DIY Gore-Tex Darkcloth

[andy]

Not sure if this should go here or in the gear section--

I've been thinking about making a new darkcloth from Gor-Tex (or an offbrand waterproof/breathable fabric) and I was wondering if anyone else has done this--I'm thinking it would be pretty simple/inexpensive. Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics (http://www.owfinc.com/fabrics.html) sells the cloth--I'm thinking two sheets of two layer fabric (for a black/white cloth) should be lightproof, keep my camera dry if I'm walking around in a drizzle, fold up small and light, and not get too hot in the summer.

thoughts/experiences?

[Drew Wiley]

I absolutely love my Goretex darkcloth. It's breathable (cool), clean (no lint), and obviously serves as a rain cover. I had these made up a number of years ago
when our local specialty expedition sewing shop carried heavywt black Goretex in stock. But the master rolls of black are fairly expensive and uncommon, so you might have to search around to see who will sell you some limited yardage. No need to two-tone (black/white), though I have done this with coated nylon fabric
which is not breathable.

[Kirk Gittings]

So a couple of months back there was some discussion about a stage lighting material that was black on one side and silver on the other. I wanted to try it out-it wasn't too expensive, but now I can't find the thread. Anyone know what it was?

[Drew Wiley]

Kirk, if you want ultralight black/white waterproof material, poly truck wrap is available that way. We throw away (recycle) piles of that every week. It a modified
Tyvek-like fabric commonly used to ship plywood etc. Goretex is heavier but far more durable and comfortable - enough wt so it won't flap around with just any breeze like truck wrap will. For strong breeze I use a little velcro on the corners or a clothespin (never weights!).

[vinny]

Ultrabounce is sold bt the yard and is opaque enough. Black/white.

[Kirk Gittings]

That was it Ultrabounce! Thanks Vinny.

[Kirk Gittings]

Unfortunately web ordering Ultrabounce from Cine Gear Store is a trainwreck, can't choose shipping method, PayPal link doesn't work, can't set up account etc. I left them a message-no one answered the phone-but no one has called me back and I don't see any other place to buy it by the yard.

[cowanw]

Google suggests this
http://www.expendables.com/ultrabounce-60-quot.html
60 inches for 15 dollars

[Richard Wasserman]

Google suggests this
http://www.expendables.com/ultrabounce-60-quot.html
60 inches for 15 dollars

Just to clarify, that is the price for 1 yard (36 inches) of 60 inch wide fabric.

[Colin Graham]

I've been meaning to try the waterproof coated ripstop that OWF also carries, and line it with some ordinary drapery blackout cloth from Joann's, which is completely opaque. Right now I have a similar version, but reversed, with regular black nylon ripstop inside and blackout drape cloth outside. Since the blackout cloth is white and reflective, I used it for the outer layer and sprayed it with Atsko silicone water repellent, which has worked fairly well so far in the rain. I live on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, which is pretty much rainforest.

I suppose lightweight might not be the most popular attribute for a darkcloth, but I like the combination of fabrics, and the blackout cloth does give it some weight. Neither fabric is breathable, but it's hasn't been an issue due to how light it is. But it is very mild here in the summer, so not sure how it comfortable it would be in a hot climate.

If you do try the Goretex, I would be very interested to hear how well it works as a darkcloth.