Materials · Bag Encyclopedia
Ripstop Nylon, Explained
Ripstop looks like a grid pattern printed on the fabric — but it's actually a weave structure. Those visible squares are heavier reinforcement yarns that arrest tears before they can propagate. That's why parachutes, packable jackets and ultralight travel bags all use ripstop.
How the grid works
A base weave — typically 20D–70D nylon — carries the fabric weight. Every 5–8 mm, a heavier yarn (often 2–4× the base denier) is inserted into both warp and weft. That creates a grid of reinforcement threads visible as squares.
When a tear starts anywhere in the base weave, it propagates until it hits a grid yarn. The thicker yarn absorbs the tear energy and stops it. The bag might have a small hole but doesn't split open.
Weight ladder
| Grade | Weight | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| 20D ripstop | ~40 g/m² | Packable shopper, foldable tote |
| 40D ripstop | ~70 g/m² | Ultralight daypack (10–20 L) |
| 70D ripstop | ~120 g/m² | Travel duffel liner, packable jacket |
| 210D ripstop | ~180 g/m² | Rucksack body, top-loader outdoor pack |
| 420D ripstop | ~250 g/m² | Duffel face fabric, expedition kit bag |
Coatings
Uncoated ripstop is not waterproof. Coatings extend performance:
- PU coating — soft hand, 800–1500 mm hydrostatic head, standard on retail bags.
- Silicone (silnylon) — lightest coating, high tear strength, used on ultralight outdoor packs.
- DWR finish — durable water repellent surface treatment; not waterproof but shrugs off drizzle.
Common pitfalls
- Printed grid — some fabrics have a grid PRINT to look like ripstop without the actual reinforcement yarn. Always demand a tear test result.
- Coating flake — cheap PU coatings crack after 3–4 years; spec 1500 mm+ coating with an anti-yellowing additive for retail.
- UV — nylon degrades faster than polyester under sun; not the right choice for permanently-exposed outdoor gear.
Sample ripstop fabric options
If your bag category is packable, travel or ultralight, we can send matched ripstop swatches at different weights so you can hand-feel before speccing.