Cuben Reinforcements

In addition to an answer on the material, I am a bit perplexed…there are so many elaborate techniques for constructing cuben shelters for durability, especially when using .51. However, Zpacks seems about as basic as can be, triangular reinforcements around the perimeter instead of circular as most recommend, sewn seams, tie outs are grosgrain and are just sewn on. Yet, nobody seems to have issues. How does that work? Are their techniques “good enough” for most conditions?

A couple of corrections: Zpacks sew the seams but then also tape them and the tie outs are not grosgrain, they’re 3/16″ nylon flat cord, tensile strength 150lb according to the website.

The Zpacks tents might not be Hilleberg Black Label, but they will withstand a considerable battering from wind.

Thanks, William. I know they tape them after, sorry I wasn’t specific enough. Also, my point on the tie outs is that they’re not cuben loops, regardless of what they use. It seems that the people who use the most innovative approaches for MYOG gear are only bonding and are using cuben loops so the tie outs don’t have to be sewm through the tent. This leads me to believe that sewing zero holes through a canopy is more for bragging rights and isn’t truly necessary. That’s what I’m looking to get opinions on.

First and foremost, I would like to hear someone’s thoughts on the reinforcement material from my first post. I’m gonna put in my order for materials so I need to know what to get. I’m capable of making my own out of lighter cuben if there’s no benefit to the hybrid but the big players all seem to use it so is it quality or convenience?

Hoosier,

Hybrid cuben is an expensive way to skin a cat IMO. HMG used to use two layers of 1.43oz cuben. MLD used to use adhesive backed dacron(now uses adhesive backed vinyl IIRC), YMG used to use one of the heavier weights of cuben. I say used to on all these because I haven’t paid much attention to their methods of late. The moral of that story is you can use almost anything with little stretch that is bonded for reinforcements. I’ve got some adhesive backed dacron in black or green you’re welcome to try. Just PM me.

ZPacks methods are less bomber than say MLD, but their construction methods are solid enough for almost all 3 season use. Also, keep in mind that the big players have lots of factors to consider with shelter construction that influences their choices. Cost of material, supply issues, scale issues, assembly issues, inventory, etc which may lead them to pick one material over another. Lawson has a reinforcement somewhere on BPL that is probably stronger than anything else out there, but would be a nightmare to build for a production line.

Ryan

Well, after reading everything I possibly could about cuben construction, I felt that the Leshy videos offer the most innovative techniques so that’s the route I’m going. I have the mid-panel tie outs done so far and really like this method a lot.