The word “Dyneema” – if it hasn’t already – is going to start appearing more and more in the articles and websites you read to see what’s new from the outdoors industry. Some call it a space-age fiber. Some call it a space-age fabric. But one thing’s for sure, it is the most significant advancement in outdoor gear technology in decades. But what is it?

Dyneema Fibers are the Strongest Manmade Fibers in the World. Its tensile strength is 15 times greater than high-quality steel. It’s lightweight, extremely durable, hydrophobic (waterproof), and resistant to UV light and chemicals.

Dyneema fibers have revolutionized products in various industries such as protective gear for military/law enforcement, world-class sailing, rescue/telecom/recreational climbing ropes, cut-resistant gloves, commercial fishing applications, and outdoor gear. But Dyneema fibers are only one of the components in the materials used to create our gear.

Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) are Laminates Used Like Fabrics. This is the technology being used in the outdoor gear industry. There are a variety of construction methods used to create these, but the basic premise is that Dyneema fibers are laid out in grid patterns and sandwiched between high-tech polyester laminates. The resulting non-woven, rip-stop materials vary in grid density, weights, thicknesses, and therefore, durability.

(To really get in the weeds about the characteristics of Dyneema Fiber + Dyneema Composite Fabrics, head to our Technology Page)