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Topic: Gear Challenge, I need Help: Space Blanket.....< Next Oldest | Next Newest >
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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 27 2013, 11:00 pm  Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
I am wondering if anyone knows of an emergency space survival blanket- the ones that look like foil- that is about 8' long?

Does such a crerture exist?  I think it would make a great floor for a floorless tent/tarp.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 27 2013, 11:11 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Here is one at REI:

http://www.rei.com/product/813514/sol-survival-blanket

wonder how tear resistant it is?

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 27 2013, 11:29 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Go to a construction job and ask for a piece of Tyvek, wash it to get the criklels out and cut to size.  Works great and costs nothing.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 27 2013, 11:33 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
How does Tyvek compare in weight?  right now ounces are everything to me.

Shave off 16 oz and you drop a lb.  I want to cut my weight to the evry min for  for my New Mexico hike.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 27 2013, 11:59 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
For my floorless tent, I use silnylon cut just a little larger than my pad with a hint of room above my head with a one inch lip - a mini bathtub floor.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 28 2013, 12:06 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(Tigger @ Feb. 27 2013, 11:59 pm)
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For my floorless tent, I use silnylon cut just a little larger than my pad with a hint of room above my head with a one inch lip - a mini bathtub floor.

How does your piece of silnylon compare to this:

http://gossamergear.com/shelter....ge.html

I have the smaller size under my bug netting as a ground cover and the stuff is tuff and no moisture gets through.

And if anyone is not familar with Zpack take a look at their products:

http://www.zpacks.com/

I think Zpacks make about the best stuff sacks I have ever found.  

I have the ZPacks Hexamid™ Solo-Plus Tent with the extended peak.  Expensive.  And no floor- just the bug netting.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 28 2013, 12:44 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
My Silnylon is "paper thin" but tear strength is good. It is difficult to work with (super slick). I'm using 10D ripstop Silnylon. I'd compare it directly to 2 mil painter's cloth but tough. I've not worked with that film so I can't compare apples to apples.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 28 2013, 9:46 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Window insulation film (also known as polycryo to the gram weenies out there).  You used to live in MI - you know exactly what that is LOL!  Super light (even lighter than painters drop cloth) and pretty darn strong.  We use it as a ground cloth under our tarptent and even inside it in serious downpour weather if we need to.

Downside is it likes to fly away, so use little rocks at the corners to hold it down.

Have fun on your hike, I am jealous! :)

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 28 2013, 11:53 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(peeb @ Feb. 28 2013, 9:46 am)
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Window insulation film (also known as polycryo to the gram weenies out there).  You used to live in MI - you know exactly what that is LOL!  Super light (even lighter than painters drop cloth) and pretty darn strong.  We use it as a ground cloth under our tarptent and even inside it in serious downpour weather if we need to.

Downside is it likes to fly away, so use little rocks at the corners to hold it down.

Have fun on your hike, I am jealous! :)

Light Bulb!!  Or course it is the same stuff we used to cover windows with in Michigan- but I never made the connection before- and it is so thin and light weight it never occured to consider it as a ground sheet or a tarp floor.  

Now I know.  I don't think they sell those window kits around here where I live in AZ.

I ordered the space blanket from REI.  If worst comes to worst I can wrap up in my tarp tent floor.

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PostIcon Posted on: Feb. 28 2013, 8:27 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Polycryo is far better for floor use than space blanket material (LDPE). You can however make a decent tarp out of either (see my profile link for videos of both).
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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 01 2013, 1:21 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
RD - I have some leftover pieces from winters past (unused!) that might suit your needs; if you want them you can PM me your address and I can send them out to you.

It looks like I have pieces that measure about:
46x86"
64x72"

I also have a piece that came off of one of the windows that measures 59x88".  It should be completely servicable (we use recycled ones ourselves).

I can't use these practically as they are too small for the 3-man tents, but you are welcome to them :)  Let me know!

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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 01 2013, 1:53 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(peeb @ Mar. 01 2013, 1:21 pm)
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RD - I have some leftover pieces from winters past (unused!) that might suit your needs; if you want them you can PM me your address and I can send them out to you.

It looks like I have pieces that measure about:
46x86"
64x72"

I also have a piece that came off of one of the windows that measures 59x88".  It should be completely servicable (we use recycled ones ourselves).

I can't use these practically as they are too small for the 3-man tents, but you are welcome to them :)  Let me know!

Peeb, that is a very kind offer.  I am 6' long and I am looking to have a piece about 8' long to give me a foot on each end.  The length 86" long is close to it- but I did order the space blanket from REI to use as the floor in the tarp tent.

