Durable materials are essential for outdoor equipment. Whether making or repairing equipment, you need rugged and waterproof components that protect your gear from damage. Your supplies last longer and provide high performance with durable materials.

Dyneema® is a manufactured material known as the world’s strongest fiber. It’s lightweight, versatile, and widely popular across many different industries. Dyneema® composite fabric is an excellent option for outdoor gear, from tarps to backpacks.

 

Read on to learn more about Dyneema® fibers and fabric.

 

Why Is Dyneema® So Strong?

Dyneema®’s strength comes from its molecular makeup — the fiber consists of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. The long molecular chains can handle heavy loads by transferring weight evenly to the polymer backbone. Dyneema® fibers are 15 times stronger than steel and contain maximum resistance to cuts, chemicals, and UV rays. Its lightweight nature makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.

What Is Dyneema® Composite Fabric?

Dyneema® fabrics consist of fiber panels bonded together. Dyneema® Composite Fabrics provide superior durability. They resist tears, punctures, and abrasion to create optimal strength levels. They maintain the fibers’ lightweight nature, reducing bulk when applied to products. The fabric is also waterproof, withstanding wet conditions without losing strength or wearing down.

You can tailor Dyneema® Composite Fabrics to meet specific stretch, weight, and thickness levels. Many industries use them for products such as these.

• Outdoor gear: Dyneema® Composite Fabrics’ light weight, durability, and water resistance make them ideal for outdoor equipment. They’re popular for equipment like tents, backpacks, tarps, and hammocks.
• Boating: They’re also common for water-based equipment like sails.
• Medical equipment: Dyneema® Composite Fabrics are valuable throughout the medical field, used in many devices.

Is Dyneema® Worth It?

Dyneema® fibers and fabrics provide ultimate durability, making them worthwhile investments. If you’re seeking to replace or build outdoor gear, Dyneema® is one of the best options available. Outdoor and camping equipment must withstand unpredictable situations, like sudden weather changes or rough terrain. Dyneema® fibers and fabrics have a durable construction that can resist punctures, water, and regular wear. By committing to Dyneema®, you can reinforce your outdoor gear to last for many years.

Dyneema® FAQs

Learning about Dyneema® details can help you understand the material more thoroughly. Here are some FAQs about Dyneema®.

1. How Is Dyneema® Made?

Manufacturers produce Dyneema® in a patented gel spinning process. They follow four fundamental steps:

• Withdrawing
• Heating
• Elongating
• Cooling

After the fibers cool, manufacturers stretch and spin them to meet specific molecular alignments and crystallizations. They finalize this process depending on the requested thickness.

Dyneema® fabrics consist of multiple ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene filaments. Makers weave these into yarns, which they use to knit fabrics.

2. Who Invented Dyneema®?

Dr. Albert Pennings, a chemist who worked for the DSM company, accidentally discovered Dyneema® in the late 1960s during his research on plastics. A similar material called Cuben Fiber hit the market in the 1990s, but DSM bought out the company and incorporated the technology into their inventory.

3. Is Dyneema® Expensive?

Products made with Dyneema® usually have higher costs than other materials. However, Dyneema® provides superior performance that allows the products to last longer than competitors. It’s a premium, patented material that combines a lightweight nature with ultimate strength, making it worth the extra cost.

4. Can You Splice Dyneema® Rope?

Rope splices are essential for many outdoor applications, allowing you to form loops or connect two ropes. You can splice ropes made of Dyneema®. The tough material needs a sturdy tool for cutting — its strength makes tools like household scissors unhelpful. Instead, you could use a boxcutter or other advanced device to splice through the rope.

5. Can You Sew Dyneema®?

You can sew Dyneema® fibers into many products. The fibers reinforce the existing material, adding interior strength and increased longevity. You can also sew Dyneema® Composite Fabrics onto existing products. For instance, you could patch holes in fabric-based gear with Dyneema®.

