Every pack, fanny pack and sling I sell at Red Paw Packs is sewn from one of about fifteen technical fabrics, and the fabric you pick changes how much your gear weighs, how waterproof it is and how long it lasts. This guide puts all of them side by side: Challenge Ultra 200X, UltraGrid and ECOPAK EPX200, X-Pac VX21, VX25 and UX10, Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) Hybrid, Venom Gridstop ECO, ROBIC nylon, and the mesh and lining fabrics I use. The specs come straight from each manufacturer’s published data, with links so you can check them yourself.
I’m Matt, the one-person maker behind Red Paw Packs in St. Petersburg, Florida. I have cut and sewn every one of these fabrics into real packs, so alongside the numbers you’ll find what each one is actually like to live with on the trail and around town. Last updated: October 2026.
Some links in this post are affiliate links to Ripstop by the Roll. If you buy fabric through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only link fabrics I actually sew with.
Quick answer: which fabric should you choose?
- Best all-around ultralight pack fabric: Ultra 200X. 4.6 oz/yd², waterproof laminate, and the highest published abrasion score in this guide (4,400 Taber cycles).
- Best tear resistance for the weight, with lots of colors: UltraGrid. 4.3 oz/yd² recycled nylon with a UHMWPE grid that Challenge lists as “does not tear.”
- Classic structured waterproof fabric: X-Pac VX21. A laminate rated to 200+ psi, stiff enough to hold a clean shape.
- Toughest bottoms and high-wear panels: X-Pac VX25. 2,000 abrasion cycles in X-Pac’s published data.
- Lightest options: X-Pac UX10 (about 2.5 oz/yd²) and DCF Hybrid 2.92. Best for small bags like slings and pouches.
- Custom prints: DCF Hybrid 5.0, which can be printed through OutdoorINK, like the Coloring Book pattern.
- Everyday-carry look: EPX200, 210D ROBIC or waxed canvas on the Scrambler 17L.
Ultralight pack fabric comparison chart
Weights are fabric weight per square yard, not the weight of a finished pack. Abrasion is the number of cycles in the ASTM D3884 (Taber) test, and tear strength is ASTM D2261 (tongue tear) for warp and fill (X-Pac doesn’t name its tear method), as published by each manufacturer. “Not listed” means the maker doesn’t publish that number.
| Fabric (maker) | Weight | Waterproofing | Abrasion | Tear (warp / fill) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra 200X (Challenge) | 4.6 oz/yd² (155 gsm) | Laminate, 200 psi (ULTRA line) | 4,400 cycles | 103.1 / 133.2 lb |
| UltraGrid (Challenge) | 4.3 oz/yd² (146 gsm) | 1,500 mm PU coating | 1,100 cycles | Does not tear |
| EPX200 (Challenge ECOPAK) | 6.4 oz/yd² (216 gsm) | Laminate (rating not listed) | 500 cycles | 33.1 / 34.6 lb |
| VX21 (X-Pac) | 6.2 oz/yd² (210 gsm) | 200+ psi | 500 cycles | 24.4 / 17.2 lb |
| VX25 / RVX25 (X-Pac) | 7.9 oz/yd² (269 gsm) | 200+ psi | 2,000 cycles | 21.6 / 19.3 lb |
| UX10 (X-Pac) | About 2.5 oz/yd² (85 gsm) | 200+ psi | 500 cycles | 61.8 / 50.4 lb |
| DCF Hybrid 5.0 (Dyneema®) | 5.0 oz/yd² (169.5 gsm) | 100% waterproof | Not listed | Not listed |
| DCF Hybrid 2.92 (Dyneema®) | 2.92 oz/yd² (about 100 gsm) | 100% waterproof | Not listed | Not listed |
| 210D Venom™ Gridstop ECO (RBTR) | About 4.5 oz/yd² (151 gsm) | PU coated back | Not listed | Not listed |
| 210D ROBIC® Ripstop (RBTR) | About 4.4 oz/yd² (125 gsm) | UTS coated back | Not listed | Not listed |
| Ultra TenX (Challenge) | About 2.92 oz/yd² (99 gsm) | 0.75 mil PET film (waterproof) | Not listed | Not listed |
| X50 (X-Pac) | 9.3 oz/yd² (315 gsm) | 200+ psi | 2,000 cycles | 38.5 / 32.6 lb |
RBTR = Ripstop by the Roll. Full construction details for each fabric are in its section below.
