xpac in the cold

Dave has used xpac backpacks in Montana for a long time so I assume he would have discovered any cold related issues by now. Also the Seek Outside Paradox/Unaweep packs are often made of xpac and are popular with hunters (who use them in cold weather). So probably not a big concern.

is the noise..

Some XPAC fabrics are worse than others. Cuben can be very noisy as well. They generally make less noise as they get more worn. Softer hand fabrics make less noise, but there are no a lot of XPAC soft hand fabrics (VX21 Coyote, a couple VX42)

The fabric will get loud, but that won't change durability at all.

I've had my Zimmerbuilt, winter size pack a year now, used it for a number of o/n winter trips and can see no issue with the material or any noise.
Duane

If you were going to have a lightweight, yet tough and quiet pack made for hunting,
Which if the current materials would you choose for the pack body?
XPac?
Dyneema?
Robitic?

XPac frame pack, many years in the snow. Several weights of material. No problems.

Cheers

X33.

Forgive the slight hijack but Dave how does X51 compare to other xpacs/regular cordura as far as pliability?

Here a link to a similar pack Nathan made me. I think it is a perfect mix of different xpac.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=89415&skip_to_post=776786#776786

X33 would be my first choice in a non camo color.
VX21 or VX42 soft hand versions would be my second choice. In my experience VX21 does fine busting brush, but VX42 is better if rock abrasion is needed.
After that , probably a nice 500D Cordura. Personally, I don't think Dyneema is needed in most packs unless the fabric is on the lighter side.

It's much appreciated.

X51 is the least pliable fabric I've ever used. The weft is claimed as 1000D, which I believe. It's stiffer than 150D cuben hybrid, 1600D ballistics, and miles worse than VX42. It breaks in pretty well, but the little X51/VX42 rucksack I built this spring (and have put plenty of miles into) easily stands upright when totally empty.