Talk about kindness, one of the residents in the senior park I live in offered to drive me over to Deming, NM when the time comes to go.  He has several long distance hike trips in including a trek across Africa and the CDT bike route.  He is really interested in my upcoming CDT hike in New Mexico.  

Good neighbors are so nice to have around and I am referring to you, too, peeb.  I appreciate the offer on the plastic sheet.

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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 04 2013, 1:34 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
No problem - I wasn't sure if the dimensions would work for you or not.  I'll keep them around though, just holler anytime if you'd like them :)

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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 04 2013, 3:24 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
I think they sell those foil space blankets in Wal Mart.  That's what I have used over and over under my tent.  Love 'em, so light.

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“He who knows the most, he who knows what sweets and virtues are in the ground, the waters, the plants, the heavens and how to come at these enchantments, is the rich and royal man”  -- from Nature, by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 04 2013, 3:38 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
I've used space blankets as flooring before (I like dual-use items). They're light, but they do rip. My average one lasts about a week before I tear it.

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When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. - Lao Tzu
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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 04 2013, 4:16 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Hello.  http://www.rei.com/search?query=space+blanket

They do not make good flooring.  Go with the Tyvek.
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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 04 2013, 4:51 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Why are all spindle's responses blank??
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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 04 2013, 4:57 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(hbfa @ Mar. 04 2013, 4:51 pm)
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Why are all spindle's responses blank??

Do you have her on "Ignore"?

If so you're living awfully close to the edge.

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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 04 2013, 5:32 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(hbfa @ Mar. 04 2013, 4:51 pm)
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Why are all spindle's responses blank??

Have I ever called you any offensive names or threatened to start dating your mom/wife/sister?

They may be protecting you from me.

Or you have me blocked. You delicate, conservative ninny you.   :p
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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 04 2013, 5:44 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(Chuck D @ Mar. 04 2013, 1:57 pm)
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(hbfa @ Mar. 04 2013, 4:51 pm)
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Why are all spindle's responses blank??

Do you have her on "Ignore"?

If so you're living awfully close to the edge.

I wouldn't dare.

But every one of her responses suddenly went blank??


ETA: oops....apparently I did have her on ignore??  I'm not certain how that happened - I've never (knowingly) put anyone on ignore before.  Operator error.  Sorry spindle.
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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 04 2013, 5:53 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(hbfa @ Mar. 04 2013, 5:44 pm)
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(Chuck D @ Mar. 04 2013, 1:57 pm)
QUOTE

(hbfa @ Mar. 04 2013, 4:51 pm)
QUOTE
Why are all spindle's responses blank??

Do you have her on "Ignore"?

If so you're living awfully close to the edge.

I wouldn't dare.

But every one of her responses suddenly went blank??


ETA: oops....apparently I did have her on ignore??  I'm not certain how that happened - I've never (knowingly) put anyone on ignore before.  Operator error.  Sorry spindle.

I see how you are.   :D

I never put anyone on ignore either.  All the better to watch the mental dysfunctions in progress.

:cool:
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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 04 2013, 5:57 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(hbfa @ Mar. 04 2013, 5:44 pm)
QUOTE

(Chuck D @ Mar. 04 2013, 1:57 pm)
QUOTE

(hbfa @ Mar. 04 2013, 4:51 pm)
QUOTE
Why are all spindle's responses blank??

Do you have her on "Ignore"?

If so you're living awfully close to the edge.

I wouldn't dare.

But every one of her responses suddenly went blank??


ETA: oops....apparently I did have her on ignore??  I'm not certain how that happened - I've never (knowingly) put anyone on ignore before.  Operator error.  Sorry spindle.

Way to fess up, you were getting close to newtness   :p

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PostIcon Posted on: Mar. 04 2013, 6:10 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic.  Ignore posts   QUOTE

(Chuck D @ Mar. 04 2013, 5:57 pm)
QUOTE

(hbfa @ Mar. 04 2013, 5:44 pm)
QUOTE

(Chuck D @ Mar. 04 2013, 1:57 pm)
QUOTE

(hbfa @ Mar. 04 2013, 4:51 pm)
QUOTE
Why are all spindle's responses blank??

Do you have her on "Ignore"?

If so you're living awfully close to the edge.

I wouldn't dare.

But every one of her responses suddenly went blank??


ETA: oops....apparently I did have her on ignore??  I'm not certain how that happened - I've never (knowingly) put anyone on ignore before.  Operator error.  Sorry spindle.

Way to fess up, you were getting close to newtness   :p

He'd be an adorable new addition.  <3
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