Cuben Fiber – A Wonder Material
What Is Cuben Fiber (CTF3)
Cuben Fiber, CTF3 and Dyneema Composite Fabric are one in the same thing. DSM is the material’s current producer. Now known and produced as Dyneema Composite Fabrics, Cuben Fiber is in high demand. Dyneema Fabrics is an umbrella term used for DSM’s product lines of Dyneema Knitted Fabrics, Woven Fabrics, Composite Fabrics and Denim. Cuben Fiber falls under the line of Dyneema Composite Fabric.
According to Dyneema’s webpage, DCF is 30% lighter than nylon/polyester and 45% lighter than aramid. Furthermore, it is 15 times stronger than steel (weight per weight ratio). DCF is made by taking a woven sheet of Dyneema monofilament fibers and sandwiching it between two outer layers of material. Most of the examples I have seen have utilized either a colored or translucent Mylar outer layers to hold and flex with the Dyneema fibers inside to retain strength. In addition to holding the Dyneema weave together, the outer layers also provide water protection from splashes and rain.
High Strength & Super-light CTF3 (Dyneema Composite Fabric)
Cuben is the latest ultralight material of choice for ultralight backpackers in recent years, though expensive it offers weight savings. CTF3 is lightweight, extremely strong and can be used to make waterproof products. From backpacks to wallets, Cuben is an amazing material to work with. The strength to weight ratio of CTF3 is very appealing for those who are counting grams and ounces. There are no other widely available material which offer comparable weight savings at the current moment.
Origins Of Cuben
CTF3, or also known as Cuben Fiber, was first used in high performance sailing applications for racing yachts. Cuben sails weighed much less compared to traditional racing sail materials at the time. Back in the early 90’s the American team won America’s Cup, they used an early version of current Cuben material for sails on their craft. After this, everyone wanted Cuben sails and there began the first wave of demand for the new material. As time goes on, Cuben would prove itself useful for a wide range of applications. Medical, recreational sports, and even clothing & apparel all find use of the stuff.
Cuben Alternatives
While there aren’t directly comparable materials available right now, there are some that come close. Silicon impregnated Nylon (SilNy), Gore Tex, eVent, Tyvek are some examples of alternatives to Cuben. Some of these materials offer benefits which typical cuben cannot provide. For simple weight comparison, there is nothing as light or as strong as cuben. SilNy may be a little heavier but it will offer better water proof qualities and durability. Gore Tex materials can vary depending on the manufacturer but they are durable and very waterproof. eVent is interesting as it offers both waterproof attributes and breathability. For some uses like compression sacks, this quality is ideal. Tyvek is a widely available and cost effective cuben alternative. Typically used as a barrier material for building structures, Tyvek is appealing because of it’s waterproof and windproof characteristics.
Why Choose Cuben?
The choice of Cuben for a backpacking material is a good decision if you are concerned about weight. The user of Cuben products will need to keep them in good condition by not demanding too much durability and keeping an eye out for thorns or scrapping against rocks. Using Cuben means that significant weight can be shaved by using it and backpackers are continuing to demand more items made of it, suggesting it is useful. There is definitely something to this wonder material. Buy a stuff sack and see how you like it before going all in on a whole pack, tarp or tent setup. Keep in mind that while it is very useful, it comes a financial heavy price.
