Canvas and tents made from Ripstop are durable and reliable. 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, caravan surrounds, sleeping bags and bags, or outside blinds, sports shoes 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.

In the 1970’s the outdoor products industry started gaining attention and interest in outdoor products that were light and comfortably wearable increased rapidly. Breathable materials gained popularity as the interest in outdoor activities increased.

Within 10 years synthetic fibres progressed to the stage where it was used for light, breathable clothing that was acceptable in style and comfort.

Nylon and polyester weaved in a block pattern with the ripstop thread that borders the block on all sides created ripstop material. The durability and breathability of the material crowned with the ripstop effect meant that clothing became durable and even when it was torn by bushes and thorns, the tear was contained. This was very practical as it meant that torn clothes did not have to be changed while out in the field.