Ripstop nylon

Rip-stop nylon is a light-weight nylon fabric with inter-woven ripstop reinforcement threads in a crosshatch pattern. It is woven with coarse, strong warp and filling yarns spaced at intervals so that tears will not spread. The same effect can be achieved by weaving two or three of the fine yarns together at intervals. [Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles, 7th edition, pg. 474]

It's produced in a range of weights and textures, waterproof, water resistant, fire resistant, zero porosity (will not allow air or water through), light ,medium and heavy weight. Textures range from soft, silk like to crisp or stiff ones that sound like a paper bag when they are moved.

Rip-stop nylon is often used in yachts for sails and spinnakers hot air balloons, kites, parachutes, camping equipment such as lightweight tents and sleeping bags, flags, banners, and many other applications which require a strong lightweight fabric. Rip-stop reinforcement can also be incorporated into heavier fabrics which require extreme durability, such as those used in the manufacture of luggage and Nomex protective clothing for riot police.

Ejector seat parachutes made with ripstop are woven with an elastic like fabric so that they stretch to allow more air to pass through them at high speed, then as they slow up the weave closes and acts like a normal parachute. This allows the seat with the pilot in it to slow down gently, otherwise the compression caused could result in injuries to the spine.

Originally developed as an inexpensive synthetic replacement for silk in the production of parachutes during World War II.

ee also

* Ballistic nylon
* Cordura