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Discussion about making bushwalking-related equipment.
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Snow flaps query

Wed 26 Feb, 2014 12:15 pm

So I just cut the last of the polytarp floor out of the cheap tipi, which means that unless I put snow flaps on the edges the wind in going to blow straight under and bring lots of spindrift inside
I have never sewn Tyvek but I have and end of roll here and was wondering if that was suitable.
If so are there any particular tricks or techniques to sewing it? Does it need to be doubled at the seam? Any ideas on the best size for snowflaps on this tipi as otherwise I will cut the Tyvek at about 400mm
Tent is a lot lighter and much more manageable with the polytarp floor gone BTW
While I have it out I am thinking about adding a strong point so perhaps I can add my big diamond tarp to cover the door. If I do this I will need to sew in something to take the strain back directly to the pole and it should I assume be triangulated to the tie points as well, I can do this I think with some 25mm tape, a steel ring and a couple of 3-bar sliders

Re: Snow flaps query

Wed 26 Feb, 2014 12:33 pm

There is a Tyvek specific tape available for joining the stuff :)

Re: Snow flaps query

Wed 26 Feb, 2014 12:53 pm

True, but then I'd have to buy something. I already have plenty of thread; besides which having it sewn on makes it easy to remove in a hurry if need be.
I"ll sew some more scraps but so far it seems it be much easier to work with than Silnylon
I'm going to cut the stuff at 300mm. that should be enough to stop the snow getting in. I may have enough left over for a small tarp even

Re: Snow flaps query

Wed 26 Feb, 2014 4:16 pm

That didn't take long. Pictures later when I erect the tipi to reproof it
Stuff is a slippery as greased goose s**t tho

Re: Snow flaps query

Wed 26 Feb, 2014 5:42 pm

I'm not sure if you have any polyurethane or silicone glue left, I find that tyvek tears easily once there is a hole in it. (Not as easily as plastic film though).

Re: Snow flaps query

Wed 26 Feb, 2014 6:44 pm

I'll slather a little extra proofing silicon over the stitching line then icefest
Strider will that Tyvek tape glue the stuff to ordinary polytarp material perhaps?

Re: Snow flaps query

Wed 26 Feb, 2014 6:51 pm

You might need some hot water at the end to get it out of the snow, I wouldn't be at all suprised if it ices up terribly. (It'll seal really well though)

Re: Snow flaps query

Wed 26 Feb, 2014 7:01 pm

They are "sacrificial at need" so can be cut off if I'm in a hurry. That was a point made about the removable valances for my Plateau and why the weren't factory stitched on but had the little loops around the edge of the fly, as it's quick and easy to cut off a button and just leave the valance behind. Not "Leave No Trace" but we are talking about extreme weather situations there

Re: Snow flaps query

Wed 26 Feb, 2014 9:58 pm

I've never used the tape, just aware that it exists and is apparently great stuff. Not sure where one might source it, however..

Re: Snow flaps query

Sun 02 Mar, 2014 1:13 pm

I checked; apparently most hardware stores that sell the Housewrap sell it or can get it in, I didn't price it tho
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