Pros and Cons of different weights and coatings of fabrics
200 denier urethane coated nylon 1.25-2 oz coating
Pros-Most durable and waterproof under pressure of the fabricsI use for tarps. Highest abrasion resistance. Holds up to abuse the best.
Cons-very heavy, can be up to twice the weight and bulk of 70 deniercoated nylon and 3-4 times that of silicone coated nylon.
 
70 denier urethane coated nylon 1 oz coating
Pros-Least expensive of the coated nylon tarps. Easy to handle.Medium weight and bulk. The standard fabric for tarps and tents for manyyears.
Cons-Can be twice the weight and bulk of silicone coated nylon.
 
New
 
30 denier silicone coated nylon .25 oz coating
Higher tear strenth than 70 denier nylon. Coated with siliconeon both sides (some say empregnated) so snow and water do not soak intothe fabric, but rather sheet off. Stronger than the spinnaker cloth usedby other manufacturers and much quieter.
Cons-slippery (if used as ground sheets etc.), can be abraded easilyif rubbed against rough surfaces.
 
New Cuben Fiber
Pros-Lightest of the fabrics I use for Oware tarps. Highest tearstrength for its weight . Mylar films with high strength
fibers laminated between. Semi-transparent, great for ID of gearin stuffsacks made from it.
Cons-Though it dulls scissors to cut it, it is very susceptableto abrasion. Should be used with great care
and for selective uses. Expensive.
 
Most of these fabrics are not treated to be flame retardent,they burn like paper and drip burning nylon if ignited. Do not use thesefabrics near open flames or high heat sources.
The advantages of color selection for camping gearLeft to right, silicone impregnated nylon 1.1 oz.orange, chartruese, purple, black(out of stock), green, navy, grey(not shown, royal, brown, gold)
Navy -  NOLS color choice for their Thelma Flys for blending in. Pros-blends in well at dusk and dark, doesn't attract attention from people or animals. Dries quickly in sunlight. Makes the best shade if an ample insulating air distance (3 ft) is kept between you and the tarp, Best projection from snow blindness.Cons-lets less light through, dreary in dreary weather, can be hot in hot weather if fabric is close to the body.Purple,Brown,RoyalPros-blends in well at dusk and dark, doesn't attract attention from people or animals. Dries quickly in sunlight. Makes the best shade if an ample insulating air distance (3 ft) is kept between you and the tarp, Best projection from snow blindness.Cons-lets less light through, dreary in dreary weather, can be hot in hot weather if fabric is close to the body.Grey - most popular with backpackers Pros-blends in well in many settings. Doesn't attract attention from people or animals.Lets lots of light through.Cons-dreary in dreary weather, lets radient heat through in hot weather (doesn't give very dark shade) gives little protection from snow blindness.Bright Orange or Chartruese- SAR and survival kit favoritesPros-cheery in dreary weather, easily spotted in emergencies or when returning to campin stormy weather. Lets lot of light through. Hunting safetyCons-shows dirt, may attract unwanted attention from people or animals, gives little shade, gives little protection from snow blindness.Leaf green - bowhunters choicePros-blends in well in many settings. lets some light through, good compromise for all around use.Gold - boaters pickPros-cheery in dreary weather, easily spotted in emergencies or when returning to camp in stormy weather. Lets lot of light through.Cons-shows dirt, may attract unwanted attention from people or animals, gives little protection from snow blindness.One thing to consider if you do snow camping and spend time insideduring the day, yellow lets in a lot of light which can lead to snowblindnesson a sunny day. Years ago REI did tests of colors and decided a dark orangewas best for mountaineering tents- they were cheery and easy to find, butcut down on light more to help stave off snow blindness.Most folks that buy our shelters and fabric prefer-bright colors if they snow camp,navy, black, green or gray if they trail hike (to hide from the crowds),black or navy for desert for better shade with high pitch,orange or yellow for emergency shelters and search and rescue,yellow for river trips for mood enhancement on rainy days,blaze orange, green or gray for hunters (depending on the type of hunting military tactical)gray or green for those in bear country ( to avoid visually attracting them)photographers like a bit of color in their photos.Home, if you do not see a frame to the left