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Ep163 – What Makes a Fabric Waterproof?

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Water meets its match: fabric technologies demystified!

When it rains, it pours – but it doesn’t have to bore! In this episode, Ben is presented with another opportunity to geek out, and this time our gear gurus unfold the complex world of waterproof fabrics. From the fundamental differences between waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent, to hydrostatic head ratings and coatings – Ben and Lauren decode every last drop.

The conversation flows through PE versus PU treatments, siliconised fabrics, laminated materials, and the beading beauty of DWR coatings. Tune in for a masterclass in fabric technology that proves keeping dry is equal parts chemistry, engineering, and outdoor know-how!

A woman wrapped up in a blue sleeping bag, wearing a red beanie, looking out beyond her tent.

From the differences between waterproof, water-resistant, and water-repellent, to hydrostatic head ratings – Ben and Lauren decode every last drop.

Shortcuts:

00:00 – Intro

00:45 – Another Excuse for Ben to Geek Out…

02:06 – Waterproof, Water-Resistant, and Water-Repellant

03:55 – Maintaining Realistic Expectations

06:23 – Waterhead and Hydrostatic Head

08:49 – Coatings and Laminations

11:37 – Hydrophilic Coatings and Preventing Hydrolysis

13:01 – PE Vs PU Coatings

13:53 – Siliconised Fabrics

15:21 – Laminated Fabrics

16:23 – Durable Water Repellant (DWR)

18:20 – Canvas Vs Polyester

27:14 – Re-Waterproofing

31:01 – Another Geek-Out Done!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Products:

All camping tents

Canvas camping tents

Polyester camping tents

All swags

Canvas swags

Polyester swags

Podcasts and Blogs:

Ep16 – Tent Waterhead Ratings with Zempire

Tent Waterhead Ratings: Explained

Thanks for listening, tune in again for next week’s episode!

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of the Snowys Camping Show Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTubeSpotifyiTunesAmazon MusiciHeartRadioPocket CastsPodcast Addict, or Stitcher so you never miss an upload.

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Catch you out there!