Cuben Tarps for Hammocks

**Raul Perez** · 09-09-2010, 10:36

OK my final "big" purchase for my set up is that of an elusive cuben tarp for a hammock.

I'm looking for one 11 feet long by 8.5 feet wide... cat cut and weighing without suspension between 5.5 - 6 ounces.

I have zero sewing skills and zero time to do attack this project if I did. Who's up to the challenge.

So far the tarps out there currently dont meet that spec. I would totally go for a OES Cuben but looks like production is up in the air.

Couselor has a new addition so his research and production is up in the air.

Also, Those that have the OES Cuben Deluxe proto - how is it holding up?

**slvravn** · 09-09-2010, 10:42

Try sending an Email to MLD or Zpack and see what they can do for you.

**NCPatrick** · 09-09-2010, 10:46

My OES Maccat Deluxe Cuben tarp is holding up just fine, and I think Brian would work with you to get what you want. He does a bang-up job on custom tarps.

MLD also has cuben tarps, but I'm not sure they would have one the size you're wanting. The one I linked to is 10.7’ Long X 8’ Wide, and not cat-cut. I guess you could contact them and see whether they'd do custom work. I've not worked with them in the past, so I have no experiences to relay to you.

**slvravn** · 09-09-2010, 10:51

Originally Posted by NCPatrick

.

MLD also has cuben tarps, but I'm not sure they would have one the size you're wanting. The one I linked to is 10.7’ Long X 8’ Wide, and not cat-cut. I guess you could contact them and see whether they'd do custom work. I've not worked with them in the past, so I have no experiences to relay to you.

Sorry, I should have mentioned that Ron at MLD does custom work and will work with you to get what you want/need. There is a price to be paid for it though..... Also, Joe at Zpacks will do the same. I have products from both and they are nicely done. Take a look at the BPL forums for feedback from past MLD and Zpacks customers

WV · 09-09-2010, 11:35

Originally Posted by Raul Perez

OK my final "big" purchase for my set up is that of an elusive cuben tarp for a hammock.

I'm looking for one 11 feet long by 8.5 feet wide... cat cut and weighing without suspension between 5.5 - 6 ounces.

I have zero sewing skills and zero time to do attack this project if I did. Who's up to the challenge.

So far the tarps out there currently dont meet that spec. I would totally go for a OES Cuben but looks like production is up in the air.

Counselor has a new addition so his research and production is up in the air.

Also, Those that have the OES Cuben Deluxe proto - how is it holding up?

My 9' x 11' Cuben CT1K.08 weighed 6.6 oz. before I started adding tie-outs. Now it's 8 oz., but the next one will be lighter because I'll use carbon fiber tubes instead of aluminum for the tie-out edge reinforcements (Gnome's design, and better than sewing webbing to cuben IMO). The other major change to make everything lighter will be to change the shape so I can use fewer tieouts. The current tarp has 4 tieouts on each side. When I carry stakes for all of them, they weigh as much as the tarp.

I'm not offering tarps for sale, just suggestions.
Consider a design with fewer tieouts.
Consider one that's not cat cut; cuben may not need it. (I may change my mind about this point after I camp on the windy edge of the Allegheny Front next week on the way to the Dolly Sods hang.)
Consider a tarp that uses CT2K.08 (most of the makers listed above use it,anyway). My CT1K.08 tarp is holding up so far to some rough treatment, but I see a couple of spots I'll reinforce before using it again.
Consider making your own. At least don't be put off by lack of sewing skills. Better not to sew anyway. Taping/bonding cuben requires some different skills, but they're easy to learn. If you make it, you'll know how to fix it. (Repairs to cuben make it stronger. Can't say that about sil or spinn.