Nikwax UV Proof safe for e-Vent & Goretex tents?

[DanYong]

Hi people,

I'm wondering anyone knows if Nikwax UV proof will affect the breatheablility of such tents?

I sent emails to Nikwax but nobody replied after 4 weeks.

Hope someone here knows or have tried it.

Thanks.
DanYong

[Tofu_Imprint]

Hi Dan,

I'm unsure of the answer, but I'd probably go with what's recommended on the label. I.e. Don't use it on anything that it doesn't say it's meant for. Either that, or test it on a small area before applying it to the whole thing.

On the other hand, perhaps a forum member can shed some light on the matter for you.

[DanYong]

Well the thing is, i want to uv protect my new Rab Mountin Bivi tent. It'll be exposed to strong uv but its a breathable event material too. The nikwax site doesnt say if itsokfor breathable material.

Dan

[corvus]

G'day Dan Yong,
Appreciate your concern however how much more UV is your Bivi going to be exposed to in comparison with our Tents/Shelters used elsewhere (especially in Tasmania where UV is very high) I believe it does take a fair bit of time for UV to have serious effect on Shelter materials.
I suspect that being a Bivi you don't intend leaving it erected for multiple days in one location so I would contact RAB and ask for their opinion regarding UV degradation rather than spend money that may not be really required
JMHO.
corvus

[Nuts]

UV Proof contains acetic acid Dan. While it is in itself a proofing agent as well as a UV film, i would imagine it would strip the dwr coating from the event. I can ask the distributor if you like but i'd agree with Corvus, ask RAB directly if you really are keen. The UV proof may act in the same way as TX spray but I doubt its necessary for the average tent life.

[DanYong]

Hi all,

Thanks to all who replied in such a short time.

Nuts: In that case, I'll rather not use UV Proof. DWR is important too. BTW, would you happen to know if Nikwax Tent & Gear Solarproof contains the same chemicals? I wonder why have two products?

Corvus: Yes you're right. Normally a tents out only at night. But I'll be camping around in Tasi and I bought the tent cos it's pretty water proof and I have had good experiences with e-vent material. Its not cheap so I though it'll be a good idea to treat it well. What better way to protect an expensive tent? But its interesting how Nikwax hasn't replied me at all.

Cheers,
Dan

[DanYong]

Hi All,

Just got a reply from Nikwax UK. Copied below.

Dan

Dear Dan,

Thank you for your enquiry.

We recommend you use Tent & Gear Solarproof. It will protect your E-Vent tent against UVs, make it waterproof, and maintain breathability.

Kind regards,

Alexander Speedie
Export Sales
Nikwax Waterproofing
Unit F, Durgates Industrial Estate, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 6DF.
Tel +44 (0)1892 786400
Fax +44 (0)1892 783748

[ninjapuppet]

Hi Yong,

i had the smaller version of your tent for sale here recently so I know its construction pretty well. Though I think your mountain bivi is abit taller and doesnt have the hole out at the back to scoop snow in?

To put your mind at ease, I know a mountain guide who used the summit extreme down in patagonia for well over 100 nights. What he found, is that the floor will show signs of wear before UV eats the tent fabric away.
I'm not sure what you've intended to use it for, but its a mountain assault tent used for summit pushes rather than a base camp tent. So if anything, winds, rockfall, manual handling, crampons, and sharp ground will damage it before your tent will fade so I would not personally bother with applying anything to it.

But if you are using it for general tassie conditions rather than the high mountains its designed for, then I think you may have bought the wrong tent.
Despite being eVent, you will still get condensation in tassie. Guaranteed.

[DanYong]

Hi ninjapuppet,

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I understand there'll be condensation in just about any tent. Wear and tear will wear it down b4 UV does! That's where my $10 ground sheet comes in

Cheers,
Dan

[Franco]

The Rab Summit Bivi is only a bivi in name, otherwise it is a wedge tent somewhat similar to the Bibler I tent and the like.
(the name has to do with some GE regulations about using eVent)



Franco

[DanYong]

Hi all,

I got more explanation from Nikwax today. The rep however did not answer me if the product still contained acetic acid...

Dan

"Hi Dan,

All our waterproofing products are designed to replace, repaire or replenish original DWR. Tent & Gear Solarproof is specifically designed for fabrics that will see a lot of sunshine, and therefore need both a DWR and a UV inhibitor to prolong the life of the fabric, and ehance the equipment's performance.

A Bivi bag though does not see as much sunshine as a pitched tent, so if all you need is the best quality DWR finish, then we would advise to use TX.Direct.

In all instances, we would advise you always wash your equipment with Nikwax Tech Wash, before you apply one of our waterproofing products.

I hope that answers your question.

Kind regards,

Alex "

[Nuts]

Its not easy to find details of what is contained in eVents original DWR for this (tent) material but I would imagine it already contains a UV inhibitor of some sort. Cleaning with Techwash will not remove this original DWR (with one wash). When we use TX direct it only takes in the places where it is depleted. ie you may find the solar proof just beads on the surface and does nothing unless you strip the original DWR (with detergent). You may find that it will do jack for increasing UV performance even if (as they say) it is compatible. It may (according to them) be useful as a replenishment but (with jackets) we wash them at least 5/6 times between using TX direct, even then it seems to only take in higher wear areas (around shoulders etc). As mentioned, i'd run it by RAB first and get their thoughts.