Guides

Is CORDURA® waterproof?

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

Short answer: no, not automatically. Water behavior comes from the coating and the finish, not from the fabric name or the denier.

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

Denier is the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of yarn. It tells you how heavy the yarn is, not how strong the fabric is.

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

Plan on 3-4 yards of 1000D for a full 30-40 L backpack, and use lighter 500D for linings and pockets.

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

CORDURA resists the abrasion that starts wear; ripstop stops a tear from spreading once it starts.

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

Yes for 500D and most 1000D on a sturdy home machine - setup matters more than the machine.

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

Nylon and polyester fray at a raw edge, but they melt - so a hot knife or a flame seals the edge as it cuts.

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

No, and that is deliberate. Breathability is why a cover made from it does not trap condensation underneath.

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

1680D uses heavier yarn and is usually bulkier and stiffer; compare the complete fabric specification, not denier alone.

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

Solution dyeing generally provides better resistance to fading and color loss, which is why it is common in outdoor acrylic fabrics.

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

Choose the shell by its main failure mode: abrasion outside, puncture and tearing from sharp contents inside.

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

Compare marine cover fabrics by UV resistance, water repellency, breathability, strength, grade and warranty.

by NY Tarp August 17, 2026

Compare duvetyne and commando cloth by weight, opacity, nap, documentation and rigging load.