Cuben Fiber Tarps

[WV]

gnome do you have any pictures of how you do your tie outs?

Gredemeer,
I did a series of tests of different bonding materials, based on Gnome's attachment method. A search for "cuben tie-outs" should bring it up. There's also a thread called "Cubenist Manifesto" that shows similar tie-outs with low cost materials (poly tarps, wood dowels, and Gorilla tape). There are pictures in both threads. I'm leaving town today, but if you haven't found anything by the time I get back Monday, I'll post more info. My tarp has the same type of tie-outs. It's been in use a couple of years now, with no problems.

Gnome,
I just finished my first cuben hammock, with 18 adjustable cords on each end. I saw that the attachments (larks-heads around an amsteel cord in each end channel) were putting a strain on the cuben, so I added 1" long pieces of 1/8" carbon fiber rod taped at each attachment point. Sound familiar? Works great. Thanks again for the inspiration and info.

[Cranky Bear]

I have been using cuben for a little time now and albeit a screw-up on my part it all has held up perfectly!

One also needs to remember that there are "Many" that have been using cuben for a "long" time! Joe (z-packs owner) is one of them, he is a triple crowner and used his own products for all three LD hikes! He has a bunch of pic links posted on his site!

Also some need to realize that some of the newer/thinner/lighter fabrics and products are "Never" going to last as long as the old time stuff (canvas, thick coated poly, and the like) and by using these newer products that there are most definitely going to be some care issues, durability issues, and long term use issues!

Also for those whom are using cuben and don't like or want to put duct tape on their tarp Joe is selling single sided cuben tape (cuben fabric on one side and adhesive sticky on the other)! I have some (and used it) and it works great and is a nicer, lighter, and more cleaner repair than duct tape! Link is below!

http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/tape.shtml

For my intended use/purpose (going Ultra Light) the use of cuben for "Me" is worth it cost wise, all that is need is for one to remember that some extra care is needed!

YMMV, HYOH, 'n' all that!!

[Thom]

Where can you buy Cuben Fiber at?

[rhjanes]

Won't the UV from the sun cause it to prematurely break down?

probably. I should take it down more than I do.

[SilvrSurfr]

According to Wikipedia, the Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber monofilaments used in Cuben Fiber have excellent resistance to ultraviolet light.

[fishbait]

Where can you buy Cuben Fiber at?

This is about the only vendor I found Bearpaw Wilderness Designs. I've never purchased from them so I don't know how good their services are.

[dragon360]

Where can you buy Cuben Fiber at?

I believe Lawson at Lawson Equipment still has some available as well.

[Acer]

Where can you buy Cuben Fiber at?

Joe at Zpacks also sells cuben fiber of all weights by the Sq. Yd.

http://www.zpacks.com/materials.shtml

[Gredemeer]

Thanks to all, WV, I may try a DIY thank you for the additional links. Would appreciate any further information. Lawsonequipment has .75 weight cuben for 20 dollars a yard, but he does not have the .51 like z packs. what weight cuben are the majority of you using?

[Cranky Bear]

Thanks to all, WV, I may try a DIY thank you for the additional links. Would appreciate any further information. Lawsonequipment has .75 weight cuben for 20 dollars a yard, but he does not have the .51 like z packs. what weight cuben are the majority of you using?

Joe at Z-Packs and Adam at HG both use .51 and since they have pretty much flooded the market that is going to be the majority you will find! Many other manufacturers that have made tarps were using the .51 and .74/.75! Either weight will work just fine, you just need to decide if weight, added puncture and abrasion resistance, and possibly a different color than you'd like mean much!

FWIW I have tarps in both the .51 and .74 and for my intended purposes I like the .51, YMMV!