It says the shell is "codura". Is that the more canvas feeling material?
Yes. Cordura is good stuff. Very abrasion resistant. This from google:
Cordura is a premium brand of technical fabrics known for exceptional durability, primarily made from high-tenacity nylon 6,6 fibers. It withstands wear through engineered air-textured yarns that resist tearing, scuffing, and punctures, often enduring double the abrasion cycles of standard nylon.
Its abrasion resistance varies depending on the weight and type of weave:
Common Cordura Weights
- 500D (Denier): The sweet spot for balance. It provides heavy-duty tear and abrasion resistance without excess weight, making it ideal for flexible areas like jacket reinforcement panels, workwear, and travel bags.
- 1000D: The heavy-duty standard. It is extremely tough and heavily used in military gear, tactical packs, and high-stress luggage where maximum protection against rough surfaces is required.
- Ballistic Fabric: Originally developed for flak jackets, these tightly woven, heavy-denier fabrics offer maximum protection against scraping, tearing, and friction.
Performance & Testing
While specific results vary depending on the testing method (such as the Martindale test), 1000D Cordura can consistently withstand upwards of \(100,000\) to \(250,000\) abrasion cycles before tearing. This level of durability prevents shredding when sliding on rough pavement (common in motorcycle gear) or when rubbing against rocks and tools in construction.
Additional Properties
Beyond resisting surface friction, Cordura is often treated with polyurethane (PU) coatings or Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finishes. This provides high levels of water repellency, along with oil and dirt resistance, while remaining breathable.