Cuben fiber

[John Roan]

I hope this doesn't come off as condescending…we all know that ultralight gear is not as rugged as its heavier counterparts. For a UL cuben shelter, site selection is very important to protect it from elements such as high winds. There are usually wind breaks such as bushes, trees, rocks, etc. that you can pitch near to help cut down wind gusts. The same goes for a shelter without a bathtub floor…you wouldn't pitch it in a puddle or an area that could turn into a puddle.

I agree that the right conditions will shred a cuben shelter, or most any ultralight shelter for that matter. In order to go ultralight, you have to know your limitations and adjust to compensate for them. That and your level of experience is what dictates your ultralight style.

[David Olsen]

The origional use for cuben fiber was as sail cloth for
racing sail boats. With proper design it works under all
kinds of stresses.

Silnylon is high-end parachute cloth, also used for all
kinds of sudden shock loading and stresses.

In fact, the tear strength of both is higher than the
traditional urethane coated tent fabrics used in
high altitude tents.

As discussed in many threads, each has limitations including flame retardancy,
UV exposure, varying degrees of abrasion resistance and
waterproofness under pressure.

Finding natural shelter for camp is always a good idea tho.

[Sam Farrington]

Was not trying to criticize cuben. The pining for polyester stemmed from the qualities it has that make for a taut pitch that stays taut, longer life due to better UV resistance, and in some weaves (not sail cloth), much less noise, as with Epic Malibu, for example. Only real point was that a loose pitch is not better than a taut one.

[Lawson Kline]

As I said in another forum topic, a lightweight silicone coated polyester/dacron just might be the perfect tent and tarp material.

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

Maybe it's your calling Lawson to bring us this holy grail.

MountainFitter.com – Your SilDacron Specialists

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