outdoor foil, tent footprint, ground sheet, MYOG material & more
XFOIL is the ultimate film for outdoor enthusiasts. Its ruggedness and lightness make it the first choice for those who are outdoors. As a specialized outdoor film, XFOIL provides protection and comfort whether you're camping, hiking or just enjoying the outdoors. These polymer films are perfect as an ultra-lightweight tent pad, tarp underlayment or groundsheet. You can use them directly under your tarp or tent to protect your high-quality sleeping pads from wear and moisture, or use them to make tarptents, tarps, and rain capes. XFOIL film is crystal clear, plasticizer free and the lightest material on the market. Weighing less than 20 grams per square meter and only 19 microns thick, it will protect you and your gear from moisture and debris during your ultralight trips. This transparent film is also very easy to work with. It can be easily cut, folded and shaped to create any project you can imagine. Our polyolefin film is a versatile companion for all adventures and the perfect companion for any outdoor adventure. Experience the incredible versatility and sturdiness of our XFOIL films! Buy it now and make the most of your outdoor adventures! Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Stress demonstration
This video is intended solely to demonstrate the exceptional resilience of XFOIL, a film four times thinner than a human hair. It is an extreme test under controlled conditions.
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Important note: We are aware that similar videos are circulating on the Internet. This video is purely to demonstrate the material's strength and robustness. However, we would like to expressly point out that our foil is definitely not designed to be used as hammock fabric, for several reasons. Please only use the foil in accordance with the recommended areas of application to ensure your safety.
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Film used: XFOIL 1.6 x 2.4 m, folded in the middle
Our XFOIL outdoor films
Hard facts
Light
With just under 20 g per square meter (with a thickness of 200 micrometers) it is for what it can withstand, ridiculously easy. You can also simply shape the waterproof base with scissors if you want to save even more weight
Extreme
XFOIL has a very low tear resistance under tensile load, i. H. that existing holes or cuts do not tear open further. The tensile strength is also very high and can withstand heavy loads
Versatile
XFOIL can be used for a variety of applications such as: B. for tarps, tarptents or raincoats. So it's not just a waterproof tent pad, there are no limits to your imagination.
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Durable
XFOIL is rot, mildew and moisture resistant, and resistant to UV rays and plasticizers used in some outdoor products
Compact
XFOIL can be used for a variety of applications such as: B. for tarps, tarptents or raincoats. So it's not just a waterproof tent pad, there are no limits to your imagination.
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Uncomplicated
The processing is uncomplicated, since you can start right away with scissors and tape to bring them into the desired shape and size
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How does XFOIL behave in direct sunlight?XFOIL is UV resistant, which means it won't easily fade or be damaged by direct sunlight.
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How resistant is XFOIL to sharp objects or stones?XFOIL is extremely robust and has very low tear propagation resistance. However, it is always advisable to clear the ground of sharp objects before setting up the tarp or tent.
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How can I reinforce the corners of XFOIL to attach a line or peg to it?To strengthen the corners of XFOIL and make it more resilient, you can use the following method: - Get a plastic washer from a craft or sewing supply store. - Place the washer where you want it, preferably in the corner. - Attach the washer to XFOIL with cloth tape (approx. 3 x 3 cm). The webbing strap provides extra strength and support. - Using a hole punch, punch a hole through the washer and XFOIL. This hole can then be used to attach a line or peg. - If the forces involved are not too great, you can also cut a piece of thicker plastic (e.g. from food packaging) - Attach this piece of plastic to XFOIL with regular tape and punch a hole. These methods provide an effective way to attach XFOIL to various points without damaging or weakening the material. However, it is always advisable to regularly check the attachment points for wear or damage, especially when subjected to heavy use.
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Can I also use XFOIL in extreme weather conditions?Yes, XFOIL is waterproof and offers excellent protection against wet, wind and other extreme weather conditions. However, it is advisable to check it regularly for damage when used in extreme conditions. Any attachments (e.g. for pegs) should also be checked regularly.
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How do I deal with damage?Hole or tear can be patched with tape or tape. In principle, welding is possible, but appropriate experience is required.
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How do I store XFOIL when I'm not using it?Simply roll up XFOIL and store in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and sharp objects to prolong its lifespan, and dry well before rolling.
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How long does XFOIL last on average if I use it regularly?With proper care and storage, XFOIL can last for many years. It is resistant to UV rays, moisture and abrasion, which ensures its longevity. We have already used it for more than 6000 km and more than 200 overnight stays, both as a groundsheet and as a tarp.
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What do I have to consider when cutting as a groundsheet?The cut should not be larger than the outer tent / tarp / sleeping pad to avoid funnel effects.