6. Can You Cut Dyneema®?

You can cut through Dyneema® fibers or fabrics to create particular shapes and thicknesses. It’s best to use sharp cutting devices because of the fibers’ extreme strength. Sharper tools also allow you to make precise cuts, aiding with accuracy.

7. Is Dyneema® Fabric Environmentally Friendly?

Dyneema® manufacturers use environmentally friendly approaches during development. For example, renewable energy reduces significant carbon dioxide emissions. The company runs fiber-production plants on 100% renewable energy.

The fibers also consist of reused materials, encouraging the circular economy and limiting waste. DSM prioritizes limiting its environmental impact and uses many environmentally safe techniques.

For instance, the company recently launched a campaign dedicated to repurposing their products at the end of their life spans. Instead of using Dyneema® products once and disposing of them, you can recycle the materials into another resource.

8. Is Dyneema® Waterproof?

Dyneema® Composite Fabrics are waterproof, an invaluable trait for many applications. Manufacturers commonly use the material in boating sails because it withstands wet conditions extremely well. In addition, Dyneema® materials are ideal for outdoor equipment that faces extreme weather. For instance, Dyneema® backpacks can protect your belongings from damage during precipitation or other harsh conditions.

9. Is Dyneema® UV Resistant?

Yes, Dyneema® is also UV resistant. It maintains its strength and color after extended exposure to the sun. UV degradation can cause materials to wear down and lose their functionality, rendering your investments useless. With Dyneema® products, you can trust your materials will maintain their strength and high-quality condition after excessive sun exposure.

10. How Long Does Dyneema® Last?

Dyneema® materials last for extended durations and don’t require much maintenance. Exact product life spans depend on the item type and average usage levels. Because Dyneema® fibers provide extreme strength and wear resistance, they offer some of the best longevity available today. In addition, repairing existing gear with Dyneema® Composite Fabrics helps extend their life spans.

Shop for Dyneema® Products With DutchWare Gear Today

If you’re seeking Dyneema® products, explore DutchWare Gear’s wide selection today. We offer a broad range of hammocks and outdoor gear to perfectly suit your upcoming adventures. We’re proud to carry Dyneema® fabric options for customers. Choose the size and shape that best matches your outdoor equipment, and enjoy the material’s durability.

Shop online for Dyneema® products at DutchWare Gear today.

Underquilts vs. Sleeping Pads

Portable and convenient, hammocks can offer an improved twist on camping or backpacking. However, when night falls, it’s crucial to keep yourself warm. Underquilts and sleeping pads are two insulation methods you can use. Which one should you pick? Here is a quick overview of both so you can make the right decision.

What Are Underquilts?

An underquilt is a single layer of lofty down that keeps your lower half snug throughout the night. When you hang it underneath your hammock, it locks in warm air while preventing cold air from getting in.

The fibers that create this insulation are outside the hammock and safe from extra weight, meaning you’ll get all the warmth your underquilt has to offer. Because underquilts use your natural body heat, your hammock will stay at your own optimal temperatures.

What Are Sleeping Pads?

Sleeping pads are inflatable or foam pads that stay in your hammock with you. Like underquilts, they provide warmth for the bottom half of your hammock so you can have a comfortable sleep. Most sleeping pads taper at the ends for a snug fit in any hammock, but they can also come in a square shape. These square versions might be a great option if you have a double-layered hammock with a designated holding sleeve.

Pros and Cons of Underquilts and Sleeping Pads

These hammock insulation methods each come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. If you’re trying to decide which is best for you, here are some things to consider.

Pros of Underquilts

• More warmth: An underquilt’s downy and enveloping design is better for extreme weather.
• Easy to use: After you hang it up, you’re all set!
• Holds position more successfully: After some practice getting your quilt into a place that works with how you sleep, you’ll effortlessly secure your quilt for a night without any adjustments. 
• Easily packable: While they may weigh more, underquilts are more compressible than sleeping pads, taking up less space when stored in your backpack.

