Introduction of Tent Fabric Materials

There are a variety of fabrics used to make tents. Each one is designed for a different purpose and performs differently when exposed to the elements.

Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber that is durable and weather-resistant. It is also more breathable than nylon and polyester.

Ripstop
Some brands of tents incorporate ripstop into their fabrics to give them extra strength and durability. This is especially important if you plan to camp in tough conditions.

Nylon
Nylon is a popular fabric for tents because it is durable and affordable. It is also abrasion resistant and has very good tear strength.

Polycotton
As the name suggests, polycotton is a polyester tent fabric that is woven with cotton or some other material coated into it to give it a better feel and quality. It is more breathable and less heavy than plain polyester but not quite as strong or sturdy as cotton canvas.

Other fabric options that are available include army duck and ripstop PVC. The latter has a very long service life, so it is usually the best choice if you plan on taking your tent with you often.