Hunting Apparel Fabric Guide — Ripstop, Softshell, Canvas & More

Walk into our fabric library and you'll see 40+ rolls — different weights, different finishes, different price points. Most new brands get overwhelmed. Truth is, you only need to understand five fabric families to make confident decisions.

Here's what each one is, what it's good for, and what it costs.

1. Polyester Ripstop

The workhorse. Most hunting jackets, pants and shirts start here.

• Weight range: 180-600 GSM
• Strengths: Lightweight, abrasion resistant, dries fast, takes camo prints beautifully
• Weaknesses: Not naturally waterproof — needs DWR coating or laminate
• Cost: Entry-level to mid (★★)
• Use for: Pants, light jackets, hunting shirts, summer camo

2. Softshell

The premium choice for cold-weather hunting. Bonded 2 or 3 layer construction.

• Weight range: 280-450 GSM
• Strengths: Naturally water-resistant, windproof, stretchy, breathable
• Weaknesses: More expensive than ripstop
• Cost: Mid to premium (★★★)
• Use for: Cold-weather hunting jackets, active outdoor wear, premium shooting vests

3. Canvas & Waxed Canvas

Traditional, heritage, premium. Often used for upland hunting and shooting vests.

• Weight range: 280-500 GSM (cotton or cotton-poly blend)
• Strengths: Tough, classic look, ages beautifully, blocks wind
• Weaknesses: Heavy, dries slowly, waxed version needs re-waxing
• Cost: Mid to premium (★★★)
• Use for: Shooting vests, upland hunting jackets, UK driven-hunt market

4. Fleece (Microfleece, Polar, Sherpa)

Insulation layer. Rarely the outer shell — usually inner.

• Weight range: 200-400 GSM
• Strengths: Warm-to-weight ratio, dries fast, soft hand-feel
• Weaknesses: Not wind/water resistant alone, pills with wear
• Cost: Entry-level to mid (★★)
• Use for: Mid-layers, beanies, neck gaiters, jacket linings

5. Membrane-Bonded Waterproofs

3-layer construction: outer fabric + waterproof membrane + inner liner. Top of the line.

• Waterproof ratings: 10,000mm / 20,000mm / 30,000mm
• Strengths: Genuinely waterproof in driving rain, breathable, premium
• Weaknesses: Expensive, requires fully taped seams (more labour)
• Cost: Premium (★★★★)
• Use for: Stormproof hunting jackets, technical outerwear, high-altitude expedition gear

The Fabric Stack — How Pros Layer Materials

A premium cold-weather hunting jacket isn't one fabric — it's a stack:

• Outer: Softshell (water-resistant, abrasion resistant)
• Membrane: 20,000mm waterproof film bonded to outer
• Insulation: 200g synthetic fill (PrimaLoft or equivalent)
• Lining: Brushed taffeta or light fleece for warmth

What You Should Ask For

Don't just say "give me a hunting jacket." Specify:

• Outer fabric weight (GSM)
• Waterproof rating (mm)
• Insulation type and weight
• Lining
• Hardware (zippers, snaps)

If you don't know — that's what samples are for. We'll send you 3-4 fabric options for your style, you pick.