Cons of Underquilts

• More expensive: Because they use higher-quality materials, underquilts tend to be more costly than sleeping pads.
• Less convenient to pack: Although lightweight options exist, a typical underquilt may be more difficult to fit in your bag.
• Complex rigging: If your hammock doesn’t have built-in storage for an underquilt, you’ll have to rig up some bungee cords and rope to attach it securely.

Pros of Sleeping Pads

• Versatile: Sleeping pads can inflate and deflate as needed. You can also use one if you need to spend a night on the ground.
• Less expensive: Sleeping pads are cost-effective if you’re new to hammock camping or need a temporary insulation solution.
• You might already own one: Those switching from tent camping likely own a sleeping pad, making it easily accessible and budget-friendly.

Cons of Sleeping Pads

• May need adjustment: Sleeping pads are prone to shifting during the night. Depending on your physique, the pad may also leave certain areas exposed.
• Less warmth: While they’re perfect for warmer nights, you might need more coverage or insulation for lower temperatures.
• May not fit hammock space: Many campers find that sleeping pads can be too narrow to fit the entire hammock space, affecting your comfort levels.
• Not as breathable: Sleeping pads are often constructed from materials that aren’t breathable, leaving you sweaty in some conditions. 

Both underquilts and sleeping pads are viable choices for nighttime warmth. Pick what fits your lifestyle, personal tastes, and needs!

Popular Sleeping Bag and Underquilt FAQs

If you still have questions about using sleeping bags or underquilts, check out some of our most frequently asked questions below.

How Do You Stay Warm While Sleeping in a Hammock?

When you’re sleeping in a hammock during the winter, you want the proper insulation to keep you warm all night. As you’ve learned throughout this article, underquilts and sleeping pads are the go-to methods to keep out the cold and remain comfortable while you sleep. Neither option is better than another, so it’s essential to try out each to discover which you prefer.

Are There Other Alternatives Instead of a Sleeping Pad or Underquilt?

While sleeping pads and underquilts are typical for staying warm, there are other options you can choose for your next outdoor hammock camping adventure. Some of these options include:

• Sleeping bag
• Tarp for wind protection
• Reflective blankets
• Wool blankets
• Additional clothing

At What Temperature Do You Need an Underquilt?

Underquilts are versatile resources you can use in many different conditions. Generally, it’s largely up to your personal preference when and where you use your underquilt. Most people start to feel chilly in their hammocks when temperatures drop to around 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but if you tend to sleep cold, it might be a good idea to set yours up at warmer temperatures.

Learn More About DutchWare Today

Whether you’re hammock camping for the first time or an experienced hammocker, having quality gear is a must. We offer fast shipping on our ultra-light, easy-to-use products so you can get out there and enjoy a night under the stars. Contact us to learn more!

Read These Beginner Hammock Articles

• How To Set Up A Camping Hammock
• Hammock Safety 101 – Complete Guide
• 16 Different Types of Camping – Which Is Right for You?
• Hammocks vs Tents – Which is Better?

You love the outdoors. The smell of fresh air, the gorgeous views, the excitement of those first few steps on a new adventure — any time when you’re surrounded by the serene sounds of nature is time well spent. Our team of designers enjoys outdoor adventures as much as you do and our years of hiking, camping and exploring have shown us just how far you can travel when you have the best gear to back you up. One piece of must-have gear is a hammock.

For many campers, hikers and adventurers, a hammock is the one piece of equipment that delivers unparalleled relaxation. Nothing beats stringing up a hammock overlooking a view that can only be earned on foot. Instead of sleeping on rough or cold ground, a hammock can provide an enjoyable and comfortable night of sleep during even the most grueling of journeys. Whether you’re hiking through a dense hillside forest or making camp along the riverside, a hammock is versatile and upgrades any journey.

Of course, you’re not just bringing any kind of equipment out on your adventure. Everything in your pack needs to be as durable and resilient as you are. Your backpack needs to endure the long haul. Your sleeping bag needs to protect you in any environment. Your hammock needs to offer quality, reliability and comfort. Experienced hikers know what they want and need — and they shouldn’t have to make compromises on the quality of their gear.

