Re: [Paddlewise] Poncho as Storm Cage

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_greatlakeskayaker.ca>
Date: Tue, 12 Jun 2007 11:16:41 -0400
Dave Kruger wrote:
> Joseph Pylka wrote:
>> It's not a breathable material but rather a vapor barrier.  That is what
>> it is ordinarily sold as.
> 
> I've heard Tyvek described as a "vapor barrier" before, but I think that 
> is very misleading language.

In northern climes, if you put a vapour barrier on the outside of the 
house, the structure would become a mouldy pile of rotten wood.  The 
vapour barrier (usually polyethylene) goes on the inside of the 
structural components and the house wrap (Tyvek or similar products) 
goes on the outside.  It has to be breathable - the objective is to keep 
the insulation and structure dry and provide a windproof and 
water-resistant barrier on the outside.

If Tyvek was a suitable product for outdoor gear to the extent some 
folks think, manufacturers would swarm to it.  The fact that so few do 
should tell you everything about how appropriate it is as a material.

Mike
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Received on Wed Jun 13 2007 - 05:47:41 PDT

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