"Warning, you are using an obsolete browser! You should update it immediately!"

Clearance sale: Enjoy discounts of up to 50% on a selection of items while stocks last.

Everything you need to know about Dyneema or DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric)

November 2023

If you are interested in hiking and camping gear, you have probably come across tents, backpacks, or other products made from Dyneema. You may have wondered what justifies the price and whether investing such amounts is worthwhile for your activities. Yes, gear made from Dyneema is expensive - there's no denying it - and yet it enjoys phenomenal success in the outdoor world, internationally. What are the qualities that make this material essential, particularly among ultralight gear enthusiasts? I will try to answer this question in this article.

What is Dyneema?

Dyneema is a composite material made from Cuben Fiber, a polyethylene monofilament that is cross-laid and laminated between two thin layers of polyester, without being woven. This process gives Dyneema its unique properties. Originally developed for making sails for boating, this material quickly attracted interest in the windsurfing, rigging, aerospace, and of course, outdoor industries. This interest is explained by the many qualities of this material, including:

  • Strength: For the same weight, a Dyneema thread would be 15 times stronger than a steel thread and is particularly resistant to abrasion. Moreover, it does not deform over time, under tension, and does not crease like Kevlar.
  • Lightness: Take, for example, the iconic two-person tent from Zpacks, the Duplex, which weighs 525 grams, explaining its success among ultralight hikers but also among demanding campers looking to optimize their backpack weight.
  • Waterproofness: Using the Zpacks Duplex tent as an example again, the floor has a 20000 Schmerber rating, equivalent to a 20-meter water column. The outer fabric, on the other hand, has a 15000 Schmerber rating, equivalent to a 15-meter water column. Due to its resistance to deformation, the fabric will always remain taut, preventing the formation of water pockets. The downside of this waterproofness is condensation formation on single-wall tents, although this drawback also applies to other materials used in tent manufacturing.

Of course, Dyneema also has its drawbacks, which are few but worth mentioning:

  • Its high price: The production of Dyneema is very costly due to its mechanically complex manufacturing process. Unless large brands adopt this material and produce it on a large scale, it will remain relatively rare and expensive.
  • Relative fragility to punctures. For instance, Zpacks advises cleaning the area where you pitch the tent thoroughly. Any twigs, pine needles, or sharp objects can pierce the fabric and damage it. Using a footprint (a ground protection mat) to protect the bathtub (tent floor) can be beneficial. Many users employ a sheet of Tyvek for this purpose.

Therefore, Dyneema gear should be used with care and attention, avoiding unsuitable terrains to prevent quick deterioration.

Who is Dyneema gear for?

It is clearly the thru-hikers who have popularized the idea of minimizing gear weight for long-distance hiking. Thru-hiking originated in the United States and refers to long-distance hiking on the three trails crossing the United States: the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. Those who have hiked these three trails, with a combined length of 12,750 km and a positive elevation gain of 300 km, are known as Triple Crowners.

It is evident that when embarking on one of these months-long adventures, the weight carried will inevitably affect the travel conditions. Having the lightest and strongest gear possible to face various climates safely is of paramount importance. The founder of Zpacks, Joe Valesko, is a Triple Crowner who, unable to find products that met his expectations, started making his own gear. The brand is a leader in the growing ultralight market.

This enthusiasm for ultralight gear has also spread to GR® enthusiasts, as well as regular hikers and campers who don't want to carry too much weight. The rest is just a matter of budget and passion.

In Europe, including France, many enthusiasts have invested in this type of gear. Among the most well-known are Les Trekkeurs Compulsifs, who use the Duplex tent mentioned above as well as the DupleXL.

Presentation of the Zpacks DupleXL tent

In conclusion, here are some tips to help you decide if you are considering investing in ultralight Dyneema gear from Zpacks or another brand. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, then you might consider purchasing Dyneema products.

  • Do you regularly spend nights in a tent during multi-day hikes?
  • Can you afford to spend a significant amount of money?
  • Are you careful with your gear during and after use (cleaning, storage)?
  • Do you need to reduce the weight of your equipment?
  • Are you planning a thru-hike soon?

If so, then treat yourself to high-quality technical gear.

Yves Jean