Military Fabric Question

**JPete** · 01-14-2009, 10:01 AM

I am about to make templates for custom seat covers that my mother is going to sew up for my TJ. I am hoping to use MARPAT digital camouflage for the covers, but am having a tough time deciding what type of fabric to use. I was thinking that it would be cool to use some kind of military grade fabric, and it would be nice if it was at least water resistant. I don't really know much about military fabrics, other than the obvious heavy canvas stuff. Anyone have any suggestions, or know where I could find something that might work?

**JPete** · 01-14-2009, 10:43 AM

I know there are a bunch of military guys here...no one has any ideas?

tuckinauster · 01-14-2009, 10:50 AM

I'd prolly use the ripstop stuff BDU's are made out of. It's not water proof, and I don't know where you'd find it either. Maybe a surplus store??

**RAZORBILL** · 01-14-2009, 10:57 AM

Might try this stuff. I bought it off ebay last year to use on the bunk I built in the back of my truck. Very thin and easy to work with and waterproof.

http://cgi.ebay.com/30-Military-grade-waterproof-desert-camo-cloth_W0QQitemZ190279735968QQihZ009QQcategoryZ7305 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

**JPete** · 01-14-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ursandal

Might try this stuff. I bought it off ebay last year to use on the bunk I built in the back of my truck. Very thin and easy to work with and waterproof.

http://cgi.ebay.com/30-Military-grade-waterproof-desert-camo-cloth_W0QQitemZ190279735968QQihZ009QQcategoryZ7305 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

That sounds really good, and it's a good price. I can't think` what it would feel like to the touch though. Would it be something that you would be comfortable sitting on during a hot afternoon?

Edit: Pic didn't load until after I responded. The bunk turned out really nice! I guess if it feels ok to sleep on, it would be fine to sit on.

**RAZORBILL** · 01-14-2009, 11:25 AM

It's fine for sitting on. I'd compare it to a gore tex material as far as feel. I think he also has the woodland camo in the same material but that would probably be hotter since it's a darker color.

**JPete** · 01-14-2009, 11:30 AM

Cool, thanks a lot.

PirateKatz · 01-14-2009, 11:58 AM

I don't know what the fabrics are called or where to get them but...

Our wheeled vehicles (HMMWV, deuces, 5 tons, and "Cut-D's") had thick green canvass for seat covers. Our Bradleys (and 113's) had some kind of thick brown nylon or plastic covered canvass pads.

Though, I don't recall any of it being particularly water resistant.

I was mech infantry, and when I was a pvt I always dreaded having to go through the wash racks because nothing was water tight and it would take a very long time to dry. Plus, you'd get soaked from having to drive through 3 ft of water while being blasted with fire houses on all sides.

**JPete** · 01-14-2009, 12:04 PM

Thanks a lot for the info and for your service!

**RnEmOvr** · 01-14-2009, 07:44 PM

gortex would be best bet for water proof, but dont know where to get it or how long it would last, id just buy some HMMWV seats

crcashman · 01-14-2009, 09:59 PM

I'd go to a surplus store and get a bunch of green duffle bags. Cut off the shoulder straps, pocket, and handle. Then cut off the top and bottom. You should wind up with sheets that are 2.5-3' square. Its a heavy nylon that is pretty water resistant. Its tough enough for making reenforcing panels on ghillie suits, its more than enough for Jeep seats.

Reswob · 01-14-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuckinauster

I'd prolly use the ripstop stuff BDU's are made out of. It's not water proof, and I don't know where you'd find it either. Maybe a surplus store??

It's just cotton. or 50/50 nylon/cotton. or 60/40 polyester/cotton. nothing special.

**JPete** · 01-15-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crcashman

I'd go to a surplus store and get a bunch of green duffle bags. Cut off the shoulder straps, pocket, and handle. Then cut off the top and bottom. You should wind up with sheets that are 2.5-3' square. Its a heavy nylon that is pretty water resistant. Its tough enough for making reenforcing panels on ghillie suits, its more than enough for Jeep seats.

That's a really good idea. I will see what I can find.

**jeepdavetj** · 01-15-2009, 09:17 AM

^ x2 on the good idea.

jdw999 · 01-15-2009, 10:13 AM

If you want the actual material that the BDU's are made from PM me and I'll give you the phone number of the manufacturing facility here that has a govt contract to make them. I don't know if they would sell the material or not, but it can't hurt to ask.

jdw999

01-14-2009, 11:58 AM	#8
PirateKatz Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 83 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I don't know what the fabrics are called or where to get them but... Our wheeled vehicles (HMMWV, deuces, 5 tons, and "Cut-D's") had thick green canvass for seat covers. Our Bradleys (and 113's) had some kind of thick brown nylon or plastic covered canvass pads. Though, I don't recall any of it being particularly water resistant. I was mech infantry, and when I was a pvt I always dreaded having to go through the wash racks because nothing was water tight and it would take a very long time to dry. Plus, you'd get soaked from having to drive through 3 ft of water while being blasted with fire houses on all sides.

01-14-2009, 09:59 PM	#11
crcashman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: occupied territory Posts: 273 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I'd go to a surplus store and get a bunch of green duffle bags. Cut off the shoulder straps, pocket, and handle. Then cut off the top and bottom. You should wind up with sheets that are 2.5-3' square. Its a heavy nylon that is pretty water resistant. Its tough enough for making reenforcing panels on ghillie suits, its more than enough for Jeep seats.