When it comes to durable fabrics, two names stand out: Cordura and Ripstop. Both are known for their strength and resistance to wear and tear. But what are they? Which one is better for you?
In this blog post, we’ll break down both fabrics, compare them, and help you decide which is right for your needs.
Let’s start.
What is Cordura?
Cordura is a brand name for a type of durable fabric made mostly from nylon, though sometimes polyester is used. It’s known for being extremely tough and resistant to wear and tear.
Originally developed by DuPont in the 1920s, Cordura was first used in military wear. Today, it’s a favorite for all kinds of heavy-duty gear, especially tactical equipment.
Key Features of Cordura:
- Highly Durable: Cordura can handle rough use and extreme conditions. It’s made to last, even when it’s dragged over rough surfaces.
- Abrasion Resistant: This fabric doesn’t wear out easily. It’s perfect for gear that gets a lot of rough handling.
- Water Resistant: Many types of Cordura have a coating that repels water. This keeps your gear dry.
- Variety of Weights: Cordura comes in different thicknesses, or “deniers,” like 500D and 1000D. Higher numbers mean thicker, tougher fabric.
Common Uses for Cordura:
- Tactical Backpacks
- Vests and Pouches
- Military-Grade Bags
- Motorcycle Jackets
If you need something that can handle extreme conditions and heavy loads, Cordura is your go-to fabric.
For more on Cordura’s history and products, you can check out the official Cordura website.
What is Ripstop?
Ripstop is a type of fabric known for its unique reinforced weave. It’s woven with a special crosshatch pattern that makes it tear-resistant. Even if a tear starts, the grid pattern helps stop it from spreading.
Ripstop is made from nylon, polyester, or even cotton. It’s lighter than Cordura but still very strong. This makes it perfect for applications where you need strength without extra weight.
Key Features of Ripstop:
- Tear Resistance: Thanks to its reinforced grid pattern, Ripstop stops small tears from growing into big ones.
- Lightweight: Ripstop is strong but not heavy. This makes it great for clothing or items that need to be light.
- Flexible: It’s not as stiff as Cordura. This makes it more comfortable for gear that moves with you, like jackets.
- Water Resistant: Like Cordura, Ripstop can be treated with water-repellent coatings.
Common Uses for Ripstop:
If you want gear that’s tough but lightweight and flexible, Ripstop is a solid choice.
Cordura vs. Ripstop: The Comparison
Now that we’ve covered what each fabric is, let’s compare them side by side.
1. Durability
Cordura: If you need maximum durability, Cordura wins. It’s made to withstand serious wear and tear. Think of dragging a backpack over rocks or through dense brush.
Ripstop: Ripstop is durable too, but in a different way. It’s designed to stop tears from spreading. It’s great for clothing or gear where small cuts might happen but shouldn’t ruin the whole item.
2. Weight
Cordura: Heavier and bulkier, especially in higher denier forms like 1000D. This is great for rugged bags but can be too much for clothing.
Ripstop: Lightweight and easy to carry. Perfect for jackets, tents, or gear that needs to stay light.
3. Flexibility and Comfort
Cordura: Stiff and rugged. It’s not the most flexible fabric. Best for gear that doesn’t need to stretch or bend much.
Ripstop: More flexible and comfortable. Great for clothing or any gear that needs to move with your body.
4. Water Resistance
Both Cordura and Ripstop can be treated to resist water. However:
Cordura: Often better at repelling water because of its denser weave and tougher coatings.
Ripstop: Good for keeping you dry in lighter rain, but may not handle heavy downpours as well as Cordura.
5. Best Use Cases
Cordura:
Tactical backpacks
Pouches
Heavy-duty vests
Motorcycle gear
Ripstop:
Jackets and outerwear
Lightweight pouches
Tents and tarps
Emergency gear
Pros and Cons Summary
Why Choose Us for Tactical Gear?
At LQ ARMY, we know how important quality materials are. We offer custom tactical gear made from both Cordura and Ripstop. Whether you need a tough backpack or a lightweight jacket, we’ve got you covered.
