Kifaru Sawtooth in DCF

[wind gypsy]

DCF is somewhat of a throwaway product with a limited lifetime. Just look around at some of the shelters offered to the ultralight through hiking community. Many state how many through hikes they are good for and off the top of my head it’s about two in general. That can be a lot of miles but it’s obvious they aren’t going to last like traditional materials. I own some DCF and in no way would I ever expect it to take the same abuse or last as long as a traditional shelter.

Two 150 day through hikes where you are packing/unpacking a shelter almost every night is a plenty long lifetime IMO! That’d get me a couple decades worth of hunts.. Those through hikers are probably a little more gentle on their UL gear than most hunters though.

I agree that the sawtooth design doesn’t seem ideal for dcf and seems like some stretch would be ideal to get the pitch tight.

DCF doesn’t seem to align with Kifaru design style in general. Kifaru uses heavier duty material than necessary but in turn allows them to be more forgiving of abuse. DCF needs to be handled carefully to avoid premature wear and abrasion.

 

[tdot]

There are also a number of different grade/weights of DCF. Alot of the UL guys are using 0.5oz material, SO typically uses 0.8oz which is noticeably more durable, bumping that up to a 1.2oz would add minimal weight, but dramatically increase the durability of the material. The differences between construction techniques also yield considerably different results and long term durability.

I think it would be awesome if Kifaru could make the DCF work and keep to their design ethos of being over built.

 

[zgoodreau01]

Well, if @Ryan Avery is willing to bet on it happening, I feel like it’s a safe bet that it’ll happen sooner rather than later. Hopefully anyway. Currently looking at what tents are available, and should be buying this fall or next spring. It would be great to be able to put the Sawtooth on the list of options for a LW tent.

 

[tdot]

I don't blame SO for the issue. Lightweight has consequences. The DCF is tearing away from the stove jack and down by a stake loop. Sil nylon is hard to beat for long term use.

Is it the stitch holes in the DCF that's tearing?

 

[CO-AJ]

Recent trip with Sawtooth and SO Cimarron

View attachment 228933

Awesome site, looks like you are on an old logging or mining road surrounded by beautiful terrain.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

sounds cool but the sawtooth is already like 800 dollars...

 

[sneaky]

sounds cool but the sawtooth is already like 800 dollars...

The Redcliff is about $750 and that didn't stop them from making it in DCF. They sell plenty of $2k plus tipis. It's all relative.

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[Trial153]

My sawtooth has treated me great, i have no complaints, and quite frankly I have ton of confidence in it. I am not sure it would be my first choice in an ultra light version with DCF.

 

[reaper]

I prefer spending the money on a hunt or a good weapon over an ultralight tent Wich is already light,if we need it to be more lightweight maybe we need to cut in some gear or loosing body weight.I prefer silnylon vs DCF.Prices are insane with DCF

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[tdot]

I prefer spending the money on a hunt or a good weapon over an ultralight tent Wich is already light,if we need it to be more lightweight maybe we need to cut in some gear or loosing body weight.I prefer silnylon vs DCF.Prices are insane with DCF

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There are reasons to use DCF beyond the weight advantage. IMO the weight is a side benefit. It doesn't stretch, it's 100% waterproof, can be bonded instead of sewing and I personally prefer that it's translucent.