Massive Agnes could have simply rocked the boat for the world of ultralight tents. The Steamboat Springs backpacking model introduced its new HyperBead material this week, which it claims is 6% lighter, 25% extra waterproof, and 50-100% stronger than conventional ultralight tent materials. HyperBead makes use of no PFAS chemical substances, DWR, or different water resistant remedies, so it’s environmentally pleasant in addition.
“We’re continually seeking new supplies and processes that enhance our buyer’s backcountry experiences, improve product sturdiness, and produce environmentally acutely aware merchandise,” Michael Thompson, director of design and improvement at Massive Agnes, advised GearJunkie.
Massive Agnes is launching upgraded variations of 5 flagship tents with the brand new HyperBead materials. If this proprietary new material lives as much as Massive Agnes’ hype, it might start a brand new period for the model’s backpacking tents — possibly even for backpackers at giant.
“We’ve spent two years sweating over each ounce and each element of this course of and expertise,” Thomspon mentioned in a press launch.
HyperBead: Coming to Massive Agnes’ Flagship Tents
I requested Massive Agnes particularly the way it developed the HyperBead materials to be lighter, stronger, and extra waterproof. However the model was a bit cagey about its course of.
“Excessive-quality material weaving and coating is a really intricate course of that entails many sides similar to coating varieties, thickness, variety of passes, facility, and equipment sophistication,” Thompson mentioned. “So, there’s, sadly, a whole lot of proprietary HyperBead data we aren’t keen to share.”
What Massive Agnes was keen to share is that HyperBead is waterproof at a molecular degree. The model mentioned that’s why the fabric wants no chemical remedies to remain dry and by no means requires re-waterproofing.
Massive Agnes additionally improved the material’s dimensional stability in order that it’s snag-resistant and received’t distort “even beneath load.”
“HyperBead is a good instance of a multi-year effort centered on maximizing the mixed expertise and expertise now we have on our group in addition to at our manufacturing companions and materials suppliers,” Thompson mentioned.
Massive Agnes is providing its flagship tents with HyperBead in 2025 — the Copper Spur UL & XL, the Tiger Wall UL, Fly Creek UL, and Tiger Wall Platinum Tents. They’re obtainable on the model’s web site beneath the “HyperBead” dropdown. Thompson mentioned HyperBead could also be “best for different merchandise” within the Massive Agnes line. Nevertheless, he declined to remark additional on which of them.
“HyperBead is a whole reimagining of ultralight gear,” Thompson mentioned. “[It’s] a expertise that performs higher, weighs much less, and is simpler on the atmosphere. This material is the fruits of that imaginative and prescient.”
The GearJunkie group will check HyperBead in depth for spring 2025 critiques. Keep tuned!
