Breathable Soft wall material

[klahanie]

Can't recall if this has been discussed. Regards that old bug bear, condensation on the FWC vinyl, and what alternative material might be better in cool, damp or marine climates. I'm already convinced an insulated, multi layer is the way to go (for us).

Any thoughts on using a breathable material like gortex ? And what about using a cotton cloth facing for the inside surface ? I've seen a multi layer construction using these but can't get my head around if the cotton wouldn't still get damp and possibly moldy.

. Breathables work with rain coats, would they work in a pop up. Is excessive cost the issue ?

Wondering if any on here have experience or knowledge with cold weather hunting or military tents. Or even something from the marine world, like the cloth headliners sometimes used. That could provide some insight.

Thanks.

 

[rando]

My last camper was a custom made pop top Landcruiser 100 series. For that I used goretex for the soft sides and it worked very well for condensation on the soft walls - there was none - while still being completely waterproof and quick to dry. I had a breathable synthetic insulating liner we could use as well, the water vapor would pass right through the liner and out through the tent.

We would still get condensation on the other surfaces in the camper when it was cold - ie glass windows, exposed metal etc.

Most goretext products are also designed to be light weight, so I am not sure how long they would hold up in this application. I do also have Bibler water proof breathable tent and while it's fabric is somewhat heavier duty that the goretex I could find, it is still much lighter than the PVC or canvas used on the campers.

 

[klahanie]

Thx rando. That's great to hear. True durability could be an issue, what with the folding and esp if the roof design pinces the fabric when down.

I wonder if the air temp inside has to warmer than outside to get the moisture transfer going ? We usually run the furnace for a spell before breaking camp anyways, to dry things out.

The cotton canvas layer I seen was as much for esthetics I reckon. Unsure about how quick it would dry...

 

[Vic Harder]

having worn and used GoreTex for decades, I’d be more concerned about delamination than wearing it out. and they seem to have solved that issue over the years as well. sounds like an intriguing upgrade!

 

[Beach]

A big concern would be, how U.V. resistant it would be relative to the fabric currently in use, which seems to have very good longevity..

 

[klahanie]

Beach, good point on uv. I wrote gortex but I know there are other types. Yes our Dec vinyl has lasted well. And is easy to wipe down inside and clean outside if needed.

Not an upgrade Vic but questioning a design I saw for a new camper from a mfr out your way. If we go popup would want an insulated softwall and anything else that contributed to reducing wall surface condensation.