Ripstop is a weaving technique and not a type of material. Ripstop does not mean the material cannot rip or tear, it means the material only rips as far as a thicker, more resistant yarn in the weave.

Ripstop is the technique used to weave the material whether it is for camping accessories such as tents, tarpaulins, sleeping bags and bags, or outside blinds, sports shoes, military wear and vehicle interiors. People often talk about ripstop as a material such as ripstop canvas for tents or ripstop material for military wear.

It is made by weaving reinforcement threads in a crosshatch pattern with a thicker and stronger yarn acting as the ripstop yarn every 5 to 8mm.

Ripstop can be made from nylon-cotton blends (NyCo) or polyester-cotton (PolyCo) fabric. Because of its resistance to tearing and ability to withstand the elements, ripstop is a preferred material for outside use as well as military clothing.

Ripstop

Ripstop is mostly found in weights of 28 – 400 grams per m² depending on the purpose for which it is needed. It can be found anywhere tearing is a threat.

At SBF INTERIORS AND OUTDOOR SOLUTIONS LIMITED we use ripstop material in manufacturing camping tents, rooftop tents, tent peg bags, groundsheet bags and the tough and reliable Reflective sheet/flat cover/tarpaulin.

Reflective sheets are ripstop canvas laminated with metalised polyester (foil) that reflects sunlight and reduces the temperature below the sheet. It is popular in  African camping circles because of the extreme heat in the bush areas and the intense direct sun rays in the coastal areas.

NB: Canvas and tents made from Ripstop are durable and reliable.

But in ripstop used for tents and camping accessories, it is not important which side is outside as the ripstop will resist water penetration. It is sold in different weights based on the thickness of the ripstop and different colours.

Canvas tents are the alternative to ripstop tents. Canvas is heavier, folds bulkier and dries slower than ripstop material.