Cuben Fiber Gear, Is It Worth It?

---- Gear/Stuff I mentioned in this Video! ----
Osprey Atmos 65 - amzn.to/2sDnQIg
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 - amzn.to/2t5IyxX
ZPacks Arc Blast - zpacks.com/products/arc-blast...
ZPacks Duplex -
zpacks.com/products/duplex-te...
AT Gear List - darwinonthetrail.com/2016/05/...
ZPacks - www.zpacks.com
Hyperlite Mt. Gear - www.hyperlitemountaingear.com
Mt. Laurel Designs - mountainlaureldesigns.com
SixMoon Designs - www.sixmoondesigns.com
Appalachian UL - www.appalachianultralight.com
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** Gear Used to Shoot this Video! **
- Camera -
Canon EOS T6i - amzn.to/2kACQOU
- Lense -
Canon EFS 24mm - amzn.to/2mSAXSn
- Sound -
TakStar Shotgun Mic - amzn.to/2kMsAnM
- TriPod -
Targus 360 Trigger Tripod - amzn.to/2kMsU5Y
------ Music By: Thunder/Dreamer -------
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[@NJHeart2Heart]

I think my favorite part was your encouragement to buy cottage vendor! I shop the cottage vendors, but I forget, and it just makes me feel great when I'm reminded that I'm supporting USA local and the backpacking/hammocking communities!

[@AlanWright]

Great video on the pros and cons of Cuben Fibre, just sourced the HMG flat tarp and the Northwest 3400 pack, looking forward to using them up on Skye and the Lake District this side of the pond.

[@cassiebos5167]

This video is getting me so jazzed for my new Zpacks duplex and arc blast to get here! Tracking shows Monday. Can't wait! Thanks for all the helpful advice. Keep the awesome videos coming!

[@jamesstein5952]

Thanks well done. Some of us getting older need this type of gear so we can keep going.

[@2008Walter]

Hello Darwin, just getting to know you and your videos. At 63 I am a late comer to UL hiking. Just completed an 11 day trek of Peru's Cordillera Huayhuash using the Duplex and the Arc Blast. Two great pieces of gear, these and my EE Rev. Quilt came in at under 5 pounds. This all made for a pleasant trek. I carried 11 days of food with me and was still under 35 pounds at the start.

[@mgp17316]

Love your posting. I get a lot out of your reviews and thoughts. Although i have never done a walk through on the AT i hiked most of it in sections in 70 s and 80s. I now have done a few 50 mile hikes with scouts and alone, what i noticed is how crowded the trail has become. In the 70's i could walk for two days and see less than 2 hikers. The gear has become so much better and lighter. Now that i am old (with a few joint replacments) i am very please with the newer equipment. I find your review honest and informative. Keep it up.

[@walkertxs13icu]

Dude, your videos are solid. Way to plug the homegrown businesses. Been on the fence about Arc Blast for my Sept. JMT hike. You just sold me.

[@dougturner790]

Hey Darwin, I just watched this again after, wow, three years. So being that my wife and I are in our 60s now and our joints let us know, I just pulled the trigger on a Zpacks Free Duo. At our age comfort way out does price, and by dropping our old tents for the Duo we also drop 4 lbs. Huge, as you say. Take care.

[@hunterharper6025]

i dont mean to be off topic but does anyone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me

[@tydiego1722]

@Hunter Harper instablaster ;)

[@hunterharper6025]

@Ty Diego I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process atm. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@hunterharper6025]

@Ty Diego it worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my account !

[@tydiego1722]

@Hunter Harper glad I could help =)

[@tomhealy2405]

Excellent video on cuban fiber. I love my Hyperlite Southwest pack and echo 2 shelter. Worked well on my PCT hike and so far on my CDT hike.

[@furpatrick]

Love it!! I have the same Zpacks Arc Blast & Duplex tent. Took them both on the JMT and was very happy. I don't suggest going over 35lbs though. I pushed the weight limit & did do some damage to my pack but they performed all the repairs at no charge. Great vid!

[@JonBaatz]

Another great video. my wife has had the Zpacks Arc Haul for over a year now and she LOVES it. We are hammock campers and are considering cubem fiber tarps from hammock gear but have not pulled the trigger.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Sweet! The Arc Haul is a nice pack for sure. Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@SmuggiNOLA]

Great breakdown as usual! It's so easy to forget about all the weight just your backpack adds!

[@wolf1066]

Awesome video and awesome pros and cons noted in the comments - thanks to the community! Cuben Fibre is something I've thought about and now I have a lot more information to weigh up before deciding whether or not to use it. Many thanks all!

[@edbooth9439]

Great review, Darwin! Just finished my LNT trainer course in the Shenandoah National Park with the PATC guys, and one of our trainers had a Zpacks Nero. Don't know I could ever go that minimal...but sure was sweet compared to all our gear. Met the Zpack guys this year (Joe & Red Beard) at Damascus Trail Days, and they are really passionate about all their creations...so you are spot on about deserving our support. Wish I could give up my Copper Spur HV UL tent....but it's just too perfect for me! My emergency kit always has to be a higher weight since I'm NOLS WFR...so it's like you and your camera gear trying to shave ounces somewhere else. Thanks for all the great posts.

