Tyvek DIY projects?

[lukeeson111]

I just came across a cool idea to use the Tyvek product which is utilized in construction, envelopes ect. to make ultralight backpacking equipment. This may not be new news to some but I was wondering if anyone here has made anything with it?

Examples:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pigmonkey/sets/72157620193065231/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Tyvek-Bivy-Sack-for-CampingHiking/

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=12370

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=18758

 

[WolfTracker]

Wow... Never seen so many things made from it. I only thought that it was good for groundsheets, which I am due for a new one. Have to try and raid a construction site.

If you wash it a few times, it will kill the "crunchies" while you sleep on it.

 

[Coldwood]

Do-it-yourself boat builders have used it for making experimental sails for small boats, canoes, kayaks.

 

[x39]

I do a lot of target shooting and am planning on acquiring a piece to lay under my canvas shooting mat in cold and or wet conditions.

 

[riz_aaroni]

USPS and Home Depot here I come! Thanks for the links.

 

[Rupestris]

I do a lot of target shooting and am planning on acquiring a piece to lay under my canvas shooting mat in cold and or wet conditions.

Try one of these:

http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd-large-dupont-tyvek-hooded-coverall-paint-suit-each.cfm

You can also use one for a camo coverall when hunting in the snow. A spray can of gray or brown to add a couple lines to break up your outline. They aren't quiet but for coyote or long range shots, they'll save you come coin by letting you use your regular hunting or winter gear.

 

[lukeeson111]

Try one of these:

http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd-large-dupont-tyvek-hooded-coverall-paint-suit-each.cfm

You can also use one for a camo coverall when hunting in the snow. A spray can of gray or brown to add a couple lines to break up your outline. They aren't quiet but for coyote or long range shots, they'll save you come coin by letting you use your regular hunting or winter gear.

+++1 nice idea Im going to pick one up to try while coyote hunting. It would be good to keep in my car for the times I go without expecting to with friends.

 

[j williams]

Great thread!!! Alot of uses for that stuff. :thumbup:

That backpack is unreal....Very cool.

 

[lukeeson111]

I think the the sacks would be a great way to hold your meal kit in.

 

[1066vik]

hmmm...
now I have ideas of what to do with my tyvek coveralls when the feet/knees wear out of them.

 

[hoopster]

I've seen wallets made from it.

 

[JSmith88]

Tarp Tents makes a tarp tent called the tyvex sublite which weighs next to nothing.

 

[remmmm]

That backpack is pretty sweet. I think the bivy bag is the most practical application though. Only 11 Oz.

 

[Diomedes Industries]

Wouldn't they crinkle like a bitch?

Be really loud?

TF

 

[Scott Free]

If you wash the tyvek a time or two, it softens enough to lose some of it's "crinkliness." I think it's still going to be there a bit, though.

I carried a tyvek wallet for a couple of years. Cheap. Durable. Thin.

 

[JSmith88]

It can be loud, but I wear ear plugs when I sleep in the woods anyway, and it has never bothered me. I used a Tyvek Ground sheet for my AT section hike.

 

[x39]

Try one of these.

Thanks Rupestris, looks like cheap winter camo to me! :thumbup:

 

[markhait]

Can you get the stuff free at Home Depot or Lowes?
Who would you ask...lumber sales?

 

[99f250]

Can you get the stuff free at Home Depot or Lowes?
Who would you ask...lumber sales?

No, they sell it for us contractors to wrap houses with before we install siding, I got half a roll in the shed, never thought it was good for anything else. Cool ideas.

 

[tradja]

I have a background in lightweight long-distance hiking. I used a Tyvek ground sheet on our CDT thru-hike and was not impressed -- not really waterproof and got the "fuzzies" as it aged, picking up tons of noxious seeds. For our PCT thru-hike this year I am going to try the Gossamer Gear polycryo. '

I saw a homemade Tyvek (whoops, typed "kydex" there) tent at the PCT kickoff in 2005. If I can find it, I'll post a pic when I get home from work tonight. I didn't meet the owner and don't know how it worked out over his/her thru-hike.
ETA: pics!

I've used a USPS Priority Mail Tyvek bag as a "data pouch" on past long hikes. I might use one again, but don't want to run afoul of the "for mailing use only" thing.

The coveralls look sweet. Always meant to try a set. A bivy is a great idea as well.