For some time now, I've wanted to buy a traditional style pure cotton windbreak to go with my mid-60s Commer campervan.
I was just now about to place an order for a 7-pole Blue Diamond windbreak, and took for granted that they are made with 100% cotton fabric. But are they?
Has any of you got one of these and know if they are?
I'm just asking as I have burnt myself in the past buying what I believed was pure cotton camping equipment, as they look as if they are when you see photos of the articles. When you get them, however, they often turn out to be made of synthetic materials of all sorts - just made to look like the real thing. I'd hate to fork out a considerable amout of money for a cotton windbreak, and then find out that its actually not made from cotton at all..
Call me obsessed if you like, but to me there is nothing like that old soft cotton feel when it comes to camping and holidaying
They are a quite thick cotton like material, but whether they are actually 100% cotton, I'm not sure. Their website doesn't say.
They are good, but we still guyed ours out in windy weather, and had poles snap, and leave their metal tips in the ground. But overall, very good, probably the best of the stripey type, although heavy, and needing storage/transport space.
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
I sent and email to Blue Diamond earlier today to ask (as I couldn't find the info on their website), but they haven't replied yet. I'll wait and see what they say.
But thanks for your info, though. Really useful facts you provided.
I love my BD 5-pole windbreak with a leaf/hedge pattern.
Like Mike, I guy mine too for a peace of mind.
I believe the fabric has some kind of coating on it, however, not 100% sure.
ESVO sells 100% cotton canvas windbreaks I believe, however, they are likely to be a lot more expensive than BD ones.
DK :)
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Thanks :) Yes, it's an old van and 50 years off modern standards, but we love it. Slow progress, admittedly, and camping in an altogether different tempo in more ways than one. But all the more lovely for it :)
Be interesting to know if they are cotton as I am after one, have seen a few non traditional looking ones here, here and here
The old comer vans always remind me of my childhood, dad had a grey comer van then a 60s/70s blue & white pop up top camper that was always overheating
Hi, I have seen the blue diamond ones in Towsure and they are definately not cotton, they are a lightweight synthetic probably rot proof material, I think they call it 'parc'. It is the same type of material as you find on the bottom of upholstered chairs/sofas. It is a very cheap material to buy, does not fray and is also water resistant. I made some bunting last year from this material as it does not fray.
Why not make you own, very simple to do, just a straight running stitch is needed. I purchased a cheap windbreak from Tesco last year in the sale for around £3.50, used the 'plastic' material as a measuring template, then discarded and used the poles for my new stripey one I made. I used about 5 mtrs of cotton fabric to make a six pole one. It took me around 4 hours from start to finish including measuring, cutting fabric and sewing. Best thing is, it does not rustle, you can choose your own colour and is original, no one else on the campsite is going to have the same.
Quote: Originally posted by Janette Rix on 10/7/2013
Hi, I have seen the blue diamond ones in Towsure and they are definately not cotton, they are a lightweight synthetic probably rot proof material, I think they call it 'parc'. It is the same type of material as you find on the bottom of upholstered chairs/sofas. It is a very cheap material to buy, does not fray and is also water resistant. I made some bunting last year from this material as it does not fray.
Why not make you own, very simple to do, just a straight running stitch is needed. I purchased a cheap windbreak from Tesco last year in the sale for around £3.50, used the 'plastic' material as a measuring template, then discarded and used the poles for my new stripey one I made. I used about 5 mtrs of cotton fabric to make a six pole one. It took me around 4 hours from start to finish including measuring, cutting fabric and sewing. Best thing is, it does not rustle, you can choose your own colour and is original, no one else on the campsite is going to have the same.
Regards Janette
Thanks for your reply, Janette !
Making my own is a really good idea. I will look into it. (just hope I can find the time, which is a daily challenge with two small children aged 1 and 4..)
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Blue Diamond windbreaks - 100% cotton ?
