Cuben Tarp?

[Red Hat]

I saw Cuben fabric for sale at one of the outdoor fabric sites, (sorry forgot which), but it was $25 a yard and only 50" wide.... That would cost a good bit even to make your own. But it sure is light!

[T-BACK]

My homemade cuben tarp started failing (stretching) at the stitch lines two weeks into my hike. It was the lighter weight version and was not taped. If I were to do it again I would tape and then stitch through the tape. Therein lies the paradox for me. The tape is quite heavy compared to the fabric it is bonding. There is a specical tape that the sailers use that requires a VERY expensive machine to apply. The weight (say 1.0 oz/sqyd) does not include the tape and, as has been mentioned, makes me wonder what the advantage is between this and spinnaker fabric. The latter is a very durable material, waterproof, and puncture resistant as well. Puncturing is a major concern for hammockers when you are talking about a fabric that is so expensive. I had several punctures in my Cuben tarp from sticks and small branches falling from the trees I was hanging from. It is a well designed material for its intended purpose, but I don't think it was the panacea that we were hoping for. If financially you are in a position to consider this a semi disposable item (like the HH racer model) then I say go for it. For me, it was a very expensive mistake. Next time spinnaker, not cuben.

[koaloha05]

Brian, thanks for the follow up info. Saved me mega$$s. Maybe the magic tarp material will be Spinntex EXP with a P2i treatment when or if ever available. P2i would eliminate the need for silicone impregnation. Decrease the weight of an equal size silnylon tarp ~1/2 with the strength of Spinn.