This lightweight backpack comes in VX07 X-Pac or UHMWPE material versions.
Both materials have similar tear / cut resistance to 500D Cordura, but weigh around half as much.
Similar backpacks:
Overview:
VX07 X-Pac is a bonded 4-layer laminate material that is made from:
- A DWR treated 70D double ripstop nylon face layer
- A 22° "X-Ply" polyester yarn lattice layer
- A 0.25mil PET film layer
- A white 50D polyester inner layer
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X-Pac layers
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| VX07 X-Pac |
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Pros
- The PET layer makes it no-stretch and waterproof
- Fairly stiff - a pack will "stand up" for loading
- Sourced from Dimension-Polyant in the USA
Cons
- The transparent PET layer will be exposed as the face layers wear through
- The waterproofing will be affected the PET layer is punctured (e.g. stitching, pin holes)
- The 'X' pattern creates points of abrasion on the face layers
- Somewhat crinkly, especially when cold
UHMWPE is a 210D ripstop nylon fabric with a woven 0.25in grid of UHMWPE yarn (similar to Cuben Fiber - now DCF). It has a waterproof PU treatment on the inner side.
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| 210D Dyneema X
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Pros
- Woven fabric that wears predictably
- Good seam strength due to the closely spaced UHMWPE grid
Cons
- Only waterproof from a coating which can "wet out" and eventually degrade
- Makes for a somewhat "floppy"pack
Specifications:
- 35L top-loading main compartment
- Rolling "drybag" closure, with 3 buckling straps (each side and over the top)
- Large mesh front pocket with elastic cord webbing
- Removable padded hipbelt (Small and Large option) with zipping UHMWPE pockets (Small and Large option)
- L size likely default for both
- Three torso sizes:
- Small: 48cm (~165cm height)
- Medium: 52cm (165-175cm heights)
- Large: 56cm (175-185cm+ heights - but people up to 6ft 3in seem happy)
- 2 side pockets (for drink bottles, snacks, etc)
- 2 buckling side compression straps
- 2 trekking pole mounts
- Elastic straps for using a foam pad as an internal frame (e.g. Z-Lite clone)
- Padded back panels and shoulder straps
- Adjustable load lifter straps
- Adjustable height sternum strap
Other features
- Water bladder hanging loop and hose hole
- Drain hole at the base
- Duraflex buckles and YKK zippers
- White and black colours
Pros
- Both are good performing bags that represent great value
- The UHMWPE backpack is $10 USD less
Cons
- Lightweight materials save only a few hundred grams over the small amount of material used to make a backpack
- Lightweight materials are less rugged and durable than ordinary packcloth
- VX07 X-Pac not ideal for high wear areas (similar packs often have VX21 reinforcement on the base)
- ~200g heavier than comparable backpacks - possibly due to extra back and hipbelt padding
- Can lighten by ordering the smaller hipbelt & hipbelt pocket sizes, trim excess straps, or detatch the hipbelt
- UL materials require care when handling (e.g. don't harshly drop onto its base when putting on the ground)
- Unsealed seams / openings mean a pack liner is still required
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| Partially loaded |
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| Fully loaded |
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| 3 torso lengths |
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| Side pocket & compression buckle |
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| Removable hipbelt |
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| Load lifters |
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| Adjustable height sternum strap |
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| Hipbelt pad length |
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| Trekking pole mounts |
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| Foam pad as frame (bag inside-out) |
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