While working on another product review of some tactical gear, I realized how many new materials are out on the market that are now defined as “tactical”. Honestly, it seems like each major manufacturer has patented some new materials and defined as tactical material, which it may very well be but it can be confusing when shopping around. As such, here is the definitive tactical materials glossary to help you figure out what you are buying!
37.5 technology
37.5 stands for 37.5 degrees Celsius which is your body’s normal core temperature. This material is named after it because it is a group of materials designed specifically for keeping your body at it’s core temperature. 37.5 technology material and fabrics are primarily made from volcanic sand.
Air/Pac
A padded insert that is 8mm thick and primarily used inside the shoulders of garments. Air/Pac is used to help with the distribution of weight from a backpack but can also assist with a plate carrier.
Canvas
Canvas is basically a simple and plain-woven fabric that is made from either cotton or synthetic fibres. As such it is excellent for protecting from various weather conditions and it is very durable.
Cotton
The most basic material around, Cotton is also one of the most popular. Of course, this is because it has existed forever thanks to being a basic natural fibre. It is considered vital to not only tactical gear but clothing in general because it is so comfortable.
CORDURA aka Cordura Nylon
CORDURA is made of rayon which is regenerated cellulose fiber and it is technically a variety of fabrics that build abrasion resistance materials. It is often blended with cotton due to their properties and ability to complement each other so well.
Ceramic dots
Ceramic dots are a coating technique used by manufacturers which basically bonds an overlay material of really fine ceramic particles to a textile material. In turn this strengthens the material and makes it much more abrasion resistant.
Denier
Down filling
Down filling refers to a bird feather filling and is thus often used as an insolation. It can be any type of bird but often the feathers are the smaller ones beneath the primary outer feather as they are smaller and have better warming properties. There are also different levels of down filling based on the fill power.
EtaProof fabric
EtaProof fabric is a type of organic cotton that is impregnated with paraffin wax or fluorocarbon which make the fabric even more weatherproof. It is also breathable and is thus ideal for tactical gear as well as a sporting gear.
Flame-Resistant clothing
Sometimes referred to as “FR clothing”, Flame-Resistant clothing is made from fibres that don’t easily ignite when exposed to flame or fire. However, they are not completely fire proof and therefore do not provide complete protection against fire.
Gore-tex
Gore-tex is a waterproof, breathable fabric membrane that is probably one of the most common materials used in tactical gear. This is largely thanks to how durable Gore-tex is and the fact that it repels water while still being lightweight.
G-Loft
G-Loft is primarily used as insulation material but has been used elsewhere as well. It is recognized as being warm, light and very breathable making it ideal for insulation in clothing. It has all the benefits of a natural down filling with the benefits of being a durable synthetic fibre.
Nylon
Like cotton, Nylon has been in the tactical materials game for a long time. This is a synthetic polymer material made from polymaides and it is known for its incredible strength. With many new materials out, these days you’ll often find Nylon blended in with other materials.
No-Melt/No-Drip material
No-melt/No-drip material can be any fabric that is able to prevent it from melting or dripping when exposed to a source of high heat. Often used in FR clothing.
Lycra
Lycra is more commonly known as Spandex or Elastane. It is a synthetic fiber that is known for being elastic. It is used in pretty much every type of tactical gear you could imagine.
Lyocell
Lyocell is a form of rayon and consists of cellulose fibre which is made from dissolving pulp and then reconstituting it by utilizing dry jet-wet spinning. It’s much less harmful on the environment (and those making it) than other synthetics and it is unique in that it can absorb 20 percent of its weight in moisture.
NyCo
NyCo is simply a blend of nylon and cotton which can be an ideal combination. Nylon provides it with great abrasion resistance and strength while Cotton gives it great breathability and ability to absorb moisture.
Merino wool
A game changer in any cold gear, Merino wool is a natural fibre that comes from Merino sheep. This breed of sheep originated from Spain and is unique in the sense that their wool is much softer and much more efficient in managing moisture.
Ripstop
Ripstop are woven fabrics often made from nylon and then reinforced to make them resistant to tearing and ripping. Basically during the weaving process, more yarn is interwoven at regular intervals in a crosshatch pattern making it resistant to tearing and ripping.
Polyamide
Polyamide is a flexible synthetic fiber that is usually based off nylon. It is unique as it is waterproof and can take extensive rubbing and scraping without issue. It is often used in protective gear.
Poly Cotton aka PolyCo
Poly cotton is a blend of natural cotton and synthetic polyester. This is a popular blend thanks to excellent properties which make it very versatile and strong. It should be noted that Poly cotton dries much faster than a typical cotton.
Polyester
Polyester is a type of polymers which is a synthetic that does not absorb perspiration. They have low wicking properties and are much stronger and more stretchable than a standard material such as cotton.
PrimaLoft
PrimaLoft is a synthetic fibre that was developed by the US Army as a thermal insulation material. It basically takes the effectiveness of down filling for warmth and gives it water resistant properties.
Schoeller-dynamic
Schoeller-dynamic is a synthetic fabric that is known to be extremely durable with high and permanent elasticity. It is also noted for being water repellent while offering excellent comfort.
Velcro
Velcro is a fibre fastener which is dubbed the hook-and-loop fastener. They used to be made from cotton although these days they are made from nylon and polyester.
Woven fabrics
Woven fabrics can be any textile that is formed by weaving, including both natural and synthetic fibres. Often times, manufactures will weave both types of fibres to get the best properties of all of them.
Yarn
Another OG in the game, Yarn is a long continuous length of interlocked fibres which are used in the protection of textiles and ropemaking amongst other things.
YKK zippers
YKK zippers are made by, YKK or Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha, the biggest zipper manufacturer. You’ll see YKK zippers on any tactical gear that requires a zipper because they are easily the most reliable and durable zippers ever made. In particular, they are much better sealed than any other zipper making them ideal for water-resistant and waterproof gear.
Ben