Quest Outfitters (very bottom of the page) sells double-sided cuben tape.
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Quest Outfitters (very bottom of the page) sells double-sided cuben tape.
The reason I did not go this route is because I've read several accounts of the tape failing in cold temps. Sewing is reliable with this material according to the manufacturer. If the tarp were to rip, it would (should) stop at the next re-enforcing fiber. I'll let you know if it's thru hike material.
brian, if you get a chance, listen to the latest pod cast on BPL.com.
the guy is on his return trip of a yo yo on the CDT & he's using a cuben tarp.
if i understood him correctly, he has not had any problems or need for repair.
Finally got a chance to test my cuben tarp in some bad weather. Strong winds with hard rain changing to a steady rain. It worked great with no signs of any problems. This material still amazes me about how strong it is to be so light.
Warbonnet,
Absolutely, taped and then sewn would likely give the best of both worlds for those patient enough to do it. And yes pull tabs would still need to be sewn to reinforcing patches which distribute the stresses to a larger area of the thin fabric.
The Sailrite website has a demo video with the C3 tape, its interesting, and there is plenty of info showing the tape is actually stronger than sewing with the finer fabrics. But the tape would still help distribute the stresses from the perforations due to sewing, but still have the mechanical "back-up" that the threads give in stitching.
I just received my cuben fiber order. It only took a month to get here.:mad: Anyway I just wanted to double check with you to make sure I understand your construction method. You sewed your ridgeline right? My plan is that my edges will be rolled and hemmed and the ridge will be french seamed. Just wanted to check before I get started. Thanks.
hey T-back... i know you've only got a few days before you start the biggest hike of your life, but take a deep breath bro & just do what you need to do to get ready, one step at a time.
everything will work out fine !!! ...tim
T-BACK,
I assume you are making a hex tarp. If so, I would suggest using some of the scrap material that's left after cutting the sides to perform some sewing tests before starting the tarp. I would sew some pieces together using different stitch lengths and then try and pull them apart to see which stitch is the strongest and least likely to tear.