XPAC VX21 vs 1000 Cordura?

[flanagaj]

VX21 seems to be all the rage these days for frame bag side panels.  I made my own using 1000 cordura and whilst it is heavier g/m2 it has lasted over 3 years and is really tough.  Just wonder what others on here use and whether VX21 is worth using.  It is quite hard to find here in the UK and I am yet to find a supplier of red.

Thanks

[fotooutdoors]

In my experience, the biggest difference is stiffness and give. The cordura conforms more, while the vx21 is more rigid, presumably because it contains laminated layers rather than a coating

[flanagaj]

In my experience, the biggest difference is stiffness and give. The cordura conforms more, while the vx21 is more rigid, presumably because it contains laminated layers rather than a coating

I have done a bit more research on VX21 and it appears as though it is actually a material for making sails.  Maybe I am mistaken, but I have not seen VX21 used in any other bag industry so find it surprising why it is being used for bike packing gear.  Yes, it looks great, but is it not just "fashion over function"

 

[Smo]

So VX21 is made by Dimension-Polyant, and they started out making laminates for sails. But the Xpac line of fabrics is part of their "recreational" series, specifically marketed towards pack applications.

If you look around there are quite a lot of companies making packs out of Xpac, not just bikepacking companies. But mostly small companies. I think one of the reasons for that is that the laminating process is still under patent*, and all the fabric comes out of Connecticut and is pricier than what the big backpack companies use that's made overseas.

It's also new, sometimes it takes a while for things to catch on.

*I'm not 100% sure it's under patent but I think it is, at least there are no knockoffs out there that I'm aware of.

[flanagaj]

Here in the UK suppliers of vx21 are in short supply.  In fact, I can only find one and they only have limited colours.   No red or blue.

[Adam Alphabet]

I've made bags with different weight x-pacs, cordura's and dyneema composites (cuben fiber). Honestly x-pac is my least favourite to work with especially if you've got it on a roll, it just doesn't flatten out nice and makes it fussy to work with. The availability of colours you can get cordura's in and the ease of getting it make it a great choice. I find 500d sufficient for bikepacking bags. While most expensive, personally making kit out of dyneema composite is my favourite. Super light, sews easy, looks cool and again is super light!

[chrisx]

where did you buy your

dyneema composite

fabric? 

[Adam Alphabet]

where did you buy your

dyneema composite

fabric? 

Zpacks... http://www.zpacks.com/materials/waterproof-fabric.shtml

[Bedrock]

One thing to consider when comparing VX fabrics to Cordura fabrics is the method of waterproofing. 500d or 1000d Cordura has a coating on the inside to make the fabric waterproof. There is also a DWR on the face to prevent "wet out." The coating on the inside (and outside) is vulnerable to abrasion, mildew etc. as it is in direct contact to your gear. (think pokey bits like stoves) The VX fabrics from Dimension Polyant not only have a DWR on the face but also a waterproof layer laminated in between the face and a separate lighter inner fabric. This protects the waterproof barrier thus increasing it's lifespan. They are really very different fabrics and a bit like comparing apples to oranges. Bottom line, if it will be dragged through the dirt- use Cordura. If you want it light with some structure - go VX.

[Meadowbolic]

The X-Pac also absorbs less from the elements (mud and water) which gives it an even lighter weight out in the wild compared to Cordura (especially the worn cordura Bedrock mentions). 

[dreilly]

I make bags too and I like X-Pac...waterproof, the inside won't get that peely, flaky rot that the urethane coating on cordura will, and the extra rigidity is nice. I've used dyneema from Zpacks. I really like it, but it is very expensive. There is actually an even stronger version of that fabric, Hyperlite Mountain Gear uses it, for example, but I've never seen it for sale as a fabric. One reason I use X-PAC: DP is a great company and is very happy to work with small makers like me. Trying to get the Dyneema people to give me the time of day was difficult. I had to "apply" to be part of their program. Meanwhile DP sent me extensive samples and always responded to emails in a day.

The ultralight hiking companies seem to favor dyneema, silnylon, etc. Xpac does seem to be heavily used by the bike bag industry, but not just bikepacking. Messengers, etc.

[Smo]

Even in ultralight backpacking, I think DCF and silnylon are less popular than other choices when it comes to backpacks - they are more used in tents.

I'm not a huge fan of DCF when it comes to packs (either backpacks or bike bags). It is really at it's best in shelters, where the weight advantage is huge and it's not subject to much abrasion.

It also doesn't take stitches very well and tends to pull apart along straight seams. The hydrid version with polyester layer is better, but at that point it's nearly as heavy as Xpac and less durable. VX21RC seems to me to be a better choice all around at only 1 oz/yd heavier than the hybrid DCF.

[dreilly]

Nick,
Yeah, even the hybrid stuff can pull away at the seams. I am redoing my frame bag now because of this. It also has a very unique "patina" to it as it gets used, all wrinkly like a confused seersucker. Not everyone likes that. I am excited to try the vx fabrics....they have one that is a cotton canvas with their laminates on the back. Not light, though.

How do you help protect the seams so they don't pull out as easily?

[Smo]

The best way to avoid DCF tearing along seams is to use lap seams, ideally with a triple step zigzag stitch, then backed up with tape for extra strength. But that's pretty hard to do on a pack - it's much easier to use on a shelter (for instance along a ridgeline).

Also use the smallest needle you can get away with. That helps too.