Ballistic nylon

Ballistic Nylon is one of the man-made fabrics used to cover skin on frame (SOF) kayaks.

A ballistic weave can be recognized. There are two threads together in both the warp and weft directions.

This cloth was originally used for bullet proof vests, before the more common use of kevlar for the same purpose. It is extrememly strong and resistant to tearing. When a SOF boat runs into shells or sharp rocks, it is much more likely that the fabric will stretch than tear. (The finish on the cloth will likely crack and need to be renewed.)

Morris recommends 12oz ballistic nylon for many of his SOF boats. He notes that when applied reasonably tightly (held in place with thumb tacks) and then sewed, the material makes an excellent boat covering. After sewing, a light sprinkling with water and then drying leads to considerable shrinkage, tightening the skin.

There are few suppliers of ballistic nylon.

Among them is Dyson, Baidarka and Co.