My first ever MYOG project and I’m hooked. I placed an order with Zpacks for some 1.0oz/yrd DCF, bonding tape, and a few stick on loops. For my first MYOG project, I found cuben was very easy to work with and the overall project exceeded my expectations. I wanted a poncho-groundsheet for warmer weather when I won’t need a lot of rain protection. I will most likely be pairing this with a Zpacks wind shell or similar product. Lets get into it!

3 yards of of 1.0 oz/yd DCF. The material has a usable with of around 54 inches.

Cut to approximately 92″x36″. Perimeter edges bonded for strength

4×4 inch squares were out from each corner with a lip to create a small bathtub floor.

The hood put up a tough fight but I won the battle! It fits perfectly when I wear a hat. You can see the shock cord on the inside which allows me to sinch the hood down. The hood was moved forward about 6 inches to allow even drape while wearing a backpack.

The finished product. It hangs to around my knees which allows me to have full range of motion. In the summer months I carry any rain protection for my legs so this will give me a little more courage than normal. A shock cord belt was attached to using 2 stick on loops around the waist. These loops will come into play when I finish my next project which will be a bug net that hangs from my tarp and connected to the groundsheet. Similar to the S2S product but much smaller.

4.0oz total. It will be replacing my 1.2oz polycro groundsheet and a 10z disposable poncho. I am adding weight but with the added features of this poncho over a disposable poncho will allow me to ditch my 8oz chrome dome umbrella on most summer trips, saving some weight.

Rolls up to about 13×3 inches.

My Benchmade Mini Griptillian was the best tool to cut the cuben. I tried scissors and a titanium cutting wheel and they sucked. I love this little knife and replaced the screws with titanium ones and will be ordering OD green aluminum scales soon for it.

MYOG overload? I had a lot of extra material. I made a sack for my tent poles, stove, pot, first aide, stakes, clothing and even a little wallet. I will be making a pair of rain mittens but and waiting until I have access to a sewing machine.

That wraps it up. A simple project that was a lot of fun to make. I won’t get a good opportunity this year to test it out since it is a little to cold for this sort of protection. I did make a template out of paper prior to ordering the cuben.

Thanks for reading!

**BEEP BEEP**

“Damn I am hungover, whose emailing me?”

“Congrats! You won a your auction for a MLD Solomid XL!”

“Shit, I don’t remember bidding on that thing last night!”

PSA: Don’t drink and eBay, you might own a new tarp!