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Waterproof Fabric

Most Zpacks gear is made from "Dyneema Composite Fabrics" (DCF). DCF was formerly known as Cuben Fiber Fabric.

DCF is constructed of a grid of white Dyneema threads laminated to a thin transparent polyester membrane. The Dyneema fiber is up to 15 times stronger than steel on a weight for weight basis. Dyneema floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. Dyneema fiber has an extremely high tensile strength, and very low stretch making it ideal for our tents, tarps, and backpacks.

Dyneema Composite Fabric is available in a variety of weights. All weights shown are waterproof.

In order to better focus on our core business (building gear) fabrics are no longer available for purchase direct from Zpacks.

	.51 oz/sqyd Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber) This is the material used in our stuff sacks, and it is also the default weight for our tarps and tents. It has high tensile strength, but only moderate abrasion and puncture resistance due to the thin membrane material. Most of our products are sewn, then taped for strength. All colors are light and semi see-through. Made in the USA. Weight: .51 oz/sqyd (17.4 g/m�) Tensile Strength: 63 lb/in (552 N/5cm) Puncture Strength: 1.8 lb (8 N) Water Resistance: 15,000 mmH₂O
	.67 oz/sqyd Camouflage Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber) This material is the same strength as .51 oz/sqyd except it has an additional layer with a camo pattern laminated in. It blends in to nature well. This material is also a bit darker and less transparent and offers a little more privacy. Made in the USA. Weight: .67 oz/sqyd (22.7 g/m�) Tensile Strength: 63 lb/in (552 N/5cm) Puncture Strength: 1.9 lb (8.5 N) Water Resistance: 15,000 mmH₂O
	.74 oz/sqyd Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber) This weight has a little bit higher Dyneema thread count than our standard .51 oz material above. We offer it as a slightly more durable and less transparent choice for our tents. Made in the USA. Weight: .74 oz/sqyd (25.4 g/m�) Tensile Strength: 104 lb/in (911 N/5cm) Puncture Strength: 3.1 lb (14 N) Water Resistance: 20,000 mmH₂O
	1.0 oz/sqyd Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber) This weight has a double thick polyester membrane which gives it higher abrasion and puncture resistance. It is waterproof, and a good strength to weight ratio for groundsheets, tent floors, or rain gear. It is more of a charcoal gray, not quite as deep black as the photo. Made in the USA. Weight: 1.0 oz/sqyd (34 g/m�) Tensile Strength: 104 lb/in (911 N/5cm) Puncture Strength: 3.5 lb (15.5 N) Water Resistance: 20,000 mmH₂O
	1.43 oz/sqyd Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber) This weight has more than twice the Dyneema thread count of the thinner weights, and a double thick membrane as well. It has very high tensile strength, and excellent abrasion and puncture resistance. We use this weight for products that need a little extra durability, like our Bear Bag Kit, or our Airplane Travel Case. Made in the USA. Weight: 1.43 oz/sqyd (48.4 g/m�) Tensile Strength: 210 lb/in (1840 N/5cm) Puncture Strength: 5.2 lb (23 N) Water Resistance: >20,000 mmH₂O
	2.92 oz/sqyd Dyneema Composite Fabric Hybrid This material is made from the same 1.43 oz/sqyd DCF material as seen above on the inside, with a protective layer of 50 denier polyester on the outside. The outer layer gives it more strength, and abrasion resistance, prevents fraying, and gives it a nice solid color. This material is used on our Arc Blast Backpacks. Made in the USA. Weight: 2.92 oz/sqyd (99 g/m�) Tensile Strength: 245 lb/in (2150 N/5cm) Puncture Strength: 7.3 lb (32 N) Water Resistance: >20,000 mmH₂O
	4.85 oz/sqyd 210 denier Gridstop Fabric This popular backpack material is a little stronger against abrasion. It has a grid of white High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) threads for exceptional tear strength, as well as a diagonal woven ripstop. The fabric has a waterproof urethane coating on the inside. We use this for our Arc Haul Backpacks. This high quality fabric has a finished weight including the waterproof coating is 4.85 oz/sqyd (165 g/m�). Made in Japan. Weight: 4.85 oz/sqyd (165 g/m�) Water Resistance: >20,000 mmH₂O