Why Fabric Choice Matters

As you prepare your gear for your next trip, take a moment to consider how you’ll want and need this equipment to perform out in the field. Think about the qualities you look for in everything from your footwear and jackets to backpacks and tents. No matter if you’re enjoying a weekend in a nature preserve close to home or venturing out to explore a national park for a week, every item in your pack needs to be reliable, comfortable and durable enough to handle any adventure.

DutchWare knows that high-quality equipment can keep a great trip from turning into an inconvenient and uncomfortable journey. Whether you’re upgrading your current gear or DIYing your own hammock, tarp or sleeping bag, we want to help you make your adventure as perfect as possible. We know that the different weights, levels of durability and versatility of each material has a significant impact on its performance in the field. You need a fabric that caters to your outdoor lifestyle, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Our hammock fabrics are available in a wide variety of options suited for the needs of outdoor enthusiasts on every level. DutchWare’s team of designers have developed high-quality fabrics for everything from hammocks, clothing, quilts and sleeping bags to tarps, tents and bivys. We’re here to help you learn about the unique benefits of breathable, waterproof, mesh and downproof fabrics and how each type will impact your hammock experience.

Breathable Fabrics

How important is your comfort while you’re enjoying the outdoors? At DutchWare, we believe that comfort is a priority for every hiking and camping trip. From the moment you set out your hammock until the moment you pack it up and head home, you need a reliable fabric that will keep you comfortable. Our breathable hammock fabrics are strong enough to support your needs yet woven to maximize airflow for supreme comfort.

• Reliable Results: Our Hexon 1.6 fabric is made from Nylon 6.6, which delivers an impressive strength to weight ratio, providing you with immense support that won’t weigh you down. Although Nylon 6.6 is strong enough to withstand significant heat or wear and tear, our Hexon 1.6 fabric is also surprisingly soft. Its cotton-like feel and stretch offer the reliable comfort you want in your hammock.
• The Ultimate Cutting-Edge Fabric: Our ARGON fabrics feature nylon quilt materials that defy expectations. Our ARGON 90 has a double ripstop grid and amazing DWR finish. Independently tested by the largest down and feather laboratory in the world, our ARGON 67 fabric received a perfect 5-star rating from the IDFL. Both the ARGON 67 and ARGON 90 are tightly woven, calendared and completely downproof. Their ability to breathe while deflecting wind and moisture offer versatile performance as both an inner and outer quilt shell.
• Exclusive Strength: Made exclusively for DutchWare, our Hexon line features some of our strongest breathable fabrics. These variants are book-ended by the 200-pound rating on the Hexon 1.0 and the Hexon 2.4’s 400-pound rating. Our Hexon 1.6 is rated for 350 pounds and is available in an extended width of 71 inches.
• Lightweight: Our lightweight Ion hammock fabric is available in calendared and uncalendared versions. This fabric is perfect for hammocks or quilts and is a great lightweight material for clothing.
• Styled for Hiking and Hunting: If you like the look of camouflage print on all of your outdoor equipment, then you’ll love our Print2Fabric breathable fabrics for hammocks and clothing. You can select from 33 different prints for the ARGON 15D, Hexon 1.0 or Hexon 1.6 fabric.

Comfort is key for every outdoor journey. Whether you’re DIYing your hammock or making modifications to your sleeping bag, breathable fabrics are exceptional materials you can use. These lightweight fabrics prevent moisture from building up and causing discomfort. DutchWare breathable outdoor fabrics for hammocks, clothing, sleeping bags and tents are designed to keep you comfortable even as you trek through high heat, muddy trails and sudden rainstorms.

