz/sq yd is final – it is a laminate, so there is no coating to be counted extra. The weight is better than silnylon or spinnaker, and it has one advantage – it is completely waterproof. It might be worth a try.

Compared to cuben, it is heavier (but maybe also thicker and more durable), and the scrim seems to be different, not so dense. It may not be possible to sew this material, but kitebuilder offers the sailmaker's tape for quite good price too (no sewing may be an advantage for someone).

The only thing that prevents me from trying it is the cost of international shipping. Would anybody else try it?

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