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Anyone know of a source for 4 way stretch mesh similar to what ULA uses on the Ohm pack?
That's a tough material to find, perhaps Leno Mesh is the material you are looking for OR could work?
Leno Mesh Sample #1/ The Rainshed.com
Leno Mesh Sample #2/ Seattle FabricsLeno mesh as described on The Rainshed Inc. Outdoor Fabrics and Supplies website:
Leno Mesh is made with a twist in the warp yarn to create a mesh that is extremely durable and flexible. It is an excellent choice for applications where air or water must pass through, but high strength is required. Examples are mesh panels on pack frames, wand and ski pockets on climbing packs, and vent panels on dive bags, It is a versatile all-around stiffener as well. Machine wash warm, line or tumble dry, remove promptly.
Ken, here's the website where I found the sample and description:
The Rainshed.com (scroll down to bottom of page for Leno Mesh)
OR FROM HERE
Seattle Fabrics.com/ Leno Mesh
I pulled out my Ohm to compare materials, it's hard to tell if it's the same material just from viewing my screen. The rule on the Seattle Fabrics website seems to match the thread count roughly on my ULA Ohm. But who knows?
Apparently, there is also a "Soft" Leno finish and a "Stiff" Leno finish, both are available in comparable widths and price/yrd. The weight I found for the material was rather heavy at 7.4 oz./sq.yard., although so little is used on a pack that it shouldn't be a problem.
Or, bear with me on this, perhaps the ULA mesh is similar to the Power Mesh 4-Way Stretch material, 2.01 oz./sq.yrd. (+/-), 86% Nylon / 14% Spandex. It is a dynamic 4-way stretch material consisting of spandex and Lycra. The specs seem rather light as this material is used in several clothing applications, but it is described as durable. This might work?
Power Stretch Mesh 4-Way
I've found it several places:
Power Mesh Net/Seattle Fabrics.com
OR
Power Mesh Net/ FabricandSewing.com
Well, that's all I have, hopefully one of those is the answer or at least a solution. Good luck Ken.
> perhaps Leno Mesh is the material
That is very very tough stuff! Probably tougher than OP wants for pockets. But it is really good stuff.Cheers
Ken, I'd second that lycra 4 way mesh as the better choice. I'd also recommend checking out the 5 yds to SUL backpack article comments. One reader used old running shirts cut up to make stretch pockets. I'd venture to guess that a Walmart/Target special running shirt would work too if you don't have one lying around. These shirts last a long time (if you can stand the smell) and don't really stretch out of shape.
Hey Ken –
I was just looking at a Gossamer Gear side pocket.
The pocket itself is a non-stretch woven fabric that is sort of bellowed at the top with an elastic band.
It looks like calendared silnylon on the bottom.
A viable alternative to a 4-way stretch fabric?
Is the woven fabric easier to find?
What is the antonym for the word "stretch"?
Q: "What is the antonym for the word "stretch"?" (i.e. stretchy)
A: static (adj.)
Ken,
I emailed Seattle Fabrics regarding the Leno Mesh and Power Mesh, as Roger confirmed, the Leno Mesh is rather burly and tough material, it's much more durable and firm handed than your requirements for UL side pockets. However, the staff member from Seattle Fabrics who responded said the Power Mesh was on the right track with the Leno Mesh being too heavy and stiff.
The ULA side pockets appear to simply be a medium weight nylon durable 4-way stretch material, the Power Mesh available from a few online vendors should work. I looked closer at the ULA used mesh on my pack and the Power Mesh samples online and the pattern almost looks identical, the open sections of weave are in a diamond pattern versus a rectangular orientation.
Thanks again Eugene. I have come to the same conclusion. Going to order some samples and see. Too bad Seattle Fabrics shipping is so costly.
People have in the past actually contacted ULA and ordered some stretch fabric from them. If I'm recalling correctly it's pretty similar to the Lycra 4-way stretch fabric I used in my golite ion project. Quest outfitters used to sell it… It's super stretchy.
I know this is a very delayed response but I just ordered some power mesh in black. I don't expect you will need much for water bottle pockets and so I am very willing to send a bit your way if you still need it. I also have some black athletic mesh if you think that would fit your needs better.
good luck with the MYOG I am about to begin my own bag
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