RIPSTOP CANVAS AND TENTS

Ripstop canvas and tents 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.

This feature of ripstop material ensured that it found application in an expanding field of military and outdoor uses. Tents, canvasses, raincoats and even kites are made from ripstop material.

In the camping field, it is used for tents, caravan tents and bags for all purposes and in the tactical field, it is used, among other uses, for hats parachutes and parachute jumpers suits.

Ripstop nylon may be waterproof, water-resistant, fire-resistant, or have zero porosity (will not allow air or water through), and comes in light, medium and heavy weights. Textures range from soft and silk-like material to crisp or stiff fabric that sounds like a paper bag when moved.

Wikipedia mentions that ejection seat parachutes made with ripstop are woven with an elastic-like fabric so that they stretch to allow more air to pass through at high speed. Then as the ejection seat slows, the weave closes and acts as a conventional parachute. This allows the pilot seat to slow gently, avoiding compression that could result in spinal injury.

If the ripstop material shows a distinct shine on one side and a matte appearance on the other, the matte side is used on the outside and the shiny side on the inside.

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.

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.

Maxcons uses ripstop material in manufacturing tents, rooftop tents, tent peg bags, groundsheet bags and the tough and reliable Max-Reflective sheet.

Reflective sheets are ripstop canvas laminated with metalised polyester (foil) that reflects sunlight and reduces the temperature below the sheet.

It is popular in South African camping circles because of the extreme heat in the bushveld areas and the intense direct sun rays on the highveld and in the coastal areas.

Ripstop canvas and tents made by Maxcons are reliable, quality tents for the outdoors person.