Can anyone recommend a source of weather resistant clear window plastic

[Andy Stow]

This is less backpacking and more bikepacking related. I’m sure you guys aren’t putting plastic windows on your MYOG tents like the ones on the canvas family tent we used when I was a kid, but I know there are some good materials guys on this forum. I have a front bag on my bicycle that I use pretty much daily. It’s an older version of this one. After maybe four years and 1000 hours of use (not all in daylight) the clear plastic over the map area is cracked in multiple places.

 

It looks tedious, but I don’t mind doing the work of replacing it as long as I don’t have to do it again in a few years. I’ve had reports from other cyclists of similar map pockets from other brands still being fine after 20 years of use, but of course the makers don’t say what material they’re using.

 

Suggestions? Some kind of polyurethane? It does need to take low temperatures without becoming brittle, as I ride year round, down to -22 °F (-30 C) so far.

 

Thanks!

[Andy Stow]

Maybe marine PVC? I only need like a square foot.

https://www.strataglass.com/advantages

[Chris R]

If you only need a small piece how about cannibalizing a map case?

[Elliott Wolin]

How about come up with a design where the case is simple to make and easily removable, then just make another one when it wears out.

I’ve seen kayak map cases made out of clear vinyl that seem to last along time.

[Andy Stow]

I’d thought about that. I could maybe just cut the existing fabric off hidden under the edging, then sew on some velcro.

[Jacob]

Maybe this https://www.onlinefabricstore.net/makersmill/clear-vinyl-fabric/ ? I don’t know how to work with this but was considering trying to use it for pocket material.

[Anonymous]

Here is a list of various plastics and their UV resistant properties.
https://omnexus.specialchem.com/polymer-properties/properties/uv-light-resistance

Would choose one which is rated excellent, or at the very least good, and try to find a clear film version of same.

From a casual glance, it looks like polyimide probably has the best UV resistance.  We know polyimide as the yellowish Kapton films, however, there are some clear versions available.

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