Hyperlite Mountain Gear, based in Biddeford, Maine, is launching a new backpack based on the just launched Dyneema Woven Composites.

Dyneema is the world’s strongest fibre and a premium brand of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and for over 15 years has been trusted by elite adventurers in fabrics that are ultralight, exceedingly strong and fully waterproof. As a result, these fabrics are extensively used in superior backpacks, tents, performance footwear and wind sports equipment.

Ater two years of extensive R&D and testing, Dyneema says that it has now improved the performance attributes of the world’s strongest fibre by doubling down on its core durability, strength, abrasion resistance and dimensional stability with the launch of Dyneema Woven Composites

These composites are based on a Dyneema core, created by layering and bonding biaxial Dyneema fibres at 0 and 90-degree orientation, preventing the individual fibres from shifting and ensuring long-lasting shape retention. More Dyneema fibres are then used in a lightweight woven fabric which is bonded to the core.

This dual-layer composite structure unlocks multiple performance benefits. Primarily, the woven Dyneema face fabric enables exceedingly high strength, abrasion resistance and durability combined with the dimensional stability, structural integrity and lightweight waterproof properties of the core. The result is a highly durable composite, even under significant load conditions and after prolonged use.

“Dyneema Woven Composite is a major breakthrough in materials engineering,” says Chiharu Pidgeon, global business manager of fabrics and composites at Dyneema. “By harnessing the full potential of Dyneema fibre with precision-layered construction, we’ve created a fabric that doesn’t just resist wear – it redefines strength and stability in high-performance applications. We are honored to have Hyperlite Mountain Gear be the first partner to bring this next-generation material to market, setting a new benchmark for high-performance outdoor gear.”

Updated ranges

Harnessing the power of Dyneema Woven Composites, Hyperlite has updated its Windrider, Southwest and Junction packs for the first time since their original 2010 launch.

The new packs are significantly more durable under heavy load conditions and prolonged use while retaining the ultra-lightweight performance that defines Hyperlite gear.

Key benefits are said to include enhanced carry comfort and fit geometry, better hand feel and a more rugged appearance, quieter noise levels and fewer crinkles in low temperatures and improved storage access, convenience, and security

These new features build on everything that made earlier Hyperlite packs successful – they are fully waterproof, compact and easy to pack, and powered by the unmatched strength-to-weight ratio of the world’s strongest fibre.

“We think Dyneema fabrics are the future of the outdoor industry, says  Mike St. Pierre, founder and CEO of Hyperlite Mountain Gear. “This is the most significant evolution of our core packs since their debut over 15 years ago, and with this evolution we’re delivering next-level performance without compromising the existing benefits on which our community relies.”

Every Dyneema composite undergoes rigorous laboratory testing to ensure it meets the highest standards for strength, durability, and performance.

In-house laboratories conduct tensile, tear, puncture, peel strength, Taber abrasion and hydrostatic head testing.

Hyperlite has then put new packs over thousands of hours of real-world trials – from the summit of the Rockies to the Alaskan wilderness and the Grand Canyon.

www.dyneema.com