Can Silpoly 1.1 oz tarp handle rigors of PCT?

[Phong Dinh]

I am moving along pretty well with my Silpoly 1.1 oz tarp after my prototype.  If it turns out well I am going to use it on the PCT.  If not, I’ve got a backup.  After seeing how light and thin the material is, I am a bit concerned about its strength and durability.  Has anyone used such a tarp on the thorny PCT before?  I was planning on just using a rolled hem, but am now thinking of using some heavier grossgrain binding instead, again just based on how thin the material is.  I’m not sure if a rolled hem manage the stresses along the edges.

I have a TarpTent notch that I take onto Joshua Tree which is similar to parts of the PCT.  I have no concern about the notch.  Do you know what weight fabric the notch is using?  It seems thicker than the silpoly I have.

 

[Justin Baker]

Why would the tarp contact thorns? Are you planning on camping off trail in brushy areas where with limited room to set up camp?

[Nick Smolinske]

A rolled hem should handle the stress just fine.  I have a 9×9 ‘mid made with the 1.1 and it’s held up fine in some pretty strong winds.  If you’re worried I would just pack up the tarptent so it can be shipped out to you if needed.  You can always burrito roll yourself inside the tarp if it somehow totally fails on you, but I don’t think that’s likely.

[Aaron Sorensen]

I made a tarp with it and did a strength test on some leftover pieces and although it will tear easily, that’s only once a rip starts from an edge.

I would make sure you burn the edges instead of just cutting it and then just role the edge and sew it.

The fabric is actually really strong until a tear starts in it.

[Phong Dinh]

I guess its just how easy the fabric cuts that worries me.  But I can see that it might be strong in the sense of tension strength.  I’ll keep working on it.  Thanks for your opinions.

As for thorns, I usually don’t camp by the large ones that are on the cactus there, but there are these small wind blown ones that often get stuck in your mosquito netting.  I don’t worry about those with my regular tent, and it sounds like the silnylon can handle those just fine so I’m feeling better.  Was probably just a bit paranoid thinking I should have gotten something a bit heavier.

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