Our "extreme" outer fabric is made of nylon coated on both sides with silicone. The silicone coating makes the fabric extremely waterproof and does not reduce tear resistance like other types of coating. At the same time, the silicone coating protects the fabric from UV radiation. Our 40 D nylon 6 fabric is completely waterproof and elastic.
Advantages of extreme fabric:
- high tear resistance
- durability
Disadvantages of extreme fabric:
- Fabric stretches because it absorbs water and therefore the tarp must be re-stretched when wet.
- silicone-coated fabric cannot be seam-welded.
The UL fabric is also made of nylon, but with 15 D it is significantly lighter than the extreme fabric and is therefore used for very light hammock tarps. This fabric is coated with silicone on the outside to protect the nylon. On the inside it is coated with polyurethane to ensure high waterproofness and thus the seams are welded from the inside with seam tape.
Advantages of UL fabric:
- optimum ratio of stability and weight
- Seam tapes welded for guaranteed waterproofness
Disadvantages of UL fabric:
- not as durable as the extreme material
For which use do we recommend UL Tarps:
- Tours with a focus on lightweight
- multi-day tours
Our Versa Tarps are made of heavier 70 D polyester coated with polyurethane on the inside.
Advantages of Versa Tarps:
- durable fabric
- less sensitive to UV radiation
- the tarp can also be used as a ground sheet
Disadvantages:
- heavier for the same area as extreme or UL