CORDURA® is a highly durable technical fabric developed by DuPont™ (patented in 1929), widely used in military, outdoor, and tactical equipment. It is a specially reinforced polyamide (nylon) textile with exceptional resistance to abrasion, tearing, water, UV radiation, and mechanical stress. Thanks to its strength, CORDURA® is considered the global standard for gear designed for demanding environments. It is made from high-tenacity, air-texturized, and heat-treated nylon fibers, forming a dense and extremely tough fabric. The surface is often treated with a DWR coating for basic water repellency. CORDURA® offers outstanding longevity, providing one-third to double the durability compared to standard polyester fabrics. As a result, CORDURA® has become a cornerstone material in military and tactical industries. It excels through its extreme durability, low weight, and long service life. You’ll find it used in clothing, pouches, vests, backpacks, and accessories from brands like Crye Precision®, Ferro Concepts®, Helikon-Tex®, Direct Action® and many more. Thanks to its properties, Cordura® is one of the most reliable materials for the military, law enforcement, and airsoft applications.

Types of CORDURA® and their uses

• CORDURA® 500D:
  The modern standard for military gear (plate carriers, vests, pouches, backpacks). It offers the ideal balance of strength, weight, and flexibility. Used by top military forces and premium tactical gear manufacturers.
  
  
• CORDURA® 1000D:
  An extremely rugged variant with twice the strength of 500D. Used for high-stress areas — backpack bottoms, pouch reinforcement, knee and elbow panels.
  
  
• CORDURA® OXFORD:
  A lighter and water-resistant fabric, often coated with PU or PVC. Suitable for backpacks, jackets, accessories, and tents. Less durable than 500D/1000D but more flexible and lighter.
  
  
• CORDURA® NYCO (Nylon–Cotton):
  A nylon-cotton blend used in military uniforms (ACU, OCP). Offers improved breathability and comfort.
  
  
• CORDURA® Stretch:
  An elastic variant with added spandex — used in garments requiring flexibility (combat pants, softshell panels).

Why militaries use CORDURA® in gear and uniforms

• Reinforcement panels:
  CORDURA® is used on shoulders, elbows, knees, and seat areas to increase uniform durability. It withstands friction, crawling, climbing, and the weight of plate carriers.
  
  
• High tear resistance:
  The material does not easily rip when catching on obstacles or during falls.
  
  
• Water and mud resistance:
  Unlike standard fabrics, it resists soaking and dries faster.
  
  
• Long service life in harsh environments:
  Designed for extended use in mud, dust, moisture, and freezing temperatures — ideal for military deployment.

Advantages of CORDURA® pouches and tactical gear compared to standard fabric materials

• Significantly higher durability:
  Compared to regular fabrics (polyester, weaker nylon), it withstands many more cycles of flexing and abrasion.
  
  
• Better shape retention:
  CORDURA® pouches don’t collapse and hold magazines more securely in place.
  
  
• Lightweight yet strong construction:
  The 500D variant offers the perfect balance of weight and durability.
  
  
• Higher UV resistance:
  Polyester fabrics degrade and become brittle over time; Cordura® resists sun damage far better.
  
  
• Longer MOLLE webbing lifespan:
  PALS/MOLLE made from Cordura® is sturdier and less prone to tearing.

Manufacturers using CORDURA® (military, tactical, airsoft)

• Crye Precision® (USA):
  Premium uniforms, plate carriers (AVS, JPC), and combat pants reinforced with Cordura® panels.
  
  
• Ferro Concepts® (USA):
  Tactical gear, minimalist plate carriers, pouches, and chest rigs.
  
  
• Spiritus Systems®, Eagle Industries®, London Bridge Trading (LBT®):
  Professional gear used by U.S. and NATO forces.
  
  
• Carinthia®:
  Reinforced jacket panels, backpacks, and military accessories.
  
  
• Helikon-Tex® (PL):
  Combat uniforms, backpacks, pouches, chest rigs, and knee/elbow reinforcements.
  
  
• Direct Action®:
  Premium tactical equipment combining Cordura® 500D with laminate constructions.
  
  
• WoSport® (Airsoft):
  Budget airsoft gear; uses Cordura® mainly in higher-end products or replicas.
  
  
• Templar’s Gear®, Zentauron®, Tasmanian Tiger®, Clawgear®:
  European tactical manufacturers for military, police, and airsoft use.

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