SWD is now building packs with several fabrics from both Challenge-Outdoor and Ripstop by the Roll including: Ultra100X, Ultra200X, Ultra400X, EPLX200, Ultragrid and Venom Mesh.
ECOPAK
ECOPAK™ is the world’s only durable and waterproof fabric made from 100% recycled polyester fiber and film. Each yard upcycles about 20 plastic water bottles into durable technical textiles.Based on 35 years of weaving, coating and laminating experience, Challenge’s ECOPAK™ fabric lasts longer, absorbs 80% less moisture, and has better UV resistance and color retention than traditional laminated nylon. Just like our sailcloth that has been tested around the world, ECOPAK™ performs in the harshest conditions.
Ultraweave
The Challenge ULTRA™ line of fabrics is composed of the highest performing UHMWPE composite fabrics in the world. In a class of its own, ULTRA™ represents a new paradigm in durability and weight. ULTRA™ weave is constructed with an optimal blend of UHMWPE & high-tenacity polyester. The tight weave is laminated with an eco-friendly adhesive to our revolutionary Challenge RUV™ film. The result is a textile that is incredibly strong, lightweight, and waterproof to 200 psi. ULTRA™ performs in the harshest environments, in both sub-zero and tropical climates. Challenge ULTRA™ is the ultimate in ultralight pack fabric, with the strength to go the distance in the most demanding backpacks and duffels. Our woven ULTRA™ line, ranging from 100d to 800d, is elevating adventure sports to the next level.
UltraGrid
UltraGrid™ is the world’s first recycled nylon grid fabric with Ultra™ ripstop.
Challenge Sailcloth has taken a classic fabric to the next level with higher performance and lower environmental impact. UltraGrid™ is woven at our Bluesign® Approved facility with 210d recycled nylon yarn from pre-consumer industrial waste. A double 200d Ultra™ grid provides exceptional tear-strength and visual impact. UltraGrid™ has a C0 DWR coating, free from toxic PFCs, and is finished with a waterproof 1500mm PU backing.
Stretch pockets used to be the most common failure point on a pack. This no longer has to be true with Venom™ UL Stretch Mesh ECO from Ripstop by the Roll. There are a few things that set this material apart from the stretch materials you're used to. A UHMWPE ripstop delivers superb cut and abrasion resistance. (This is the same fiber type as Dyneema® and ULTRA). Our latest model of the Venom™ mesh includes Regen Pre-Consumer Recycled Nylon meaning it's also more sustainable for the environment. Lastly, at just over 5 oz per square yard there's little to no weight penalty to include this level of durability.
Our thoughts about each fabric and their unique properties.
The EPLX is a laminated fabric which makes it very water resistant and tapeable for max water resistance. This fabric has moderate durability. The EPLX is relatively stiff and is the noisiest fabric out of the bunch. 4.8 oz/yd2
The Ultragrid is PU coated and has a soft hand feel. It is not as waterproof as the laminated fabrics, but is still coated/water resistant. This fabric is the most like a traditional pack cloth, but has better durability due to the double grid of UHMWPE. 4.3 oz/yd2
The Ultra200X is very light, waterproof and very durable due to it being 70% UHMWPE in the face fabric. It is the premium fabric for Ultralight packs these days. It has a relatively stiff hand feel and is tapeable on the inside. 3.9 oz/yd2.
Ultra100X is very similar to the 200, just slightly lighter and thinner. 3.3 oz/yd2
The Ultra400X has the same properties as the Ultra200, but has incredible abrasion resistance that is better than anything in its weight class at only 5.25 oz/yd2. We actually had to drag one of these packs behind a truck in order to get the fabric to wear through.
Backpack Construction
Our packs are hand-made by us right here in Michigan and are constructed using the finest materials and the best construction methods. These packs are ready to handle anything you can throw at them, and will give you thousands of miles of use. All main body seams are constructed using large flat felled seams which are quadruple stitched, and all stress points are reinforced and bar tacked. Our packs are very water resistant and are made out of completely waterproof fabric. Packs made out of Ultra and EPLX have the option of seam taping for extra water resistance. Ultragrid packs can be seam sealed using a liquid sealer such as Seam Grip.