DIMENSION-POLYANT Technical Fabrics: Properties and Development

[Nick Smolinske]

Lester,

I haven’t experimented with mylar tape on Xpac – the only tape I’ve used is 3M transfer tape (9485PC and a couple other variants) bonded to cuben fiber.

[Lester Moore]

Thanks Nick – I’ll look up that 3M tape. You’re right Roger – didn’t think about the needle holes in the sides!

[Roger Caffin]

Hi Lester

Ah well – I found out the hard way (but at home). A lot of mfrs ‘close’ the selvedge with some tape sewn over the top, but the seam still leaks. So I filled a bag with water and hung it up, then looked closely to see where all the water was leaking. Light-bulb moment.

Cheers

[Wilderness Threadworks]

Great thread thanks very much Taylor.

I’m also a little concerned about the resin exterior make up, As Dan noted if the exterior resin is broken down the fabric (LS07 & LS42) will lose all water resistance.

I’ve managed to cut through the resin on LS42 with #70 thread running at too higher tension, I believe this fabric behaves this way due to the slightly spongy 420D backing.

Cheers, Dan.

[Roger Caffin]

Hi WT

When you say ‘cut through the resin’, was this with the resin side uppermost? I can understand if ‘yes’: it’s the top thread which has the movement.
Did cutting the resin gum up the needle or thread at all (like with adhesive tape)?

Cheers

[Wilderness Threadworks]

Hi Roger,

Sorry I didn’t explain very well.

Yes, when top stitching with the resin face up, I feel like it’s a little less forgiving than say VX21 in terms of machine set up for general DIY. No needle gum up.

Also let me know if anyone is interested how LS07 performs in the field, I built a 70L test pack to look at fabric performance and potential failure points. The pack has been used for over a 6 month period with aggressive off track work hauling big loads of climbing gear and the like.

Cheers,  Dan. …….Sorry for the poor image.

 

[Roger Caffin]

Hey, no fair! I was planning on doing that! Oh well …
I must say, it’s a very clean-looking pack, good for going through scrub and up cliff faces.

Any seam sealing?
What sort of seams?
Any chance of some very close-up photos of the seams and the sewing holes?
How did you anchor the webbing in the seams, and how is it fairing?
What sort of frame is on the other side?

Geek out, geek out …
Cheers

[Ryan Jordan]

That. Is. A. Beautiful. Simple. Pack!

Like Roger said, no crap to snag on brush.

I’m so excited to promote the eradication of side pocket mesh!

Love it!

[Wilderness Threadworks]

Thanks Roger & Ryan for the kind words,

The Blackburn pack is definitely built to have minimal bits & bobs on it to get caught up, primarily for packrafting missions and the like.

Unfortunately I haven’t come across a sufficient seam sealing solution that is time efficient for manufacturing, but I’m always exploring options.

I used plain bound seams to test the LS07 with fair results but it really behaves best with french seams. perhaps not so critical on small volume packs but definitely french for high load & maximum seal.

I have attached some pics which may only help a little as I’m a terrible photographer! Tacked webbing shot is actually on my personal pack built from LS42, I have had no failures using this method on all packs I build. Frame is 1.5mm HDPE frame sheet with centred 20mm wide 6061 stay. Pic attached of the back panel layout shows up better on the D40 fabric.

Cheers, Dan.

[Wilderness Threadworks]

Whoops, and this one Roger…..

 

[Roger Caffin]

Nice pack. Does it have any sort of frame? Rods, anything?

Cheers

[Wilderness Threadworks]

Thanks Roger,

Only the 1.5mm HDPE frame sheet which is full back panel width & runs from bottom to load lifters. webbing sleeve sewn to frame sheet with centred 20mm wide 6061 stay to allow for some shaping & extra rigidity. I have found the frame sheet to really spread a nice even load to the hips. Always looking to get the frame lighter but still maintain a relatively simple construction.

Cheers, Dan.

[Wilderness Threadworks]

Sorry Roger,

Also 10mm foam sized the same as frame sheet, against back.

Cheers, Dan.

[Roger Caffin]

Planning on selling them?

Cheers

[Adam Kilpatrick]

Echo that your packs are gorgeous Dan! Where in Aus are you?

Roger: Any of these do you think would work as lightweight Gaiter fabrics?

 

[Roger Caffin]

Hi Adam

I would not recommend any of them for gaiters. You would sweat like a pig inside them. You need something which can breathe, imho.

Cheers

[Wilderness Threadworks]

Hi Roger,

I started the design for the Blackburn pack in 2013 and have built many for customers over the past 5 years. Of late I’ve been building this pack in an 85Li version for packrafters throughout Australasia. This type of pack in the larger volume may trend in the up coming year I suspect.

Sorry Roger, I know these details should be discussed else where and not in this particular thread, apologies.

Cheers, Dan

[Wilderness Threadworks]

Hi Adam,

Thanks for the kind words, I’m glad you like it! I’m based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

Cheers, Dan.

[Roger Caffin]

Hi Dan

I know these details should be discussed else where and not in this particular thread, apologies.
I am not complaining. It’s all good MYOG stuff.

cheers

[Michael Cleveland]

Hi Taylor, Do you have contact info. for someone in Europe (Switzerland would be even better) that I can talk to about purchasing XPac & Dyneema (formerly Cuben) at wholesale? I’ve had difficulty contacting the company directly. Thanks in advance.

FYI – I use the products to make custom bikepacking bags.

[Aron G]

I am on the hunt for a glue that would work well with x-pac (v21). The aim here is to glue some Velcro to the interior of a camera bag that in it’s turn will hold a padded insert in place, so only minor forces at play.

Any ideas to what type of glue that would work well on the interior coating? I am primarily looking for something I could source here in Europe.

[Roger Caffin]

That Q is best sent to Taylor from DP I think. I know a lot of X-Pac fabrics have a DWR on the outside surface, but maybe not on the inside surface. I was able to use 3M9485 transfer tape very successfully on VX07 and VX02.

Cheers

[Taylor_At_DP]

Hi Aron,

We are working on a heat activated glue system for X-PAC. Perhaps I could send you a sample to try. DM or email me you address and I’ll arrange for you to try some. Taylor.North at dimension-polyant.com

Cheers,

Taylor

[Roger Caffin]

Very, very nice!
We want a full report!

Taylor – any chance of a tech doc?

Cheers

[Aron G]

Taylor, You have mail! This sounds super interesting :)

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