Challenge Ultra 200X
Ultra 200X is a 4.6 oz/yd² waterproof laminate with a 200-denier face woven from UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, the same family of fiber as Dyneema®) blended with high-tenacity polyester. An Ultra-PE CrossPly and a 0.75 mil film sit behind the face. Challenge calls it “our most popular UltraWeave style,” and it has the best published abrasion resistance of any fabric in this guide.
Ultra 200X is my default recommendation for a thru-hiking pack: light, waterproof, and it shrugs off rock and brush. It has a crisp, slightly papery hand and holds its shape well. It tends to start out stiff and quickly loosens up and gets softer as the bag gets used..
| Spec | Manufacturer value |
|---|---|
| Construction | 200d face Ultra-PE blended with high-tenacity polyester; Ultra-PE CrossPly; 0.75 mil film backing |
| Weight | 4.6 oz/yd² (155 gsm) |
| Width | 58 in (147 cm) |
| Tear strength (ASTM D2261) | Warp 103.1 lb, fill 133.2 lb |
| Abrasion (ASTM D3884) | 4,400 cycles |
| Waterproof | Challenge rates its ULTRA fabric line waterproof to 200 psi |
| Manufacturer colors | White Lightning, Silverado, Storm Grey, Gravel Grey, Black Magic |
Source: Challenge Outdoor, UltraWeave collection
Where I use it: Front Range 40L and Flatiron 28L body panels (Black, White, Gray), Scrambler 17L exterior, Flex Fanny Pack, Hipbelt Pockets.
Challenge UltraGrid
UltraGrid is a 4.3 oz/yd² recycled 210-denier nylon reinforced with a 5 mm double grid of 200-denier Ultra (UHMWPE) yarn, finished with a 1,500 mm PU coating and a fluorocarbon-free C0 DWR. Challenge lists its tear strength simply as “does not tear.” It is lighter than a lot of the laminates, including X-Pac VX21 and Ultra 200X and comes in more colors than any other fabric I offer.
UltraGrid is soft and quiet compared with laminates, which makes it great for shoulder straps, dog gear and anything that moves against you. Its abrasion score (1,100 cycles) is lower than Ultra 200X, so for a pack bottom that drags on rock I would still pick Ultra or VX25.
| Spec | Manufacturer value |
|---|---|
| Construction | Recycled 210d nylon x 5mm double 200d Ultra grid; 1500mm PU; C0 DWR |
| Weight | 4.3 oz/yd² (146 gsm) |
| Width | 58 in (147.32 cm) |
| Tear strength (ASTM D2261) | Does not tear |
| Abrasion (ASTM D3884) | 1,100 cycles |
| Waterproof | 1,500 mm hydrostatic head |
| Manufacturer colors | Very Berry, Key Lime, Blue Wave, Tangerine, Black Beauty, Moss, Silverado, Castlerock, BlackOut, Dark Chili, Avocado, Blue Smoke, Coyote Brown |
Source: Challenge Outdoor, UltraGrid
Where I use it: Front Range 40L and Flatiron 28L body panels, shoulder straps (Blackout), Scrambler 17L exterior and interior, Ultralight Dog Backpack, Flex Fanny Pack, Hipbelt Pocket, Hiker Zip Wallet, and the interior liner of the Divide Sling Bag.
Challenge ECOPAK EPX200
EPX200 is a 6.4 oz/yd² laminate made from 100% recycled polyester components: a 200-denier face, a 45° CrossPly and a 70-denier ripstop backing, with a fluorocarbon-free C0 DWR. Challenge describes it as an all-around performer in over 20 colors and a good choice for small to mid-size packs, and recommends heavier 400D or 600D fabric for bottom panels.
