---
title: "Not all materials are the same – a technical glossary for the outdoor enthusiast"
description: "Choosing gear for the mountains and have no idea how to make sense of the various materials and their trade names? Take a look at our technical glossary for the outdoor enthusiast."
canonical_url: "https://gramino.com/blog/technical-glossary-of-outdoor-materials"
last_updated: "2021-03-14"
---

# Not all materials are the same – a technical glossary for the outdoor enthusiast

Authors: Tomáš Roztočil

Date: 2021-03-14

Choosing gear for the mountains and have no idea how to make sense of the various materials and their trade names? Take a look at our technical glossary for the outdoor enthusiast.

Outdoor gear has gone through a revolution in recent years. Gone are the days when even an empty backpack weighed several kilograms, and we'd set off on a multi-day trek loaded down with kit that would make a prospector blush. With the arrival of modern fibers, technical fabrics, and lightweight breathable membranes, the bulk and weight of gear have shrunk dramatically. Today you can head out on a months-long expedition [with a light backpack](/blog/how-to-lighten-your-backpack-7-tips), finally free to enjoy every panorama instead of just counting down to the next break. And despite their packability and low weight, modern materials won't let you down even in nasty weather.

But with a flood of new materials and brand names out there, it's easy for even a seasoned outdoor enthusiast to get lost. So in this article, we'll go through the most common materials one by one, so you won't feel lost the next time you're shopping for lightweight mountain gear. We'll cover their basic properties as well as their pros and cons.

## There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear

Today's outdoor gear market offers an overwhelming range of specialized technical materials – which is exactly why plenty of seasoned outdoor folks will insist there's no such thing as one-size-fits-all gear, and that your closet should hold at least a couple of backpacks, five jackets, three pairs of pants, five kinds of socks, and a solid pile of T-shirts on top. But is that whole arsenal really necessary? It depends on how much time you spend in the mountains and what conditions you usually head into.

The reason for such narrow specialization is that each material works best under certain conditions – for instance, you'd rather reach for insulated, membrane-lined [waterproof socks](/c/clothing/waterproof-socks) on damp autumn days, while in summer you'll appreciate light, airy, quick-drying materials instead. So whenever you're about to buy new gear for the mountains, first ask yourself what conditions you spend the most time in and which activities you do most often in them. When choosing new clothing and gear, don't overlook weight and packability – unnecessarily heavy, bulky kit will wear you down in summer and winter alike, on treks and on bikepacking trips.

- [DexShell Ultra Thin Crew](/p/dexshell-ultra-thin-crew.md)
- [DexShell Thermlite](/p/dexshell-thermlite.md)
- [DexShell Running Lite Sock 2.0](/p/dexshell-running-lite-sock-2-0.md)
- [DexShell Beanie Gradient](/p/dexshell-beanie-gradient.md)
- [DexShell Drylite Gloves](/p/dexshell-drylite-gloves.md)
- [DexShell ThermFit Glove 3.0](/p/dexshell-thermfit-glove-3-0.md)
- [DexShell Ultralite Gloves 2.0](/p/dexshell-ultralite-gloves-2-0.md)
- [DexShell Trekking](/p/dexshell-trekking.md)
- [DexShell Pro Visibility Sock](/p/dexshell-pro-visibility-sock.md)
- [DexShell Watch Beanie 2.0](/p/dexshell-watch-beanie-2-0.md)

## From the factory to the mountains

Before we dive fully into the world of technical materials, it's worth understanding that we always need to distinguish between the name of the fiber itself (say, polyester) and various brand names (say, Dyneema). Plenty of brands license or buy the underlying technologies and materials, then combine and innovate on them in various ways before offering them under catchy brand names. In reality, most technical gear and clothing on the market is built from just a handful of basic synthetic fibers. **What really sets their quality and performance apart is how they're processed and combined into new blended materials.**

One of the breakthrough inventions in the world of synthetic fibers was **polyester** – it's such a versatile material that it's used as a blend component in a huge range of fabrics. You'll find it in everything from [clothing](/c/clothing), through [backpacks](/c/backpacks), to [inflatable sleeping pads](/c/sleep/sleeping-pads) and [tents](/c/sleep/tents). **Its key properties include good UV resistance, low water absorption (it dries fast), and abrasion resistance.**