[@garybolenable]

Hi Darwin. I have the Zpacks Arc Haul and Duplex and couldn't be happier. Being a single wall I no longer have to worry about rushing to get the rain fly on before my tent gets soaked when it is raining. The double entry makes it great for two people and having two vestibules is just plain convenient. Properly staked out, I haven't really noticed problems with it being too noisy in the wind.

[@chefcocoasadventures8794]

I own a Hammock Gear Cuben fiber tarp. 11 or 12 foot long. Weighing in at 7 oz with all my lines on it. Love , love, love it.

[@carriesaltsman5822]

As always another great video!!! The content that you put out is phenomenal!!! I just got back from doing some camping up in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and let me tell you it was amazing!! I hope to one day be able to hike the AT and the PCT!!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank you for the kind words Carrie! I love the Tetons & Yellowstone. Snuggles & I spent some time up there in 2015. Actually the 1st gear review video I did was from a campground in Grand Teton. Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@pacopeso8474]

Thanks Darwin for your honest assessment of the light weight gear.

[@CoolCforlife]

Wow! 4.4 pounds lighter is incredible! Great video man! Every time I had a question watching the video, you answered it. Lightweight, Durable, & waterproof = a win!

[@jasonpettit9984]

Very good vid,thanks for sharing this with me, information I would never have known,thanks Darwin

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Thanks to you and many hikers like you providing great information on lighter, better gear. I have transitioned my complete hiking gear to the light weight cottage companies gear. UGQ, Zpacks, HG, LiteAF, gossamer gear, litesmith, Dutchware Gear and so many more. By using them I am able to enjoy the outdoors more and help other hikers by keeping their doors open for future generations of hikers to enjoy their products. Thanks again for the great information and your support.

[@jchristianstocks5673]

hay Darwin... I just purchased a starter Bigfoot air mattress from Amazon... 15oz and $30.00 dollars... I have yet to test it on the trail, but it passed the weight in test... It has all the outward appearances of your frugal replacement for the Therma-rest neo air at 150.00 + -- ( $oon)?? Alpine Summit trekking poles just arrived with all the some basic idea$ as your Black Diamond$, but at $37.00... Yours were $63.13 and jumped to $106, I jumped on the Alpine Summit poles, so I am ready to stroll... I was around in the 60's when there was a revolution in the gear of the day. Ivon was making new generations of hardware in his garage... Sierra Design and North Face were new start ups... Now we have Zpacks and a better chance to run through the jungle ( no! that's for you kids?)... Please let them know frugal is never cheap... For me it's down to a nice Sierra stroll... visiting all those vista's of my youth... So let's all just..."Keep on Truckin"...

[@metimoteo]

Thank you for this video! I've been looking for something like this from the hiking community I follow. Cheers!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for Watching metimoteo! Hike On, Darwin

[@daveatteberry6387]

I love the fact that you support the small companies in the hiking community. That’s the best way to keep the gear and innovation that we love. Thanks for your great vids!!!

[@HikerJohn316]

Great vid. well thought out and presented. Good info! Thanks for sharing!

[@PSnGa]

Nice rundown on CF. I sport a HMG backpack & tent and love them both! Crazy expensive, crazy light. Sometimes it pays to be the old hiker with a well established career (and income) instead of the young-uns with cat food stoves! LOL. Hike on!!!

[@deanr63]

Thanks! This covers a question I asked on one of your Q&A videos.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

No prob! That's why I made it! Hike On, Darwin

[@johnsmith-by7id]

Dude thanks for all the vids you are doing they have helped alot .. i have hiked all over NH VT Maine i am going to do the PCT 2018 so these vids are helping me out in research Thanks NH Angry Hiker

[@derekl2882]

Good luck on pct. I'm shooting for 2020, looking forward to your vids.

[@Amilliondreams87]

Thank you so much for this review, I'm like ya know only 3 years late here lol but I've been researching lightweight packs to go hiking sections of the pinhoti with my mother and these packs seem ideal for her and myself to have a much more comfortable journey.

[@mn_3gunner819]

awesome and useful review as always! Thanks man, be safe out there

[@bluejeans8001]

An excellent presentation! Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍

[@naturecallsoutdoors]

Great video and always great to hear from someone that has put a pack on their back everyday for six months. I am a sailor as well and cuben has been a standard to the point no one talks about it anymore when it comes to sails. I hope that we get to see innovation in gear and materials always and there are more and more people willing to experiment and produce products. The whole cottage thing I personally think is misdirected though and keeps people from embracing new gear as those who profess the supporting of small companies seems like a badge of honor. I have been around long enough that people like Gregory, Noall, Hilleberg etc. were all cottage at some point and should still be supported and encouraged. Where I put my line in the sand is the cheap knock offs that plague the environment. Someday the Zpacks backpacks will be made by some offshore company by cheap labor, not innovating or designing themselves. So I will pay more for the originals even if it is 6 times more expensive. Can't wait for your PCT trip.

