THE MATERIALS BEHIND DAYFARER
From sailcloth technology to densely woven cotton: the fabrics and components behind our products. Why we choose them. How they work. And what makes them special.
01 / X-PAC® VX21
When a material has to stay light and withstand demanding conditions on the water, it offers a compelling starting point for bags, too.
X-PAC® / THE DISTINCTIVE X-PLY® STRUCTUREEXPERIENCE FROM SAILMAKING
X-Pac comes from Dimension-Polyant, a specialist in high-performance sailcloth. In sailing, weight, strength and dimensional stability all matter. A sail must handle changing loads and weather without unnecessary weight.
X-Pac builds on that experience: purpose-built bag laminates whose individual layers perform different jobs. Dimension-Polyant developed its sailcloth technology for a new application.
VX21 brings together a nylon face, a waterproof film, diagonal X-PLY reinforcement and a lightweight polyester backing. For our X-Pac backpacks, that combination offers a technical character, low stretch and a robust construction at a manageable weight.
The layers work together to create a material designed around performance.
Diagonal reinforcement yarns are part of the construction — and give the surface its distinctive appearance.
The film forms the material’s water barrier. Protection of the finished bag depends on its complete construction.
VX21 / FOUR LAYERS
A look beneath the surface. This overview explains the function of each layer.
The textile surface that meets everyday use.
The continuous water barrier within the laminate.
Diagonally arranged polyester reinforcement yarns.
A lightweight textile backing.
The manufacturer describes standard VX21 as a four-layer laminate with a 210D nylon face and a composition of 60% nylon and 40% polyester. Its black X-PLY reinforcement is currently specified as recycled post-consumer polyester. This does not mean the whole fabric is recycled. Other VX21 versions and production batches may differ.
The laminate is waterproof. This does not automatically make our sewn backpacks fully waterproof: stitch holes, zippers and openings affect the protection of the finished product. Always refer to the individual product description.
Explore VX21 with the manufacturer ↗02 / RECYCLED VELOCITY NYLON
For the DAYFARER Backpack 24L, we use recycled high-tenacity 420D Velocity Nylon. It combines a restrained matte surface with a flexible construction for work, training and getting around.
Its PU backing supports water resistance. We choose it because an everyday backpack should be easy to handle and ready for frequent use.
Discover it on the DAYFARER Backpack 24L ↗03 / HARDWARE
A good fabric is just the beginning. A bag’s components also determine how it opens, closes and adjusts.
FIDLOCK® / V-BUCKLE
Magnets help guide the two parts together. A mechanical latch secures the closure. That combination of feel and function is an important part of our backpacks.
The V-BUCKLE version shown here has a black stainless-steel flap and a pull tab. Check each product’s specifications for the exact model used.
FIDLOCK® / SNAP BUCKLE FLAT 40
A low-profile buckle keeps a bag visually clean and straightforward to use. The SNAP family combines magnetic guidance with a mechanical lock.
The flat 40 is designed for 40 mm webbing. An integrated metal spring makes its flat construction possible; the version shown offers webbing adjustment on one side.
FIDLOCK® / STRIPE SLIM X5
On a cap, the closure should feel part of the whole product. For our Cap, we use STRIPE slim X5: a restrained component that complements its clean design.
Our material selection also includes STRIPE X3, for example on the ACTIVE Sling. Components differ by product and generation; refer to the individual product description for the precise specification.
YKK® / AQUAGUARD®
The coated surface supports the zipper’s water-repellent performance. A small detail that contributes to the weather-resistant construction of our bags.
AquaGuard is a water-repellent zipper. It is not a submersible closure and does not by itself make a sewn product fully waterproof.
04 / VENTILE® L24
A natural feel. Breathable comfort. An exceptionally dense weave designed to meet the weather.
VENTILE / ITS ORIGINS
Ventile was developed in 1943 at Britain’s Shirley Institute for the Royal Air Force. The goal was a fabric that offered protection while remaining comfortable to wear. The brand also connects its early history with protective flight clothing for crews forced to land at sea.
The answer was exceptionally long-staple cotton, woven to an unusually high density. The construction of the fabric itself does much of the work.
For our DAYFARER Cap, we chose Ventile L24. We value its combination of a natural surface, breathable comfort and weather resistance — qualities that make sense on changeable everyday outings.
HOW IT WORKS
In dry conditions, the fabric remains breathable. When exposed to moisture, cotton fibres swell. This reduces the spaces in the already dense weave and makes it harder for water to penetrate. It is the interaction of fibre and construction that makes Ventile special.
Our Cap uses Ventile L24: 100% cotton with a fabric weight of 200 g/m². Ventile Classic uses extra-long-staple cotton woven to an exceptionally high density. Our L24 was sourced from Switzerland.
Weather resistance is not a guarantee of a completely waterproof finished product. Seams, openings and the cap’s construction also play a part.
More about Ventile from the manufacturer ↗Ventile photos show examples of the manufacturer’s fabrics, not the specific L24 batch used for our Cap. Material and component specifications are not additional performance guarantees for finished DAYFARER products.
