Revolutionary Composite: Dyneema's New Standard for Backpacks

Imagine a century and a half ago, trying to convince people that they'd soon be carrying a week's worth of supplies on their back. Such a notion would have seemed absurd back then since pack animals did the heavy lifting. Yet, here we are, comfortably trekking through wilderness areas, all our essentials snugly packed behind us.

The beauty of modern backpacking is that our loads have drastically reduced in weight over the decades. Thanks to the ultralight backpacking trend that has gained momentum over the past two decades, outdoor equipment has continuously evolved to become more efficient. Each new version of essential hiking gear has progressively improved in lightness, robustness, and thermal performance.

Just when it seemed improvements might plateau, the latest advancements have exceeded expectations. Dyneema has introduced an innovative fabric called Dyneema Woven Composite, utilized in new iterations of backpacks by the acclaimed brand, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, a renowned partner in progression.

Featherweight Innovation

Dyneema's renowned material has been celebrated for its incredible strength, resilience, and waterproof nature—all while remaining lightweight. The newly developed Dyneema Woven Composites cater to the ultralight backpacking community by combining a fully woven Dyneema outer with the brand's existing composite layers.

In collaboration with Hyperlite Mountain Gear, this cutting-edge material is now featured exclusively in their prime ultralight backpack models such as the Southwest, Junction, and Windrider.

Founded by Mike St. Pierre in 2009, Hyperlite was among the first brands to embrace Dyneema (then called cuben fiber), despite its initial crinkly texture. Yet, its minimalistic designs and unwavering quality—evidenced by a Junction pack from 2019 that looks new even after extensive use—have made this collaboration a perfect match.

Unyielding Strength

Thanks to the Dyneema layer, the Woven Composite fabric boasts ten times more abrasion resistance and quintuple the tear resistance compared to its predecessors. This is incredibly beneficial for trips through rugged environments like the southwestern deserts where gear can quickly degrade with wear.

Another welcome development is a reduction in the 'crinkly' noise typical of Dyneema, according to St. Pierre. The new material is significantly quieter, in addition to being sturdier, and it reduces the weight by 34%.

Previous efforts to bond Dyneema with other Dyneema layers yielded less-than-satisfactory results, often failing during practical use. It is no surprise that developing such a robust fabric took Dyneema two years of intensive research and rigorous testing in collaboration with Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Real-world feedback was provided by experienced guides and adventurers who spend extensive time outdoors.

Apart from integrating Dyneema Woven Composites, Hyperlite has also incorporated user feedback over the years to make additional enhancements. Modifications include a revamped back panel, improved shoulder straps, and more accessible pockets. St. Pierre promises these changes make the packs feel more luxurious and capable. We anticipate reviewing these innovative packs ourselves soon, no mule required.