The ripstop backing gives EPX200 a softer, more fabric-like inside than a film-backed laminate. I use it where color matters most. This fabric is directly comparable to Xpac VX21.
| Spec | Manufacturer value |
|---|---|
| Construction | C0 DWR (no fluorocarbons); 200d face; 45° Blue CrossPly; 70d ripstop backing |
| Weight | 6.4 oz/yd² (216 gsm) |
| Width | 56 in (142 cm) |
| Tear strength (ASTM D2261) | Warp 33.1 lb, fill 34.6 lb |
| Abrasion (ASTM D3884) | 500 cycles |
| Manufacturer colors | Over 20, including Deep Purple, Tropic Teal, Golden Dazy, Revel Red, Bright Orange and Snow White |
Source: Challenge Outdoor, ECOPAK EPX collection
Where I use it: Scrambler 17L exterior (Teal, Purple, Yellow) and the Flex Fanny Pack.
X-Pac VX21
X-Pac VX21 is a 6.2 oz/yd² waterproof laminate with a 210-denier nylon face, a 0.25 mil polyester film, a recycled polyester X-PLY® reinforcement at 22°, and a 50-denier polyester taffeta backing. X-Pac calls it “the world’s most popular laminated pack fabric,” and it is rated waterproof to 200+ psi.
VX21 is stiff and structured, so packs made from it look crisp and hold their shape. The diamond X-PLY pattern shows through on many colors.
| Spec | Manufacturer value |
|---|---|
| Content | 60% nylon, 40% polyester |
| Construction | DWR; 210 denier plain weave nylon face; 0.25 mil polyester film; black post-consumer recycled polyester X-PLY® at 22°; 50 denier polyester taffeta backing |
| Weight | 6.2 oz/yd² (210.0 g/m²) |
| Width | 59.0 in (150.0 cm) |
| Tear strength | Warp 108.5 N / 24.4 lb, fill 76.5 N / 17.2 lb |
| Abrasion (ASTM D3884) | 500 cycles |
| Waterproof | 13.8+ bar (200+ psi) |
| Manufacturer colors | Black, White, Slate, True Red, Deep Blue, Dark Green, Coyote Brown, Spanish Teal, Bahama Blue, Federal Yellow, Newport Navy, Cadmium Green, Coral |
Source: X-Pac (Dimension-Polyant), VX21
Where I use it: Flex Fanny Pack (Port, Purple, Teal) and some limited selection on our backpacks.
X-Pac VX25
X-Pac VX25 is the heavier-duty sibling of VX21: a 250-denier face over the same X-PLY® and film construction, at 7.9 oz/yd² and rated waterproof to 200+ psi. Its 2,000-cycle abrasion score is four times VX21’s, which makes it a strong choice for pack bottoms and anything that gets dragged.
| Spec | Manufacturer value |
|---|---|
| Content | 100% polyester |
| Construction | DWR; 250d polyester face; black post-consumer recycled polyester X-PLY® at 22°; 0.25 mil polyester film; 50 denier polyester backing |
| Weight | 7.9 oz/yd² (269.0 g/m²) |
| Width | 55.0 in (140.0 cm) |
| Tear strength | Warp 96.1 N / 21.6 lb, fill 85.8 N / 19.3 lb |
| Abrasion (ASTM D3884) | 2,000 cycles |
| Waterproof | 13.8+ bar (200+ psi) |
| Manufacturer colors | Hot Orange, Hot Lime |
Source: X-Pac (Dimension-Polyant), RVX25
Where I use it: Scrambler 17L exterior (Bright Orange), Flex Fanny Pack and Hipbelt Pocket (Fluorescent Orange).