[@adamp6372]

cool to view a video on the day you post. Hey Darwin! Looks like your subscriptions are up! That's great. Watched many of your videos and like your delivery and content. Thanks for keeping it current.

[@jordonfoster4010]

You do a good job going over the pro's and con's of cuben fiber but when you make the compairson of your last pack and tent to the cuben fiber pack and tent you are not really compairing apples to apples. Lots of companies make ultralight gear with nylon. If you were to compair the Granite Gear Vigra 2 and the MSR Fly Lite shelter you will see that you can achieve a combo that comes in at just over 63 ounces. Yes you are still 20 or so ounces more that the cuben fiber but you just saved $500 that you can spend on your camera equipment or other items that can lighten your load. If money is no object then you are correct, cuben fiber will save you some ounces. The gripe I have is when you compare a sports car (Arc Blast) to a SUV (Atmos 65 AG). Also cuben fiber has a low abrasion and puncture resistance but good tentsile strength compaired to nylon material.

[@52maq52]

"low abrasion and puncture resistance" true. I don't know why this man talks about "crazy durability". Cuben is sandwiched in a layers of plastic which...is not wear resistant...If You have a nylon face layer - You have some...but depending on a denier of that fabric.

[@Dirt_McGirt_ODB]

Great video Darwin! I thought you did an excellent job going over the pros and cons of cuben fiber gear. Clearly cuben isn't for everyone, nor can everyone afford it. And that's fine, it isn't a must have to enjoy the outdoors. I think people are getting a little carried away with some of these comments, but hey, I guess that's social media for ya. Anyways, good video and great job on your presentation! Top notch quality videos! Stay safe during your travels.

[@AI-antics]

huge fan of the content, thank you so much for mentioning the durability.

[@ericblackwell9254]

Thanks for the video. It´s quite good. I used the same two pieces of equipment last Summer on a hike across the Alps and concur on the many advantages. Since the ZP Duplex is a single-walled tent, I struggled a lot with condensation. With anything less than all doors open, there was some condensation. I imagine that this issue is less pronounced in areas where the humidity is generally lower. That would apply to most of the PCT. I´m curious if you or others have had the same challenge. BRs, Eric

[@MrDara1952]

Agreed entirely. The lower weight I have with my Zpacks Duo and Arc Blast and jacket makes it easier to carry either pleasures or more water or food. As I get older I find having overall lighter super high reliability gear is essential both for safety and for comfort. I now carry a Garmin Inreach + when I hike alone but that weight is not a problem. I have many kilimeters on my Zpacks for example and only now am thinking of buying the new Solstice jacket as my original is five years old and beginning to wet through these days. Thanks for the videos but please do give things in grams as well for those of us outside America. Dara Ottawa Canada

[@robm9578]

I have been a fan of Cuben for some time, and have a goodly number of Cuben packs, tarps, bags etc., especially Locus Gear and HMG. it really is a miracle fabric. Two further advantages: 1. It is pleasant to touch, so direct contact with the body is not a problem (e.g. under a tarp on a hot night), or sleeping on a Cuben ground sheet (for which a heavier weight is better, e.g. 1.0, though .51 will work if you look after it), or floor of a mesh inner. 2. Black Cuben (it is more of a grey) is far better for privacy than the standard white, and offers some advantages of not allowing quite as much heat thru. It also looks great, almost like a tweed, definitely an appealing aesthetic. (Check out Locus Gear Khufu in black Cuben with red zip). And the fabric really is as waterproof as described, I have often had my Khufu in sustained monsoon downpours, and it has never leaked.

[@MrWmburr7]

Darwin, thanks for the information, my friend.

[@phil1932]

Great info. Appreciate the indepth research.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

No prob Phillip, Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@mylifemystory9952]

Hey Darwin, I'm gonna give my 2 cents about this subject...As always though, you do an amazing job covering important topics about the outdoors bro!! 1. More of a question...the atmos is 54oz and the ul2 is 42oz, so I do question the numbers there because that's almost 20 excess ounces I'm missing, help me out please(might be missing something) 2. I'm not saying that you have a deal with them, but for many people that hike and promote by vloggging and so-forth, zpacks and hyperlite do sell uber cheap and even give away their merch to many of them. So, for many other people, the prices are definitely super high as you've mentioned. You did a great job covering even the little things about CF, such as the different thicknesses, and I hope you got the license plate off that squirrel...he'll get what's coming to him!! Keep em coming bro!!

[@otway00]

I have owned and use two cuben fiber tarps for several years. Super light weight. Cuben Fiber will leak at any sewn seams so depending on where they are you many need to seal those. It is noisy compared to silnylon. Does bother some but not me. While it is strong is easy to puncture but easy to fix with some southern chrome (duct tape). I have made many stuff sacks with cuben and it is easy to do. A couple of other companies that have been in business making cuben gear are Hammock Gear ( tarps ) and Yama Mt Gear ( tarps, tents, stuff sacks and DIY kits )

[@stepitup5409]

Darwin, really enjoy learning from you. Appreciate your time on the trail. Think about a four thirds camera outfit. Super light compared to DSLR stuff. Lenses are tiny too. Video quality is great.

