Explore the Outdoors!

Category: Materials

Everything about materials used in hiking and outdoor gear and apparel.

  • Sleeping Bag Materials: Is Polyester or Nylon Better?

    Sleeping Bag Materials: Is Polyester or Nylon Better?

    When it comes to sleeping bags, there are several different materials involved and many to choose from. The shell of a sleeping bag is the outer fabric, while the lining is the inner layer. These can be made from different materials, but most sleeping bag shells and linings are made from polyester or nylon. The…

  • Difference Between Ripstop Nylon and Ripstop Polyester?

    Difference Between Ripstop Nylon and Ripstop Polyester?

    Ripstop nylon and ripstop polyesters are the most widely used nylon and polyester fabrics used in outdoor clothing, sleeping bags, tents, and hammocks today. While ripstop nylon is the lightest, most elastic of the two, ripstop polyester is more durable and less expensive. However, there are several factors that differentiate the two materials, which I…

  • How to Make Rubber Boots Warmer

    How to Make Rubber Boots Warmer

    Having rubber boots is a great idea if you live in a place where it rains a lot as they will be the best footwear option for protection against the rain and a wet environment. However, rubber boots are not made for warmth and they often lack insulation. Therefore, the best way to make them…

  • Light Vs Heavy Skis – Which Is Best?

    Light Vs Heavy Skis – Which Is Best?

    The weight of skis can be an important factor, especially when you’re first learning to ski. Lightweight skis can feel easier to control and controllable while heavier ones can be more stable. When you choose lightweight skis, you often run the risk of losing some performance in terms of stability and smoothness in your skiing…

  • How to Repuff a Puffer Jacket (With/Without a Dryer!)

    How to Repuff a Puffer Jacket (With/Without a Dryer!)

    Do you have a puffer jacket that has lost its volume? Maybe you have washed it or stored it for some time, resulting in a decreased loft of the down or synthetic fibers of the jacket? Don’t worry. With a little time and effort, I will show you how to make your down jacket fluffy…

  • How Much are Hornet Nests Worth? (More Than You Think!)

    How Much are Hornet Nests Worth? (More Than You Think!)

    You probably are not aware that there may be some extra money hanging around your house. A large, bald-faced hornet nest can bring in some cash. They are sold in shops or online. A quick look on sites such as eBay will show hornet nests with asking prices ranging from $20 to $500 with an…

  • 600D Polyester: How Strong and Water Resistant Is It? (Explained!)

    600D Polyester: How Strong and Water Resistant Is It? (Explained!)

    600D polyester is a fabric that is often used in the manufacture of outdoor gear such as backpacks, camping chairs, heavy-duty tents and functional apparel. It is known for its durability and with a tear strength of 127 Newtons, it is a great choice for outdoor items or in high-demand everyday use. 600D polyester is…

  • Can You (Spray) Paint A Tent? (Which Paint and How!)

    Can You (Spray) Paint A Tent? (Which Paint and How!)

    One thing to do while out of hiking season is to paint your tent in awesome colors! But can it be done? Whereas canvas, vinyl or cotton tents are easy to paint using ordinary fabric paint, those tents made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester are much more challenging to paint due to the…

  • Are Nylon Backpacks Waterproof? (How Waterproof is Nylon?)

    Are Nylon Backpacks Waterproof? (How Waterproof is Nylon?)

    Many backpacks are made of synthetic fabrics that are lightweight and durable, but their degree of water resistance varies. Nylon is often used in outdoor gear like tents, jackets, sleeping bags, and backpacks because it is lightweight as well as resistant to water and abrasion. While all types of nylon fabric confer some resistance to…

  • 70D vs. 210D vs. 420D vs. 600D vs. 1000D Nylon!

    70D vs. 210D vs. 420D vs. 600D vs. 1000D Nylon!

    I recently wrote about the thinner nylon fabrics (from 10D to 40D) and how these are often used for weight-critical constructions like tents for backpacking or sports jackets. Thicker nylon fabrics like those made from 70D and upwards are sturdy and can be made more waterproof with the right surface treatment. And whereas 70D nylon…