Nylon Ripstop Hydrophobic: The Complete Guide to Wazoodle's Water-Resistant Nylon Fabric

What Nylon Ripstop Hydrophobic Is and Why It Matters

Nylon Ripstop Hydrophobic is a lightweight woven shell fabric featuring ripstop weave construction with integrated hydrophobic treatment for temporary water resistance. At 80 GSM and just 0.005" thick — half the weight of standard shell fabrics — this creates minimal-bulk outerwear, bags, and protective covers where packability and light weather protection matter.

The ripstop weave integrates reinforcing crosshatch threads at regular intervals. When a tear starts, the reinforcement threads stop the rip from propagating — the tear is contained at the crosshatch rather than running through the entire fabric. Combined with the hydrophobic treatment that causes water to bead on contact, this creates a functional shell for lightweight jackets, vest exteriors, bags, and stuff sacks.

Made in USA by AKAS Tex with CPSIA certification and Forever Chemicals-Free verification (no PFAS, PFOS, PFOA). UPF 50+ blocks 98% of UV radiation. Minimal stretch and shrinkage in both directions.

Water resistant, NOT waterproof. The hydrophobic treatment causes moisture to bead under light exposure, but this is temporary surface resistance — not a sealed waterproof barrier. Prolonged rain will penetrate. UV exposure degrades the treatment over time. This fabric is designed for occasional outdoor use, not sustained all-weather gear or permanent outdoor installations.

Working With Nylon Ripstop: Construction Guide

Cutting and Handling
  • No pre-washing needed: Minimal shrinkage allows cutting to finished dimensions.
  • Sharp tools essential: Lightweight construction requires a sharp rotary cutter or scissors for clean edges.
  • Slippery surface: The hydrophobic treatment creates a slick surface. Secure fabric layers before cutting and use weights rather than pins where possible.
  • Mark on the wrong side only: The hydrophobic surface may resist marking tools.
Sewing Techniques
  • Needles: Universal 70/10 or 80/12 — lightweight nylon requires fine needles to prevent oversized holes.
  • Reduce tension: Lower thread tension slightly to prevent puckering in thin fabric. Lengthen stitch to 2.5–3.0mm.
  • Walking foot recommended: Prevents slippage when layering with lining fabrics.
  • Low heat only: Nylon melts at high temperatures. Press below 275°F if pressing is needed.

Common Applications for Nylon Ripstop Hydrophobic

  • Lightweight Jacket Shells and Windbreakers — The primary apparel use. 80 GSM ultra-light weight creates packable garments with wind blocking and light rain protection. UPF 50+ provides sun protection during outdoor activities. Not for heavy-weather technical outerwear.
  • Bag and Pack Exteriors — Tear-resistant shell for bags, daypacks, and pouches. Ripstop construction prevents tears from spreading at stress points. Hydrophobic treatment provides contents protection during light exposure to moisture.
  • Stuff Sacks and Storage Bags — Ultra-light packaging for compressible items. Minimal weight addition with moisture protection for stored contents.
  • Protective Equipment Covers — Lightweight covers for outdoor equipment, tools, and gear requiring temporary weather protection during transport or storage.
  • Shade Structures — Customer-validated for swing set shade covers and outdoor canopy applications where water resistance and UPF 50+ sun protection are needed.
  • Garment Repairs — Customer-validated for altering and repairing down vests and outerwear, where the fabric provides close color matching to existing garments for seamless modifications.

Care and Specifications

Wash at medium temperature with like colors. Tumble dry at medium heat. Never use fabric softener — destroys the hydrophobic water-resistance treatment by coating fibers. Avoid chlorine bleach (damages nylon permanently). If water resistance diminishes after repeated washing, reapply DWR (durable water repellent) spray treatment to restore performance.

Specification W-325
Fiber Content 100% nylon
Construction Ripstop weave with hydrophobic treatment
Weight 80 GSM (2.4 oz/sq yd)
Thickness 0.005"
Width 58–60"
Stretch Minimal (both directions)
Shrinkage Minimal
UPF Rating 50+ (blocks 98% UV)
Color Fastness 4.5 (AATCC 15-2013)
pH 7.4 (neutral)
CPSIA Certified Yes
Forever Chemicals-Free Yes (PFAS, BPA, phthalates)
Made in USA Yes

All specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards.

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