Ripstop Canvas fabric is one of the most trusted outdoor and heavy-duty textiles in South Africa—and for good reason.

Designed to resist tearing, it’s strong, versatile, and built to handle the country’s harsh climate, from the sunny Lowveld to the windy Cape coast. At Smart Ikhaya, we supply Ripstop Canvas that works as hard as you do.

Whether you’re making a safari tent in Mpumalanga, seat covers in Johannesburg, or a custom trailer cover in Pretoria, Ripstop Canvas is the go-to coated textile for long-lasting durability.

What Is Ripstop Fabric? Durable Outdoor Fabric for Tents, Covers & More in South Africa

Ripstop fabric – also known as ripstop canvas or ripstop material – is a woven textile reinforced with a grid of thicker threads. This signature checkered pattern stops small tears from spreading, giving the material its name and incredible strength.

It’s:

• Tear-resistant
• Durable and breathable
• Ideal for outdoor, camping, and heavy-duty use

This makes Ripstop Canvas perfect for safari gear, outdoor blinds, seat covers, canopies, bakkie covers, and more.

What Is Ripstop Canvas Made From?

Most Ripstop Canvas is made from Cotton, Polyester, or Polycotton blends, depending on the application.

• Cotton Ripstop → soft, breathable, and natural
• Polyester Ripstop → stronger, more UV-resistant, better water repellence

Smart Ikhaya’s ripSMART Ripstop is made from high-quality Polyester, giving it maximum strength, UV stability, and excellent durability – perfect for South African sun, rain, and rugged terrain.

Why South Africans Love Ripstop Canvas

South Africa’s extreme weather conditions demand fabrics that last. From camping in the Drakensberg to off-road trips in the Kalahari, Ripstop Canvas performs in any environment.

It’s widely used for:

• Safari tents & camping gear
• Outdoor blinds & awnings
• Trailer lids, bakkie covers & utility canopies
• Seat covers & upholstery
• Heavy-duty bags & equipment covers

Our most popular weights are Ripstop Canvas 400 gsm and 500 gsm, known for their ideal balance of flexibility and strength.

Smart Ikhaya’s ripSMART Range

We supply Ripstop canvas in 300 gsm, 400 gsm, and 500 gsm weights, with a variety of colours including Olive, Black, Charcoal and many more.

✔ Tear-resistant & durable for outdoor use
✔ UV-stable for South African sun
✔ WR-coated options available on request
✔ Perfect for manufacturers
✔ Available with no minimum order – buy only what you need

Whether you’re sewing a safari tent in Nelspruit or recovering a canopy in Limpopo, ripSMART canvas works. It’s made in South Africa for South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ripstop Canvas

1. What GSM is best for tents and covers?

• 300 gsm → lightweight covers & bags
• 400 gsm → tents, outdoor blinds, bakkie covers
• 500 gsm → heavy-duty tents and seat covers & industrial covers

2. Can you sew ripstop canvas with a normal machine?

Yes, but you’ll need a heavy-duty sewing machine and strong needles to handle the thicker fabric. Many manufacturers and upholsterers prefer an industrial sewing machine for best results.

3. Is Ripstop Canvas good for hot climates?

Absolutely. It’s UV-stable, breathable, and durable – perfect for South African sun, safari conditions, and rugged terrain.

4. Where can I buy ripstop canvas in South Africa?

You can order Ripstop Canvas from Smart Ikhaya. We offer nationwide delivery with no minimum order requirements – ideal for both smaller projects and bulk orders.

Order Ripstop Canvas in South Africa

Looking for high-quality ripstop canvas?

• Nationwide delivery – from Cape Town to Durban and all the bits in between and around.
• No minimum order quantities – reduce waste & cost
• WR-coated ripstop available on request
• Expert advice on the right weight & finish for your project

Smart Ikhaya – It works. Dit werk.

Explore our ripSMART Ripstop Canvas Range ›