Aluula worked on the development of the new ultralight Wapta 30 Pack with Durston Gear made with Graflyte V-98.
The backpack’s soft fabric is woven using ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which in itself is not a new material, but Aluula has created a new heat-bonding process that doesn’t require adding polyester film to the UHMWPE. The result is a lighter material with superior strength to weight ratio that is eight times stronger than that of steel.
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. Because the fabric is composed of a single material, it is also able to be recycled. The recycled material could, in theory, be used for backpack suspension systems or for applications in other industries.
“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.”