X-Pac UX10
X-Pac UX10 is an 85 g/m² (about 2.5 oz/yd²) laminate with a woven Ultra-PE (UHMWPE) face, an Ultra-PE X-PLY® reinforcement and a polyester film backing, rated waterproof to 200+ psi. It is the lightest X-Pac I use and has very high tear strength for its weight.
| Spec | Manufacturer value |
|---|---|
| Content | 56% Ultra-PE, 44% polyester |
| Construction | 100% Ultra-PE weave fabric face; Ultra-PE X-PLY® reinforcement at 22°; polyester film backing |
| Weight | 85 g/m² (about 2.5 oz/yd², converted) |
| Width | 59.0 in (150.0 cm) |
| Tear strength | Warp 273.1 N / 61.8 lb, fill 224.2 N / 50.4 lb |
| Abrasion (ASTM D3884) | 500 cycles |
| Waterproof | 13.8+ bar (200+ psi) |
| Manufacturer colors | White, Black |
Source: X-Pac (Dimension-Polyant), UX10
Where I use it: The Divide Sling Bag (UX10 White).
Dyneema® Composite Fabric (DCF) Hybrid 5.0 and 2.92
DCF Hybrid is Dyneema® Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber) laminated to a woven polyester face, which makes it fully waterproof and far more abrasion resistant than plain DCF. The 5.0 oz/yd² version (CT9HK.18/wov.6) uses a 150-denier polyester face over a 2.15 oz/yd² DCF layer; the 2.92 oz/yd² version (CT5K.18/wov.32c) uses a 50-denier polyester face over a 1.43 oz/yd² DCF layer.
DCF Hybrid 5.0 can be custom printed through OutdoorINK, which is how I make prints like Coloring Book. The 2.92 version is lighter and best for small bags that don’t see much abrasion. 2.9 DCF Hybrid used to be the gold standard for backpacks, but with all of the recent new tech laminates that have come out, I generally don’t recommend it anymore.
DCF Hybrid 5.0 specs
| Spec | Manufacturer value |
|---|---|
| DSM product ID | CT9HK.18/wov.6 |
| Construction | 2-layer laminate: 2.15 oz/yd² DCF inner layer, 150D polyester plain weave face |
| Weight | 5.0 oz/yd² (169.5 gsm) |
| Width | 54 in (137.2 cm) |
| Waterproof | 100% waterproof |
| Colors | Black, White (plus OutdoorINK custom prints) |
Source: Ripstop by the Roll, 5.0 oz DCF Hybrid
DCF Hybrid 2.92 specs
| Spec | Manufacturer value |
|---|---|
| DSM product ID | CT5K.18/wov.32c |
| Construction | 2-layer laminate: 1.43 oz/yd² DCF inner layer, 50D polyester plain weave face |
| Weight | 2.92 oz/yd² (about 100 gsm) |
| Width | 54 in (137.2 cm) |
| Waterproof | 100% waterproof |
| Colors | Black, Gray, Olive Drab, White |
Source: Ripstop by the Roll, 2.92 oz DCF Hybrid
Where I use it: DCF Hybrid 5.0 on the Front Range 40L and Flatiron 28L (Coloring Book), Flex Fanny Pack, UL Dog Bowl, Hipbelt Pocket and the Anywhere Fanny Pack (custom OutdoorINK colors). DCF Hybrid 2.92 on the Divide Sling Bag (Black).
210D Venom™ Gridstop ECO
210D Venom Gridstop ECO is a 4.5 oz/yd² recycled 210-denier nylon with a 200-denier UHMWPE ripstop grid (13% UHMWPE by content), a waterproof polyether PU coating on the back and a PFC- and PFAS-free C0 DWR on the face. It is similar to UltraGrid in weight and construction.
| Spec | Manufacturer value |
|---|---|
| Denier | 210D recycled nylon x 200D UHMWPE (13% UHMWPE) |
| Weight | About 4.5 oz/yd² (151 gsm) |
| Width | 58 in |
| Finish / coating | PU coated back (polyether based, waterproof); PFC and PFAS free C0 DWR front |
| Manufacturer colors | Black, Blaze Orange, Bone, Brick, Charcoal Gray, Coyote Brown, Marigold, Moroccan Blue, Olive, Soft Purple |
Source: Ripstop by the Roll, 210D Venom Gridstop ECO
RBTR made the reinforcement ripstop yarns to have an even smaller grid, which in theory increases durability and gives it a unique look compared to the other ripstop fabrics on the list. The PU coated back gives this fabric the edge on water resistance compared to the other ripstop nylons, and as a result is easier to sew.
