500D Cordura® Nylon vs 600D Polyester

500D Cordura Nylon vs 600D Polyester

We have received many questions regarding the differences between 500D Cordura Nylon and 600D Polyester. I have put together a diagram and some supporting information to help better explain the differences between these two fantastic fabrics. Both the 500D Nylon and the 600D Polyester fabrics are great performers for hunting & outdoor projects. Hopefully the diagram below helps explain the differences.

500D Cordura Nylon vs 600D Polyester

Fabric Strength

The Cordura name is synonymous with ruggedness and strength so it scores a 5 out of 5 in our scale. Nylon is typically a stronger fiber than polyester and the 500D Nylon is no exception. However, the 600D Poly Oxford fabric is a very versatile as well. This fabric weighs nearly the same as the 500D Cordura Nylon and is used for rugged, durable products ranging from backpacks, camping chairs and hunting blinds. When fabric strength is important, our 500D Cordura Nylon is definitely stronger than the 600D Poly but they are both good choices for a strong solution.

Print Colorfastness

The 500D Cordura® Nylon scores better here due to the fact it is pigment printed instead of transfer printed. It might not look as nice, but it will definitely do better against the sun’s UV rays than the transfer printed poly will. 600D Poly Oxford is transfer printed and tends to fade faster in direct sunlight.

Print Quality

As mentioned above, the 600D polyester fabric utilizes transfer printing that achieves stunning detail and image quality. Together with the smooth print surface of the polyester, it produces an almost photographic image. This earns it a full 2 point advantage over the 500D nylon. The pigment printed nylon looks great – but the textured surface of the nylon fabric along with the pigment printing tend to give it more rugged and less defined print lines.

Water Repellency

Both fabrics come equipped with DWR (Durable Water Repellency) and PU coating on the back. This is the industry standard for waterproofing outdoor fabrics. The 500D Cordura scores slightly higher because of it receiving a 2 pass PU coating (thicker) where the 600D polyester receives a 1 pass. When it’s all said and done, this doesn’t make a whole lot of difference, but we have to give a slight edge to the 500D Cordura Nylon here.

Check out our Waterproof Test

Cleanability

Both fabrics are 100% synthetic and have DWR treatment. This makes them both resistant to mold and mildew while allowing them to shed any water-based mess like a true champion. However, as mentioned above, the polyester has a slicker surface than the textured, rugged feel of the nylon. This scores the 600D Polyester a 5 out of 5 on our scale for its ease of cleaning – just dampen a cloth… wipe and go!

Burlap is awful in comparison. These fabrics are perfect for hunting blinds.

Affordability

With all the bells and whistles that come with these fabrics, it comes as no surprise they are towards the higher end of our fabric pricing range. They’re going to run a little more than, say, cotton t-shirt fabric. However, the old adage “you get what you pay for” applies here as much as anywhere. These fabrics are constructed to take abuse. They will last longer and perform outdoors brilliantly. The 500D Cordura Nylon, with the extra strength characteristics, costs about 25% more than the 600D polyester.

Shadowblock / Concealment

The 600D Poly and 500D Cordura Nylon are both tightly woven and built similarly. We’re giving the edge here to the 500D Cordura because it’s a little bulkier, thicker and has the extra PU coating on it. Plus, the back of the nylon fabric tends to have a little bit of the camo print “bleed through” where the back of the 600D Poly fabric is just plain white. One exception to this – the 600D Poly | Shadowblock Backing- Mossy Oak Break-up Country – 60″ has a shadowblocking black PU coating. This is the ultimate fabric to hide you and to keep your shadows hidden on a sunny morning.

  • 500D Cordura Nylon - Mossy Oak Break-up Fabric

    500D Cordura® Nylon – Mossy Oak Break Up – 60″

    $20.42 / yd
  • Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades - 600D Poly Fabric

    600D Poly – Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades – 57/58″

    $14.65 / yd

Waterproof / Resistant Fabric Put to the Test

People have been asking that I demonstrate our waterproof or water resistant fabrics and how they hold water. I like to make you all happy so here goes… In the following video, I demonstrate the waterproof property of our weatherproof fabrics by letting water sit on top of it for almost 24 hours. Sit back, enjoy and be wowed by our super amazing fabrics.. Well, maybe not wowed.. but you should be impressed. These fabrics are cool!

When it comes to waterproof fabrics, Camo Fabric Depot has what it takes to keep you or whatever it is that needs covering dry under the harshest of conditions. In the previous video, I demonstrate the ability that our waterproof fabric has when holding water over an extended period of time. The fabrics stood strong for 22 hours and absolutely no leaking. Though this is a relative short period of time, I am confident these fabrics would have never leaked! I can think of a million things I could do with this fabric!

From the waterproof 70D Nylon Ripstop to the water proof 1000D Cordura Nylon you won’t find a better group of outdoor performance fabrics that can protect you from the elements. These fabrics are perfect for bags, backpacks, hunting blinds, tents and hammocks. Heck, really anything that you need tough, dependable, waterproof fabric for. We have plenty of stock of 70D Nylon Ripstop, 500 Denier Cordura Nylon, 600 Denier Ploy Oxford and 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon. All of these fabrics are weatherproof and ready to be purchased by the yard. Fabrics are available in a variety of your favorite camouflage patterns including Realtree, Mossy Oak, A-TACS Camo, Moon Shine Camo, Next Camo and more! All of the fabrics are available by the yard. Buy a few yards and see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

Mother Nature has truly met her match with these fabrics and their weatherproof properties.
SHOP ALL WATERPROOF FABRICS

  • Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades 500D Nylon

    500D Cordura® Nylon – Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades – 60″

    $20.42 / yd
  • Realtree Xtra 500D Nylon

    500D Cordura® Nylon – Realtree Xtra – 60″

    $20.42 / yd
  • Next Camo Bonz 600D Poly

    600D Poly – Next Camo Bonz – 57/58″

    $15.17 / yd
  • Realtree Max-5 600D Poly Fabric

    600D Poly – Realtree Max-5 – 57/58″

    $14.65 / yd