As always, Jack Stephenson's products are not for everyone, especially those expecting to leave anything at all to their children. (We don't -- enjoy it now Annie). His new tent fabric is silicone (not silicon) treated, but in a way different from the urethane materials. The urethane's ripstop fabric contained filler fibers to which the urethane adhered when applied from one side. The silicone ripstop is different fabric, without fillers, onto which the silicone is coated on both sides. It does not adhere to the fabric, but to the coating on the other side of the fabric through the intercies in the warp and woof. So both sides are "coated" but in fact form a bond throuth the material, the fabric itself is inherently stronger, and the silicone is not subject to deterioration from moist storage. I is also supposedly more UV resistant and a bit lighter with a higher vapor pressure. All in all super stuff, or so it sounds. My tent is 5 hours old so I can't tell you how well it will wear, though it weighs an honest 4lbs. 7 oz on a postage scale and that is the 3rs, the three+ person with large side windows and big doors. This is not a canoeing/kayaking tent but well suited for climbers and ski touring where weight is critical. When paddling we principally use VE24s now (the Guide model is great with the extra thick floor and the SS zipper sliders and no vestibule to collect black flies). The best ever was the Pole sleve Oval, but no longer made. Many tent manufacturers don't understand arctic travel and make large dark colored door way panels and insist on vestibules. Stephenson will sell his silicone coated fabric to those who wish to make VBL, or will make them for you for a hefty price ($100 I think). Stephenson says the silicone fabric has completely outclassed the urethane stuff he used to use and that is still in use elsewhere. Time will tell, but his reputation and our experience suggest that the materials he selects are the very best. Call and chat if inclined. We use VBLs on all winter trips but do not attach them to the bag or build them in as was the case with Stephenson's bags. Happy paddling (and skiing soon). And anyonw going to the Bahamas this Xmas? We would be glad to see you. Rich, Eleen and Annie -- Richard G. Mitchell, Jr. Department of Sociology Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331 U.S.A. (541) 752-1323 phone/fax mitchelr_at_ucs.orst.edu *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Oct 20 1998 - 23:24:54 PDT
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