Choosing the Best EDC Backpack Material with Erik's Recs Guide

Your everyday carry bag is your travel buddy, loyal ally, and companion that will always be there with you—to witness life, join your adventures, and endure bumps and bruises.

This trusty pack hauls your daily gear (laptop, smartphone, keys, wallets, etc.). However, I know, there are a lot of EDC backpack materials out there.

This guide will dive into the most common types of backpack materials, explore pros and cons, and best for uses. Along the way, we’ll sprinkle some, uhm… Jargon in this backpack material guide. Yes, I know you don’t like that as much. But believe me, they’ll help you make an informed decision later.

Nylon: The Classic Backpack Champ

Meet the OG of backpack materials. It has this sweet balance of durability (which we all like), weight, and affordability. This material is water-resistant, but it won’t hold up against monsoon-level rain or long, adventurous treks. For that, I suggest a water-resistant treatment for it.

Pros

Affordable, tough as nails, lightweight (compared to leather, at least), and water-resistant with a little TLC.

Cons

If untreated, it soaks up water like a sponge and is not as abrasion-resistant as some other materials.

Ideal for

Hikers and backpackers who prioritize weight and decent water resistance from light rain only.
Students and commuters: it is budget-friendly, lightweight (for carrying textbooks, laptops, and everyday essentials), and versatile because it comes in styles for different preferences and needs
Casual users: It is perfect for daily use and is easy to clean.
Travelers: Many are compressible to save luggage space.

Pack Cloth

This thin, coated nylon fabric is waterproof and often used as backpack liners (hiking packs) to seal the seams. Although this material doesn’t add much weight to the EDC backpack, it can prevent moisture from seeping through its seams and zippers.

Pack cloth is flexible, conforming to the bag’s shape, and offers superior durability, making it ideal for outdoor use.

It’s primarily used for the main compartments of EDC backpacks, but other manufacturers also use it to line the pack’s internal pockets, adding protection.

Pros

It is easy to clean, water-resistant, and lightweight, and it can prevent water from entering through openings, such as zippers and seams.

Cons

Can scuff quickly, less durable

Ideal for

Travel, casual use, and budget-conscious users

Cordura

This treated nylon fabric enhances an EDC backpack’s abrasion resistance and offers excellent durability. Cordura is also used in luggage and heavy-duty gear.

Cordura is used in backpacks’ main body to protect its content, primarily on the exterior. As a pack’s bottom panel is prone to wear and tear, you’ll find bags with Cordura bottom panels to make them abrasion-resistant. Straps and handles can also be made from this material for reinforcement and increased longevity. Some packs also have cordura-lined pockets to protect valuables.

Pros

Abrasion and wear-resistant, extra durable

Cons

Tend to be heavier than other nylons, can be expensive

Ideal for

Heavy-duty use, hiking, and tactical backpacks; people who prioritize water resistance and durability

Polyester: Nylon’s Versatile Cousin

It is another backpack material, nylon’s cousin. With treatment, it can be water-resistant, lightweight, and quite resistant to abrasions. What’s more? It comes in different colors and prints and can dry quickly.

Pros

Good abrasion resistance and more color options
Affordable and durable
Dries faster than a speeding bullet

Cons

Not as breathable as nylon
Wearing a polyester backpack for long hauls feels uncomfortable.

Ideal for

Everyday casual users – Great at carrying EDC items (books, laptops, and personal items)
Style-conscious folks because it’s available in many colors.
Budget-conscious people because it’s cheaper than nylon.

Backpack Material Comparison: Nylon or Polyester?

Go for polyester if you prioritize more colors, quick drying time, and affordability.

But I suggest nylon…the OG, if you put more value on weight, slightly better durability, and breathability.

Denier: The Thickness Factor

Just a fancy way to measure a backpack fabric’s thickness. A higher denier means a more durable backpack that suits rougher adventures (and maybe battles). But…this also makes a backpack bulky and heavy.