Another basic material used in (not just) outdoor clothing and gear is **polyamide**. One of its widespread forms, dating back to 1930, is polyamide 6.6, better known as **nylon**. Today you'll find it in plenty of technical clothing, but it's also used in climbing gear, for example. **Compared to polyester, it has greater tear and abrasion resistance.** Nylon is stretchy, which can be either an advantage or a drawback. Compared to polyester, it holds up worse against UV exposure and absorbs more water in damp conditions. It's used to make things like ultralight tent flysheets, warm clothing from the patented Polartec material, softshell jackets, Windstopper membranes, the tough **Cordura** fabric, and in our range – combined with polyester and other fibers – you'll find it in waterproof socks from [DexShell](/b/dexshell).

Polyamide's younger sibling is **polyethylene**, used to make things like the high-strength material known by the brand name **Dyneema**. This technical material stands out for its incredible tensile strength relative to its minimal weight, plus solid abrasion resistance – making it perfect for static cords and ropes, though thanks to its durability it's also found its way into outdoor socks and technical threads. Ultralight fans often reach for it in the form of a [Tyvek footprint](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-250-x-150-cm).

Today, many manufacturers combine and enhance the materials above in their quest to develop the most durable, lightest gear possible. These advanced hybrid materials include **Dyneema® Composite Fabric** **(DCF)**, found on backpacks, tarps, and other gear from the legendary American brand [**Hyperlite Mountain Gear**](/b/hyperlite-mountain-gear). This ultralight yet tough material is made by laminating and fusing classic Dyneema**®** (polyethylene) between thin layers of polyester. Its tear-strength-to-weight ratio is even better than nylon's. **DCF has very low stretch, very good abrasion resistance, is 100% waterproof, and doesn't absorb water. Its downsides are demanding manufacturing and a high price tag.**

- [Tyvek 150x250 cm (for 2 people)](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-250-x-150-cm.md)
- [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-pods.md)
- [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-unbound-40.md)
- [NEMO Tensor Trail](/p/nemo-tensor-trail.md)
- [Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3](/p/big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul3.md)
- [Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated](/p/big-agnes-rapide-sl-insulated.md)
- [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dyneema Repair Kit](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-dyneema-repair-kit.md)
- [Liteway Lite Pocket Ultra](/p/liteway-lite-pocket-ultra.md)
- [Liteway Wash Bag](/p/liteway-wash-bag.md)
- [Sea To Summit Escapist 15D Tarp Large](/p/sea-to-summit-escapist-15d-tarp-large.md)
- [DexShell Ultra Thin Crew](/p/dexshell-ultra-thin-crew.md)

## Ultralight and tough?

When choosing lightweight mountain gear, plenty of adventurers worry about its durability. That's why every technical fiber comes with a **denier** value (marked with the letter “D”), which measures the thickness of individual fibers. It's a unit derived from the thickness of a natural fiber – 1 denier equals the thickness of a single strand of silk. In numbers, that's the weight in grams per 9,000 meters. Materials made from thicker fibers (higher denier) will be more durable but won't save you as much weight, while ultralight materials require a bit more careful handling.

Outdoor material names also often feature the term **Ripstop**, a special weaving technique. Thicker warp threads – and sometimes weft threads too – are woven in at intervals of roughly five to eight millimeters. These thicker fibers give the fabric its characteristic look – you'll usually spot a square or rectangular grid pattern at first glance. Primarily, they boost tear resistance and contain any tears, stopping them from spreading further.

With [backpacks](/c/backpacks), for instance, where durability is absolutely essential, manufacturers try to use tougher materials at the most stressed points and save weight wherever it makes sense elsewhere. Thanks to modern technology and smart construction, we can offer backpacks from brands like [Montane](/b/montane), [Granite Gear](/b/granite-gear), [Sierra Designs](/b/sierra-designs), or [Mountainsmith](/b/mountainsmith), which are light as a feather yet hold up to long, demanding expeditions and heavier loads.

