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

Suluk46 presents, "On The Trail", a series of informative videos related to ultralight backpacking products, techniques, trips, and tutorials. Episode #4, hosted by Steve Evans, will document the entire process required to manufacture a Cuben Fiber Tarp. This 2 part tutorial will outline the tools, materials, and techniques required to turn this intimidating adventure into an enjoyable weekend project.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Ultralight Tarp
• 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]

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

[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?

[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

[marshlaw303]

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

-Tim

[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.