X-pac and why we use it
Ultralight hikers obsess over materials for good reason. Your pack fabric determines how it carries, how it ages, and how it performs when the weather turns on you. Two fabrics dominate the ultralight world: X-Pac and Dyneema. Both have strengths, but only one matches the way Odyssey designs, hikes, and builds gear meant to last.
X-Pac stands out because it blends lightweight performance with real-world durability. Its multi-layer laminate structure prevents stretching, sagging, or warping over time. This means the pack maintains its shape and carry-feel long after cheaper fabrics begin to collapse. For hikers who put in long miles through wet, rainy forests as well as hot, dry deserts, X-Pac offers predictable reliability that does not fade.
One concern often raised about laminated fabrics is delamination over time. This is a valid issue with some X-Pac variants that rely on thin plastic films for waterproofing. However, the VX21 X-Pac used in Odyssey packs is constructed differently. Rather than depending on a fragile film layer, VX21 uses a robust laminate system designed for long-term durability under repeated flexing, compression, and exposure to the elements. In real-world use, this means the fabric retains its integrity and performance without peeling or separation and isn’t affected by the dying process.
Dyneema is lighter, and that is what puts it on the radar of gram-counters, but the tradeoffs are real. It is more prone to abrasion damage, can puncture under stress, and costs significantly more. For high-wear sections like pockets, bottoms, and anchor points, Dyneema often has a shorter lifespan than X-Pac. In other words: Dyneema is great in theory, but X-Pac is stronger in practice.
Odyssey's design philosophy prioritizes trust and longevity over chasing the lowest weight on a scale. When your pack feels stable, when it does not tear, stretch, or deform, you hike more naturally and you waste less energy.
We also chose X-Pac because it supports self-expression. X-Pac comes in a broad range of colors and is also dyeable, which gives each pack its own personality. The material's strength does not come at the cost of creativity, which matters to our identity as a brand and as hikers.
Both materials have their place. But for a pack that needs to carry well, last long, protect gear, and express you as a person, X-Pac reflects our promise.
And that’s why it is the foundation of every Odyssey pack.
Links to learn more:
Dimension-Polyant (maker of X-Pac)
X-PAC Fabric: A Technical Overview for Tactical and Outdoor Gear
