Hypalon

Polyethylene synthetic rubber – also known as HYPALON (which is originally a product brand from the French manufacturer DuPont, the inventor of neoprene and nylon) is a multi-layered material, among whose layers is usually neoprene and mainly a supporting textile fabric that provides the material with its tensile strength. It is known for its resistance to chemicals, UV radiation, temperature extremes, and some manufacturers even boast fire-resistant Hypalon.

This material has many advantages and is generally considered a high-quality material; after all, it gave rise to the colloquial term "rubber boots". However, there are also some disadvantages – since this material is so durable, it is difficult to process and even more challenging to create the ideal joint; furthermore, it can only be bonded by gluing. The conditions for working with it are relatively demanding and due to the specific process in manufacturing ideal joints, also expensive (very narrow range of temperature, humidity, and adhesive activation time), which further increases the cost of products. However, compared to PVC, it is much more durable and has a longer lifespan – that is, if you have Hypalon from Europe and not from Asia.

Hypalon was used for many decades as the most widespread material for the production of inflatable boats, and most older boats you encounter will be made from this material. Due to its complexity in processing, however, it has been increasingly replaced by polyurethane materials in recent years. Hypalon is also the basis of the roll-top closure of every dry sack, it is used to make all the attachment loops of Big Rivers, tabs and pullers on the zippers of all Traveling Light cases and bags, zipper reinforcements, flap reinforcements, etc.