Where I use it: Front Range 40L and Flatiron 28L (Soft Purple), Scrambler 17L exterior and interior, Flex Fanny Pack, Hipbelt Pocket, Hiker Zip Wallet.
210D ROBIC® Ripstop Nylon
210D ROBIC® Ripstop is a 4.4 oz/yd² high-tenacity nylon 6 with a 3 mm box-grid ripstop, a UTS (Ultra Tear Strength) coating on the back and a DWR on the face. It has a smooth, classic nylon look and is a durable, lower-cost option for linings and everyday bags.
| Spec | Manufacturer value |
|---|---|
| Yarn | ROBIC nylon 6, 210D |
| Grid | 3 mm x 3 mm box grid ripstop |
| Weight | About 4.4 oz/yd² (124.7 g) |
| Width | 60 in including selvedge, about 58 in usable (147.3 cm) |
| Finish / coating | UTS coated backside, DWR front – waterproof |
| Manufacturer colors | Black, Charcoal Gray, Dark Olive, Electric Lime, Steel Blue |
Source: Ripstop by the Roll, 210D ROBIC Ripstop Nylon
Where I use it: Scrambler 17L exterior and interior (Dark Olive).
Pocket mesh fabrics
| Fabric | Maker | Content | Weight | Notes | Where I use it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venom™ UL Stretch Mesh ECO | Ripstop by the Roll | 66% nylon 6.6, 21% UHMWPE, 13% Lycra | About 5.1 oz/yd² (172.9 gsm) | 4-way stretch, C0 DWR, UHMWPE ripstop grid for snag and cut resistance; about 45 in wide | Front and bottom pockets on the Front Range 40L and Flatiron 28L, Flex Fanny Pack top pocket, Scrambler 17L side pockets |
| Poly Net Mesh | [supplier?] | 100% polyester | NA | Rigid, open mesh; lighter and more breathable than stretch mesh | Front Range 40L front pocket option |
Sources: Venom UL Stretch Mesh ECO.
Ultralight quilt and apparel fabrics: MEMBRANE 15 vs MEMBRANE 10 vs MEMBRANE 7
MEMBRANE is Ripstop by the Roll’s line of featherweight, downproof ripstop nylons for quilts, wind shells and other insulated gear. The number is roughly the yarn denier, so MEMBRANE 7 is the lightest and MEMBRANE 15 is the toughest. I use MEMBRANE 15 ECO for the shell of the Ultralight Dog Quilt, because a dog quilt has to survive claws, dirt and being stuffed into a pack.
| Spec | MEMBRANE 15 ECO | MEMBRANE 10 | MEMBRANE 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.9 oz/yd² (30.5 gsm) | 0.75 oz/yd² (listed as 21 grams) | 0.56 oz/yd² (19 gsm) |
| Denier | 15D | 10D micro-grid ripstop | 7D |
| Content | 100% recycled nylon, 430T | Nylon | Nylon |
| Finish / coating | Breathable, calendered with C0 PFC-free DWR | Breathable, calendered with C6 DWR | Breathable and calendered/downproof with PFC and PFAS free DWR |
| Downproof | Yes, 5/5 IDFL | Yes, 5-Star IDFL rated | Yes, but tends to lose slightly more down over time than heavier, higher-denier downproof fabrics |
| Air permeability | Not listed | 4.4 CFM | 56.3 CFM |
| Width | About 58 in (147 cm) | About 56 to 58 in (142 to 147 cm) | 58 in (147.3 cm) |
Air permeability (CFM) is how much air passes through the fabric: lower is more wind resistant, higher is more breathable. MEMBRANE 10’s 4.4 CFM makes it very wind resistant for its weight, while MEMBRANE 7 trades wind resistance and durability for the lowest weight.
Where I use it: MEMBRANE 15 ECO on the Ultralight Dog Quilt shell.
