Ugh! I think I've answered my own question. Ripstop nylon (or at least the white stuff I have), just is not opaque enough. I hung a large piece up in a sunny window and it's blazing hot in the room AND super brite white light. NOT good for the eyes. If anyone else is considering using white ripstop ...

Yes. I've heard that about rip-stop and parachute shade structures. I've factored in a fair amount of ventilation at the top and I plan on staking it down with plenty of rebar stakes.

Hey! I'm sorry if this has already been asked a million times. I was wondering if white rip-stop nylon is enough to keep the harsh sun out of a shade structure? I bought a yard of it to test and I like how lightweight and thin it is. however, it almost seems like it's too thin. I know that camping t...