ZPacks vs MLD Cuben Tarps, Questions

Hi folks,

I've been looking around for a new tarp to replace my old HH Ultralight stock tarp, and am considering Cuben. I've looked at two companies' products, the MLD's Hexagon Hammock Tarp and ZPacks Cuben tarps.

These two tarps have similar dimensions (about 8.5' x 11') the ZPacks being a bit thinner than the MLD, (0.5 vs 0.6 Cuben), but about $40.00 cheaper.

Things I like about each:

MLD: color, nice olive green (at least in the picture); nice hex shape.

ZPacks: price, weight savings of about 1.5 ounces (vs MLD's)


Things I DON'T like about each:

MLD: steeper price, three hang points on the tarp ridge. Long time to ship.

ZPacks: sharper side angle (less protection); color green is way too bright.



Question: Does any one have experience with these two tarps? --either one or both, preferably. I'd appreciate it if you can help me here.

Also, if you've had any good/bad experiences doing business with these companies, I'd like to know.

Much obliged for your help,

R

Although I know nothing about them ...here is a good thread on Cuben tarps...
May help some. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ht=Cuben+Tarps
Shug

Don't know about the MLD tarps but Ive seen a Zpacks and have one on order. Plenty of people have had positive results with cuben but their is no real long long long tests as of yet. Ill know in a year :)

There is quite a wait for the Zpacks tarp too. However, he will custom make you one if you don't like the one he has. I have one on order too. Been 3 weeks today since I ordered it so I'm hoping it will be here within the next 3 weeks.

I've been thinking real hard about these two myself!

Haven't seen or felt any of them and to confuse you further consider this:

Ron at MLD make these on a custom base, which means you can get it without the inside "hangup points" or line locks - making it lighter.It is probably also stronger being taped and a heavier material.He is also known to do a top notch job.

Zpacks will probably take as long to deliver with his currently waiting list. He also makes his very light tarps in OD, and is very helpful in answering questions and helping out via mail etc.

So in my perspective, it comes down to the strength or weight question which both are negligible...... Sorry not much help i know.....:confused:

I don't have any experience with Zpacks (but have heard very good things about people dealing with Joe and I know he does custom work). I had a MLD (pictures here). It was very well made. The dimensions were off slightly (3 inches longer and 0.4oz heavier than weight listed on MLD site--ok by me). I asked for mine without the ridge line loops and without the line locks. No charge for this minor customization. Ron will do other customization for you for a charge (for instance if you wanted the tarp longer). He's very responsive to emails if you have questions.

Zpacks does .51oz cuben, mld does .6oz cuben, and mountain fitter does .75oz cuben.

I don't know about the rest, but I do know Joe from zpacks will customize your tarp nearly anyway you want it. He adds tie outs for only $1.50 a piece.

My Cuben from Joe is custom. Its been a wait but I know it will be worth it.

I have a cuben tarp from ZPacks. It is a quality piece of gear. Withstood 40 mph winds on Roan High Knob last month. Joe is great to work with. I have several products from him. I purchased a pack from him several years ago before he started making them from Cuben. I have some of his cuben stuff sacks and his cuben Rain Kilt.

I am awaiting my cuben tarp from zpack. I requested the sides to be 9' instead of 7'. Added $20 to the order, no big deal. Joe does custom orders no problem.

I have the MLD Hex tarp in cuben, and it's a fine piece of gear. If they weren't so spendy, I'd get several more!!! No buyer regrets!

I've also used a Zpacks cuben mini-tent, which was well made, but not to my taste.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy from either of these two again.

Thank you guys for all the help and your comments. It seems like either way I go will be a good choice. I suppose that if these tarps weren't so expensive it wouldn't be a problem to just order one from each company and do a hands-on comparison. But every time I look at the price tag, I'm reminded of the fact that I'll be paying almost twice as much for the tarp than what I paid for the hammock, and somehow that just feels wrong.

Cheers,

Rick

nightly i stare at both of these website drooling over those 2 tarps :o

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lazy river road

Don't know about the MLD tarps but Ive seen a Zpacks and have one on order. Plenty of people have had positive results with cuben but their is no real long long long tests as of yet. Ill know in a year :)

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LRR

I copied your design instead of going with the one shown on joes site. I think the doors will be a nice touch for not much more weight.

I paid him the difference today.

I can say that I ordered a daypack (custom made zero with my options) from joe less than a month ago and at the time he had 6 weeks listed on his website.

It shipped today less than a month after i ordered it.

Cant wait to get it...think its going to total up to about 5 oz for around 2000 ci.

I have the MLD as well. its my go to tarp for anything 3 season.

Although I don't own the zpacks hammock tarp, I do own the hexamid and can attest to it's quality and workmanship as well. If you need something super lightweight, you can't go wrong with either.

Typically, I now try to look at all new purchases with cost vs weight savings ratio. Best bang for your buck is the zpacks tarp. Thats my $0.02