Parachute - Fabsil it or not ???

[Lost in civilisation]

I have just bought a PX1 parachute to take to scout camp on monday.

I have seen Rik recommend burning resinous wood underneath parachutes to waterproof them. My concern is that it starts bucketing down before we get a fire lit and then it won't get a chance to adhere to the chute.

Is it worth chucking some fabsil on the chute ?


thanks
stu

 

[Vulpes]

Look into using Thompson's water seal perhaps if anything. Half the price of Fabsil and you get tons of the stuff! I know fishermen that use it to proof their shelters and they swear by it.

 

[Kepis]

Set it up with a fairly steep pitch and the water will just run off, thats all ive ever done with mine, also like an old canvas tent, dont touch the chute if it gets wet, or it will drip

 

[Nonsuch]

Woodsmoke in the Lakes Fabsil theirs. That's probably a good recommendation.

 

[R.Lewis]

Fabsil'd ours. Can safely say it doesn't work too well! It was a pretty shallow pitch though so next time out will try and rig it steeper...

 

[Chiseller]

Once the fire is lit and you've heat from the bodies, worst you'll get is a misting near the cloth. There should be no drops and waterproofing shouldn't be needed .

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

 

[Bucephalas]

Fabsil'd ours. Can safely say it doesn't work too well! It was a pretty shallow pitch though so next time out will try and rig it steeper...

I've managed to Fabsil 3 tarps now and they work perfectly well.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=105185&highlight=waterproof+parachute

I didn't skimp on the fabsil and I sealed the ridge line with silicon/white spirit mix to the inside.

GoOutdoors have Fabsil on offer at times and I picked up 5ltr for £22.
I guess the material/weave could differ a little but mines fine. Just test on a small piece before doing the lot.

 

[treadlightly]

As Kepis said, a steep sided pitch should be enough to keep rain out.

 

[Nohoval_Turrets]

Looking at my own parachute, I think the weave is just going to be too loose to support full waterproofing, but fabsil should help run-off a little bit. You'll still need a steep pitch.

 

[Wayne]

I have had parachutes up in my woods for the last 7 years continuously. Never needed to fabsil.

The worst is a fine mist that comes through. Once a weekend fires have doe their magic they become pretty waterproof.