Actually, if you add up the weights of the Superfly, the extra vent, the mesh sides and the floor, it seems to be around 24 oz. And you don't have mesh at the door.
From talking w/ Ron yesterday it seems the seams on the cuben Refuge are not taped, or seam sealed. It didn't seem to be a problem on his prototype.
But from everything I've read and from having some of my own cuben to play with, it seems that you need to reinforce the stitching cause the mylar has very little tear resistance. Perhaps Ron could chime in on this point. Or even Bill.
Other than that i personally have no trouble worrying about owning this gem. You just have to camp smart.

Edited by marklivia on 04/05/2008 08:01:21 MDT.

Doug:
Can you elaborate on the pros and cons of Refuge/Refuge X versus Squall Classic. I'm currently torn between these two shelters. There seems to be relatively good reviews of the Squall Classic, but your comments are some of the first I've seen regarding the Refuge in use. Thanks,
-Ken

Yes... I guess the Superfly is actually a lot heavier once you add the floor, netting and extra vent.

I have some Cuban stuff sacks with no silicone or anything on the stitching... and they did not last long. The fabric ripped at the seams. I would say that seam taping / sealing is essential for Cuban.

Now I'm torn between this and "The One". The Refuge would be a PALACE for one!!! And if you ever have a partner... you're all set! But it lacks a lot of the features that make "The One" so amazing. So I'm torn between space and features.

Edited by davidlewis on 04/05/2008 10:15:51 MDT.

Does anybody know if there are any plans for a cuben version of The One?

I think a cuben version of The One would be amazing.

(Of course the cuben version of the Refuge is also AMAZING!)

When The One was introduced I asked Grant if a cuben fiber model was planned. He said that they plan to have a limited amount either late in the second run or else in the third run.

I'd guess that the weight would be in the 13.5oz range and , of course, no seam sealing would be needed.

Edited by Quoddy on 04/05/2008 12:54:39 MDT.

Like David, I've been torn between the One and the Cuben Refuge. I didn't know there were plans to make the One in Cuben and I just ordered the Refuge X. Oh well, I really wanted a new one-person tent this year so I might not have been willing to wait anyway. It is nice to see tent makers start using this stuff. I'm agree with David, the One has a bunch of really nice features that the Refuge lacks.

Edited by rossbleakney on 05/10/2008 13:38:16 MDT.

I remember when cracking the 2 pound barrier for a tent/tarptent was amazing, 13.5 oz for a cuben version of The One and the 16 oz version of the Refuge really shows how far we have come.

Hi Kenneth,

First, I've had a Squall Classic for a long time with many trips. I've had the Refuge for just one trip now and my observations are based only on this. A full review of the Refuge will be coming later- but my review of the Squall Classic can be found on this site. With this in mind, here is my quick analysis:

Benefits of the Squall Classic- bathtub floor, slightly lighter (vs. a silnylon Refuge), Spinnaker doesn't stetch as much when wet, lower profile, catenary ridge makes for an easy taut pitch, requires only 4 stakes (2 more optional), interior pockets

Benefits of the Refuge- way more interior space to sit up, will fit a very tall hiker (much like the Squall Classic), increased ventilation due to large triangular vents near the top, can pitch to the ground which decreases rain splash, integrated floor raises up on sides (partly negating the need to have a bathtub floor), side entry door (a preference thing), requires 6 stakes (2 more for side pull-outs, no need for a rear hoop pole

For me, it comes down to interior space. In the Squal Classic, one person can sit up. In the Refuge, I think 4 adults could sit up and play cards. You may lose some wind stability but you gain storm protection (rain splash, blowing rain or snow).

I love my Squall Classic but right now, I'm thinking that the Refuge will become my first choice for two person, three season backpacking. But field testing has only begun! My full review will lkely include some new revelations. It will also include field testing of the Cuben Refuge X as well.

My review's timeline is not set yet- likely mid summer. Until then, best of luck with your decision!

Doug

Doug:

Thanks for the insight,
-Ken

A 13.5 oz "One"? Woah! Wow. Amazing. I wonder what the price would be!!!! Gasp. Almost worth it though. That's just 4 oz. heavier than the SpinnShelter... which is just a floorless shaped tarp (and my solo shelter of choice for the past 2 years).

BTW... good point above about Cuban being a reasonable fabric for shelters (but not so much for packs). It is super strong... and much less prone to being punctured (that fabric's Achilles heal).

Considering that this fabric needs to be sealed in order to have strong seams, it would be nice if the manufactures did it. You just can't do as neat a job as a factory job and a factory job might save a few grams too versus a DIY job.

Edited by davidlewis on 04/05/2008 18:21:28 MDT.

David...
The seams on Cuben/Spectralite tarps and tents are already sealed since tape of the same material covers each sewn seam. Completely waterproof and very strong, in addition to being very light.

Doug Johnson said : "I used the Refuge this last week (silnylon version) and it offers an amazing usable space and features for the weight"


Hello,

Firstly, sorry for my poor english, I do my best but I'm not a native speaker and it's difficult for me to write in english (I'm French) ...

I'm looking for a 2 person shelter for alpine use essentially. Does the mesh side widen the shelter when sleeping or do you really have only 48" wide ? Is it really enough (comfortable while sleeping) for 2 people + gear ? No risk to damage the mesh side (stitchings) if laying on it ?

And what about stability in high winds ???

I hope this is understandable ;o)

> And what about stability in high winds ???
The current design is not really meant for that.

Cheers