Folks, denier tells us how heavy a 9,000-meter-long fiber strand is (in grams). So, in short, a backpack’s fabric is a heavier fabric with a higher denier. This means that a nylon fabric with a 150-denier is more durable and thicker than one with a 70-denier.

Backpacks meant for carrying heavier loads typically have a higher denier. This translates to a heavier and bulkier EDC backpack.

A word about water resistance? Does this EDC backpack material affect it?

Nope. It does not impact water resistance alone but the coating or treatment of the fabric. But then, a higher denier fabric, which makes it thicker, can provide your backpack with extra light rain protection because of its denser weave.

Backpack Material Comparison: Lower or Higher Denier?

A higher denier is more suitable if you’re into outdoor adventures and typically haul heavier loads. But lower-denier, more flexible, and lighter backpacks are better for travel or everyday use.

Ballistic Nylon: The Tough Guy

It’s named after “Ballistics” for its ability to stop bullets (yes, really!). Built for battle, this is supercharged nylon—thick and crazy durable! If you are into some serious action, this buddy can shrug off punctures for you! It is almost indestructible and resistant to punctures and abrasions.

Ballistic nylon shields your gear and safeguards it (and its contents) from accidental damage, weather, and rough terrain. And if you want a solid investment, this offers that longevity to withstand heavy use – for years!

But a word of caution: It can be as heavy as heck and so pricey for its superior durability.

How about water resistance? It offers a natural barrier against moisture, but it’s not entirely waterproof. It requires a durable water-repellent finish (DWR) for optimal wet condition performance and to enhance its ability to shed water.

Nevertheless, it’s ideal for camping, construction, hiking, extreme conditions, military use, and heavy loads. So, in essence, it’s the way to go if you need an EDC backpack to deal with anything life throws at it.

Pros

Durable: Can protect your gear from sudden downpours and possibly from a “bear attack”
Can last longer than your favorite pair of jeans.

Cons

Limited designs because of their thickness restrict design flexibility
Tend to be heavier than other materials, making them uncomfortable for long hours of wear
Can be expensive for its durability and production process

Ripstop Nylon: The Lightweight Warrior

It’s just ordinary nylon but with additional reinforcement. It has thicker threads woven in a grid pattern to prevent the spread of tears, offering the perfect balance of lightness and durability.

It is also puncture- and tear-resistant, and more often than not, water-resistant, making it ideal for travel bags, outdoor gear, backpacking, and hiking (and parachutes, historically!)

EDC Backpack Materials Comparison: Ripstop Nylon vs. Other Materials

Ripstop nylon is less stiff than ballistic nylon and is meant for more comfortable, prolonged use. But remember, it is not as tough as ballistic for extreme outdoor and weather conditions.

Still, ripstop nylon maintains its lightweight profile while offering excellent tear resistance compared to standard nylon.

Other Common Backpack Materials

Tarpaulin

This heavy-duty material is commonly used in shelters and covers but is now entering the EDC backpack world. Tarpaulin is made from a combination of materials, such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), canvas, and polyester. The combination of materials in production aims to create a flexible, waterproof sheet.

Polyethylene (PE): Relatively inexpensive, waterproof, and lightweight
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Better durability and water resistance compared to the first one
Canvas: Offers a natural look but less water-resistant and tends to be heavier than synthetic options
Polyester: Commonly used as a base material for tarpaulins and waterproofed with PVC or polyurethane.

Where is tarpaulin used?

Outer shell for maximum protection against wear and tear and different weather conditions.
Combined with other materials/fabrics, such as polyester or nylon (hybrid backpacks) for both comfort and durability
Backpack reinforcement for added durability, typically on the shoulder straps or the bottom of it

Pros

Highly water-resistant and for heavy-duty use.

Cons

Stiff and heavy, less breathable than other materials, and limited designs (not for the style-conscious user)

Ideal for

Military personnel, construction workers, outdoor expeditions, heavy-duty use, and extreme conditions

Dyneema®

A product of modern engineering, this superhero of fabrics is a type of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), referred to as the world’s strongest fiber!