We focus on quality control, reliable materials, and designs that work in real-world conditions. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our range of tactical gear or contact us for custom orders.
Cordura FAQs
1. Is Cordura as good as Kevlar?
No, Cordura and Kevlar serve different purposes. Kevlar is known for its extreme strength and is used in bulletproof vests and stab-resistant gear. Cordura is highly durable and abrasion-resistant but does not provide the same level of ballistic protection as Kevlar.
2. Is Cordura fabric expensive?
Cordura fabric is generally more expensive than standard nylon or polyester because of its high durability and performance. However, it is more affordable than specialty materials like Kevlar or Dyneema.
3. Is Cordura stronger than leather?
In terms of abrasion resistance, Cordura can outperform leather, especially in high-denier forms like 1000D Cordura. However, leather may be more resistant to punctures and has better natural flexibility.
4. Does Cordura melt?
Yes, Cordura can melt under extreme heat because it is typically made from nylon. It has a melting point of around 255°C to 265°C (491°F to 509°F). It’s not flame-resistant unless treated specifically for that purpose.
5. Does Cordura fabric breathe?
Cordura itself is not very breathable due to its dense weave. However, Cordura fabrics can be combined with breathable coatings or mesh panels to improve ventilation in specific applications like jackets or backpacks.
6. Is Cordura fabric washable?
Yes, Cordura fabric is washable. It’s best to use cold water and mild detergent. Avoid hot water, bleach, or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the fabric or its coating.
7. Is Cordura waterproof?
Cordura fabric is water-resistant when treated with coatings like PU (polyurethane) or DWR (Durable Water Repellent). However, it is not 100% waterproof unless it has a waterproof membrane or lining.
8. What is stronger than Cordura?
Fabrics like Kevlar, Dyneema, and Spectra are stronger than Cordura in terms of tensile strength and cut resistance. These materials are often used in specialized applications like body armor and high-performance outdoor gear.
9. Is Cordura stretchy?
No, Cordura fabric is generally not stretchy. It has a rigid structure due to its dense weave. Some versions of Cordura blended with spandex or other stretch fibers can offer slight flexibility.
10. Is Cordura stabproof?
Cordura is not stabproof. It does not protect against sharp objects or blades like Kevlar or specialized stab-resistant materials.
11. What material is similar to Cordura?
Materials similar to Cordura include Ballistic Nylon, Ripstop Nylon, and heavy-duty Polyester. Ballistic Nylon is particularly known for its toughness and abrasion resistance, similar to Cordura.
Ripstop FAQs
12. Can you wash ripstop nylon?
Yes, you can wash ripstop nylon. Use cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or high heat, which can damage the fabric or its coatings.
13. How to keep ripstop nylon from fraying?
To prevent fraying, you can:
- Use a hot knife to seal the edges.
- Apply a fray-stop liquid or fabric glue to the edges.
- Use a zigzag stitch when sewing to secure the edges.
14. Is ripstop fabric noisy?
Ripstop fabric can be slightly noisy, especially if it has a waterproof coating. The crinkling sound is due to the stiff fibers. However, untreated ripstop fabrics tend to be quieter.
15. Is ripstop easy to clean?
Yes, ripstop fabric is generally easy to clean. Most dirt and stains can be wiped off with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle.
16. Is ripstop hard to sew?
Ripstop can be slightly challenging to sew because of its slick, reinforced texture. Using a sharp needle (like a Microtex or universal needle) and sewing slowly can help.
17. Does ripstop fabric tear?
Ripstop fabric can tear under extreme force, but its grid pattern helps prevent the tear from spreading further. This makes it more resilient than regular woven fabrics.
18. Is ripstop slash resistant?
Ripstop fabric is tear-resistant but not slash-resistant. It can resist small cuts and punctures, but it won’t protect against deliberate slashing with sharp objects.
19. Does ripstop fabric breathe?
Yes, ripstop fabric can breathe, especially if it is untreated or lightly coated. However, waterproof coatings or laminations can reduce breathability.
