Polyamide Fabric: Using Nylon and Synthetics While Camping

Polyamide fabric is a term that refers to both natural fabrics, such as wool and silk, as well as synthetic fabrics like nylon. In colloquial use, it more often refers to the latter.

Polyamide fabric comes from polymers, rather than monomers—in other words, most fabrics of this variety derive from a blend of different substances rather than a single type. Synthetic types of fabric use a variety of ingredients, like adipic acid, crude oil, and diamine acid (or hexamethylenediamine). Common in swimsuits, leggings, and stretchy sportswear, polyamide fabric can come in handy in a survival situation.

Polyamide fabric comes in several different basic varieties. Here are three of the most common:

1. 1. Nylon: This aliphatic and synthetic polyamide pairs with spandex, elastane, and other materials to lay the groundwork for elastic activewear, tents, tights, and more. Since many artificial chemicals go into making nylon, it can take many years to biodegrade. Dispose of it cautiously and diligently as it could end up in a landfill for centuries.
2. 2. Silk: This type of fabric is also technically a polyamide since amide bonds with other natural fibers in silk. When you opt for this more organic material, it proves to be a more eco-friendly and sustainability-adjacent alternative compared to nylon. Still, it might not be quite as durable against the elements as more synthetic materials.
3. 3. Wool: This natural fabric’s proteins and polymers blend together to help its wearers retain plenty of warmth. Wool is also biodegradable, so you can spool its yarn on a spinneret with less hesitation if you’re hoping to avoid any of the environmental issues related to nylon and other synthetics.

Polyamide fabric can serve a very useful set of purposes out in the wild. Consider these four benefits to having some polyamide garments and materials on hand at all times:

• Abrasion resistance: Polyamide fabric has a remarkable sense of durability. Especially in relation to other fabrics, like cotton, it’s harder for this type to fray or tear. Minor pilling (i.e., the emergence of fuzzballs), however, is still likely.
• Breathability: Natural polyamides, like wool and silk, are breathable, and all types have a lot of elasticity. Therefore, it’s easy to move around seamlessly and swiftly in a survival scenario. Nylon, on the other hand, is less breathable but far more elastic. It’s also more prone to wrinkle than the other fabrics.
• Mildew resistance: Polyamide clothing will resist mildew or mold growth. Water can rarely get a foothold on these resistant fabrics to start growing toxic, smelly substances in the first place.
• Warmth retention: Polyamide fibers retain warmth and can help keep you safe in inclement weather. For example, pairing a nylon tent with wool outerwear will shield you from the worst of a cold front.

Polyamide products can help you survive in adverse circumstances. Keep these three tips in mind when you’re out on your own in the wilderness:

1. 1. Bundle up when you’re cold. Polyamide clothing and materials can keep you warm if you’re out in the cold. Natural polyamides, like wool and silk, might be better choices as garments, whereas nylon tents will stand up more effectively against rain or snow. Multiple layers prove especially helpful.
2. 2. Shield yourself from water. There’s a reason designers use polyamide fabrics for swimwear—they’re naturally water-resistant. As a result, wicking away water with a nylon umbrella or tent can help you stay dry when camping. Polyester fabric (which is different from polyamide fabric) can also prove useful in this respect.
3. 3. Steer clear of fire and high heat. While polyamide fabric has plenty of pluses, it’s important to remain cognizant of fire as a key hazard. Harsh chemicals like nitrous oxide are common in this fabric, especially when it contains synthetic fibers. If you inadvertently expose nylon fabric to high temperatures, it can melt easily and cause extensive skin damage.

Certain outdoor activities carry an elevated risk of serious injury. Wilderness scenarios require extensive survival gear, including but not limited to food, water, maps, protective clothing, and first aid, along with mental and physical fortitude. This article is for educational and informational purposes, and is not a substitute for hard skills and expertise.

Prepare for any outdoor journey by grabbing a MasterClass Annual Membership and committing Jessie Krebs’s wilderness survival course to memory. As a former United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape instructor, Jessie can teach you everything you need to know about packing for a trip (neon is the new black), purifying water, foraging (crickets: the other white meat), starting a fire, and signaling for help (forget SOS).