Rip stop nylon

Hmm…one could write a book on the subject! Yet manufacturers rarely divulge this information unless the trade name already has some buzz. For example, the popular trade names available in hiking products and through fabric distributors might include Pertex, Dyneema/Spectra, “silnylon”… but that’s not the whole story: none of these entails ripstop-ness, they are just patented names you might see when you purchase gear or fabric. Ripstop only refers to the process of adding a grid patterned weave to nylon or other fabric, to make it more tear resistant.

You might start here http://bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/FAQ_Fabrics.htm. Also, take a look around wikipedia and the rest of the internet for “ripstop”.

Dyneema and Spectra are patented names for what is essentially “plastic” thread, so they can be used in many ways. From braided line or cord to fully woven backpacks, Dyneema-type products are stronger and lighter than any(?)thing on the market, and much more expensive. Kelty made some full Spectra backpacks (see http://www.weasel.com/gear_kelty_spectra.html), and McHale continues to offer full-Dyneema, but nowadays you’ll likely only find Dyneema ripstop (aka “grid”) on packs. You might be able to identify fully Dyneema fabric by its whitish color. Grid/ripstop dyneema, however, is just any nylon that uses Dyneema thread for the “ripstop” part. It looks like this:
(photo by McHale)

Pertex, eVent, Momentum (+ others?) are textile companies that produce the fabrics used in some high-end outdoor gear. As I said above, the names do not entail that the fabrics are ripstop, but these companies do produce or add their special touches to ripstops. For example, Pertex might make ripstop nylon, and add a water resistant treatment to it.

Silnylon is another term that’s popular in BPL. This term is analagous to ripstop, in that it only describes the process of making a fabric. Silnylon is ripstop nylon that is impregnated with silicone to improve its water resistance. You can identify it by two identical sides of shiny, slippery material that does not fray when cut. See this thread where it is purported that much of the silnylon available comes from a company called Westmark.

Now, to actually answer the question of ripstop quality, there are different factors at work… Both the thickness and spacing of the ripstop weave will affect fabric strength.

Thickness is rated in “denier”, which refers to the mass per unit length of thread. Pertex Synchro has been made in 1 denier (very thin!) and I believe flak jackets are >1000 denier. You can estimate strength by oz/yard, but this is not reliable (coatings, deniers change the weight). Silnylon in 30D, 1.1oz/yd has been used to make hammocks, tents, and groundsheets with veritable success.

The spacing of the ripstop weave can also affect strength, and possibly abrasion resistance. A higher density weave will be stronger (compare the two fabrics in the photo above). Also, I would venture to say that IF the grid thread is more abrasion resistant than the main weave, then it can withstand more abrasion than a grid of the base material, and and even more when the grid is denser (closer together, greater % surface area).

Coatings are another story, and you can learn a lot from the links I posted. Now, if anyone can explain why some ripstops crinkle like plastic and some are very soft, I’d like to know!

Not quite a book, but more than I planned to write LOL.

see also: http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/tips/sources.asp

Thanks Zack

Some people think that ripstop is a negative, better to just have plain fabric

The thicker threads in the grid are supposed to stop rips from propagating but that isn't a problem

The thicker threads can cause problems, like being less waterproof

I would like to know more about this from some expert

If I can choose between ripstop or plain, I choose plain, but if ripstop is the only thing available, I get that without worrying about it

Cuben is a non-woven film type fabric. More on a kin with plasitcs.
Basically, it is a laminate of: film, thread, film
These are pressed (probably heated), to bond to form a single "fabric" if you will allow the term. Note that the high pressures used can create a weakness at the threads. Usually this is where any leaking will occur. Dyneema, spectra, carbon, boron/carbon, kevlar (aramids) even cotton threads and others have been used or tested. Multiple layers of film, and threads are used, too. Mylar (basically a PET plastic), or UHMD plastics are used. Many different films are used in production. Of interest are those with Mylar(aluminized PET) in the lower weights or the heavier .7oz/yd stuff.