Is Dyneema Composite Fabric / Cuben Fiber Worth the Hype?

I discuss my usage and opinions on Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly known as Cuben Fiber) and its applications for outdoor equipment and MYOG.

THE GEAR I USE:
Activated Carbon Filter: Check eBay for this one! Should be around $20-$30

CAMERA GEAR:

[chesshooligan]

I remember when fleece jackets first came out. They were considered super-high-tech, they were super-expensive, and only people who were into owned one of them. Today you can buy a fleece jumper for a fiver. Dyneema will be equally cheap one day.

[cameronhirtle]

For packs, I am glad I went Ultra. A pack made with good 200-400 ultra is worth the extra weight compared to DCF when it comes to punctures, tears and abrasions. Dcf isnt pack material. But for shelters, DCF is a godsend. My Plex Solo has been the best addition to my gearset along with my new Feathered Friends bag.

[JasonHelmandollar]

Enjoyed the video. Just picked up my first dyneema pack and I’m pretty excited about it. Great channel.

[objectivereason]

In short, if you have the money... yes.

[vevenaneathna]

the price has come down a lot since this video. i think an overlooked pairing is to have tyvek on one side. its HMWPE and is what post usps letters are made out of or houses are wrapped with in some climates. it bonds to the dyneema stuff with just pressure and heat at around 135C, whatever that is in F. i think u can also use the same pressure adheasive stuff with the polyurathane adheasive. another thing a lot of people overlook is the potential to combine kevlar thread with these materials or even a kevlar backer like in the hyperline safe life new armor. thx for uploading

[andrewlinesjah]

TOP CLASS VIDEO MATE ! ! !

Dyneema is difficult to sidestep ! ! !

[ericb.]

Yeah, nice fabric for tents. Doesn't stretch in the rain or absorb water. BUT I want it colored (green or tan) for the shade and privacy.
I'll dye the inner tent of my upcoming Tarptent Notch Li for those reasons. I REALLY dislike the translucent white of DCF tent flys.

[Alyssa-gkvm]

Hi Matt - really like the video. Recently bought some DCF and was going to sew with it. What thread, needle and tension do you use when sewing your pack?

[SpaklesDr]

Liked the video...very high qulaity. Subbed.

[thinktoolittle]

How does DCF compare to Xpac? Especially in terms of stiffness and durability...

[funkdrummer]

Ripstopbytheroll.com has good prices on many different types of DCF.

I’m thinking about making my own tarp, and mesh house with DCF. I’m 6’5” and typically touch at least my head, if not feet and head, on the tent walls.

[tonelie]

Dyneema weakest point is abrasion. (Wind blows a stick, sand into your new Zpack tent)
Dyneemas second weak point: Seam failure from needle hole expansion is a common issue.
Dyneemas third weak point: It shrinks

Why it is so expensive: It is difficult to work with (meaning few companies know how to build quality products made from Cuben).
Price is going up every day on DCF as demand is rising.

Do not fear, the hype will die out.
Nylon’s well-balanced characteristics make it a good choice in most outdoor applications and will always be superior.
Dyneema was invented by Albert Pennings in 1963 but made commercially available by DSM in 1990, its nothing new, its just a hype.

[michaellarkins]

I am interested in making my own. Do you have a pattern or have advice for a beginner pack maker?

[runcycleskixc]

I used 28 gsm white fabric (mylar on the 2 surfaces, fibers on the inside) for a large backpack (old Dana Terraplane) raincover. Not counting the labour time, it was cheaper and lighter than what I would buy. I generally disagree with the luxurious look statement: the look of crumbled paper gives it a "about to fail" feeling. I wonder if this fabric comes in woven form. Will try the polyester hybrid.

[ninjatops]

What sewing machine do you use? The fabric is thicker so do you need an industrial or heavy duty sewing machine?

[junjunjunl]

Hi do you have a link to these fabrics that you purchased?

[ericb.]

Dyneema is "worth it" if you are doing a thru hike. Otherwise light gear of fabrics like silnylon is great.

My UL Big Three (but no Dyneema)
1. Osprey EXOS 58 pack
2. Tarptent Moment DW solo tent
3. Western Mountaineering 20 F. down bag and REI FLASH Insulated air mattress.

[jeffmyers]

Is it worth it ??? UH yeah it is because it gives youtubers like Red Paw Packs lots of material to make videos about. This video and 100's of others as well, are evidence of this.

[mamamacgyver]

Where do you find the dyneema fabric ?

[allwaysinquire]

Made some DCF stuff sacs and I don't rate it they all got holes in them faster than my silnlyon ones bit like X-Pac I haven't found that as good as 1000d cordura. Maybe DCF packs are better who knows but it's 10 times the price for maybe 20% increase if proformance.