Tom Bihn’s blog on a new fabric they are using in packing cubes:

Aether is an ultra-light, 100% nylon fabric from Japan. It has a unique and somewhat complex construction, combining 30 denier monofilament with both 100 denier and 200 denier yarns in a micro-ripstop weave that further increases its tear strength. Like most of our fabrics, Aether is coated on the backside with urethane for weather resistance, as well as having a surface treatment of durable water repellant. Though its hand is a bit crisp when new, we greatly prefer Aether’s aesthetic over commonly available silicone-coated nylons. It’s light, but surprisingly tough. As far as we know, we’re the first manufacturer to use Aether.

I’ve had a chance to use these packing cubes with this fabric for sometime now, and it is outstanding. I was concerned about the weight saving move they made with the zippers, but that concern has proven unfounded. This fabric is so thin and somewhat transparent — I just love the look and feel.

Practically speaking, what I love is that these new packing cubes have no weight or space downside when you use them. I’ve just been tossing a couple empty ones in my bag each trip, and you don’t even notice them. Great stuff.