On The Trail - Episode #4 (Part 1) - How To Make a Cuben Fiber Tarp

[bladeking2013]

is it tough, where did you get the material, and how much was it........thanks

[Suluk46]

@bladeking2013

Cubic Tech makes the fabric in many different versions. You can buy it from them or any of the distributors online. They can give you prices and properties of the style you are looking for.

[MsSpy]

If I were to use a cuben fiber tarp only as a ground cloth, would I necessarity need to reinforce the ends?

[Suluk46]

@MsSpy

I don't think you would need to, but that would be a pretty expensive groundsheet. The sides where you cut it may fray a bit but probably not enough to cause any issues.

[kc7fys]

Very impressive. I am looking for cuben fiber at a slight discount--so will likely try to get a group purchase together. Who knows?

[kc7fys]

This is an excellent video. I think you place too much emphasis on masking off the corner. There's no reason not to have adhesive kind of 'feathered' in from that corner you affix. The abrupt edge created by the tape would actually be less strong, perhaps. Either way, it may not matter. I do wonder how well this tarp held up for you--the material seems almost unsuitable for tarpage. Anyway, the quilt video was what drew me in. Excellent stuff. -Jonathan

[Suluk46]

Hi Jonathon,

You're probably right, I just mask the corner to keep joint clean. The adhesive tends to be sticky for a while. The material is very thin and requires special handling, but the technique can be used on any thickness of cuben fiber - the ~0.6 oz/yd seems to be suitable for most.

Steve

[marshlaw303]

has this gotten much use Steve? How has it lasted?

-Tim

[Suluk46]

Hi Tim,

I have only one night and a few lunch breaks under it's belt. I built this at the end of the season and didn't get a chance to use it much. So far it's fine but it hasn't seen any type of wind or bad weather. I plan on giving it a thorough test this spring to see where it's limits are.

Steve

[Reichsadler1]

nice video, i was thinking about making a tarp but not sure what material to use, i was thinking silnylon. the cuben almost looks to fragile...but then again i have never seen it or heard of it, how does it work for you?

[Suluk46]

Thanks, both silnylon and cuben are great materials for a tarp. I have several shelters and tarps made cuben fiber. The material itself is available in a number of different weights/strengths. The cuben fiber used in the video is the lightest weight (0.33 oz/yd) that they currently have and yes, it requires a gentle hand. For general use, I would recommend something higher in the range of ~0.6 oz/yd.