Hyperlight tarps--anyone use these?

[Big Jim Mac]

Pretty pricey, but here's a super light tarp that might work with hammocks even though it's intended for ground dwellers. Any one try them? What is Cuben fiber, first time I have heard of this material.

http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com...ho-i-tarp.html

[beep]

From the manufacturer's website...

Specializing in non-woven flexible composites, Cubic Tech uses proprietary manufacturing techniques to produce laminates that maximize translation of fiber properties, while minimizing weight. Customizable ply orientations afford directional stability and strength, as well as high rip-stop. A broad selection of films adds the flexibility of an array of properties including toughness, low gas permeability, and visible & UV light protection to name a few.

The trade name of Cubic Tech’s material is Cuben Fiber. Sailmakers wishing to purchase high performance Cuben Fiber sail fabrics must contact North Sails: http://na.northsails.com/

Cubic Tech develops non-sailing applications of Cuben Fiber style flexible laminates for other industries that manufacture parachutes, kites, balloons, airships, tension structures, tubes and tube reinforcements, flexible pressure vessels, tarps, backpacking, medical devices, protective clothing, aerospace equipment and many more applications.

Cuben fiber is incredibly light...think of mylar with reinforcing fibers...and strong for its weight. It is somewhat troublesome to sew and is usually glued or taped where it needs to be joined. Poke around lightweight backpacking gear suppliers and you'll find references to products using it (e.g. Z-packs, Mountain Laurel Designs, Oware)

[Cookie]

The catenary cut ridgeline for taughtness looks interesting. Eliminates the loss of material on the sides. Hmmmm

[jbryan]

As someone that has a cat cut on the ridgeline, I don't like it personally. It makes it a little tough to pitch correctly. I would have preferred to have a straight ridgeline if I were to make my tarp again - not to mention it would be much easier to sew.

[ringtail-THFKAfood]

I have this and at less than 5 oz. it give more coverage than the stock Hennessy

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com...roducts_id=149

[SGT Rock]

I don't find a need for cat tarps on hammocks if you use Spinn or Cuben. My tarp is a little larger and only weighs 4.2 ounces, plus has variable ways to set it up.

[Big Jim Mac]

I don't find a need for cat tarps on hammocks if you use Spinn or Cuben. My tarp is a little larger and only weighs 4.2 ounces, plus has variable ways to set it up.

Saw your post in the DIY section not long after I started this thread. Sounds like you are light years ahead on this! Looks like tough stuff to work with, probably not for me.