Cuben Fiber Tent

[Nuts]

We are waiting for you to have used it
Looks like a neat job!

[Orion]

It looks way cool.

But like Nuts said, I want to know how well it works.

[ULWalkingPhil]

No doubt it would not be as comfortable as my hammock, but I think it will be good. So long I have a reliable roof over my head I will be fine.

Plan on taking with me on a 4 day hike in the next week and a half with my GoPro Camera. Will film a gear review, i have a prototype airframe i need to test in Australian conditions for Gassamer Gear, they want to know how it handles the heat here. Ill have a few gear reviews to film. Hopefully i will have the trail all on my own.

[photohiker]

Phil, when you are choosing the door buckle, make sure it's solid.

http://tramplite.com/2012/11/mld-duomid-failure.html

[ULWalkingPhil]

New shelter on it's way to me as I type this.

I'm getting very excited now, I feel like a kid in a candy store.

[Mountain Rocket]

Hey Phil, got your tent yet?

[Mountain Rocket]

Bummer Phil, just spotted your thread at BPL. I feel kinda sorry for Evan too. Obviously a big learning curve for all involved. Now we know why it was so light eh?

Deary me, the perils of cuben! I now hold companies like MLD* in a much higher regard. Obviously there is a lot that can go wrong with cuben and purchasing from a company that how to deal with it is a worthy investment.

* from what I can gather MLD has been using cuben for the longest time of any cottage manufacturer, but I could be wrong.

[Nuts]

MLD use taped seams iirc (not sewn then taped, just taped)? I'm no expert but read widely before I built mine and did some basic testing with sewn seams. I was at pains to point out a few times on here that there is no point sewing plastic, not so much in your topic (who am I to give advice to be passed on to someone in the business, tbh though I have been wondering what method you'd use, maybe should have made the point again..). What a shame, it looks well designed and built otherwise, I can imagine the builder is upset.

If you really need to salvage it you could try cutting off the peak and tie outs and taping new (taped, or bonded, Not sewn) ones in place (if they is the only places the fabric has stretched around the sew holes?) Sounds drastic but would likely be possible?

[forest]

Wow what a bummer. I cannot imagine how disappointed both you and Evan must be. Damn.

My zpacks hexamid is sewn and seam sealed and it's only the 0.51oz/yd cuben. I've cranked it down hard, real hard and in some feral weather on the tie outs and the section at the top where the pole sits. No problems or stretched stiching. I'm always aware it could happen but to date nothing. Zpacks must do it a lot differently although he now tapes with cuben so there must be some issues with sewing the cuben.

Hope you get it sorted man. What a shame.

[Mountain Rocket]

Another thing to consider is the direction of the spectra threads which impact on how strong cuben fiber will be once sewn/cut.

[photohiker]

Oh dear, what a shame.

Really hope this is resolved amicably.

My zpacks hammock tarp is sewn, and it has been in pretty high winds. No sign of stress so far at any of the tie-out points or the ridge seam. I think its clear that done correctly, sewing will work with cuben even if it ultimately doesn't have the strength of taping.

MLD are quoting 4-10 weeks for major items currently. I've got a (sil) TrailStar on order, not expecting it until Feb.

[Strider]

Not good at all. Hopefully all is resolved with Evan relatively simply.

[Orion]

I'm so sorry to read this.

After being nervous about it for so long I was thinking I'd mess with Cuben in 2013.
But now I'm nervous again!

[Nuts]

There are some people still sewing them, piece of mind I guess. I'd imagine more likely that what is happening is that the tape is actually doing the holding. Bonded/Taped seams have been tested to failure on BPL and the material starts to break apart, they simply don't need to be any stronger..

The other thing is, a simple overlap bonded seam is tensioned with a shear force, the resistance to pulling apart is across the width of the seam. Overlap two pieces and join with a stitch line, the resistance is at the stitch line. Fold it over (ie french seam) and the force still at the first stitch line it comes too, almost a peel force but very concentrated. Bond over this stitch line (ie tape) and the resistance is back across the width of the tape... ie, back to the start of the paragraph..

did see a good graphic explaining this somewhere but it's not really technical.. just..well.. obvious. Still, its possible to build a complicated seam, stitched and taped/bonded that is almost as strong as a simple overlap, even some of the 'pros' must disagree I guess.