Waterproof Fabrics

Nothing beats a beautiful day outside, but every outdoor enthusiast knows that the weather isn’t always favorable. Instead of letting a little wind and rain stop you from enjoying your adventure, you can outfit your clothes, backpacks, tents and more with waterproof fabrics. These materials are designed to stand up to everything from a light mist to a torrential downpour to heavy snow. However, it’s important to understand the difference between waterproof, water-resistant and water repellent products.

• Waterproof: Moisture does not penetrate through the material.
• Water-Resistant: The majority of moisture does not penetrate through the material, although a small amount still will.
• Water Repellent: Moisture has a difficult time penetrating through the material compared to a standard material like cotton. However, this does not prevent water from penetrating the material.

When you design your gear, you want to make sure you use waterproof fabrics. Even a small amount of water — for instance, getting caught in a downpour for a few minutes before you can find shelter — can be enough to damage or ruin essential pieces of your gear. Wearing water-soaked clothing can cause you to get sick. Tents and backpacks can also develop mold if they aren’t dried properly after becoming waterlogged. Waterproof fabrics keep you and your equipment warm, safe and dry.

It’s also important to understand that waterproof fabrics are all different as well. Some fabrics are very lightweight and are ideal for clothing. Other fabrics are abrasion-resistant, which provides extra durability for items like bags or tents. You may choose to use one waterproof fabric for your shelter and select a different one for your clothing based on these unique features and benefits. DutchWare carries a variety of waterproof fabrics perfect for outdoor use in nearly any climate.

• Abrasion Resistance: Choose the Robic 210D Extreema for a thin, flexible fabric that is abrasion resistant.
• Reinforced Reliability: The 300D Pack Material is one of our strongest water-resistant fabrics. Coated on the back with Polyurethane, it is made with a 300-denier polyester diamond weave material that provides the durability you need when reinforcing your backpack or tarp.
• The X-Factor in Your Gear: X-Pac waterproof fabrics come in multiple variants, including the VX25, VX03 and VX07. All three feature a waterproof PSI of at least 200 and DWR finish. These heavy-duty fabrics are designed to resist tearing and keep water out.
• The Ultimate Upgrade: The Robic 210D Extreema Pack Material is stronger and more durable than normal nylon. This waterproof fabric can take a beating and still not tear, making it the ultimate upgrade for your backpack.
• Dyneema® Durability: Choose any of the Dyneema® Composite Fabrics for a tough, waterproof material that is lightweight and soft on the skin. We offer six different weights of the Dyneema® Composite fabric, from 0.51-ounce fabric perfect for gloves, tarps and stuff sacks to 2.92-ounce fabric made for heavy-duty bags. All Dyneema® Composite fabrics are 54 inches wide and sold in 1/2 yard increments.
• No-Breathe Nylon: Our Sil Nylon waterproof fabric is made of ultralight ripstop nylon and features a siliconized coating. This non-breathable fabric will prevent even the smallest amount of moisture from seeping through your gear.
• Performance Under Pressure: Our Xenon line of waterproof fabrics are made from lightweight polyester and will stand up to heavy rainfall. The Xenon Sil .9 and Xenon Sil 1.1 both have at least 1500mm head pressure. This new fabric is made from lightweight polyester and is also available in a wider size. The Xenon Sil 5300 will endure any storm you’re brave enough to face with its 5300mm head pressure rating.
• Trust in Tyvek: When a material is used to protect the infrastructure of buildings from water during construction, you know that you can trust it to take care of you and your gear. Tyvek fabric is waterproof and lightweight, giving you reliability in an easy-to-carry roll.

Don’t let moisture, rain or water ruin your time or your gear. Whether you’re DIYing a tarp or adding extra waterproof reinforcement for your backpack, select a reliable waterproof fabric made from polyester, coated nylon or Dyneema®. These materials can be lightweight, durable additions to your gear that will ensure you stay safe and comfortable on your next trip.

