08/24/2025
The hidden flaw of nylon packs in canyoneering ,caving and climbing (and what we're using instead)
Hey everyone,
I've been working on designing technical packs specifically for canyoneering ([link to my beta-testing album if you have pics!]), and one issue that kept coming up in research was the problem of hydrolysis in nylon—where the material actually loses tensile strength when it's wet and abraded.
This led me down a rabbit hole to UHMWPE-based fabrics like Challenge Ultra 800X. The key advantages for our sport seem to be:
· Zero water absorption: Doesn't get heavier or weaker when saturated.
· 100% wet-strength retention: Doesn't suffer from hydrolysis like nylon.
· Insane abrasion resistance: Stands up to sandstone and limestone much better.
I wrote a detailed blog post breaking down the science behind it, why it matters for canyoneering specifically, and the environmental benefits of using recycled content in this fabric.
I'm not here to just drop a link. I'm genuinely curious about this community's thoughts:
· Has anyone else had a pack fail because it got waterlogged?
· Does the weight vs. absolute durability trade-off matter more or less to you in a wet canyon?
· Are there other fabric technologies you swear by?
If you're interested in the deep dive, you can check out the full article here:
https://www.etherforged.com/the-forge/beyond-durability-why-ultra-800x-is-the-ultimate-fabric-for-wet-and-wild-adventures
Cheers, and stay safe out there."
Is your gear's durability just about longevity? Discover how Ultra 800X's UHMWPE fibers offer unmatched strength, zero water absorption, and a lighter environmental footprint—making it the only choice for serious climbers, cavers, and canyoneers.