I think it is all confused Orion by those who, while taking a leap of faith with a new material, don't take a leap of faith with joining it..
I'm a numpty with a sewing machine, perhaps it was easier for me in some ways

[ULWalkingPhil]

Hi.

Evan offered money back. Which i will be using to purchase a MLD Cuben DuoMid. waiting time 9 weeks than 2 weeks delivery time. Ouch. I think it will be worth the wait.

Was not sure what to do in regards to Tasmania. When a kind generous person here on the forums offered to loan me one of her tents if needed.

Cuben is a great product. But needs to be taped. Some are sewing. You will find that they are taping first than sewing. I think stay away from sewing as much as possible.

Evan has been very profesional in dealing wirh this. Its a huge learning curve working with Cuben Fiber. Evan offered a refund with out me asking. Which I really appreciate. His a great bloke. Please dont let this doubt his workmanship with what Evan produces and sells on his website.




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[weeman]

Are you ordering an MLD innernet as well? If so which one?

[ULWalkingPhil]

Are you ordering an MLD innernet as well? If so which one?

Have not decided thus far. I been giving it some thought. If i go for the MLD innernet. It will be the solo. I am also considering the Bivi.

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[ULWalkingPhil]

Will be ordering the MLD Cuben DuoMid in the next day or two. Trying to decide on the innernet. The ookworks looks to be of very high quality. Might order a Oookworks Custom inner. I like the details on the Ookworks. Have not decided yet. Trying to find info online, reviews etc.

If anyone owns a Ookworks inner, would love to hear back on your thoughts.

[ULWalkingPhil]

There are some people still sewing them, piece of mind I guess. I'd imagine more likely that what is happening is that the tape is actually doing the holding. Bonded/Taped seams have been tested to failure on BPL and the material starts to break apart, they simply don't need to be any stronger..

The other thing is, a simple overlap bonded seam is tensioned with a shear force, the resistance to pulling apart is across the width of the seam. Overlap two pieces and join with a stitch line, the resistance is at the stitch line. Fold it over (ie french seam) and the force still at the first stitch line it comes too, almost a peel force but very concentrated. Bond over this stitch line (ie tape) and the resistance is back across the width of the tape... ie, back to the start of the paragraph..

did see a good graphic explaining this somewhere but it's not really technical.. just..well.. obvious. Still, its possible to build a complicated seam, stitched and taped/bonded that is almost as strong as a simple overlap, even some of the 'pros' must disagree I guess.

I think it is all confused Orion by those who, while taking a leap of faith with a new material, don't take a leap of faith with joining it..
I'm a numpty with a sewing machine, perhaps it was easier for me in some ways

I believe if you tape first than sew, it works. But why sew? Why take the risk? from what I read online and from advice given on the other forum, taping or bonding is the safest and strongest method to use on Cuben Fiber for joining. Obviously some areas will need sewing, such as the tie-out points for the guy-lines, very little sewing is done, minimum as possible on the MLD DuoMids. The rest is all taped or bonded using UV resistance tape.

[weeman]

You might have already seen it, but here is a review of a custom Oookworks inner for the Duomid:

http://blogpackinglight.wordpress.com/2 ... rid-inner/

[ULWalkingPhil]

I read that review an hour or two ago. It's a good review, I'm not so sure about the flooring.

[photohiker]

Will be ordering the MLD Cuben DuoMid in the next day or two. Trying to decide on the innernet. The ookworks looks to be of very high quality. Might order a Oookworks Custom inner. I like the details on the Ookworks. Have not decided yet. Trying to find info online, reviews etc.

If anyone owns a Ookworks inner, would love to hear back on your thoughts.

I think you are on the right track here Phillip. I recently went through this exercise for my Trailstar.

