Tag Archives: DCF

I’m Done With DCF (aka Cuben Fiber)

Six Moon Designs Deschutes Carbon Fiber Shelter (April 2015)

Cuben Fiber (now called DCF) is a non-woven laminate fabric developed by the Cuben Tech Corporation in the early 90’s for the sails on racing yachts. In 1992 America3 won the America’s Cup Race using sails of Cuben Fiber.

In the mid to late 2000’s a few cottage industry backpacking gear companies started selling shelters and backpacks made from Cuben Fiber. The fabric has high tensile strength and is extremely light. But it has some important disadvantages. Most of which is my concern that  it really isn’t very durable and has a short lifespan.

So the question becomes, is DCF worth the cost?

I’m not throwing away my DCF gear, but when items wear out, which they will, I will be replacing them with something else.

Continue reading I’m Done With DCF (aka Cuben Fiber)