Pros and Cons of different weights and coatings of fabrics
200 denier urethane coated nylon 1.25-2 oz coating
Pros-Most durable and waterproof under pressure of the fabrics I use for tarps. Highest abrasion resistance. Holds up to abuse the best.
Cons-very heavy, can be up to twice the weight and bulk of 70 denier coated nylon and 3-4 times that of silicone coated nylon.
 
70 denier urethane coated nylon 1 oz coating
Pros-Least expensive of the coated nylon tarps. Easy to handle. Medium weight and bulk. The standard fabric for tarps and tents for many years.
Cons-Can be twice the weight and bulk of silicone coated nylon.
 
New 70 denier silicone + urethane coated nylon .5 oz coating
Pros- Stronger and more abrasion resistant than either 30d silicone nylon or 70d urethane nylon. Lighter
than 70d urethane nylon. More waterproof under pressure than 30d silicone coated nylon.
Easy to handle. Medium weight and bulk. A durable hybrid for long use.
Cons-Heavier than 30d silicone coated nylon.
 
30 denier silicone coated nylon .25 oz coating
Higher tear strenth than 70 denier nylon. Coated with silicone on both sides (some say empregnated) so snow and water do not soak into the fabric, but rather sheet off. Stronger than the spinnaker cloth used by other manufacturers and much quieter.
Cons-slippery (if used as ground sheets etc.), can be abraded easily if rubbed against rough surfaces.
 
New Cuben Fiber
Pros-Lightest of the fabrics I use for Oware tarps. Highest tear strength for its weight . Mylar films with high strength
fibers laminated between. Semi-transparent, great for ID of gear in stuffsacks made from it.
Cons-Though it dulls scissors to cut it, it is very susceptable to abrasion. Should be used with great care
and for selective uses. Expensive.
 
Most of these fabrics are not treated to be flame retardent, they burn like paper and drip burning nylon if ignited. Do not use these fabrics near open flames or high heat sources.

The advantages of color selection for camping gear


Left to right, silicone impregnated nylon 1.1 oz.
orange, chartruese, purple, black(out of stock), green, navy, grey
(not shown, royal, brown, gold)
Navy -  NOLS color choice for their Thelma Flys for blending in. 
Pros-blends in well at dusk and dark, doesn't attract attention from people 
or animals. Dries quickly in sunlight. Makes the best shade if an ample insulating 
air distance (3 ft) is kept between you and the tarp, Best projection from snow 
blindness.
Cons-lets less light through, dreary in dreary weather, can be hot in hot weather i
f fabric is close to the body.

Purple,Brown,Royal
Pros-blends in well at dusk and dark, doesn't attract attention from people or 
animals. Dries quickly in sunlight. Makes the best shade if an ample insulating 
air distance (3 ft) is kept between you and the tarp, Best projection from snow 
blindness.
Cons-lets less light through, dreary in dreary weather, can be hot in hot weather 
if fabric is close to the body.

Grey - most popular with backpackers 
Pros-blends in well in many settings. Doesn't attract attention from people or 
animals.
Lets lots of light through.Cons-dreary in dreary weather, lets radient heat 
through in hot weather (doesn't give very dark shade) gives little protection 
from snow blindness.

Bright Orange or Chartruese- SAR and survival kit favorites
Pros-cheery in dreary weather, easily spotted in emergencies or when returning 
to camp
in stormy weather. Lets lot of light through. Hunting safety
Cons-shows dirt, may attract unwanted attention from people or animals, 
gives little shade, gives little protection from snow blindness.

Leaf green - bowhunters choice
Pros-blends in well in many settings. lets some light through, good compromise for 
all around use.

Gold - boaters pick
Pros-cheery in dreary weather, easily spotted in emergencies or when returning to 
camp in stormy weather. Lets lot of light through.
Cons-shows dirt, may attract unwanted attention from people or animals, 
gives little protection from snow blindness.

One thing to consider if you do snow camping and spend time inside
during the day, yellow lets in a lot of light which can lead to snowblindness
on a sunny day. Years ago REI did tests of colors and decided a dark orange
was best for mountaineering tents- they were cheery and easy to find, but
cut down on light more to help stave off snow blindness.

Most folks that buy our shelters and fabric prefer-
bright colors if they snow camp,
navy, black, green or gray if they trail hike (to hide from the crowds),
black or navy for desert for better shade with high pitch,
orange or yellow for emergency shelters and search and rescue,
yellow for river trips for mood enhancement on rainy days,
blaze orange, green or gray for hunters (depending on the type of hunting military 
tactical)gray or green for those in bear country ( to avoid visually attracting them)
photographers like a bit of color in their photos.

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