X-Pac VX21 – why has this material become a hit among bikepackers?

If you are even a little more seriously interested in bikepacking, you have probably heard the phrase X-Pac VX21 somewhere. Bags made of this material are increasingly appearing in photos from trips, in reviews and from top manufacturers.

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What exactly is this X-Pac VX21?

This is an advanced technical material developed by the American company Dimension-Polyant – a world leader in the production of fabrics for sailors, climbers and travellers. And although it sounds very “tech”, it is worth knowing that this material was not created just to be durable. It also helps the environment – ​​more on that in a moment.

The VX21 itself consists of four layers:

• outer layer: 210D nylon with DWR coating (water repellent),

• PET membrane – makes the material fully waterproof ,

• X-Ply diagonal mesh – increases resistance to tearing and stretching,

• thin polyester layer inside – protects the structure from the inside.

It's not just "material" - it's well-thought-out technology that works.

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What makes the VX21 stand out? Why do bikepackers love it?

✅ 100% waterproof - Bikepacking bags made of X-Pac VX21 material do not need additional covers - they are 100% waterproof

✅ Stiffness and shape – the bags do not collapse, are easier to pack, and do not bend sideways while riding.

✅ Withstands extreme conditions – mud, branches, abrasions, constant use – the VX21 won’t crack under pressure.

✅ Low weight – compared to Cordura, X-Pac VX21 is much lighter without losing resistance.

✅ Great look – matte colors, slightly technical texture and modern style – not only functional, but also aesthetic.

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♻️ What about ecology? VX21 is not just technology – it is also responsibility

What's really impressive: the VX21 can be manufactured from recycled materials, including recycled plastics fished out of seas and oceans.

Dimension-Polyant has been implementing the Clean Ocean initiative for several years, producing fabric versions with the ECOPAK™ or recycled X-Pac label – using yarns and PET films from recycled bottles and marine waste. As a result:

• less plastic goes to landfills and the ocean,

• durable, eco-friendly bags are created,

• You, as the user, choose equipment that actually reduces the environmental footprint .

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📊 Bikepacking Bag Material Comparison

🧠 X-Pac VX21 Trivia You May Not Know

🔹 X-Pac VX21 was originally designed for... ocean sails. The material had to withstand salt, moisture, UV and extreme stresses - perfect for bikepacking conditions, right?

🔹 Its distinctive diamond pattern is not a design - it's X-PLY® technology , which prevents the material from stretching and tearing in every direction.

🔹 Withstands over 13 bars of water pressure , making it almost completely waterproof - more than some tents or technical jackets.

🔹 The eco-friendly VX21 (Ocean Edition) is made from recycled yarns and fishing nets pulled from the oceans . Every meter means less plastic in the water.

🔹 Despite its parameters, it weighs only about 210 g/m² - less than a sheet of A4 paper, and it can carry things for hundreds of kilometers of expeditions.

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Is it worth paying extra?

From a user perspective – definitely yes. This is equipment that gives you peace of mind on the road. You don't have to worry about something getting wet, about the bag tearing, about having to buy a new one after one season.

From a planetary perspective – yes, too. By choosing recycled X-Pac bags, you are really helping to reduce plastic waste. That matters.

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Where can you find it?

In our shop you will find bags made of X-Pac VX21, also in recycled versions:

• saddle bags – super light, waterproof and durable,

• frame bags – perfect for tools, provisions, power bank,

• handlebar bags – quick access to phone, camera, snacks.

👉 Check out the X-Pac VX21 bag collection

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To sum up:

If you care about durability, lightness, water resistance and an ecological approach - X-Pac VX21 is a material created for you . It works in all conditions, looks great and provides maximum functionality on the route.

But it is more than just a “technical fabric” – it is a conscious choice .
More and more versions of the VX21 are made from recycled yarns , including ocean plastic. By choosing products made from this material, you are really helping to reduce plastic waste , instead of generating it.

We don't want to go back to anything else - and you probably won't either.

Have questions or are you looking for a specific VX21 model?
👉 Write to us – we will be happy to help.