Tent fabric comes in a variety of types. Some are more durable than others. Nylon, for example, is strong, but also prone to small holes. To avoid this, some top-of-the-range nylons feature a ripstop mesh design. Other, cheaper types are embossed with a ripstop crosshatch pattern.
While there are pros and cons to each type of fabric, the most common type of fabric is polyester. Polyester is durable and less likely to rip than cotton or nylon. It is also resistant to stretching in the wind and fading in the sun. This middle-of-the-road type of fabric offers a variety of benefits and can be used for a variety of tent projects.
Another common type of tent fabric is coated cotton, also known as polycotton. This type of fabric is not as breathable as cotton, but is usually coated with waterproofing material. It is also insulating and sound-dampening, though it tends to weigh more than more weather-resistant synthetics. Vinyl, on the other hand, is lightweight and durable.
Tent fabric is generally composed of two layers: an inner tent and a flysheet. For outdoor use, it is essential to select breathable fabric for the inner tent, which prevents condensation from building up overnight. There are several types of flysheet material, but most tents are made of polyester. Different manufacturers use different weights and coatings for their tents.
