Zpacks Arc Blast – Cuben Hybrid vs Dyneema

Would the black Dyneema heat up my pack much more in the sun? – No Should Dyneema in general last longer? – Yes Ryan

"Would the black Dyneema heat up my pack much more in the sun?" Yes. I think so. But you can answer this question yourself. Go out on a sunny day with a black shirt on. Then change into a white shirt. I would avoid black because, 1) it's hotter (remember, your food is inside there), and, 2) Black shows the dirt more than any other color… same reason I would not buy a black car… they look great when new, but just try to keep it looking nice. I have the blue Dyneema Arc Haul and have had a ton of comments how good it looks. billy

Black will be hotter. Probably not much hotter. I went with Cuben Hybrid on my ArcHaul primarily because Ive switch all my packs over to it. I average around 700 miles a year and I've had no significant wear issues. I prefer the ease of repair afforded by Cuben. I've only had to make a small repair one time…it took minutes with hybrid tape and i was on my way again.

I've had both. Yes, the darker packs a little hotter, but it isn't significant (I live in Florida).

I think the main consideration is if you want waterproof or not. If you hike in wet climates then a waterproof pack is excellent. If you hike desert then go with the more durable fabric. The Dyneema will last longer but the cuben hybrid is pretty good if you're mostly staying on trails. For most locales I'd go cuben hybrid because the waterproof is worth it.

I have had several of Joe's packs, and given them some rough treatment – the worst treatment they've had is scrambling off trail in the Grand Canyon. I prefer Cuben Fiber in the lightest color (currently gray I think) – slightly better than dark colors in keeping my chocolate from melting. I ask for a Large Repair Patch for an extra layer of reinforcement on the base of the pack, which is the most susceptible area to abrasion. And on my last pack I asked for just the pockets in Dyneema – the pockets can take a beating if you're squeezing through tight spots. I don't use a bladder, so I ask for the hydration port to be omitted – this is the only hole in the pack, which is essentially a rolltop dry bag. My last two Cuben Fiber packs have taken a hell of a beating, but are still almost airtight.