Sources: MEMBRANE 15 ECO, MEMBRANE 10, MEMBRANE 7.
Specialty and limited-run fabrics
Some fabrics come in small batches, and once they’re gone they may not come back. These are currently on the Divide Sling Bag and the Scrambler 17L.
Hemp X-Pac
Hemp X-Pac is an extremely rare variant of laminated X-Pac. It has the classic diamond X-PLY waterproof backing on the inside, but the face is made from hemp. It has a natural, textured look unlike any other pack fabric I use. A Divide Sling Bag in Hemp X-Pac weighs about 7.2 oz.
X-Pac X50 Multicam
X-Pac X50 is X-Pac’s heavy-duty laminate: a 500-denier CORDURA® nylon face over a recycled polyester X-PLY® and a 0.5 mil polyester film, at 9.3 oz/yd² and rated waterproof to 200+ psi. I use it in MultiCam® Black, which pairs that toughness with a dark camouflage pattern. A Divide Sling Bag in it weighs about 6.6 oz.
| Spec | Manufacturer value |
|---|---|
| Content | 81% nylon, 19% polyester |
| Construction | DWR; 500 denier CORDURA® nylon face; black post-consumer recycled polyester X-PLY® at 22°; 0.5 mil shiny polyester film backing |
| Weight | 9.3 oz/yd² (315.0 g/m²) |
| Width | 57.0 in (145.0 cm) |
| Tear strength | Warp 171.3 N / 38.5 lb, fill 145.1 N / 32.6 lb |
| Abrasion (ASTM D3884) | 2,000 cycles |
| Waterproof | 13.8+ bar (200+ psi) |
| Camouflage colors | MultiCam®, MultiCam Black, MultiCam Alpine, MultiCam Tropic |
Source: X-Pac (Dimension-Polyant), X50 Camouflage
Challenge Ultra TenX and Ultra 80TX
Challenge Ultra TenX is a waterproof laminate under 3 oz/yd²: a 100% UHMWPE woven face with a three-directional UHMWPE cross-ply and a 0.75 mil recycled polyester film. It is seam-tapeable and one of the lightest fabrics I sew. A Divide Sling Bag in Green Ultra TenX weighs about 5 oz.
| Spec | Published value |
|---|---|
| Challenge product ID | Ultra TenX |
| Construction | 100% UHMWPE woven face; three-directional UHMWPE cross-ply; 0.75 mil recycled polyester film |
| Weight | About 2.92 oz/yd² (99 gsm) |
| Width | 58 in (147 cm) |
| Finish / coating | 0.75 mil PET film (waterproof) |
| Tapeable | Yes |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gray, Green, Pink, Red |
Source: Ripstop by the Roll, Challenge ULTRA TenX
Ultra 80TX is a brand-new Challenge fabric, and published specs aren’t available yet. I’ll add them here once they are. A Divide Sling Bag in Silver Ultra 80TX weighs about 5.6 oz.
How to choose a pack fabric
- Thru-hiking and multi-day packs: Ultra 200X for the best weight-to-durability ratio, or UltraGrid if you want more colors and a softer feel.
- Wet climates and packrafting: a waterproof laminate (Ultra 200X, X-Pac or DCF Hybrid), sewn with seam-sealed or taped construction where it matters.
- Pack bottoms and heavy abrasion: Ultra 200X (4,400 cycles) or X-Pac VX25 (2,000 cycles).
- Everyday carry and commuting: EPX200, ROBIC or waxed canvas for a less technical look, or UltraGrid for durability.
- Dog gear: UltraGrid, because it’s soft, quiet and very hard to tear.
- Small bags where every gram counts: X-Pac UX10 or DCF Hybrid 2.92.
Fabric terms explained
- Denier (D): the thickness of the yarn. Higher denier usually means a heavier, more abrasion-resistant fabric.
- UHMWPE / Ultra-PE: ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, the fiber family that includes Dyneema®. Extremely strong for its weight and naturally water resistant.