[@robhumphrey04]

Ive been considering getting some cuben fiber gear. It seems like awesome stuff. Thanks for the video. I think it pushed me off of the fence. I will definitely try some.

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

Hi Darwin! nice overview of cuben fabric. I think you got the pros and cons just right with three exceptions, but that relates more to shelters than packs or clothing. Both of these can be more of an annoyance than con, but I'm throwing them out anyway. Noise. In wind or rain, a cuben tent or tarp can be really noisy. I had a cuben tarp for use with my hammock, and although it only weighed 6 ounces, whenever it was subjected to wind, it would rattle like nobody's news. I was hearing it even with earplugs in. The second is heat. Although a lot of tents can get hot in the sun, cuben is even more so. Especially if it's a single wall like the Duplex is. Also, unless you get a dark colored fabric, it's quite opaque. So, you don't get that much privacy when changing clothes. The third thing is really more of an annoyance than anything, but once it gets wrinkled/crinkled, it stays that way. And looks like it. This is more apparent on a tarp than a tent, but if you look close once you deploy the tent, you'll see what I mean. All in all, I say the pro's greatly outweigh the con's. Thanks again for the review! Cheers! DonP

[@GreencampRhodie]

lostagain Helpful additional points.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Good Point Don! I haven't been too annoyed with the wind YET. I def think the Pros outweigh the Cons! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@plavinj]

The zpack camo pattern is darker and provides a bit more privacy. Only downside is it weighs a little more.

[@stellar.s.stellar]

"Outweigh" haha! I see what you did there.

[@anonymoush.1098]

opaque means you can't see through something. I think a word like translucent would be a more correct way of explaining what you are talking about, or just say see through! It sucks when you you try to sound smart and get things back words... sorry to be a nit picking Nazi, but English is a shared common language and we should try to use it correctly.

[@mikefranks8469]

Just to be clear: If cuben fiber has sewn spots then you must tap the seams to keep it from leaking... All the zpacks tents and backpacks have taped seams to keep water out...

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Correct, but no seam sealing... which is the point I was making. Plus the fabric itself is waterproof, so no need for DWR coating. Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@brokenpencil57]

@@DarwinOnthetrail So if you have to tape the seams, isn't that 'seam sealing?'

[@RobFomenko]

Have had a HMG pack for years and have used it for a few trips. Great pack and the only con is the cost. But imo, well worth it. Also have had a gauntlet of packs from frame, to internal frame, to no frame, and my HMG is by far my favorite. Going to get their day pack next I think along with their ultimid tent with insert. I have a golite Shangri la 5, in sil nylon, and its heavy, wets out, and takes long to dry. All the companies you mentioned make exceptional gear, can't go wrong with it. Just be prepared for the cost. But I will take HMG over them all. Just like their stuff better.

[@mrosomane5647]

I love cuben/Dyneema. I have a small asym tarp, and a Z-packs bag so bar, next backpack will be cuben/Dyneema. I have no objections to the crumpled look it takes on but then I love linen and hemp too....I enjoy the translucency of it.

[@leifnilsen7079]

Awesome 👍 video. Best knowledge hiking video I've watched so far. Thank you so much.

[@WillN2Go1]

It's interesting watching this video again after a couple of months. I finally ordered a few yards of Dyneema from Ripstopbytheroll, but I think after making some gear if I can get the cash together I'll definitely get a Zpacks Duplex tent. It's like my best tarp/tent wish list made by people who know a lot more than I do. A dyneema back pack.... I think I'll hold off a bit. I'd like a backpack that might be 60L, on my back, but I want it to be 120L when I'm loading it. There's a wedged shaped backpack, not Cuben, that looks easier to load and rummage around in, and which will bulge out for all the extra bulky warm stuff for winter hiking (And my JetBoil skillet instead of being a packing headache will just be a weird bulge someplace.) I also want a bigger mesh pocket on the back to air out and dry out gear, and I'd like a better frame so I can carry more weight (that I know I shouldn't be carrying ...) I think Darwin makes a good point, support these small companies--they are the people advancing the gear we use in the best ways. I currently use an Osprey and it's good, but without these small companies, it would be at least another 20 years before they even considered making brilliantly simple lightweight gear like Hyperlite and Zpacks. And to help, I'll try to buy the tent soon, because I know, like the one time in two years I washed my car in Los Angeles in June-- it rained that week; so as soon as I buy my $600 tent, another dyneema mill will open up and prices will drop. If I'm up in the Sierras when that happens, I won't mind. Thanks Darwin.

[@ewest9970]

I think you have to add in weight of your trekking poles because they're needed for the Zpacks tent and not needed for the heavier setup. Some will say they will carry the poles anyway but its worth mentioning for the beginners or those who don't like trekking poles. Love the videos, Happy Trails.

[@philipbuckley759]

good presentation...focused, and organized...thanx...

