View Full Version : Zpacks Cuben tarps
butts0989
03-17-2010, 18:26
does anyone know the quality of the cuben products from valesko's cuben tarps, the hexamids or the regualr cuben tarps. Im looking at purchasing a MLD tarp but am also considering zpacks. i trust MLD because of there long experience with cuben fiber but am curious as to how Joe bonds his together.
They're very nice, but Joe has a waiting list that's several months long right now for all tarps and backpacks. That said, he used to use tape, but his website says he's sewing now.
butts0989
03-17-2010, 18:53
ok great thats actually exactly the info i was looking for. ya im aware of the waiting list, kind of a bummer but im on no time constraint, im not pulling a thru until 2012 most likely. thanks for the info
mtnkngxt
03-19-2010, 06:37
I'm planning on ordering one of his solo tarps with net for my '11 AT Thru Attempt.
Kerosene
03-19-2010, 10:14
I just purchased the Stealth Nano Tarp (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/stealth_one_nano_ultralight_tarp.html) (Cuben fiber, no stitching, 4.5 oz) through BackpackingLight.com, although I have not received it quite yet. Here are several reviews (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/reviews/display_reviews?forum_thread_id=5933&cat=Shelters%20%2D%20Tarps%20%26%20Floorless&cid=33).
There's a Hexamid for sale, but it probably won't be available for long.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=30403&skip_to_post=256735#256735
I just purchased the Stealth Nano Tarp (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/stealth_one_nano_ultralight_tarp.html) (Cuben fiber, no stitching, 4.5 oz) through BackpackingLight.com, although I have not received it quite yet. Here are several reviews (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/reviews/display_reviews?forum_thread_id=5933&cat=Shelters%20%2D%20Tarps%20%26%20Floorless&cid=33).
That sir, is minimal shelter! Is that going to be your sole shelter on a hike?
Kerosene
03-19-2010, 18:58
That sir, is minimal shelter! Is that going to be your sole shelter on a hike?I'm going to try it with an ultralight bivysack (http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/MontBell-UL-Sleeping-Bag-Cover/MTB0146M.html) on a section hike early enough or late enough in the year when there should be no flying bugs around. By going at these times, I'll plan to initially camp near shelters which don't tend to be full just in case my experiment goes awry!
I'm going to try it with an ultralight bivysack (http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/MontBell-UL-Sleeping-Bag-Cover/MTB0146M.html) on a section hike early enough or late enough in the year when there should be no flying bugs around. By going at these times, I'll plan to initially camp near shelters which don't tend to be full just in case my experiment goes awry!
I certainly understand the allure of a light pack. I went on an overnighter in February and my total pack weight, with water, was 12 lbs.
It was more like walking through the woods than hiking - very enjoyable.
p.s. 1.5 lbs of that 12 lbs was my Lunar Solo just in case I didn't get to the shelter. :)
butts0989
03-21-2010, 23:48
ya once you experience an ultralight trip you NEVER want to do anything but, its just too awesome to carry the weight of a daypack for 4 days.
I carried a zpack for 10 days on the AT. (I am a section hiker) Very comfortable. Well made. No issues. Will continue to use. Cuben tarps look great, but you will be spending big bucks to save 3 oz. A SpinnTwinn or Spinn Shelter from Gossamergear weighs in at around 8 oz., or a wild oasis from SMD weighs in at 11 oz, and includes no-see-um netting. Cuben Fiber retails at about $30/yd., so the price with the labor is understandable, though high.
If you have used tarps before consider the models that are just made with one piece of cloth, 5 x 8...$159
or other smaller less expensive cuben tarps:
http://www.owareusa.com/
butts0989
03-23-2010, 11:13
ya "sadly" im to the point where i can only lighten my gear by just a little bit more before i reach a breaking point. i will look into the spin twin though, its got a lot of good reviews.