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Why is XFOIL lighter than other outdoor foils?XFOIL uses advanced material technologies that enable high strength with low weight. This means you get the protection and durability of traditional outdoor films without the added weight.
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Can XFOIL be glued/welded?XFOIL can be connected with standard PVC/PP adhesive tapes, transfer or fabric adhesive tapes. It can also be welded, provided you have the appropriate experience and equipment.
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How do I process XFOIL if I want to design my own projects?XFOIL is flexible and easy to handle. You can cut it with sharp scissors or a cutter, and gluing also works with a wide variety of materials such as PVC, PP or fabric adhesive tapes.
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What is the best way to care for and clean my XFOIL film?XFOIL can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. For heavier soiling, you can use a mild soap solution. It is important to let the material dry completely after cleaning.
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Can I use the film for indoor use?Yes, the film is also suitable for indoor use, for example as a partition or for DIY projects in the home.
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How eco-friendly is XFOIL?As passionate outdoor enthusiasts, nature is close to our hearts. We are aware of the impact of the climate crisis and the importance of acting responsibly. XFOIL, although a film, is distinguished by its recyclability and chemical safety. One of the most effective means of protecting the environment is the longevity of a product. The longer a product lasts, the less often it needs to be replaced, minimizing resource consumption, waste and energy used in production. XFOIL was developed with exactly this in mind. And if XFOIL is no longer needed or is simply completely broken, we will take the foil back and ensure that it is completely recycled. And the new one comes with a 50% recycling discount.
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Is XFOIL breathable or does it condense underneath?While XFOIL is fully waterproof, it is not breathable. Therefore it is e.g. With tarps made of XFOIL, for example, it is advisable to stretch them approx. 10 cm above the ground so that moist air can be transported away. A breathable version is in the works.
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How is XFOIL different from traditional groundsheets?In addition to its lightness, XFOIL offers superior tear strength and resistance to the elements. Its transparency also allows you to enjoy the nature around you while being protected.
How did XFOIL come about?
The Challenges of Ultralight Trekking As an avid long-distance hiker with a passion for ultralight trekking and ultralight gear, I am all too familiar with the demanding requirements of this hobby. Every single gram counts when you’re covering long distances and want to fully enjoy the pristine beauty of nature. As long-distance hikers, we often opt for ultralight tents and tarps to intensify the feeling of freedom, lightness, and closeness to nature. Material Tests and Experiments With my extensive experience as a hiker and a DIY enthusiast, I have tried numerous materials to find the optimal ones, including for use as groundsheets or tarp underlays. I experimented with construction films, roofing membranes, and conventional camping ground sheets, as well as specialized products like Polycro groundsheets or Tyvek Hardstructure. Some even used old tent footprints to save costs or relied on camping mats from Decathlon. However, many of these solutions proved either too heavy, insufficiently durable, or lacking in the desired protection. The Development of XFOIL – The Ideal Ultralight Tent Groundsheet Through my professional work in the plastics industry, I gained the insights and resources needed to find the ideal material. After many trials, the result is finally XFOIL. This special ultralight tent groundsheet is not only waterproof but also extremely versatile. It is perfect for DIY or MYOG projects – whether as a tarp, tarptent, rain poncho, or even as a stuff sack. Thanks to its low weight and flexibility, it is probably the best option for long-distance hikers and gear tinkerers. XFOIL – More Than Just an Ultralight Tent Groundsheet XFOIL is more than just a response to the needs of ultralight hikers – it is the result of my personal journey and passion. A product developed by a hiker for hikers. It not only protects against moisture and cold from the ground but also reduces the overall weight of the gear without compromising performance. This transparent film groundsheet is also ideal for transparent tarps and tarptents, offering an unparalleled view of the starry sky. Film - But Extreme Nevertheless, we want to reiterate that while XFOIL is a thin film, it has been used by some to test its tear resistance even as a hammock (double-layered) – yes, we were sent a corresponding video after we removed our own from the website. However, with a thickness of only 19 μm, it is significantly thinner than a human hair (typically 50 to 100 μm in diameter). Therefore, it is important to carefully choose the campsite and look for sharp objects like thorns to avoid damage, as you would with any other protection, and always handle the film with care. Such caution is necessary to ensure durability and effectiveness. When used as a tarp or tarptent, the film is virtually indestructible against wind and weather, so special attention should be paid to the attachment points where all the force is focused. The Technology Behind It And since we keep getting inquiries about the material, here are a few key points for the nerds: 6-layer film, 19 μm, UHMWPE/HDPE/LLDPE + graphene, UV crosslinking - gel spinning for UHMWPE, melt extrusion for other layers, plasma post-treatment. P.S.: We are not addressing the question of when a tent groundsheet is ultralight here ;)