Materials
The inspiration behind Zpacks’ comes from our obsession to carry the lightest weight gear in the world. Our gear must be more than just the lightest, it also has to provide total functionality while achieving those weights. To realize our goal, we have placed a focus on simple but innovative designs, manufacturing with cutting edge materials and constantly refining our processes. The search for the next generation of advanced technology will never end and neither will our desire to push the envelope for the benefit of adventurers everywhere. cuben cuben fiber
Waterproof Fabrics
Most Zpacks gear is made from "Dyneema® Composite Fabrics". Dyneema® Composite Fabric (Formerly Cuben Fiber) and features DSM’s bio-based Dyneema® fiber technology. Sourced from renewable, bio-based feedstock, it is the first ever bio-based ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (HMPE) fiber. The fabric allows us to commit to sustainability while helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuel resources..
Dyneema® Composite Fabric is constructed of a grid of white Dyneema® threads laminated to a thin transparent polyester membrane. The Dyneema® fiber is up to 15 times stronger than steel on a weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. Dyneema® fiber has an extremely high tensile strength, and very low stretch making it ideal for our tents, tarps, and backpacks.
Dyneema® Composite Fabric is available in a variety of weights. All weights shown are waterproof.
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.55 oz/sqyd Dyneema® Composite Fabric This is the material used in our standard stuff sacks, and it is also the default weight for our tarps and tents. It has high tensile strength, but only moderate abrasion and puncture resistance due to the thin membrane material. Most of our products are sewn, then taped for strength. All colors are light and semi see-through. Weight: .55 oz/sqyd (18.7 g/m²) Tensile Strength: 63 lb/in (552 N/5cm) Puncture Strength: 1.8 lb (8 N) Water Resistance: 15,000 mmH₂O Made in the USA. |
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.75 oz/sqyd Dyneema® Composite Fabric This weight has a little bit higher Dyneema® thread count than our standard .55 oz material above. We offer it as a slightly more durable and less transparent choice for our tents. Weight: .75 oz/sqyd (25.4 g/m²) Tensile Strength: 104 lb/in (911 N/5cm) Puncture Strength: 3.1 lb (14 N) Water Resistance: 20,000 mmH₂O Made in the USA. |
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1.0 oz/sqyd Dyneema® Composite Fabric This weight has a double thick polyester membrane which gives it higher abrasion and puncture resistance. It is waterproof and has good strength to weight ratio for groundsheets, tent floors, or rain gear. It is more of a charcoal gray, not quite as deep black as the photo. Weight: 1.0 oz/sqyd (34 g/m²) Tensile Strength: 104 lb/in (911 N/5cm) Puncture Strength: 3.5 lb (15.5 N) Water Resistance: 20,000 mmH₂O Made in the USA. |
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1.6 oz/sqyd Dyneema® Composite Fabric This weight has more than twice the Dyneema® thread count of the thinner weights, and a double thick membrane as well. It has very high tensile strength, and excellent abrasion and puncture resistance. We use this weight for products that need a little extra durability, like our Bear Bag Kit, or our Airplane Travel Case. Weight: 1.6 oz/sqyd (52.5 g/m²) Tensile Strength: 210 lb/in (1840 N/5cm) Puncture Strength: 5.2 lb (23 N) Water Resistance: >20,000 mmH₂O Made in the USA. |
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3.3oz/sqyd Ultra 100X Ultra 100X is composed of a woven 100 denier Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) face fabric laminated to a waterproof lining. Our 2nd generation fabric has a 50% thicker, more durable .75 mil laminate. It has an "X" grid on the interior to add bias strength. The fabric is fully waterproof and has extremely high tear and abrasion resistance. Weight: 3.3 oz/sqyd (112 g/m²) Tear Strength: 69.4 lbs. warp; 89.6 lbs. fill Water Resistance: >20,000 mmH₂O |
Breathable Fabrics, Mesh & Insulation
Breathable fabrics allow moisture to pass through and evaporate so that you don't get sweaty and clammy feeling. Most clothing, sleeping bags, and materials that contact your skin should be breathable. You can also find insect netting, mesh, and insulation here.
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.51 oz/sqyd Ventum Ripstop Nylon This super light, high quality, 7 denier fabric showcases a ciré finish on both sides and weighs in at just .59 oz/sqyd (17 g/m²). Featuring a high quality "C0" durable water repellant (DWR), this ripstop and tear resistant material can also handle a light mist (but is not waterproof). Ventum nylon cuts the wind while still allowing for excellent vapor transfer the makes the fabric highly breathable. With a soft texture, Ventum is not sticky or plasticky like some other fabrics in this weight range. As the material is down and mosquito proof, it is an excellent choice for wind shell clothing and sleeping bag shells. Ventum fabric tests at 39.5 CFM under ASTM D-737. Weight: .51 oz/sqyd (17 g/m²) |
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1.50 oz/sqyd Vertice Waterproof Breathable Fabric Featured in our Vertice line of rain gear, this material is constructed with a tricot lining to wick moisture away from your skin, a waterproof, vapor permeable membrane in the middle, and 7 denier ripstop nylon on the exterior that is treated with a durable, effective "C6" water repellent. An incredible breathability rating blows away most other rain gear, including our previous generation fabrics. Weight: 1.50oz/sqyd (51g/ m²) Vapor Transfer ( JIS L 1099 Method B1): 56,000+ g/m^2/24hr Water Resistance: >20,000 mmH₂O |
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.67 oz/sqyd Ultralight Nano-Noseeum Insect Netting This is the netting used in our tents. Regular "No-see-um" bug netting weighs about 1 oz/sqyd. This ultralight version weighs roughly a third less without noticeable difference in performance. It has extremely small holes which block even the smallest of insects including mosquitoes, noseeums, etc. Nothing gets through this screen. |
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5.0 oz/sqyd Lycra® Mesh This mesh provides a superb 4-way stretch and is a great choice for exterior backpack pockets. It has a relatively light weight for mesh, while being difficult to tear. It can withstand getting caught on branches and other typical abrasion that backpacks are subjected to. Weight: 5.0 oz/sqyd (169.53 g/m²) |
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3.5 oz/sqyd Mesh This is the mesh that we use on a variety of backpack accessories. It has a relatively light weight for mesh, while being difficult to tear. It can withstand getting caught on branches and other typical abrasion that backpacks are subjected to. The hole size is a about 4 mm (a little over 1/8"). Weight: 3.5 oz/sqyd (119 g/m²) |
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5.3 oz/sqyd 3D Spacer Mesh This mesh has a three dimensional structure which allows airflow and adds cushioning. It has a tricot backing so you can't see clear through the holes. We use it on the underside of our backpack's shoulder straps and belts to absorb sweat, add cushion, and add grip. Our 3D mesh weighs less than most other types. Weight: 5.3 oz/sqyd (180 g/m²) Thickness: About 3/32" (2.5 mm) |
