Introducing the new Dyneema fabric lineup, "DWC." Here we'll explain the latest fabric and review Dyneema.

Yasushi Hisatomi

10 hours ago

One day in August, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, a well-known manufacturer of UL backpacks, suddenly announced some big news: they were relaunching their flagship hiking backpacks, the Windrider, Junction, and Southwest.

The biggest highlight is that it is the first to use DWC (Dyneema Woven Composite), an evolved version of the conventional DCH (Dyneema Composite Hybrid) fabric.

So, in this article, I'd like to explain what kind of fabric this new DWC is and what has evolved from it. While I'm at it, I'd also like to take this opportunity to provide a quick refresher on Dyneema.

table of contents

First of all, what is Dyneema?
- Dyneema characteristics
Why is it perfect for the outdoors?
Dyneema as a fabric, and its characteristics (differences between DCF, DCH, and DWC)
Finally: What are the drawbacks of Dyneema?
Conclusion
- reference:

First of all, what is Dyneema?

Dyneema was first developed in the Netherlands in 1963, and became widely known in 1992 as the canvas used in the America's Cup-winning yacht under the name "Cuben Fiber" (Dyneema® is a trademark of AVIENT). Since then, Dyneema has spread to all industries, being used in protective clothing, fishing nets, medical applications, and of course, UL outdoor gear.

Dyneema characteristics

UHMW-PE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) is an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene that has a molecular weight of 1 million to 7 million, up from the usual 20,000 to 300,000. Dyneema® is a trademark of AVIENT.
It is approximately 15 times stronger than steel of the same weight, boasting a maximum tensile strength of 42.5cN/dtex.
It is surprisingly light, with a specific gravity of less than 1.0 (lighter than water).
It also has excellent cut resistance, abrasion resistance, and UV resistance.
It has low water absorption and excellent shape stability.

Why is it perfect for the outdoors?

Simply put, it's because it's lightweight yet offers strength, waterproofness, and stability that most conventional fabrics can't match.

Completely waterproof: Unlike coatings that wear off and deteriorate, the film layer forms a permanent waterproof barrier.
Non-absorbent: It won't absorb water or gain weight, even after days of rain.
Near-zero stretch: Keeps your tent upright in wet and windy conditions and prevents your pack from sagging even when loaded.
Exceptional strength: Dyneema fibers give the fabric excellent tear resistance to its weight, making it ideal for demanding environments.
Easy to repair: Small tears can be quickly repaired with duct tape, unlike tents like the Silpoli, which require special glues that are rare on the trail.

Dyneema as a fabric, and its characteristics (differences between DCF, DCH, and DWC)

Although the term "Dyneema" is used broadly, there are several different fabric structures to suit different products, such as tents, tarps, backpacks, and stuff sacks.

Most of the species you see outdoors are

DCF (Dyneema® Composite Fabric)
DCH (Dyneema® Composite Hybrid)

And the new fabric that has just been released

DWC (Dyneema® Woven Composites)

There are three of them:

Both use Dyneema fiber, but their construction varies depending on the application.

Dyneema Composite Fiber (DCF): The Original Ultralight Laminate

(Quote: Hyperlite Mountain Gear website)

This material is made of Dyneema fibers sandwiched between thin polyester films. It is waterproof, strong for its weight, and has low stretch, but is susceptible to abrasion. It is suitable for tents, tarps, packing cubes, stuff sacks, peg bags, and more.

Dyneema Composite Hybrid (DCH): Significantly improved abrasion resistance

For durability and abrasion resistance, a Dyneema® composite core is laminated to a woven fabric (such as polyester or nylon), resulting in an ultra-lightweight material that can withstand long distances in harsh environments, making it ideal for backpacks and other applications.

Dyneema Woven Composite (DWC): Even stronger and more durable

DWC has a base Dyneema® core with a Dyneema® fabric bonded to the surface (rather than a polyester or nylon fabric), and the back is made waterproof with the same laminate as the other two.

(Source: BACKPACKER.com)

By using Dyneema fiber in both the inner and outer layers of the fabric, the double-layer construction dramatically improves strength and abrasion resistance. Compared to existing Dyneema composites, it has 10 times the abrasion resistance, 5 times the tear strength, and is 34 percent lighter. In other words, by utilizing the power of Dyneema in both the woven surface and the inner filament core, it is lighter, more durable, and more tear-resistant.

Of course, it also has the dimensional stability, light weight, and waterproofing that are typical of Dyneema®. Best of all, it's quieter than traditional backpacks, with less of a crackling sound.

It's amazing that DCH, which was already super lightweight and durable, has become even stronger. In recent years, the rise of "Ultra fabrics" and "ALUULA Graflyte™" has diminished the dominance of Dyneema as a backpack fabric, but this new evolution is truly a testament to its status as the leader of UL materials.

Is DWC superior to other competing materials?

Dyneema publishes some strength and durability metrics for the DWC, but these do not allow for a direct comparison of strength or weight with competitors.

Because each company publishes different types of information and conducts different tests, it will remain difficult to accurately compare DWC to other cutting-edge, lightweight, and durable materials.

Still, according to publicly available information, the tear strength of 200 denier DWC is 250 pounds, which is close to the tear strength of 800 denier Ultra, so we can imagine that the tear strength of DWC is extraordinary.

Finally: What are the drawbacks of Dyneema?

Like any material, Dyneema isn't perfect. It offers an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio, but there are some things to be aware of.

Expensive: The biggest drawback is that it is often double or even triple the price of comparable gear made from nylon or polyester.

Noise and wrinkling: Because of its laminated construction, the tent is prone to rustling and wrinkling. Some people find the tents flapping in the wind annoying.

Limited color options: Most products are available in white, gray, or muted colors, with only a few vibrant colors available.

●Semi-transparent: This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage, but your silhouette will be slightly visible through the fabric.

●Heat sensitive: If exposed to fire or high temperatures, the material may become deformed or weakened.

Potential for delamination: Severe creases, prolonged stress, or sharp bends can cause the film to delaminate over time.

UV Aging: Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can gradually weaken the laminate and shorten the lifespan of the fabric, especially if it is left outdoors for weeks or months.

Conclusion

DWC is a premium material currently only used in HMG backpacks, but it will surely be available to other brands from next year onwards. With its outstanding improved strength-to-weight ratio, permanent waterproofing, lightness, ease of handling and high reliability, the arrival of DWC may once again bring Dyneema back to its position as the strongest UL material. Keep an eye out for upcoming new products using DWC.