Raw Materials Wiki

Cuben Fiber

Waterproof, wear resistant but will wear through eventually. Highest ripstop performance for the weight. Lightest waterproof material available. Pricey though.

Silnylon

Waterproof, wind proof and durable.

Silpoly

Lightest weight waterproof poly material available.

Amsteel Blue / Dyneema

Low stretch high load bearing cordage applications (hammocks!)

Zing it

Ultra lightweight cordage, wear resistant good for tie downs, bear bags

'Polycro'

Fairly durable (for the price, which is very low) waterproof plastic sheeting used for groundsheets. Patio door insulator. If anyone can find thicker than .75Mil let me know.

Tyvek

Also known as housewrap, acts as a vapor barrier. Can be used as a groundsheet, though not strictly waterproof. Run through the washing machine before using. Not very compressible (right?)

Down

Highest performing insulator per ounce, with excellent compressibility. Must remain dry to be effective.

Apex climashield

Best poly insulator, works when wet.

Insultex

Insulating barrier layer

Noseeum

Poly material used to block insects and in baffles.

Reflectix

Basically foil faced bubble wrap, R1, useful for keeping drinks warm or as a lightweight butt pad.

Im looking for 'dishwasher safe' sealable cook bags. I don't know much about fleece or metals. Comments, additions?