Any thoughts on Challenge Ultragrid fabrics?

Ideally compared to ultra 400. These are the two I’m leaning towards. I just like the look of the Ultragrid better then the Ultraweave.

I just got a pack made with it. It doesn’t have the gummy feeling of DX fabrics like MLD/ULA have on the inside. It doesn’t feel coated at all. I like the lack of stickiness. The product page says it has a 1500mm PU coating. That’s a pretty low HH number for pack fabric, right?

I just got some from Rockywoods for a MYOG project. I don’t think it’s remarkably different than Dyneema gridstop except for the fact that it’s made from recycled nylon. The PU coating seems slightly more robust than other gridstops I’ve handled – but that’s super subjective. It’s not going to be as abrasion resistant or as waterproof as Ultra 400, but it is much cheaper and slightly lighter. Ultra 200 is lighter than the Ultragrid but still more waterproof, abrasion resistant, and expensive.

I’m planning to use it for external pockets in an Ultra 400 MYOG pack.

Usually PU coating doesn’t last long in a backpack. So, fabric will be wet in a downpour/continuous rain and take longer to dry if there is no sun (like when you get up in the morning and are packing up). When spending lots of money on a McHale, it is better to get something that is waterproof I think. I have no experience with this fabric – just regular DX210 that MLD uses for their packs which has the same PU coating.

Murali, I’m generally in agreement with you and prefer my backpacks to be made from a fully waterproof, laminated fabric.

The counter argument is that for a McHale pack that has such a reputedly long lifespan, I’m not sure that laminated fabrics will last as long as the pack. I think I’d rather have a PU coated fabric with a worn coating than a delaminating mess. This is a bit of conjecture on my part as I haven’t used laminated fabrics long enough to see that happen.

But I’m not sure that any 210d gridstop fabric will last the expected lifetime of a McHale pack either.

from website

“A double 200d Ultra™ grid provides exceptional tear-strength and visual impact.”

A fabric that emphasizes “visual impact” is a warning sign to me, although it does look pretty cool.

I think that maybe, ripstop is less waterproof.  The PU coating better covers a smoother surface.

I have not found a waterproof and long life pack fabric.  Which is frustrating.  This ought to be possible.

While the UltraWeave (66% UHMWPE)  is a top pick for a pack fabric, the UltraGrid (about 20% UHMWPE)  is Very Nice and offers some color/visual interest and a bit lower price.

UltraGrid is better in every way to all the other single UHMWPE ripstop 200/ 210d + nylon wovens with PU coating we have used, seen and/or tested.

UltraGrid Vs other 201d ripstops.

1: Twice the UHMWPE.   Stronger and better abrasion resistance.

2: All the Nylon in it is Recycled.

3: Weighs a bit less than the other 200/210d.

3.5:  Outside DWR coating is the non toxic CO DWR.

4: PU inside coating is 1500hh  and very nice feel. Easy to work with for better assembly. 1500hh is the same or higher than the other 210d’s we have tested or used in the past.

5: The woven grid it perfefctly 0 and 90 straight.   If you are holding a pack you may not ever notice that, but the old stuff rolls from from many textile manufacturers were slightly skewed in one direction.   Having it perfect 0 and 90 on the roll helps production cut and sew it super straight. SO, assembly is potentially a bettter quality in a small way.

6: It Looks Great.  Nice Colors.

Chris – I guess if one is young and wants the McHale to last – then perhaps spend the money and go for full spectra? Dreamer – BPL member said that his grid stop fell apart in his McHale after 470 days of use or something like that – I am guessing 5 to 6K miles on his pack. He bought one more McHale pack with Cordura. Will full Spectra last 12K miles? don’t know. Don’t know which Ultra 400 or 800 will be comparable to the full Spectra McHale uses.

From what Ron says, maybe the Ultragrid is a good option and maybe use a DCF pack cover or something like that to keep the outside of the pack dry. It is not a big deal – just annoying when the pack and the outside of the nyloflume pack liner is is also damp/wet in addition to everything else. A DCF or Xpac pack feels great in such circumstances.

Thanks for weighing in, Ron! I was hoping you would see this and respond.