- [Montane Trailblazer 44 (2024)](/p/montane-trailblazer-44-2024.md)
- [Montane Trailblazer LT 28](/p/montane-trailblazer-lt-28.md)
- [Montane Trailblazer 32 (2024)](/p/montane-trailblazer-32.md)
- [Montane Trailblazer 18 (2024)](/p/montane-trailblazer-18-2024.md)
- [Mountainsmith Zerk 40 – 2024](/p/mountainsmith-zerk-40.md)
- [Mountainsmith Scream 55 (2023)](/p/mountainsmith-scream-55-2023.md)
- [Granite Gear Virga3 55 Women's](/p/granite-gear-virga3-55-womens.md)
- [Montane Trailblazer 8 (2024)](/p/montane-trailblazer-8-2024.md)
- [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Aero 28](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-aero-28.md)
- [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-contour-35.md)
- [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Camera Pod](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-camera-pod.md)

*Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound and Junction backpacks (photo by Jiří Pařízek)*

One of the legendary synthetic materials is **Cordura**. It's one of the most widely used nylon (polyamide) fabrics on the market, found wherever high durability paired with low weight is needed. Thanks to its toughness, heavier-denier Cordura variants are used to make backpacks, alpine gear, and military equipment. You'll find its lightweight version in the Ultra-Sil collection from [Sea To Summit](/b/sea-to-summit), who use it to make [ultralight, waterproof yet durable compression sacks](/c/gear/drybags-and-organisers) that are hugely popular on long-distance treks through changeable conditions, but which also work great as a multi-purpose **handlebar bag** for [bikepacking](/blog/how-to-get-started-with-bikepacking).

- [Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil 15D Nano Tarp Poncho](/p/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil15d-nano-tarp-poncho.md)
- [Sea To Summit Lightweight Dry Bag](/p/sea-to-summit-lightweight-dry-bag.md)
- [Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack](/p/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-stuff-sack.md)
- [Hyperlite Mountain Gear Side Entry Pod](/p/hyperlite-mountain-gear-side-entry-pod.md)
- [Liteway Sleeping Pad Cover](/p/liteway-sleeping-pad-cover.md)
- [Sea To Summit eVac Compression Dry Bag UL](/p/sea-to-summit-evac-compression-dry-bag-ul.md)
- [Sea To Summit Lightweight Dry Bag First Aid](/p/sea-to-summit-lightweight-dry-bag-first-aid.md)
- [Sea To Summit Escapist 15D Tarp Large](/p/sea-to-summit-escapist-15d-tarp-large.md)
- [DD Hammocks SuperLight Tarp XL](/p/dd-hammocks-superlight-tarp-xl.md)

## Dry and comfortable

Clothing meant for active movement in the mountains needs to handle a tough combination of harsh weather and physical exertion. Ultralight gear lets you go faster and farther, so when choosing any clothing you should always care not just about **waterproofing**, but also about solid **breathability**. There's nothing worse than hiding from a freezing wind inside a jacket that leaves you drenched in sweat, only to end up even colder.

One of the most essential pieces of mountain clothing is undoubtedly the outer waterproof layer, or **“hardshell”**. You can't do without one, especially in rainy regions, high mountains, and on any [winter adventure](/blog/winter-adventure-and-gear-tips). Waterproofing in clothing is most often achieved with either a coating or a membrane. **A coating** is a thin film applied to the inside of the protective outer layer. **A membrane** is a thin porous or non-porous layer laminated between other protective layers.

In recent years, membrane manufacturers have managed to dramatically improve the weight-to-performance ratio, so a waterproof jacket today will often pack down small enough to fit in a pocket. For lightweight travelers, membrane jackets are the holy grail – despite their breathability, they can still keep you warm during activity even when you're only wearing a couple of base layers, and they'll shield you perfectly from even the sharpest wind.

But membranes also show up in gloves, hats, and waterproof socks, which need to protect your feet from moisture and cold while still keeping them comfortable. Our favorite brand [DexShell](/b/dexshell) uses the time-tested Porelle® membrane, which some models pair with natural materials like bamboo fiber or merino wool for extra comfort.

