Can DCF cope with this?

I’ve used a grommet in that case.  But you should have more experience from your use with the 10 x 10 tarp.  It keeps the pole tip from sliding sideways.

I would reinforce with more than just another layer of fabric.  If the fabric is supported by a pole tip, it puts a lot of pressure.  At least 200 D fabric.  But the Cuben shouldn’t be that much different than the silnylon you’re using.

Have you considered a pyramid tent?  That would be better for complete protection from swirling rain and wind.  I have a 9 foot wide tent for my 6′ 1.5″.  Several manufacturers so they’re reasonably priced.

“I have a trailstar but really it’s too small for me. 😢“

First time I have ever heard that, they are huge.

Hi

Thanks for your replies.

My 10×10 tarp just has a reinforcement patch of the same silnylon. It’s light stuff but seems ok. I wasnt sure what you meant about grommets Jerry? There is no grommet on my 10×10. I pull the tarp over the handle end of the trekking pole. The tip of the pole is in the ground. Would I still need greater reinforcement do you think if it’s the handle end?

also do you think I could get a taut pitch like this with dcf?

re the trailstar- if I pitch it at the highest point on my trekking pole (140cm) there is enough usable space but it’s on the edge. Loads of space for gear just not much for me!

a mid is definitely an option I’m looking at. But I’m about to go on a  trip which includes a three week hike 😀 so I’m attracted by the idea of this tarp design which might weigh 215 grams. So ideal to keep in my pack when hitchhiking around after the trek. Also it’s cheaper than a Cuben mid by quite a long way. Especially in the Uk.

I guess im really asking about the properties of Cuben and whether it will work for the ‘tent’ style pitch in the video I posted. Or whether I should go for silpoly and eat the extra weight?

ThanKs

Zac

oh, grommet is like if you put pole tip.  If you put handle end against tarp then it’s a big area of contact, nevermind.

I haven’t worked with Cuben.

My silpoly mid weighs 13.7 ounces = 390 grams.  Your tarp is very light weight compared.  I see why you like it.

Which mid do you have Jerry?

I made my own

MLD and oware have mids

You could get a sense of how DCF will pitch if you prototype it with another low stretch material such as polycro (aka heat shrink window film).  I think your pitch might rely on some stretch in the rear corners.

I’ve only made stuff sacks in Cuben, but I don’t see any reason you couldn’t do this with adequate reinforcement. Figuring out what adequate means is of course the trick.

Thanks for that idea. I have decided to go with the silpoly and take the weight bump. The guy who is making it kind of persuaded me away from Cuben for complex tarp pitches. And since no-one is coming forward to say they are trying complex pitches with their Cuben tarp, and I can’t find any images of such, i have come to the conclusion that it ain’t something that Cuben makes people want to do.

Still happy to hear otherwise tho 🙂

I made a mid with silpoly and really like it, that’s good fabric

I have read reports that cuben fabric wears out after a few years, annoying if you spend a lot on it

I have read reports that cuben fabric wears out after a few years, annoying ifbecause you spend a lot on it.

FTFY. :)