What is X-Pac
X-Pac® is a brand of Dimension-Polyant, the world leader in manufacturing advanced, high-quality sailcloth and technical textiles (say that 3 times fast lol). With two (2) locations and factories in both, the first in Putnam, CT (USA) and the second in Kempen (Germany).
The X-Pac brand of fabrics includes roughly 33 individual styles of fabric in a variety of colors. These fabrics all consist of 3 to 4 layers of laminated textile offered in a wide selection of weights and styles and are easily spotted by their classic diamond or X weave seen in all but the LS (Light Skin) line of fabrics.
Who uses these fabrics?
Originally, early versions of these fabrics were being used by sailmakers for high-end sailboat sails, such as those seen in boats racing in The Americas Cup, after all the fabric was designed by sailors to begin with. These fabrics however have found a home in many applications and have advanced far beyond their early days of boat sails. However, It has found a home in the outdoor/ apparel industry, namely in the bags and outerwear. Brands, much like ourselves, Wonder Goods, love the technical aspects of the fabric, which is something we will talk more about in a moment.
What are the fabrics made from
With everyone from consumers to brands looking to get the most out of their fabric while maintaining the lightest possible footprint, manufacturers have strived to achieve this blending of durability and performance. This has often resulted in some poor options, which often result in extremely short lifespans of the textile—sometimes in as little as a year, you'd see the fabric break down.
X-Pacs answer to this has been in its laminated fabric with a reinforced diamond pattern. Here's the breakdown for the 4-layer VX21 210 Denier. Other options are similar but very based on layers and use. We chose this fabric since it is the main fabric we use in-house:
Percentages-
60% Nylon • 40% Polyester combined
Layers-
What are the technical specifications?
-
Tear Strength
Warp 108.5 N / 24.4 LBS
Fill 76.5 N / 17.2 LBS -
Weight
210.0 g/m²
6.2 oz/yd² -
Waterproof
13.8+ bar
200+ psi -
Width
150.0 cm
59.0 inch -
Abrasion ASTM 3884
500 cycles
-
Made in the USA and Germany
Why are we talking about this fabric & why we switched to it for some of our products
First, we are taking the time to talk about this because we get asked all the time "What's X-Pac fabric?". Second, we get asked why we switched from mainly using Cordura® to X-Pac on our bike bags and other bags. So let us take a moment to clear all this up, why we made the switch, and what it means.
One of the main reasons we made the switch are X-Pacs is that it is made in the USA. This is important for two reasons to us. First, it means there is a smaller carbon footprint making it better for the planet and us. Second, it is 100% waterproof, far more UV stable with less fading, and has a higher abrasion resistance. X-Pac also has an aggressively strong eco-friendly standing boasting a commitment to responsible manufacturing.
Here is a short video from them about the CleenTec® advancements. Video Link
Closing thoughts and where things are headed
This is just our opinion, but we think buying domestically produced textiles is a more responsible option and better for the environment, especially as these companies increase the number of textiles produced from reclaimed materials. That being said we will continue to use limited amounts of Cordura® in our products but as better options become available, we aim to make those changes. Also, we aren't here to bash on Cordura®, they in fact are making a line of eco-friendly textiles as well and make fantastic fabrics overall.
As the world changes, along with it the textile industry, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. It is our belief however that companies such as X-Pac® are truly trying to be better and more responsible in their actions.
One major effect the industry is facing is mounting regulations banning or calling for the ban of DWR (Durable Water Repellent) with PFAS chemicals, which in our opinion is far overdue. Hopefully, as these new regulations are put into place companies like X-Pac® and Cordura® will embrace the change and not push back.
If you want to learn more about X-Pac click and follow this Link
If you'd like to learn more about Cordura click and follow this Link