Options as I see it:
* Bivvy (I like the look of the MLD Superlight bivvy, ~170g)
* Oookworks Innernet. OookWorks
* Bearpaw Pyranet1. Pyranet1 (I don't know if this fits the Duomid, but John is happy to make mods)

Out of these, I have decided on and ordered the Oookworks OookStar with LW options. It's not the cheapest option, but I think it's the best option. Be aware that Sean has been through some difficulties of late and production is behind at the moment. He has also been without internet at home, but I think that is getting resolved this week.

Re the flooring, you can specify whatever you like, Sean will fit it. I have ordered the Chikara floor as I already have a Cuben groundsheet I can use in rough terrain.

HTH

[phan_TOM]

I'm not so sure about the flooring.

I thinky the chikara was used to reduse the overall weight, 30D or 70D PU is whats normally used

I'm considering one of these myself, the fly and oook inner combine for a weight of about 950g from memory, pretty good for a shelter that size.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Will be ordering the MLD Cuben DuoMid in the next day or two. Trying to decide on the innernet. The ookworks looks to be of very high quality. Might order a Oookworks Custom inner. I like the details on the Ookworks. Have not decided yet. Trying to find info online, reviews etc.

If anyone owns a Ookworks inner, would love to hear back on your thoughts.

I think you are on the right track here Phillip. I recently went through this exercise for my Trailstar.

Options as I see it:
* Bivvy (I like the look of the MLD Superlight bivvy, ~170g)
* Oookworks Innernet. OookWorks
* Bearpaw Pyranet1. Pyranet1 (I don't know if this fits the Duomid, but John is happy to make mods)

Out of these, I have decided on and ordered the Oookworks OookStar with LW options. It's not the cheapest option, but I think it's the best option. Be aware that Sean has been through some difficulties of late and production is behind at the moment. He has also been without internet at home, but I think that is getting resolved this week.

Re the flooring, you can specify whatever you like, Sean will fit it. I have ordered the Chikara floor as I already have a Cuben groundsheet I can use in rough terrain.

HTH

I agree with your selection, I'm also considering the MLD Superlight Bivvy and a Ookworks Custom Inner.
My plans in regards to the Ookworks is maybe going for a heavier Cuben Fiber flooring and not use a ground sheet. Not to sure about that one yet. If I do choose to use a groundsheet I can go lighter weight on the flooring. Got some thinking to do.

[Onestepmore]

This is a very difficult gestation Phillip. I think we'll all be relieved when the delivery is over and you can cradle the new family addition safely

But seriously I was sorry to hear of the problems you have had - I sympathise with yourself and Evan.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Sent emails out to Oookworks a few days ago for a new inner for the DuoMid, Still waiting for a reply, think I might just order the inner from MLD, It's a lot cheaper than Oookworks and Ron from MLD replies to emails within hours.

[ULWalkingPhil]

This is a very difficult gestation Phillip. I think we'll all be relieved when the delivery is over and you can cradle the new family addition safely

But seriously I was sorry to hear of the problems you have had - I sympathise with yourself and Evan.

Luckily I'm a very patient person. The way time flies, I'm sure it will get here before I know it.

I was Planned to hike the Overland Track in February. I have access to a tent that I can loan, but I really want to take the DuoMid. I might wait till it's here than plan for the Overland Track, which means it could be late March before I tackle the Overland. Don't know what the conditions will be like that time of the year. Never seen snow in my life, so it would be an bonus for me if there is some snow about. as long it's not knee deep.

[Bluegum Mic]

23rd of March this year

Then again this can happen any time of year. Just magic. Both my trips Ive been fortunate enough to get snow.

[ULWalkingPhil]

That looks like a lot of snow.

How easy is it to find your way in such conditions? Maybe I will ask around at the time, if anyone has experience in the snow and tag along with me on the hike.

[north-north-west]

Just a light dusting.
It's almost impossible to lose the Overland. There are even snow poles in a lot of the more exposed areas. But if it does snow and you feel a bit nervous on your own, just tag along with someone you meet on the track. If there's one thing guaranteed, it's that you won't be alone on the way.