[@maxchartier]

I have a zpacks rain jacket and 2 person tent. I highly recommend both. pricey but worth it. the xl jacket does fold small enough to fit in a jeans pocket but also stays wrinkled in perpetuity.

[@compassionsix]

I’m a bike packer, but love the site regarding equipment and camping that crosses over.

[@steevedubois592]

i really liked this vid! thanks for sharing all this info, and so clearly! i just subscribed...

[@4-SeasonNature]

Nice and thorough review.

[@aarongmoney7205]

I would love to Thru hike the AT or the PCT, but due to a J O B and family, it's not possible at least for another 8-14 years (retirement) . My issue is that I know that my life expectancy ( family genetics) probably I won't be around in that time. So I'm starting to plan/ buy gear to start section hiking the AT soon. Thru hiking is a dream, but not a reality for me. So better start living now.

[@dianesoini]

I try to section hike a full two-week trip with the weekends attached every year. This means I have to save up my vacation all year, but it's not that bad once you get used to it. Section hiking is awesome because you can plan an awesome adventure that isn't the same-old-same-old everybody else is doing. I've created my own crazy hikes that link the PCT to other trails and I've also done backpack trips where I didn't even really know where I was going. Just put stuff in my pack and went wherever I wanted to go for however many days. That is a joy no thru-hiker ever gets to experience.

[@JamesWindland]

I will be finishing the AT this year. I have been working at it in sections since 2011, so make a plan and stick to it. I have found it best for me to do it in around 2 week sections, and just pick up where i left off doing it Northbound in order. Dont get discouraged by injury or circumstance, I missed a year for injury, and one for the birth of my daughter. If you REALLY want it, you will find a way to get it done.

[@barryfullick7981]

@@dianesoini loved your comment contribution, your spirit is " the " right stuff" ! and it chimed with me because it brought back memories of completing my recovery from a cardiac incident, by whizzing down to Heath Row and jumping on a plane to Buenos Aires, overnight bussing it to San Juan in Western Argentina, then making my way up into the Andes around Cerro Mercedario and enjoying. my own randomly chosen trekking. At that time due to border tension between Chile and Argentina, maps of the region were not easily obtained, so I just wandered about the mountains making my own sketch maps of where I was and where I had been. I simply added compass bearings taken from salient points. along my way. Its safe enough provided you don't allow too much distance to build up between taking your fixes. A bonus Was The delight of each newly emerging feature of the landscape. Without having a map to blunt the surprises, I had a sense of original exploration. This after all is how the Himalaya and the Kharakoram were opened up by Younghusband and his Ilk in the nineteenth century My only regret was not making time to visit southern Patagonia and the Argentine Lake District. Health and age, ( I'm in my nineth decade now) regrettably put the greater ranges beyond physical capability, but the North Norfolk coastal path ( UK), my old Go- Lite Gust and a U L tent are insistantly calling telling me it's time to make tracks to what little remains of any wild land still accessible to me. With a sub10lbs base weight and easy re-supplys it will be a great little trip for me and my hound, My dog-child has never seen the sea, so for him it will be another great adventure for us to share. Good luck with your plans for your upcoming wilderness journies. Lucky you.There's enough for more than a hundred lifetimes to explore spread right across America. How I envy you, Stay safe, God bless and make sure you get out there and enjoy every minute you've got girl, kind regards, Baz.

[@dianesoini]

@@barryfullick7981 That sounds like a bigger adventure than most people do. And what is the point of all this? Is it for the selfies, the youtube adulation or the big adventures to remember for a lifetime? You might enjoy the videos I made of my recent trek across the southern Los Padres National Forest to connect my local backcountry trails (i.e. "The Condor Trail") to the Pacific Crest Trail.

[@barryfullick7981]

@@dianesoini Never taken a selfie ever, as for YT adulation, who needs it, who cares? Just had to respond to the spirit of your post. Its about the being " out there " close to nature, exploring a new landscape and above all, the memories, for me As for the bigger adventure than some etc, it was very modest when put alongside any of the epic trails you have in your epic sized back yard. Take care, be safe and get the most you can from your upcoming wanderings, Good luck n God bless.

[@fireyourrocketts]

Zpacks rocks. I have the duplex with the poles option and even with everything weights around 2 pounds including poles, tent stakes MSR ground hogs and footprint made of polyethylene, the got the Arc Haul with extras at about over a pound; can not beat the weight. I do need to save on weight because I like carrying stuff for comfort I am not ready to part with and also I carry my own overweight already being 55 pounds over the weight I need for my height and age. Yes it is expensive but it does helps; my visit to Mount Whitney last year I was about 27 pounds total with food and water at the trailhead and let me tell you I felt it climbing up but I also took comfort seeing other folks carrying 50 and 60 pounds loads. I did not made the summit but was very comfortable when I camped at Outpost, slept well and returned next day to trailhead; another piece I took with me is EE Revelation 20 quilt, which at 24 oz makes a huge difference. Temperature was around freezing but I had a smile in my face. If you can afford it, go for it, you will never regret it after using it for the first time!

