Outdoor labels Arc’teryx and Durston joined forces with ALUULA Composites to introduce new performance-driven, lightweight and recyclable outdoor gear.
ALUULA specifically developed new ultralight Wapta 30 Pack with Durston Gear made with Graflyte V-98. The Wapta 30 superlight pack focuses on lightness, durability and performance. The soft fabric is woven using ultra-high, molecular-weight polyethylene, which – while not a new material – Aluula has created a new patented process that does not require adding polyester film to the UHMWPE, as “Ultra” material does. The result is a lighter material with superior strength-to-weight ratio that is eight times stronger than that of steel.
“We’re excited to partner with ALUULA, working together to combine their next-generation composite materials with Arc’teryx’s expertise in creating durable, high-performance products for extreme mountain environments,” said Greg Grenzke, senior director, design – Advanced Concepts, Arc’teryx. “Like Arc’teryx, ALUULA is a company of engineers, scientists, and passionate outdoor experts, and they share our commitment to innovation and unparalleled athletic performance.”
Already field tested in harsh marine conditions, ALUULA Composites is a proven game changer in kite boarding and other windsports. The diferentiatior value is that Graflyte doesn’t need to be sewn together. It can be heat-bonded to itself, which could be used to create 3D structures with a single piece of fabric and completely change the way backpacks are constructed. The tech is already being utilized in wings used for foiling in the wind. Plus, given that the fabric is composed of a single material, it is able to be recycled, as opposed to other competing fabrics that use multiple materials, which renders them un-recyclable. The recycled material could, in theory, be used for backpack suspension systems or for applications in other industries.
For several years, ALUULA has been working closely with gear design teams for Arc’Teryx, Black Diamond, Rockgeist and Durston to deliver solutions that exceed what was previously possible with conventional composite materials.
In partnership with the University of British Columbia, ALUULA has developed a process to compress material off-cuts and end-of-life products into uniform, lightweight and ultra-durable panels. From backpack back panels to low friction wear plates, the applications are suited to any task where strength, weight, abrasion resistance, and low friction are desirable.
“ALUULA Composites are not only creating extremely light, strong, and durable fabrics, but materials that are recycle ready,” noted ALUULA Composites material scientist, Samuel White. “Working with UBC students on applications for these ultra-strong and ultra-durable products is proving to be invaluable as we refine our processes to ensure the recyclability of ALUULA materials.”
