it's louder messing around in the bag (like opening and closing) but in practical terms, it's not any louder than cordura.... maybe even quieter moving through the brush trying to be quiet, because it's pretty slick on the exterior. for practical purpose hunting, x-pac isn't loud.... now if you feel the urge to open your bag and dig around in there with a bull in bow range, it may not be for you
what i don't like about x-pac is when it is wet out, you will eventually get water in the bag, and it doesn't drain, it stays until you empty the bag and dry it out. if i ever get another x-pac bag, it will have drains in the bottom (a couple well placed brass grommets would be perfect)