Why fabric choice matters
The fabric plays a big role in how a bag feels and performs in real use. It affects weight, abrasion resistance, water protection, structure, appearance, price, and the kind of riding or travel the bag is best suited for
At 7R, we mostly work with ECOPAK™ and UltraWeave™ fabrics made by Challenge Outdoor, because they offer one of the best combinations of low weight, durability, and weather protection for modern bikepacking and everyday carry.
ECOPAK™ is made with 100% recycled polyester fiber and film, absorbs far less moisture than traditional laminated nylon, and offers strong UV resistance and color retention, which makes it a very practical choice for gear that has to handle regular outdoor use. Challenge Outdoor also positions EPLX fabrics as waterproof laminates with a matte RUV film backing that is more abrasion-resistant, wrinkles less, and is highly UV resistant.
UltraWeave™ is one of our preferred options when the goal is maximum performance with minimum weight. According to Challenge Outdoor, Ultra is their highest-performing UHMWPE composite fabric line; UHMWPE is naturally water-resistant, highly UV resistant, and extremely strong for its weight. Their Ultra fabrics are built to deliver exceptional tear strength, high abrasion resistance, and full waterproof performance, which is why they work so well for lightweight but hard-wearing bags.
PVC fabrics
For some of our frame bags and top tube bags, we use PVC fabric similar to the material commonly used in boats. We recommend it for riders who want the highest possible level of durability and weather protection. Unlike standard stitched construction, we glue PVC fabric, so there are no through stitches in the main body of the bag. This helps eliminate one of the main weak points where water can enter and makes PVC a strong choice for long rides in persistent rain, mud, and harsh conditions.
In simple terms, waterproofness depends not only on the fabric itself, but also on how the bag is constructed: stitched seams are usually the first place where water gets in, while welded or bonded construction offers much better protection.
Want to dig deeper into the difference between waterproof and water-resistant bikepacking bags?
This guide from BIKEPACKING.com explains why fabric, seams, and closures all matter
In addition to ECOPAK, Ultra, and PVC, we also work with X-Pac fabrics, including X50 camo and VX21, as well as Cordura-style nylon fabrics that we mainly use for our Urban and EDC products.
As for colors:
we usually keep a wide range of options in the workshop, but often in limited quantities. This includes many EPX200 colors from the standard palette, EPLX600 MultiCam® options, Ultra Weave™ in Black Magic, Gravel Grey, and Silverado, and Ultra Grid™ in Dark Chili and Black Beauty.
At the same time, our core colors are the ones we try to keep available more consistently: Black, Grey, Coyote, and Army Olive / Khaki. Because stock changes regularly and some colors are only available in small amounts, the best way to choose the right material is to contact us directly. If you already have a product in mind or want a certain color combination, just send us a message, and we will be happy to suggest the most suitable options currently available.