I've started making my own gear again. Problem: most of my fabric was purchased 30-40 years ago; the urethane now smells like cat piss.

What is a good place to buy fabric and related supplies (flat webbing, heavy-duty thread) online? I can buy a lot of stuff from the local JoAnn (brick and mortar) store, but they pretty much stop at 2.2 oz/yd^2 ripstop. I'd like to get thicker stuff for some apps.

I'm not looking for big quantities -- might be just a few yards at a time.

Thanks.

Here's a site I found with a bunch of suppliers. they sell small batch. You'll have to hunt through to find the right stuff, but most sell the Eurethane coated nylons as well as the silnylons.

http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/tips/sources.asp

I'm sorry I can't help you, but just out of curiosity, what kind of gear do you make?

I've gotten most of my fabric from Quest Outfitters, they are very helpful and shipping is very reasonable. Everything from lightweight silnylon to heavy ballistic nylons, WPB fabrics, etc.
Another good source is OWFINC (google it, not sure of their web address) for some of the more specialty fabrics like Epic.
Hope that helps, those are the only two I've used but I know there are others too.


Ah, just looked at the link posted above and they are both listed there. I also have ordered from Thru-Hiker (last place on the US links) but I've only ordered the 800 fill down and some misc. other stuff. A guy named Paul runs the place out of New England and he's top notch in terms of service and recommending what to use/do. Limited selection of fabrics though.

Rockywoods.com is a good place to start. There are also a lot of marine fabric places that sell awesome materials and weird hardware, for cheaper than you find it at, say, Petzel.

Start here: http://www.rockywoods.com/

For rip-stop at $1 per pound (!!??) in different colors and weights, check the balloon-making places; they'll also have Nomex as well as some hardware. There's gotta be a few around Las Vegas. That's what I do for stuff sacks, and vestibules.

For haul-bags, see if there are any geotextile outfits nearby.... it's just landfill liner, doncha know.

Oh.... lastly, outdoor awning places also have heavy-duty, bulletproof fabrics and hardware in goofy-ass colors and patterns.

Hotoven wrote:I'm sorry I can't help you, but just out of curiosity, what kind of gear do you make?

Generally stuff that I can't find elsewhere to buy. E.g., my most recent want is a small light gps carrier that I can move quickly from the shoulder strap of one pack to another, using velcro closures. I have some old camera cases that sort of fit this bill, but they aren't being made anymore, and the old ones are wearing out.

More: This winter we made two pairs of minimalist nylon windpants with pocket, fly and light belt closure; 4-5 oz a pair, and they are far superior to anything I've tried to buy lately-- plus they fit me. Years ago we sewed a minimalist nylon hooded anorak to fit my physique, and I still prefer that today to all others. My best light summit pack I made; when it finally ripped, I replaced it with a REI flash, which is heavier, less flexible, and has lower volume -- I'll probably redo that. And earlier I made a quasi-tent to fit over the back of my car and a cot, specifically thinking about places in DV where the ground is made of 4"-diameter rocks. Years ago I sewed a light minimalist down bag, and used to make backpacks.

Partly this is physical therapy. My right side has been partially paralyzed for 8 years, and sewing helps me regain some control.

REI used to carry all that stuff. Maybe now try Amazon or similar.

Sewing your own gear is awesome.... it lets one appreciate fine design and workmanship. If you've ever made your own stuffsack you can understand the dichotomy of a $200 tent in a $8 stuff sack as found at REI.

I've made my own portaledge, cagoules, bivy sacks, stuff sacks, vestibules, rope bags, crampon bags, straps, velcro closures, and fix my own clothing till it's no longer the same item. It's pretty easy to do, and yes, it's awesome therapy!

One thing I can't find.... a good, inexpensive source for 7071 tent poles

Thanks all.

Nice, sounds great MoapaPk. One of these days you might get a special order in from me!

I have had good luck with Thru-Hiker. Prices are a little high, but they have top-notch supplies and all the little bits. Shipping is very fast.

Narain's Outdoor Fabric, in Berkeley, CA. Google for contact info.

http://www.questoutfitters.com/coated.html

I have bought from this company several times. I made the Bilgy kit tent plus stuff bags and straps. They answer the phone with a human (seems real), they ...get this...HELP YOU by answering my stupid questions. They have the fabric "Cuben Fiber" that is light weight, strong and expensive, and the now famous silnet. There is a photo gallery on stuff real people have made, also the Bilgy tent if interested in a sub 2lb tent.
http://www.summitpost.org/image/643095/ ... r-arm.html

Thanks again folks!