Lightest tarp ?

Have you take a look at the comments by a another Bpl’er? Which appear after the entry on OM.

The link to the lightest tarp is here

The trade off will be a must have waterproof bivy. And a partial tarp is not the same as a full coverage flat tarp if implying “the lightest tarp”…not really. Did you see the message at the bottom implying copyright infringement on published design?

Is cuben fiber really up to the task of being used above treeline in bad conditions? Or maybe I should ask, is cuben fiber a better fabric for this than 1.3 or 1.9 silnylon?

Although I have an MLD bivy, I chose to carry just the MLD Grace Solo in Spectralite for the past few days on an AT section when rain, showers and wind were expected. At 4.5 oz and set up low for the impending conditions it worked great. I honestly can't see myself going with anything less and expect to stay dry.

>Is cuben fiber really up to the task of being used above treeline in bad conditions? Or maybe I should ask, is cuben fiber a better fabric for this than 1.3 or 1.9 silnylon?

One way to make any fabric stronger is to sew in spectra line. This is common in very large kites, where the fabric would tear under the pressure (for examples look at the large kites made by Peter Lynn).

For a tarp, one could very easily sew a length of 200lb spectra along any stress line; the ridge lines and along the edges. For very little weight, the fabric is then very strong. Reducing the pre-stress along these lines allows the full strength of the fabric to be used for conditions (the fabric is not pre-weakened).

Steve

Steve, would this not require seam sealing everywhere the spectra is sewn in to remain waterproof? Seams like that would start to add up in the ounce category.

I have been under the impression that cuben fiber is sail material??? Is it not made to withstand high winds as the main reason this material is made? Correct me if im wrong on this…

The spectra might be a great idea to sew in around the tieout sections of the tarp?

I have no experience with cuben, personally, but i was under the impression it has very good tensile strength (not sure if thats the right word…can be pulled without tearing…kind of) but can puncture easily. and that is what makes it less durable.

My understanding as well Derek.

I guess im missing why this wouldnt be a great application even at high altitude? I am wondering what worries of puncturing people are having with tarps? In my years of camping I have never worried about the side or roof of any of my tents getting punctured, the floor is another matter.

What Derek has stated is correct. Cuben, or Spectralite, is tremendously strong in tear strenght; but will puncture more easily than, say, silnylon. A tarp, once erected, has little or no chance of being punctured. A feature I love about my Spectralite tarp is seeing the raindrops on the outer surface and being able to rub or touch the inner surface without any fear of seepage. It is absolutely waterproof.

Jeff, you are correct. Multiple ridge lines would need to be sealed. And that method would be great for edges.

But since the line would be on one side, the other side could take the sealant. Just one row of stiching, alot less sealant than a normal felled seam. Apply with a syring for a very thin line.

I really like that tarp that started this thread. To me, if I was a bivy type person (not yet), that would be ideal. Even hang some bug netting on the "entrance".

Steve