Why We Use Modern Materials
One of the advantages of modern pack equipment is that it requires very little maintenance compared to the traditional materials used decades ago.
Years ago, most pack equipment was made from heavy cotton canvas and leather. Those materials served packers well for generations, but they also had their drawbacks. Cotton canvas can stay wet, rot over time, and absorb blood and odors if not cleaned promptly. Leather requires regular conditioning and can crack, dry rot, or weaken if neglected.
Today's materials offer significant advantages while still standing up to the demands of the backcountry.
Cordura® Nylon
At Mountain Ridge Gear, we use 1000 denier Cordura® nylon because of its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and durability.
Compared to traditional cotton canvas, Cordura® is:
- Stronger and lighter
- More resistant to abrasion
- Easier to clean
- Less likely to absorb odors or moisture
- Resistant to tearing—small holes are far less likely to continue ripping
Like any material, it does have a few limitations. Over many years of exposure, non-solution-dyed nylon can fade in direct sunlight. Because nylon is a synthetic material, it should never be placed in a clothes dryer, where excessive heat can damage the fabric or its protective coating.
Cleaning Cordura® Nylon
Fortunately, cleaning is simple.
For most situations:
- Brush out dirt with a soft brush.
- Rinse with a garden hose.
- If necessary, wash with mild soap and water.
For a deeper cleaning, panniers can be machine washed using a gentle cycle and mild detergent.
Always hang dry. Never use a dryer.
BioThane® Tack
We also chose BioThane® because it solves many of the maintenance issues associated with leather.
BioThane®:
- Doesn't absorb water
- Won't rot or dry out
- Doesn't require conditioning
- Resists stretching
- Is extremely strong and durable
- Provides the look and feel of leather with far less maintenance
One of the biggest advantages is that you can put your pack saddle away after a season of use and pull it back out months later without worrying about cracked or dried-out leather.
Do I Need to Clean BioThane®?
One of the questions we're asked most often is how to clean BioThane®.
The answer is: usually, you don't need to.
When BioThane® is new, it may feel slightly rubbery. After a few rides, a light coating of natural dust from your animal's hair gives it a smoother feel and allows it to move naturally against the coat.
Unless your tack becomes exceptionally muddy or dirty, we recommend simply leaving it alone. If it does need cleaning, wipe it down with mild soap and water and allow it to air dry.
Built for Years of Service
We carefully selected the materials used in Mountain Ridge Gear products to reduce maintenance while increasing reliability.
That means less time cleaning equipment, less time performing maintenance, and more time enjoying the trail.
With basic care and proper storage, your Mountain Ridge Gear equipment should provide many years of dependable service.
A Note About Fabric Quality
Not all nylon fabrics are created equal.
When comparing outdoor equipment, pay close attention to the type of fabric being used. If you see PVC-coated nylon, that's typically an indication that you're looking at a lower-cost imported fabric rather than genuine Cordura® brand nylon.
Cordura® nylon uses a urethane coating that is permanently bonded to the fabric during manufacturing. This coating remains flexible and durable while providing excellent resistance to moisture and abrasion. You'll never need to apply a water proofing agent.
Many PVC-coated fabrics rely on a surface coating that can become brittle over time, eventually cracking or flaking with repeated use. In our experience, these fabrics also tend to be less abrasion-resistant and generally don't offer the same strength and long-term durability as genuine Cordura® brand nylon.
That's one of the reasons we've chosen Cordura® for our products. While it costs more, we believe the added durability, performance, and longevity make it a worthwhile investment.
As with most outdoor equipment, the lowest price doesn't always provide the best long-term value.
