Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

I wanted to have a play with some xpac a while ago, but realistically 500d is superior due to the overall abrasion resistance. It's just so damn expensive it's not worth looking at from a production perspective, especially when 500d exists. It's a supremely underrated fabric that is slowly becoming more and more used. xpac was kind of the ultralite badge of honour (aside from cuben), but people are coming around to the idea of using something that will last a touch longer.

I love the idea of the stuff though, if i was making things just for me, I'd definitely be tempted as long term durability isn't something I really have to worry about on personal bags.

I didn't do much research beyond how easy to work with xpac is and what seemed to be 'on trend' at the time. Interesting that the PU Nylon is tougher, will definitely pick up a metre or two next time I get chance and have a play.

Picked up some off-cuts of cuben at the same time as the xpac for peanuts, not used it yet though, it just seems weird!