[@pazatest]

Love all the great information. Have you use any gear from Gossamer Gear?

[@danielbertola7868]

Hey Darwin! Great videos! I am purchasing a EE Revelation quilt and was wondering what size Zpacks bag you use for it. Looks like the medium plus. Thanks!

[@debsmith7050]

Excellent Video !!! I love Cuben Fiber Gear BTW: Do you know about OAAI Cycle Tour ? Johan travels on his bike & lives in a tent. Fun to follow his journey/ France to Singapore

[@MstrRo]

You make mention of durable. Just to expand on that and put that in perspective, I had frozen sleet that melted and the ice pieces fell off and punctured multiple holes in my Cuben tarp. I could not repair the tarp at the time due to fog as the repair tape would not stick. It was condensing on the fabric as fast as I could wipe it off. If you go Cuben, keep your side walls as steep as you can during situations of hail or sleet falling. With some luck, depending on the size of the hail, you should be ok.

[@CarlosAlvarez-dv7um]

Hey Darwin! Love your videos. Which size dry bag do you use for your clothes and your EE Revelation 20 Quilt? I am guessing a small and a medium, respectively.

[@icespider]

Great stuff, just don't use it like a haul bag. I Lowered my "Hyperlite ice pack" down over a granite cliff prior to a rappel, and got a few small dime sized holes where the bag rubbed on the granite on the way down. The lower was only about 50', I was very surprised when I rapped off and got down, only to find my bag with wear (slide) holes in it. Could have been worse i suppose, going to approach Hyperlite soon before Ice climbing season to see if they can repair. I do like the idea of the pack being crazy light, and waterproof on its own without a dry-bag liner, I am now mostly climbing ice and multi-week expeditions at higher altitudes so weight definitely counts. Don't get me wrong, love this stuff, it is revolutionizing the outdoor expedition industry, and i will continue to buy dyneema fabrics to shed weight. Happy climbing....Blue skies to all!!

[@Ureyeuh]

Long time cuben fiber denier here! I just purchased my first Dyneema (formally cuben fiber) pack from Hyperlite Mountain Gear, and it was the best gear purchase decision I have made so far. If you're hesitant to go the Dyneema route because you're questioning it's durability (like I did), look into the black colored packs from Hyperlite Mountain Gear, as they're made to be a little more durable while still retaining the lightweight properties of Dyneema. I purchased the "Southwest 3400" in black, and could not be happier. Doing this allowed me to shave off SEVEN POUNDS of weight, and I feel it on every mountain climb. Cheers!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I really dig Hyperlite's Gear! Known a lot of hikers that have really put it through the ringer.... Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@langejorstad]

Joric - anger management dude!

[@langejorstad]

Um, that you're a shitty little troll.

[@asankam]

As always great info!

[@fredlevel897]

I only just started looking at ultralight cuben fiber tents from ZPacks and was wondering whether I should go for it or not. I just loved this video and I so much am in the same situation. I don't believe in ultra-light just for the sake of it, I like my comfort and I don't walk just for the sake of adding miles. Recently I completed the West Highland Way with my brand new gear I very carefully selected and gave me great satisfaction. But, I purposedly left all my photographer gear behind because I wanted to see how I do with all that stuff. Knowing I would add an extra 1.3Kg for my next trek, I decided to loose weight for the backpack itself and perhaps a new tent. I saw Zpacks Duplex tent which design I love: obviously designed by hikers for hikers. But still I was wondering about the durability and this video just gave me the answer. I'm gonna start saving so I can go and buy a ZPacks Duplex tent. Thank you

[@patrickmoore2031]

I have the ZPacks Arc Haul which I like. My Duplex developed some small hole where the guy out lines attach to the walls. ZPacks repaired it for free. I think it's possible I was pitching too tight. Otherwise it's been a good shelter.

[@RoyHanks]

Hey Darwin..... love the videos and REALLY appreciate the expertise you offer. I'm planning a 8 day "quest" to Isle Royale with light packing in the front of my mind...... and have two questions: 1. Since you've moved into the ultralight style of hiking, what's the total weight you are carrying for your through hikes 2. Since posting this video, any further concerns with the Arc Blast pack?

[@frankzappa2451]

I have a Teton 4000explorer. It's a heavy pack weighing in at approximately 5.5 lbs. I like it though. Nothing has failed on it and I've had it for 8-9 months. ✌️

[@TheMacgyver3441]

Best argument for getting pack weight down. I love it. Even if you are a hunter you can carry more hunting gear. Yes thank you so much. I love your videos.

[@anthonyjohnston2178]

My cuben fiber hammock tarp with doors is over 5 years old with no problems. It came from hammock gear. The big difference in them and z packs is they don't stitch the ridgeline. so yes, no need to seam seal and never leaks. Easy to patch. just clean area and put a strip of cuben tape on inside and outside like a bandaid and it will be stronger than new. ( I put a hole in mine on a windy day with a stake. was simple to fix.) Big advantage to me is weight after rain. A wet tarp is very heavy. I just wipe my cuben with a small shamwow and there is no water to carry. A little more bulky and the price are the only disadvantages to me. I never hear noise with mine.

