Technology makes things better, faster, and easier. The latest and greatest material to change the tides in the outdoor industry is Cuben Fiber, or Non-Woven Dyneema (NWD). This composite material was originally developed for elite sailing, but is perfect for high-end outdoor gear because it’s insanely strong for its weight and is completely waterproof. NWD is 400% stronger and 50-70% lighter than Kevlar and can flex without losing strength. It has other convenient properties such as: weighing 50% less than silnylon (another “good” waterproof material), low specific gravity (floats on water), and is highly resistant to UV. NWD is ideal for when strength, weight, and durability are top priorities. Several small companies are using it, in a variety of forms, to make the best tents, tarps, and backpacks. One of these companies, Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG), is based in Biddeford, Maine. Throughout last summer and fall I tested and reviewed their Echo II Shelter for Outdoor Gear Lab (see review here). Last week I got a tour of their shop.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear makes two tarp style shelters (the Echo I and II) and a small selection of backpacks for lightweight hiking, climbing, and long distance journeys where saving weight is crucial to success. Think long distance hiking, fast and light climbing, adventure racing, pack rafting, etc.
Their production line starts with NWD, some of which is made in a small plant in Arizona. This is cut into pieces and sewn together. The shelters and packs are seam sealed, which makes them completely waterproof. All of their packs have dry bag style closures: you can either prevent water and air from entering or seal water or air inside the bag. Their superlight weight Stuff Packs (3 oz.) acts like a balloon when filled with helium- you can attach a string and walk around like a happy young child.
Outlier, a NYC clothing company, is selling a white version of the superlight HMG Stuff Pack.
On to Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Their shop is located in Biddeford’s North Dam Mill, a massive series of brick buildings that was once largest textile manufacturing facility in the country. In the early 1900’s the mill had over 5 million square feet of interior space and more than 10,000 employees. Now the mill is being redeveloped into residential apartments, commercial and industrial spaces. Hyperlite Mountain Gear has a packed ~1500 sq. ft. suite and will soon be expanding into a 5000 sq. ft. space.
Panorama of the North Dam Mill
North Dam Mill, then.
North Dam Mill, now.
Some HMG packs and bags.
Lightweight Non-Woven Dyneema used in HMG tarps.
Cutting a stronger and more durable NWD used for the floor of HMG Inserts (bug tents that go inside tarps).
Aluminum stays for backpacks.
Samples of various stitches.
Cut NWD panels used in their Expedition Pack
Sewing a door for an Echo Insert.
Check out Hyperlite Mountain Gear if you're in the market for a superlight shelter or backpack. It's great to see small scale, high-end manufacturing in the USA!! Thanks to Mike St. Pierre, HMG's owner, for the tour. Here's a quick video:
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