X-Pac® – what kind of material is it?
X-Pac® – what kind of material is it?
X-Pac® is a multi-layered technical laminate used in bikepacking bags and outdoor gear. It combines low weight, high strength, and limited material absorbency. It was developed based on technologies used in sailing, where material must perform regardless of conditions.
X-Pac® — the fabric that doesn't give up
We could have sewn with anything. We chose X-Pac®.
Not because it's a fashionable material. But because it's one of the few materials that keeps up with what we do. Bags for every route, every weather, and for everyone who doesn't intend to stay at home.
Where does X-Pac® come from?
The story of X-Pac® begins on the ocean. Dimension-Polyant is one of the world leaders in sailcloth manufacturing. For over 50 years, it has been developing materials that must withstand truly harsh conditions.
X-Pac® was created using the same technology. A material that transitioned from sails to outdoor gear, including bikepacking bags.
X-Pac® is manufactured in the United States and Germany. It is not a mass-produced material from Asia. It is produced in specialized facilities where repeatability and quality, not just cost, are paramount.
How is X-Pac® material constructed?
X-Pac® is a laminate. Not a single fabric, but several layers combined into one.
The outer layer is responsible for abrasion resistance and appearance. Inside, there is a reinforcing structure and a PET film, which limits moisture penetration through the material itself. From the inside, an additional reinforcing layer protects the whole.
The key element is X-PLY® technology. This is a grid of fibers arranged at an angle, which stabilizes the material and limits its stretching.
In practice, this means that the material holds its shape and does not deform under load.
How does it perform in practice?
X-Pac® is a material that simply does its job.
It holds its shape well and doesn't turn into a soft bag. It doesn't absorb water in the same way as classic fabrics, so it doesn't get heavy from moisture. It's light for its strength and handles daily use in the field well.
Additionally, it has a DWR coating that helps water shed off the material's surface.
X-Pac® and contact with water
It's important to clearly separate this.
The material itself limits moisture penetration. However, a bag is a sewn product, and sewing always means seams.
At the seams, micro-holes are created by the needle. This is a natural part of the production process. If they are not additionally sealed, they can be a point through which water enters.
Therefore, we talk about the properties of the material, not the complete watertightness of the finished product.
If you want to protect the contents in harsh conditions, the simplest solution is to use an additional dry bag inside the bag.
X-Pac® variants
VX21 is the most versatile option and the most commonly used variant.
VX42 is thicker and better withstands intensive use.
LS21 has a softer look and feel.
RX30 is made from recycled materials.
X-Pac® vs Cordura
This is one of the more frequent comparisons.
X-Pac® holds its shape better and stretches less. It also has lower material absorbency. Cordura is more flexible and softer to the touch.
In frame bags, X-Pac® provides greater control over the shape.
What about ecology?
Dimension-Polyant is developing the RX line made from recycled materials, including recycled PET bottles.
Production takes place using renewable energy, and the facilities are climate-neutral certified.
Why do we use X-Pac® at Stical?
Because we value a material that is predictable.
It's meant to hold its shape, and it does.
It's meant to be durable, and it is.
It's meant to look good over time, and it does.
The rest is our job. The design, the fit to the frame, and the sewing method.
Frequently asked questions about X-Pac®
Is X-Pac® waterproof?
The material itself limits moisture penetration. However, sewn bags have seams that are not fully watertight.
Does X-Pac® wear out?
It is abrasion-resistant, especially in the VX21 and VX42 variants.
Is X-Pac® suitable for bikepacking?
Yes. It is one of the most commonly used materials in this category.
Summary
X-Pac® is a technical material that combines lightness, strength, and stability. It is not a random choice. It performs well where equipment must work, not just look good.