Different membranes and coatings are always combined with other materials that might stand out for their low weight, durability, or stretch. Ultralight fans have taken a particular liking in recent years to the lightweight yet tough materials from the British brand **Pertex** – in our range, you'll find it on down jackets from [Montane](/b/montane) or [Cumulus](/b/cumulus), as well as on plenty of sleeping bags.

The outer fabrics of sleeping bags, down jackets, waterproof jackets, and even backpacks are very often treated with a thin hydrophobic coating known as **DWR** (durable water repellent). Its job is to bead off the first drops of water and protect against moisture and condensation.

- [Montane Anti-Freeze Hoodie](/p/montane-mens-anti-freeze-hoodie.md)
- [Montane Minimus Lite Jacket](/p/montane-mens-minimus-lite-jacket.md)
- [Montane Phase Lite Jacket](/p/montane-mens-phase-lite-jacket.md)
- [Montane Protium Lite Hoodie](/p/montane-mens-protium-lite-hoodie.md)
- [Montane Tenacity Pants](/p/montane-mens-tenacity-pants.md)
- [Cumulus Plancklite Men's](/p/cumulus-plancklite.md)
- [Patizon G 400](/p/patizon-g400.md)
- [Cumulus Panyam 450](/p/cumulus-panyam-450.md)
- [Cumulus Comforter L500](/p/cumulus-comforter-l500.md)
- [Warmpeace Viking 300](/p/warmpeace-viking-300.md)
- [Cumulus Inverse Jacket Men's](/p/cumulus-inverse-jacket.md)

## Into nature, naturally

Fans of lightweight adventure swear by natural materials, and rightly so – they often outperform synthetic fibers in plenty of ways. **Merino wool** is without question one of the most popular natural yarns today. The main strengths of this extremely fine wool are its ability to insulate effectively even when damp or sweaty, and its long-lasting resistance to odor. It's also far less itchy than regular sheep's wool. Compared to synthetic materials, though, it dries a bit more slowly and isn't quite as durable on its own. That's exactly why it works best for long-distance treks and endurance activity, where you won't sweat as heavily. Thanks to its excellent insulating properties when damp, it's especially beloved by fans of rainy, Nordic countries, where this natural sheep technology, combined with a good membrane jacket, can keep you comfortable for weeks on end.

If we had to pick our all-time favorite natural material, it would undoubtedly be **down**. We've already written in detail about this lightweight, packable, near-miraculous material in our earlier article – [Not all down is the same. Everything you need to know about it](/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-down).

*Ecopak Epx200 ultralight material backpack*

## Theory and practice

After reading this article, you've surely got the basic theory and vocabulary of outdoor gear down pat. But as we all know, theory is one thing – practice is often a different story. So don't let yourself get overwhelmed by the huge range on offer – when picking gear for the coming season, focus mainly on the activities you actually enjoy and the extras that can make time outdoors easier and more pleasant. You should also know that, especially with lightweight travel and trekking, experience matters just as much as quality gear – so once you finally get your dream setup, **don't wait around: head out to the mountains and put it to the test, and really learn how to use it**. Reliable, tried-and-tested gear will take you much farther, with a smile on your face – and isn't that the whole reason we all head into those hills in the first place?

- [Patizon D 290](/p/patizon-d-290.md)
- [Patizon G 800](/p/patizon-g800.md)
- [Cumulus Mysterious Traveller 700](/p/cumulus-mysterious-traveller-700.md)
- [Cumulus Minilite Men's](/p/cumulus-minilite.md)
- [Cumulus Mountlite Jacket Men's](/p/cumulus-mountlite-jacket.md)
- [Montane Anti-Freeze Mitt](/p/montane-anti-freeze-mitt.md)
- [Montane Anti-Freeze Slipper](/p/montane-anti-freeze-slipper.md)
- [Montane Women's Anti-Freeze XT Hoodie](/p/montane-womens-anti-freeze-xt-hoodie.md)
- [Cumulus Mysterious Traveller 500](/p/cumulus-mysterious-traveller-500.md)
- [Cumulus Teneqa 700](/p/cumulus-teneqa-700.md)
- [Cumulus neo Quilt 150](/p/cumulus-neo-quilt-150.md)

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