500D Cordura?

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onebagnomad

Joined
Sep 8, 2009
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I've been a big fan of Camelbak packs for quite some time and just noticed they now have several 500D versions available. Anyone have any experience with these? Sadly I don't have anywhere local to get some hands on time. I've got an old BFM in 1000D from my service days but the weight was always a negative for me. The running joke was that my BFM weighed more empty than the issue ruck full. Obviously an exaggeration but not by much. Anyone know how the lighter material holds up in use?
 
a lot of the military bits being built have recently spec'd 500d- it's less abrasion resistant (supposedly ~ 20% so), but comes in ~ 35% lighter- a trade-off to be sure, but one that might make sense depending on the use
 
Anyone know how the lighter material holds up in use?
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If you make a minimal effort to take care of your gear you'll never notice the difference, except that it's lighter.
Unless you're heading for the Korengal Valley the 500D fabric probably won't be an issue.
 
It is a trade-off. Less weight for less durability. The 500 also dries quicker when wet. You also should pay more attention to overloading, as the 500 is less tolerant of stressing the seams.
 
I've got a custom pack with 1000D on the base and side pockets and the main body 500D. In hindsight, the 500D would have been fine for the whole thing. Abrasion resistant enough for my offtrack use.
 
500 denier Cordura is the standard material for textile motorcycle street-riding gear. It ought to be more than adequate for a Camelback.
 
one last point, 500d is a tighter weave (less porous) so it offers better water resistance
 
Thanks for the replies and the information. That bit about the increased water resistance was new to me.
 
beef said:
I've got a custom pack with 1000D on the base and side pockets and the main body 500D. In hindsight, the 500D would have been fine for the whole thing. Abrasion resistant enough for my offtrack use.
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I am thinking about a Tough Traveler Double Cayuga backpack as my work bag. I am guessing the whole thing is 1000D from the description. From your post I also guess 1000D is a pretty thick material? Anyone own one of these bags?
 
Pretty sure most alice packs are 400d. And not cordura which is a nicer material. So 500d is really all you need. I like 1000d cause it handles abrasion better. But 500d is plenty tough.
 
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