[@Calabasas42]

Good videos; informative. I would add the noise as an obvious "con". Is Tyvek a type of Cuben Fiber or something else?

[@06Umiami]

Great video. Thank you for the insight.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@Jeremy-kg1zr]

I've just found your channel. I really appreciate your content and you present information well and from experience. Thanks for all of it. The one thing this video in particular brings up that I've noticed numerous times now is that you keep advocating buying brands like zpacks to support small companies. Zpacks wants $550 for their smaller, cheaper tent. I'd Love to support local innovators who are creating new gear, but that's a Lot of money for a tent. They want $260 for a 7x9' flat tarp. That seems like a lot of mark-up to add some tie outs and sew the edge on a piece of fabric, even at $35/yd. I'd love to support local, but those are some steep prices. Maybe I'm just underestimating how much fabric is in a tent, or how long it takes to build one? I suspect that either 1) They have the prices so high because their volume isn't that high, but they want to be very profitable. Wouldn't they sell more gear if they sold it cheaper? Then more people would buy their gear and they'd still make good profits. 2) They're still selling plenty of gear, and they're just trying to stay at the peak of what the market will bear in order to get as rich as possible. Either way, it's a shame they don't make their gear accessible to more people. There are So many people who would love to have lighter gear, but simply Can't afford it. I have decent gear now, but it's taken me a while to get here. I would love to get friends into camping and backpacking, but I can't expect them to go out and spend thousands on gear to try it out. But that's what you have to spend to enjoy it, because lugging around a 10lb cheap tent, etc, will make anyone have a poor experience and think backpacking sucks.

[@steveducell2158]

UL non cuben fiber companies that are cottage size; ULA equipment very nice backpacks Tarptent very nice tents Small but bigger then cottage size: Granite Gear very nice backpacks ( I use a tarptent notch ( 4 stakes min ) , Granite Gear Blaze, enlightened equioment quilt ) about 6 lbs for the big three 26oz, 44 oz, 22 oz = 5.75 Cuben Fiber is good, its very good. But you can come pretty close with alternatives just some Food for thought the main thing is to get out there.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Great Info Steve! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@adventure_hannah3841]

Granite Gear is awesome! I use Deuter packs, but some of my friends use Granite Gear and I'm sometimes kinda jealous of them. :P

[@sibeliusjohannes2660]

@@adventure_hannah3841 Check Bergans Helium 55. Awesome pack from Europe

[@Mtnsunshine]

Thanks for the info! How is the support system on the ultralight packs? Good hip belts? Shoulder pads?

[@showdown7776]

Excellent! I use kevlar stuff and titanium a lot. Hiow does cuben fiber compare to kevlar?

[@danielcluley870]

I got some granite gear stuffsacks to drop weight and saved a pound over my old Sea-summit Evacs. Totally worth it and haven't failed yet. Will probably get a zpacks bearbag and a pack cover to save another half a pound. I am also looking at a stuffable daypack that could be used for sidehikes basically, you can get a 30L stuffable bag to use within your main pack for the same weight as a Sil stuffsack. Awesome stuff and totally worth it. Not springing for a tent, as I have a perfectly good North Face Mica FL 2 and a new REI quarterdome, but the smaller items are too worth it not to buy. I didn't think it would be worth it to spend 100 bucks to save a pound at first, but then I went on a couple of longer hikes and it is totally worth it. The biggest place I could cut are probably tent and sleeping bag, but I would rather carry a tent than sleep in dodgy shelters with randos. I can handle carrying 3 lbs not to deal with shelters.

[@stoehr]

Great content on your page, bro! How many times have you been told this, “You look like Jared Leto.”??? You could probably make hella bank stunt doubling as him in Hollyweird, yo! 🤙

[@mtadams2009]

CF all the way, at my age pushing 60 and knees that have a few miles on them, its an easy selection. I know its costly but a light pack makes for a much more enjoyable adventure. i would much rather give my money to a local company. Great video, thanks

[@beachbum3b]

After the first section of the sierras of my PCT hike this year the bottom of my arc blast was getting ripped up really bad, I could stick a finger through it! So when glissading take your pack off and have it in your lap.

[@larrybevins2007]

Let us know when you guys roll into San Diego next year. Would love to buy you a beer and have a chat at one of our local breweries, before you hit the trail. Cheers!

[@photog1529]

I recently placed an order with Zpacks. I've been using a Gregory Baltoro 75L pack, and with tent and sleeping bag the combined weight is a whopping 9.7 pounds. The Zpacks 57L pack, duplex tent, and quilt come in at only 3.8# (not including about another 6-8 ounces for tent stakes). That's a massive difference. Now I just gotta wait for 6-8 weeks.

[@rdh2059]

I've seen videos and heard of a lot of people cooking inside their tents after a hard day on the trail. From what I can tell, Cuben fiber is extremely sensitive to flame. sparks burn holes in it, and when the fiber is close to flame, it shrivels up quickly. That means, it is pretty important that you keep cuben fiber away from any flame. Even a tossed burning cigarette will melt holes in it... You might want to mention that as a concern...

