[SHOT 2025] Big Agnes Unveils HyperBead Fabric – 25% More Waterproof

   01.24.25

[SHOT 2025] Big Agnes Unveils HyperBead Fabric – 25% More Waterproof

Big Agnes unveils HyperBead, a revolutionary tent fabric technology that achieves 25% better waterproofing without using PFAS or DWR treatments. This sustainable breakthrough will appear across their flagship tent lines including Copper Spur UL, Tiger Wall UL, and Fly Creek UL, marking the company’s most significant innovation in tent design in recent years.

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HyperBead

Big Agnes Unveils HyperBead Fabric – 25% More Waterproof

The development of HyperBead technology represents a fundamental shift in how outdoor equipment manufacturers approach waterproofing. Traditional methods have relied heavily on chemical treatments that can degrade over time and potentially harm the environment. Big Agnes’ new approach delivers superior performance while eliminating these concerns entirely.

Key innovations in the HyperBead fabric include a 25% improvement in waterproofing capabilities compared to traditional ultralight fabrics, achieved without relying on harmful chemical treatments. The fabric also delivers a 6% reduction in weight while maintaining durability standards that outdoor enthusiasts expect from Big Agnes products. Perhaps most importantly, the water repellency is permanent and won’t degrade over time like traditional DWR treatments.

“We’ve spent two years sweating over every ounce and every detail of this process and technology,” says Michael Thompson, director of design and development at Big Agnes. “HyperBead is a complete reimagining of ultralight gear – a technology that performs better, weighs less, and is easier on the environment.”

HyperBead

The technology will be implemented across several of Big Agnes’ most popular tent lines. The Copper Spur UL and UL XL series, known for their balance of weight and livability, will feature the new fabric. The ultralight Tiger Wall UL and premium Tiger Wall Platinum series will also receive the HyperBead upgrade, as will the minimalist Fly Creek UL series.

This innovation comes at a crucial time for the outdoor industry, as manufacturers face increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact while meeting growing consumer demands for higher-performing gear. By eliminating PFAS, DWR, and WR treatments while improving performance, Big Agnes demonstrates that sustainability and functionality can go hand in hand.

The Steamboat Springs-based company’s two-year development process focused on creating a solution that would address the core challenges faced by outdoor enthusiasts without compromising their commitment to environmental responsibility. The result is a technology that not only sets new standards for sustainability in tent design but also delivers tangible benefits to users in terms of weight savings and improved weather protection.

What are your thoughts on chemical-free waterproofing technology? Let us know in the comments below.

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