In 2020, the global pandemic disrupted many parts of our world, including something close to our hearts: our beloved 400d Halcyon fabric.

For years, 400d Halcyon was a staple in the bags you carried on adventures, commutes, and journeys big and small. But as factories shuttered and supply chains faltered, we had to make the difficult decision to retire it. Like many of you, we felt its absence deeply.

We knew 400d Halcyon wasn’t just any fabric. Its lightweight strength, iconic grid pattern, and perfect balance of flexibility and structure made it a fan favorite. When the time came to search for a replacement, we were determined to find something that could live up to its legacy.

So began an exhaustive global search. We tested countless options, putting each fabric through its paces. Samples were made, wear tests conducted, and Taber-tested for durability. The goal was clear: find a material that honored the spirit of 400d Halcyon while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

After more than two years of searching, testing, and refining, we’re thrilled to unveil 420d Spectron—a fabric we consider a worthy evolution of the much-loved 400d Halcyon.

What Makes 420d Spectron Special?

This is a fabric designed to impress, with every detail meticulously considered. 420d Spectron is a ripstop fabric woven from 420 denier nylon and reinforced with a 400 denier, charcoal-colored Spectra® ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) grid. UHMWPE is renowned for its exceptional tear resistance, making it one of the strongest fibers available. 

But it’s not just about strength. 420d Spectron has a tactile flexibility and sleek aesthetic that instantly won us over. Slightly less structured than our Ballistic Nylon, it offers a lighter-weight alternative while maintaining the durability you’ve come to expect from us. If this sounds familiar, it’s because it shares a legacy with our much-loved 400d Halcyon, which also featured UHMWPE. Though incredibly durable, you’ll need to treat your 420d Spectron bag with a bit of respect. While we don’t advise throwing it across the floor or crumpling it up to store it, the UHMWPE ripstop grid makes it very difficult to cut or tear.

And yes, if you loved the unique grid pattern of 400d Halcyon, you’ll be pleased to see its subtle nod in Spectron’s design. It’s a fabric that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.

Crafted for a Lifetime of Journeys

420d Spectron is custom-woven and dyed exclusively for us in South Korea. Its lightweight nature makes it ideal for the exteriors of backpacks and travel bags, especially for those who value a material that’s ready to perform right out of the gate—no softening up required.

With a C0 DWR finish for water resistance and a polyurethane coating on the back for added durability, 420d Spectron is ready for whatever your day—or adventure—brings. It’s strong, resilient, and just flexible enough to make packing a joy.

There’s something understatedly elegant about Spectron’s appearance. Its sleek texture and distinctive grid pattern make it stand out without ever shouting for attention. It’s a fabric that balances form and function effortlessly.

The First Look

We’re introducing 420d Spectron as part of a capsule collection pre-order with limited color variants to maintain operational efficiency. Eventually, we will integrate 420d Spectron into our other bags. The fabric will be available to preorder in the following bags:

• Synik 22

• Synik 26

• Synik 30

• Techonaut 30

• Techonaut 45

• Aeronaut 30 

• Aeronaut 45

• Bixi

• Pilot

Preorders will open on January 24th at 11:30 am PST and close on February 10th. 

For those who have missed 400d Halcyon as much as we have, we hope 420d Spectron fills the 400d Halcyon-shaped hole in your heart!

We can’t wait to see where it takes you. Explore the Spectron Collection.