- X-PLY® / CrossPly: a grid of reinforcing yarns laid diagonally inside a laminate to stop tears and stretch. It gives X-Pac and Ultra their diamond pattern.
- Laminate vs. coated: laminates (X-Pac, Ultra, EPX, DCF) bond a waterproof film between layers; coated fabrics (UltraGrid, Venom, ROBIC) have a waterproof coating on the back.
- Hydrostatic head (mm) and psi: how much water pressure a fabric holds back before leaking. 1,500 mm is very waterproof for a pack; 200 psi is far beyond anything rain can do.
- ASTM D3884 (Taber abrasion): how many rubbing cycles a fabric survives. More is better.
- ASTM D2261 (tongue tear): the force needed to keep a cut tearing, in warp and fill directions.
- C0 DWR: a water-repellent face finish made without fluorocarbons (PFCs/PFAS).
- oz/yd² and gsm: fabric weight per square yard or per square meter. 1 oz/yd² is about 33.9 gsm.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Ultra 200X and UltraGrid?
Ultra 200X is a waterproof laminate with a woven UHMWPE/polyester face (4.6 oz/yd², 4,400 abrasion cycles). UltraGrid is a PU-coated recycled nylon with a UHMWPE grid (4.3 oz/yd², 1,100 abrasion cycles, “does not tear”). Ultra 200X is more abrasion resistant and waterproof; UltraGrid is softer, quieter and comes in more colors.
Is X-Pac waterproof?
Yes. X-Pac VX21, VX25 and UX10 are laminates with a waterproof film, rated to 13.8+ bar (200+ psi) by Dimension-Polyant. Seams and zippers are the weak points on any pack, not the fabric.
What is DCF Hybrid?
DCF Hybrid is Dyneema® Composite Fabric laminated to a woven polyester face. The face adds abrasion resistance and a more traditional look, and the DCF layer keeps it fully waterproof. I use the 5.0 oz/yd² and 2.92 oz/yd² versions.
Which pack fabric is the most abrasion resistant?
Among the fabrics with published ASTM D3884 numbers, Ultra 200X is highest at 4,400 cycles, followed by X-Pac VX25 at 2,000 and UltraGrid at 1,100. VX21, UX10 and EPX200 are each listed at 500 cycles.
Are these fabrics PFC-free?
UltraGrid, ECOPAK EPX200, Venom Gridstop ECO, Venom UL Stretch Mesh ECO and MEMBRANE 15 ECO all use a fluorocarbon-free C0 DWR, and MEMBRANE 7 uses a PFC- and PFAS-free DWR, according to their makers. MEMBRANE 10 is listed with a C6 DWR. X-Pac lists a DWR but doesn’t specify the chemistry on its product pages.
Can I choose my fabric on a Red Paw Packs pack?
Yes. The Front Range 40L, Flatiron 28L and Scrambler 17L builders let you pick your fabrics, and the Flex Fanny Pack comes in most of the fabrics above. For something not listed, use the custom order form.
Sources
- Challenge Outdoor – UltraWeave collection (Ultra 200X)
- Challenge Outdoor – UltraGrid
- Challenge Outdoor – ECOPAK EPX collection
- Challenge Outdoor – TX Ultra
- X-Pac – VX21, RVX25, UX10 (Dimension-Polyant)
- Ripstop by the Roll – DCF Hybrid 5.0 and DCF Hybrid 2.92
- Ripstop by the Roll – 210D Venom Gridstop ECO, 210D ROBIC, Venom UL Stretch Mesh ECO, MEMBRANE 15 ECO, MEMBRANE 10, MEMBRANE 7, Challenge ULTRA TenX
- X-Pac – X50 Camouflage
All specifications are as published by the manufacturers and retailers linked above as of October 2026. Real-world values vary from roll to roll. Dyneema® is a trademark of Avient; X-Pac® and X-PLY® are trademarks of Dimension-Polyant; Venom™ is a trademark of Ripstop by the Roll; CORDURA® is a trademark of INVISTA; ROBIC® and MultiCam® are trademarks of their respective owners.
