Bushwalk Australia

I was wondering if someone on this forum has experience with sewing on zippers and can advise me.

I have this Aricxi mesh bivi:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32833751469.html

...actually, it only weighs 213g without the cord.

I also own another older one, different brand, for many years, great to use under shelter or a dry night. The zipper is on the top, for easy step in/out.

Under a tarp, I would like another zipper, for side entry/exit, a bathtub like this sketch:



I don't know anything about zipper sizes, found this #8:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Medium-Ligh ... 1659197833

Don't know it's weight per metre, did see 50g/metre for #10, plus I think 38g for the zipper.
Considering that the bivi is only 213g, want the zipper to not add too much to that.

My first question is, should I go for smaller than #8?

Second question, it states that the zipper is designed to be sewn on a curve, but what is a practical smallest radius?

Third question, does anyone know someone in Perth WA who does that kind of thing, like sew zippers on tents?

OK, a fourth question, does anyone know a vendor in Australia, apart from eBay, that sells suitable zippers online? Or even local in Perth?

I did a bit of research, and some forum posts elsewhere they say #3 or #5 should be ok.

Also, the "coil" type is good for curves.

Here is an Aussie seller on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Genuine-YKK ... 3308091363

Guess have answered a couple of my questions.

Regarding radius of curve, probably easy enough to experiment before sewing it on.

Number 3 is common I think. Youtube is astonishing for help on this sort of thing. Check out Tacblades youtube. He may have something to help. Tier Gear in Tazzie sells zips also.

#3 is fine An alternative is to use two straight zippers meeting at a corner, you reinforce the corner with a triple layer of fabric in a triangle at the junction.

Lamont wrote:Number 3 is common I think. Youtube is astonishing for help on this sort of thing. Check out Tacblades youtube. He may have something to help. Tier Gear in Tazzie sells zips also.

Thanks for that info, 'tacblades' is great. I watched his video how to install a zipper:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeRCZlXzSK8

No worries. He's pretty thorough. One thing I found useful is buying a wee bit extra of stuff for your work (if you're not doing it already that is ) and do a small practise run.