Different Tyveks. Preferences?

[Erik Basil]

So, it may be that we just go out and buy a big roll of Tyvek, to meet various needs for our Scout Troop, such as footprints for patrol tents, personal ground cloths, pouches, etc…

Dupont lists variations of "commercial" Tyvek: "CommercialWrap", CommercialWrap "D" and Thermawrap (metalized). Within the "residential line", they've got: Homewrap,Drainwrap, Stuccowrap and Thermawrap.

So, has anyone a familiarity with more than one of them? If not, which have you used? The pieces I've got only say "Tyvek" on them and are smooth & white (therefore, not therma-, drain- or stucco-). Which weigh less? Which will visually establish my outdoor bling? Ho ho.

[Mike Oxford]

Skip the Therma/Drain/Stucco/Commercial stuff. They're specialized variants which you don't need and won't work as well.

Homewrap is pretty heavy, but the lighter versions can let water through. Once you wash it a few times it'll soften up (and REALLY quiet down) but it can still be pretty slick to walk on.

Most of the Tyvek suits are made for splash/dust resistance so they'll weep more than Homewrap. This is the stuff you'll find at kite-stores and kite-suppliers but not at Home Depot/Lowes.

The lighter versions make better stuffsacks/clothes; the Homewrap makes better shelters/floors/bivvies (IMHO).

Of course, really, you can skip Tyvek and go straight to the window shrink-wrap. Tyvek's far more durable, but heavier, so it really may be the best choice for scouts. :)

-mox

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