[@PanoAkourdaleia]

hi Darwin. thanks for all the vids! do you know how cuben fibre rates in terms of UV resistance?

[@mikelatta484]

First off, good video and thanks. Now I know you gave the analogy of the difference between a 15 pound and a 80 pound pack, but even if everything I own was cuben fiber, I'm not getting anywhere near that kind of weight reduction. I still can't justify the cost for weight savings. Now if I had unlimited funds.... :)

[@kookiemoose]

I like what you're saying here. I can dig it. The mark cuban fibers seem hip man. I think I want my next hike to be a 1970's hike. You know free love man, dig? Like cut off jeans, a canteen, and maybe a Svea Optimus diesel stove. A sweet Camp Trails exterior frame backpack and a nice Black Ice sleeping bag with 320 down fill. Bandana, Foster Grants, a tank top with a psychedelic peace sign on it. Hell yea. But I really like the Mark Cuban lite stuff. If they could just make it not so crinkly and loud to sleep and hike next to that would be cool.

[@larryzuber488]

As a long time user of the SVEA 123...It burns "white Gas"...Love it with the SIGG cook Kit. I have used this kit for 45 years. I don't bring the smaller pot to shave off a few ounces. EVERY Hiker needs a bandana lol. Back in the day...Thru hikers carried Kelty Tioga packs or Jansport. I had a Kelty modified D-4 that I added a front pocket to and strap points on the flap. I'm old school, so very interested in this ultra light gear

[@therealchickentender]

Still have my Svea 123 - was given to me by my college girlfriend's father. The thing's been running at least once a season without so much as a tinkerin for literally around 60 years. And really, it's not *that* heavy.

[@michaelgrimes5588]

informative...thanks Darwin

[@williambakos2716]

like the video. I know your gear weight is lighter so that will have a big effect. But how is the pack comfortability with less padding on the Z Packs compared to more standard packs, like your Osprey?

[@mottodan]

Just subscribed to your channel,and I think I'm gonna like all the info.

[@magnusnordstrom3238]

Love the white color of my Southwest!

[@HikingFeral]

One tip I have that I did is To start by buying a cheap Cuban pouch like a first aid pouch. That way you can see just how light and strong it is, I Tugged at mine and scraped it on the floor, threw it at the wall, just to see if I could break it. I Couldn't and sobthen I began buying more, a reversable Cuban pillow / clothes sack. A tarp for day camps. I love the stuff.

[@FrankBergdoll]

Good video - again! I do like the Cuban fibre materials for all the reasons you stated. Personally, I'm swapping weight where I can in order to carry better camera equipment as well. What camera are you looking at? I have a Sony A6000 for weight, but plan to use my Canon 6D more as I have much better lenses for it. The Sony A7R II is getting rave reviews and is tempting, but is an expense that doesn't save me weight in the end (unless I buy all new lenses too) While I have switched to UL equipment, I also have some UL equipment that is not Cuban fibre - such as the ULA pack that I'll be using. The savings are amazing compared to what was out there just a few years ago. (edit) - and thanks for the links!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a Canon G7X Mark ii.... Love the way Canon Lenses capture the outdoors! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@GhandiManning]

This stuff sounds pretty cool, never heard of it until this video. Reading the comments I think I would agree that the noise would be annoying, as I would use this as a tarp over a hammock, but for the same reason the transparency wouldn't be much of a problem as I'm basically outside all the time anyway. The heat things doesn't sound great either. What I would be interested in though, is to see if anyone is making bike pannier bags out of this, I think that would be great. The transparency and heat wouldn't be much of an issue, except keeping meat fresh maybe, and the noise wouldn't be an issue as an item that doesn't really blow in the wind like a tent or tarp does.

[@predfan3261]

Good info! I wanted a hyperlyte pack for a while but it was too expensive. I found one on the whiteblaze forum for 100$ less than new! My pack is 2lbs instead 4. Took it out last weekend and it worked great. I recommend if you want Cuban fiber but can't pay full price , check the forums.

[@EspenFrafalne]

If you want a cheap ultralight camping setup, then hummingbirdhammocks have hammock + tarp + mosqito net, which only weighs 616grams/1,36pounds combined, and the price for all 3 items is only $240. Plenty cheaper and more lightweight than even the Zpacks Plexamid 1 person tents - which is only 420gram; but needs a trekking pole to set it up, which adds maybe 350g extra weight (for a carbon trekking pole). And you also need a sleeping pad for tents, which adds a substantial amount of weight and takes up a lot of room. When i checked for some lightweight trekking pole and (inflatable) sleeping pad for the tent, i ended up at 1,1kg (tent + sleeping pad + trekking pole), which is almost double the weight of the MUCH cheaper hammock setup...

[@chipringo3526]

I switched to a cuben fiber pack and tent and dropped 5lbs off my base weight. The one thing that I never hear anyone talk about, but I noticed it right away, is that my Duplex doesn't have that silicone smell like all silnylon tents do.