WATERFIELD | Materials
WATERFIELD | Materials
We use the best long-lasting, durable materials we can find to make your bags and cases.
CORE MATERIALS
FULL GRAIN LEATHER
No skimping, ever. We only use full-grain leather, the toughest part of the hide with the tightest grain and the highest cost. We choose distressed leather for its rugged aesthetic and its ability to showcase the hide’s natural markings, so you know it's the real thing. As years pass and life leaves its scratches, the leather develops a rich patina, telling a story unique to you.
The leather we use is pigmented with soluble dyes. These give it a rich color and allow the natural markings, texture, and characteristics of the hide to remain visible.
WAXED CANVAS
We use heavy-duty, 15-oz. waxed canvas. It has a naturally rugged, distressed look and is coated with a special, natural wax that won’t require much cleaning.
The canvas we use comes from a reputable U.S. mill that has produced these waxed fabrics since 1930.
The wax coating that covers our canvas adds character and weather-resistance to the fabric.
BALLISTIC NYLON
Ballistic nylon is built for abuse. It’s the same rugged material, formerly used in bulletproof vests, engineered to take hits and keep going. We fine-tuned it with our supplier so it doesn’t just last; it stays smooth, structured, and surprisingly luxurious, even after years on the road.
Our ballistic nylon is coated in a PFAS-free, durable water-repellent coating, meaning it'll shrug off anything from an accidental spill to moderate rain.
CUSTOM NYLON LINER
We've been using this eye-popping, goldenrod-colored nylon liner ever since we started making bags in 1998. This bright color drastically improves interior visibility, and gives each bag that signature WaterField look.
Our unmistakable gold nylon liner has a soft yet substantial hand making it perfect for protecting your valuables. It is also backed with a water-resistant coating, making it stand up to the rough and tumble of every-day life.
SPECIAL MATERIALS
TASLAN
For our packable bag collection, we use Taslan, a modern, woven fabric. This durable, lightweight textile can be tightly folded or stuffed into a pocket, and still look sleek and unwrinkled after unfolding.
Our Taslan has a PFAS-free water-resistant coating. This makes the material perfect for any adventure, whether there’s rain or shine.
ECOPAK™ EXPL450RS
ECOPAK™ EXPL450RS is built tough with a lighter footprint. Made from 100% recycled polyester, it delivers exceptional durability and structure without the unnecessary weight. We chose it for its clean look, weather resistance, and long-term performance
ECOPAK™ delivers a clean, technical look with serious backbone. Its exceptional stitch-holding and durability make it a material you can actually rely on, day in and day out.
VX-21 X-PAC®
VX-21 X-Pac is a lightweight, high performance laminate originally developed for sailing. Its layered construction delivers exceptional tear resistance, shape stability, and water resistance. It has strength and structure without any added bulk.
X-Pac is perfect for bags that need to survive the rough and tumble of air travel, while staying lightweight and easy to manage like our X-Air Travel Duffel.
FORZA TEXTILE
This high-performance textile is made by weaving together two yarn-dyed nylon threads in a unique basketweave creating a vibrant pattern with vivid undertones.
Forza textile is a classy look that works well in both professional and casual settings.
HARDWARE
METAL HARDWARE
Durability and performance are key when it comes to hardware. That’s why all of our snap-hooks, zipper pulls, D-rings. Tri-glides, and sliders are made from sturdy metal.
The hardware we use is coated with a matte black paint, which gives all of our bags a sleek, understated, and professional aesthetic.
WATER-RESISTANT ZIPPERS
We use YKK® water-resistant zippers on all of our bags. These sturdy, resilient zippers are ready for whatever you throw at them, and whatever adventure you embark on.
These zippers are great at keeping out light rain or any accidental spill from the interior of the bag.
