Backpacks Accessories Materials FAQs Payments About/Photos Bargain Bin
- February 2010 Important Notice -
There is currently a waiting list of up to Six Weeks for backpack orders. Accessory items are shipping in a day or two as usual. Thanks for all the orders, I apologize for the long wait!  - Joe
Materials used in ZPacks Gear

.6 oz/sqyd Cuben Fiber Fabric.
This is the material used in the cuben fiber stuff sacks. The material is constructed of a grid of spectra threads laminated to a thin transparent polyester membrane. It is not coated, but it is waterproof. The material has high tensile strength, however the polyester membrane has a bit lower abrasion and puncture resistance than sil-nylon. Very expensive compared to other materials unfortunately!

Good for stuff sacks, tarps, and rain gear for those willing to be gentle with their gear. Not recommended for backpacks!

Available by the linear yard for those of you wishing to build your own gear. The roll width is 54"
$25 per yard
temporarily out of stock

~1.5 oz/sqyd Cuben Fiber fabric.
This is the material used in the "Blast" backpacks. It has more than twice the spectra thread count of the .6 oz version, and twice as thick a polyester membrane as well. It has very high tensile strength (over 100lbs / inch), and excellent abrasion and puncture resistance. Much stronger than sil-nylon or the .6 oz fabric.

Tip: any pressure points on your gear (pocket corners, strap attachments, loops, etc) need to be reinforced with diagonally aligned material otherwise the vertical and horizontal threads can pull apart.

Here is a Video that shows the relative tear strengths of sil-nylon, .6 oz/sqyd cuben, and 1.5 oz/sqyd cuben.

Available by the linear yard for those of you wishing to build your own gear. The roll width is 54".
$28 per yard
Color:

1.9 oz silicone coated ripstop nylon
. Including the coating, the total weight is about 2.4 oz per square yard. This material is strong, has good abrasion resistance, and is waterproof. The silicone coating is stronger and lighter than urethane coating used on similar fabrics. It is used on the base, side pockets, and straps of the Z1 backpack for extra durability in those areas.

1.1 oz silicone impregnated ripstop nylon
. Total weight is 1.3 to 1.4 oz per square yard w/ the silicone. The silicone is added as part of the manufacturing process (as opposed to being coated), making it slippery on both sides. Very strong for its weight, moderate abrasion resistance, waterproof. A good all around material. You can buy this at www.owfinc.com or www.thru-hiker.com

Looking for webbing, buckles, and cheap materials? Try www.owfinc.com or www.thru-hiker.com


 

Shipping is always just $3.95 in the U.S. and $9.95 for Global Orders!