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Hi - are there any polyester experts out there who can explain the physical difference between 75 and 100 denier polyester?

We have just returned from our first 5 night trip in our new Filey 6 and, whilst we really love the tent, I have to say that I don't understand Kampa's claim that the flysheet is better quality and more tear resistant than their competitors materials.

We also have an Outwell Sun Valley and recently sold our Outwell Idaho XL.

If anything I think the material on the Outwell's felt thicker. 

Any thoughts?

The higher the denier the longer it will last under UV exposure (potentially double for the increase from 75 denier to 100 denier - as the survival rate in outdoor tent displays demonstrates - also see quote below). This is a natural property of the denier and Kampa even add an extra UV resistant coating too. 

The 100 denier is definitely heavier/ thicker/ more dense than the 75 denier (although not as heavy/thick as polycotton or cotton) as explained by the above information from Arsenaldes. We have both 75 and 100 denier tents and it is certainly noticable when they are compared, although the way the fibres are combined can make one feel thicker than another despite having the same denier properties (which probably explains your perceptions re. your Outwell tents).

Just as outdoor clothing is made from higher denier material than normal clothing, the higher the denier the flysheet the more robust it naturally is - hence the claim that the Kampa flysheet is more robust. It will resistant tearing and abrasions much better.

Quote: "75D Polyester is 10-20% stronger than 70D nylon, and has 30% longer life under UV exposure. 150D Polyester is 50% stronger than 70D nylon, and has 200% longer life under UV exposure." ....

Hope that helps...

Thanks guys.  I guess I was expecting the Kampa fabric to feel much tougher / thicker, but these explanations have put me straight - cheers.

Either way I'm really pleased with the Kampa and can't wait to go again at the end of the month.  7 nights at Caerfai Bay - St David's.  Bliss!!

I would say so yes Neets.  We found our sun valley 8 to be a bit scary in the wind but we loved the size and layout. 

The alloy poles on the Kampa did much better during the recent windy bank holiday and the layout is very similar.  Obviously the Kampa is not as long as a SV8.  I think the equivalent is the Kampa Studland 8, but the Filey 6 was big enough for us.

Hope this helps