Why Cordura Is a Brilliant Fabric for Backpacks — And Why Braasi Uses It

Cordura is one of the most respected fabric brands in the world of durable gear — especially backpacks.

Its story begins in 1929, when chemical giant DuPont developed it as a type of rayon. During World War II, Cordura became critical in military use, particularly in tires for military vehicles. In the 1960s, the fabric was reengineered as a nylon blend, which dramatically increased its strength, water resistance, and abrasion resistance. From that point on, Cordura’s reputation as a go-to material for hard-wearing gear only grew.

Beyond Backpacks: Cordura in the World

While now synonymous with outdoor and tactical backpacks, Cordura is also used widely in other products that demand toughness: military uniforms, motorcycling jackets, heavy-duty workwear, mountaineering apparel, luggage, even footwear and accessories like wallets. Its resilience in extreme conditions is what makes it so trusted by professionals, adventurers, and designers alike.

Cordura is not a single fabric but a brand with several specialized variants, including:

• Cordura Classic – The original rugged nylon, known for its outstanding resistance to tears, scuffs, and abrasions.
• Cordura Ballistic – A densely woven nylon developed for military body armor, now used in very heavy-duty packs and gear.
• Cordura HP – A lighter, high-performance version used in some travel bags and urban accessories.
• Cordura EcoMade – Made from recycled materials, offering a sustainable option with the same resilience.
• Cordura Lite Plus – A lightweight version that keeps Cordura’s strength but improves flexibility and breathability.
• Cordura Nyco – A cotton-nylon blend that’s breathable and durable, often used in tactical uniforms.

Why Cordura Is Ideal for Backpacks

Cordura stands out for its abrasion resistance, water repellency, tear strength, and long-term durability. Backpacks take a beating — dragged on floors, crammed under seats, exposed to the elements — and Cordura is designed to withstand it all.

In particular, Cordura 500D and 1100D fabrics are commonly used in backpack construction. The “D” stands for denier, a unit of measurement that indicates the fiber thickness.

• 500D Cordura strikes a balance between toughness and flexibility. It’s strong enough for daily wear and tear but light enough to keep a backpack agile and comfortable.
• 1100D Cordura is heavier and even more rugged, often used in areas of the bag that experience extra stress, like bottoms or exterior panels. It has a coarser texture and slightly glossier finish, giving it a distinct aesthetic and added protection.

How Cordura Compares to Other Materials

Compared to canvas (heavy-duty cotton), Cordura is significantly more abrasion- and water-resistant, and doesn’t absorb moisture or dirt as easily. Canvas does have a nostalgic and natural look, and it ages beautifully — but it’s heavier and less weather-resistant.

When compared to advanced high-tech fabrics like Dyneema or X-Pac, Cordura holds its own in terms of durability and tear resistance, though it is usually heavier. High-tech fabrics often excel in ultralight performance or extreme waterproofing, but they can feel stiff and are often considerably more expensive. Cordura provides a very attractive balance of toughness, flexibility, and affordability — making it perfect for everyday urban and travel use.

Braasi’s Use of Cordura

Braasi makes deliberate material choices to balance function, durability, and aesthetics — and Cordura plays a big part in that. Many of their backpacks are constructed using Cordura 1100D and 500D, sourced from suppliers in Germany and the Czech Republic. These materials give Braasi backpacks their iconic slightly reflective finish and high resistance to tears and abrasion.

Cordura also holds its shape well, helping Braasi’s architectural silhouettes stay crisp, even after years of daily use. Most bags include waterproof linings, adding a second layer of protection — and because Cordura doesn’t absorb moisture easily, even sudden rain showers aren’t a concern.

In short, Braasi’s use of Cordura reinforces their commitment to creating gear that’s both beautiful and built to last — ready for city life, weekend adventures, and everything in between.