There are some interesting bits of info from Henry in there. Tent fabric materials are one. A couple quotes from Henry in his AMA:
When asked about new materials:
I think the carbon based materials are coming but it will be a few years before we see suitable tent fly fabrics.
Any one know what a carbon based tent fly material would be?
As for what’s coming, I clearly see a somewhat disturbing trend of getting lighter at the expense of durability. That really concerns me as lighter isn’t better, especially when lighter means thinner, weaker, and less durable fabrics. 10 or even 7d fabric are just garbage compared to, say, 30d fabrics but the average consumer just sees lighter and thinks better.
I’ve seen several new tents using 10D and 7D fabrics (Nemo and Gossamer Gear, for example) and have wondered how they will perform. Similar lifespan as cuben fiber? Many tents now are using 15D and 20D fabrics, even quite common at REI, but their strength and waterproofness varies significantly. I think in general they seem okay if sewn correctly. Locus Gear has even introduced a new pyramid tarp called the Khafra HB that uses “a new fabric of 15D rip-stop nylon with hybrid coating of Silicone and PU, so that the seam lines are taped” (quoted from their website).
It did not seem like TarpTent has any plans to move away from 30D silnylon in the near future. Interesting how the “ultralight” tent company is now considered to be using some of the more durable/strong fabrics
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