Kicking Donkey Materials Guide
Each bikepacking bag is handcrafted in Italy using technical fabrics selected for their strength, stability, and durability, because we believe that a product designed for travel must, above all, be reliable.
The materials we use are chosen to withstand abrasion, stress, and changing weather conditions, while striking the right balance between weight, ruggedness, and functionality.
We do not use off-the-shelf fabrics: every material featured in this guide has been field-tested and selected to accompany you on your journeys—from daily rides to the longest bikepacking adventures.
X-Pac® fabric
It differs significantly from standard PU-coated materials, featuring a 4-layer laminated structure designed for high, long-lasting performance.
Its composition is as follows:
- Woven nylon outer layer, chosen for high abrasion resistance and treated with a C6 DWR water-repellent finish that effectively repels water, oil, and dirt
- Diagonally arranged X-PLY® polyester yarn insert, ensuring dimensional stability and high tear resistance
- Transparent polyester inner film, acting as a waterproof and elastic barrier
- Woven polyester backing, designed to enhance structural strength and seam durability
DP X-Pac® fabric is 100% waterproof and significantly more durable than traditional coated nylon or polyester.
Thanks to its laminated construction, it offers dimensional stability, high tear resistance, and great tensile strength—essential characteristics for bikepacking bags subjected to vibrations, heavy loads, and varying weather conditions.
X-Pac® VX21, the most widely used material for bikepacking bags
VX21 is the most popular fabric in the X-Pac® series and the material most widely used in the production of Kicking Donkey bikepacking bags.
It offers an ideal balance of:
- durability
- low weight
- high water resistance
- dimensional stability
Thanks to its 4-layer laminated structure with X-PLY® reinforcement, VX21 ensures excellent tear and abrasion resistance while maintaining low stretch, even under load.
Technical specifications:
- Weight: 213.6 g/m²
- Water resistance: 13.8 bar pressure
- Abrasion resistance: 900 cycles (ASTM 3884)
- Tear strength: 75.2 N
Available colors:
Slate Grey
Black
Port
Purple
Red
Coyote Brown
White
Dark Green
Blue
Nota importante: a partire dal 2022 il colore Castlerock Grey non viene più riassortito.
Rimane disponibile esclusivamente per chi desidera completare un set già acquistato in precedenza.
X-Pac® X50 and X51: more robust, more structured
This is the reinforced version of the VX21, featuring a Cordura layer bonded to the X-Pac® laminate.
It offers greater tear and abrasion resistance than the VX21 while maintaining waterproofing and dimensional stability.
Technical specifications:
- Weight: 311.9 g/m²
- Waterproof rating: 13.8 bar
- Abrasion resistance: 975 cycles (ASTM 3884)
- Tear strength: 231.3 N
Black
X-Pac® X33 Camouflage, high resistance with multicam finish
A version offering superior abrasion resistance compared to the VX21, as well as greater tear strength. Aesthetically distinguished by its camouflage color.
Technical specifications:
- Weight: 213.6 g/m²
- Water resistance: 13.8 bar
- Abrasion resistance: 1200 cycles (ASTM 3884)
- Tear strength: 102.3 N
Camouflage
EPX200, lightweight and sustainable
100% recycled polyester laminate fabric with a fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment. Excellent balance of lightness and durability.
Technical specifications:
- Weight: 200 g/m²
- Waterproofness: 13.8 bar
- Tear strength: 118 N
- Abrasion resistance: 500 cycles (ASTM 3884)
- 70D Ripstop backing
Available colors:
Teal
Lilac
Bright Orange
Golden Yellow
Fuchsia
Flamingo
Liteskin 21, lightweight and ultra-abrasion-resistant
Derived from the VX21 but with a different construction: lighter, highly abrasion-resistant, and with lower tear strength due to the absence of X-Ply® reinforcement, featuring a distinctive, technical aesthetic finish.
Technical specifications:
- Weight: 161 g/m²
- Water resistance: 13.8 bar
- Abrasion resistance: 2000 cycles (ASTM 3884)
- Tear strength: 41.4 N
Liteskin
Special Speckled Nylon: a technical aesthetic with high durability
Composition: PA / PES / PU
Robust, durable fabric with high water resistance.
Technical specifications:
- Weight: 290 g/m²
- Water resistance: 13.3 bar
- Tear strength: 125 N
- Abrasion resistance: very high
Speckled Nylon
Waterproofing and seams
Kicking Donkey bags are handcrafted with stitched seams rather than welded ones.
In the event of heavy, prolonged rain, moisture may penetrate through the seams.
We recommend protecting sensitive items by using internal nylon pouches or dry bags.
So, which material should you choose?
When selecting your favorite Kicking Donkey bikepacking products, base your choice on:
- intended use (racing, adventure, long-distance touring)
- aesthetic preference
- prioritizing either low weight or durability
VX21 offers the most balanced solution for most bikepacking bags. X51 material is suited for more demanding use. Liteskin prioritizes low weight and abrasion resistance. Finally, EPX200 combines performance with sustainability.