Dyneema® is made from a longer chain of polyethylene! The longer…, the stronger. Typically, one chain contains more or less 100,000 individual carbon atoms.

The Dyneema® Composite Fabric (DCF), its finished fabric, is used in outdoor equipment and backpacks (for unmatched strength).

It is an ideal candidate for ultralight backpacks. Other manufacturers also use it to reinforce the stress points (bottom panels and shoulder straps). You’re also likely to encounter this material in hybrid backpacks.

Pros

Strong and durable (resistant to abrasion and tear), lightweight (ideal for packing and hiking), naturally repels water

Cons

It requires specialized manufacturing; hence, it can be expensive.

Ideal for

Sailing, high-performance gear, and ultra-lightweight backpacks

X-Pac®

Made from a combination of laminated fabric, nylon, polyester, and polyurethane, X-Pac® offers water resistance, durability, and lightweight features. It’s significantly lighter than other pack materials and is often modern and sleek. How it’s used in backpacks? Manufacturers use it as the primary material for the exterior, pockets, and reinforcements (bottom panels and shoulder straps).

Types

X4: A four-layer laminate with X-PLY reinforcement for added durability.
X3: A three-layer laminate with X-PLY reinforcement, offering a balance of weight and strength.
LS: A sailcloth composite technology providing abrasion resistance and a unique aesthetic.

Pros

Often has a stylish appearance, water-resistant, and durable

Cons

Might have limited availability, expensive

Ideal for

Hiking, travel, and urban users who prioritize style and function

Waxed Canvas

Want a vintage look? Waxed canvas offers a unique look and feel. This cotton fabric is infused with beeswax or paraffin wax for water resistance. It is often used for the backpack’s exterior for a water-resistant shell. In addition, waxed canvas can be used for pockets, straps, bottom panels, and accents.

Some manufacturers also use it for hybrid backpacks, often combined with other fabrics, such as leather or nylon – for added functionality and strength.

Pros

With proper care, it can be water resistant; it is also stylish and sturdy

Cons

Requires regular waxing, less breathable than synthetic materials, heavy

Ideal for

Urban explorers, motorcycle riders, and people who love a classic look

Leather

Leather offers a blend of character, luxury, durability, and style – a classic favorite. It is often used for the backpack’s exterior, accents (handles, straps, zipper pulls), and hybrid backpacks (combined with canvas or nylon).

Pros

Stylish and durable, can develop a unique patina as time passes by

Cons

Requires regular care and maintenance/conditioning, not for all weathers, heavy

Ideal for

People who prioritize style, urban professionals

Level Up Your Backpack Knowledge: Choosing the Right Material

Consider these factors when choosing your backpack’s fabric.

Activity: You’ll rock on a lightweight nylon if you are a backpacker who prioritizes weight. But for extra toughness, you’ll need one as tough as ballistic nylon or higher-denier fabric.
Weight: Opt for ballistic nylon or higher-denier fabrics if you’re okay with a heavier weight and carrying a heavier load. On the other hand, choose ripstop or lightweight nylon if your jam is minimized weight.
Durability: You’ll get by with either polyester or nylon for everyday backpacks. However, you’re less likely to benefit from it if you are into rugged adventures. For this, it’s better to choose high-denier fabrics or ballistic nylon.
Water Resistance: Backpacks (even some materials are already water-resistant) need water-resistant treatment if one often has to keep up moisture. However, you should go for waterproof backpacks for heavy downpours or frequent water exposure.
Breathability: This comes into play if you always get your sweat flowing in outdoor activities or fieldwork. Nylon offers superior breathability. Back mesh panels should keep you comfy, too!

Conclusion

What are your backpacking priorities and needs? Polyester or nylon backpacks are ideal for everyday adventures. But for professionals working in demanding environments and harsh conditions, and if you’re a trekker who always carries heavy loads, you’ll need ballistic nylon or higher-denier fabrics.

Considering the factors we’ve discussed earlier, you can find the best backpack material that is as reliable and as tough as you are on your daily excursions.

So, gear up, choose your backpack material wisely, and get ready to explore!