Calendared/Downproof Fabrics

You have a lot of great fabric options for designing or improving your gear. Waterproof and breathable fabrics both offer unique features that can keep you cool, comfortable and clean for years. These benefits are handy, but some active backpackers and campers may want to make their gear as useful as possible. If you’re interested in upgrading your standard equipment so that these items are perfectly personalized to your needs, our team suggests that you consider integrating calendared and downproof fabric into your design.

It’s likely that you already use other items that feature downproof fabric such as down comforters and pillows used on your bed. These fabrics contain the down or feathers that fill these items, preventing them from coming out through the fabric. You may choose to use down and downproof fabrics on your sleeping bag, for instance, to achieve the same lightweight warmth that you receive from your down comforter. One benefit of downproof fabrics is that they are also calendared.

Downproof fabrics are calendared, although not all calendared fabrics are also downproof. You can also choose a breathable or waterproof fabric that is downproof or calendared. A breathable fabric that is downproof is a lightweight option that is soft to the touch. A waterproof fabric that is calendared provides an additional layer of waterproofing to keep you and your gear warm and dry. DutchWare carries downproof and calendared fabrics that are also waterproof or breathable.

DutchWare fabrics that are downproof/calendared and breathable:

• ARGON 67
• ARGON 90
• Dobby 1.9
• Ion

Dyneema® Composite fabrics that are laminated together to create a downproof and waterproof seal:

• CT1E.08 (0.51 oz.)
• CT1E.08/C21K.18 (0.67 oz.)
• CT2E.08 (0.8 oz.)
• CT2K.18 (1.0 oz.)
• CT3.5K.18 (1.3 oz.)
• CT5K.18/WOV (2.92 oz.)

If your gear has down inside or needs some extra waterproofing, consider downproof and calendared fabrics. Downproof fabrics are made especially for use in quilts and sleeping bags that contain down. Calendaring adds a little extra waterproofness to a fabric. Downproof and calendared fabrics possess features that will benefit you on your travels, especially journeys that are likely to include significant changes in weather and temperature.

Mesh Fabrics

Along with our breathable, waterproof, calendared and downproof fabrics, DutchWare also provides mesh fabric and netting to completely cover your outdoor needs. From the trail to the campsite and everywhere in between, you’ll need protection from bothersome insects. Our three bug netting fabrics provide the best defense against anything that may bite and sting you during your trip. Adding our NoSee-Um Bug Netting to your hammock, tent and sleeping bag will ensure that you’re protected all night.

Mesh padding is another useful resource that can be used for different applications. This polyester material is breathable, wicking moisture away throughout your trip. Ideal for shoulder straps, spacer mesh is soft on the skin and barely noticeable.

DutchWare offers four types of mesh fabric:

• 3D Spacer Mesh (1/8″): This thick, padded mesh is perfect for hip belts or backpack straps.
• 0.9 NoSee-Um Bug Netting: This bugnetting weighs only 0.9 ounces per square yard and excels at keeping flying, biting, stinging bugs at bay.
• Nano NoSee-Um Bug Netting: This bugnetting is even lighter at only 0.67 ounces per square yard and is made from 15-denier nylon.
• NoSee-Um Baffle: This baffle tape is made from our bugnetting fabric and is meant for sewing inside sleeping bags and quilts to keep the filling from shifting. It’s available in 1.5-inch, 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch widths.

One of the biggest challenges to relaxing and camping outdoors is contending with the thousands of insects that will always cross your path. The allure of sleeping under the stars in a hammock or sleeping bag can be instantly eliminated when you think about the itching and swatting that comes with open-air relaxation. Thankfully, adding bug netting to or around your hammock is an effective way to keep these pests out and keep you comfortable.

Quality Fabrics for All Your Gear From DutchWare

Your options to customize your trail gear are virtually limitless, especially when it comes to high-quality outdoor fabric. DutchWare is ready to help you create your own gear or improve your current equipment with our reliable fabrics. All of our fabrics are available in a variety of styles, colors and patterns, letting you completely personalize your gear to your specs and style. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you select the right fabric for your hammock, sleeping bag or other outdoor equipment.

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