Skydiving Canopy Fabrics Explained
Explore the main parachute canopy fabrics: F-111, Zero-P, sail cloth, and hybrid designs. Learn the pros and cons of each fabric type to choose the right canopy for your skydiving needs.
The fabric used to build a parachute canopy directly affects its performance, pack volume, and durability. Manufacturers select specific materials to balance opening characteristics, flight efficiency, and longevity. Below is an overview of the most common parachute fabrics used in sport skydiving.
F-111 (Low-Porosity Nylon)
F-111 is a treated rip-stop nylon fabric that was widely used in early sport parachutes. It is less airtight than modern fabrics, which gives it softer openings and easier packing. However, F-111 loses porosity over time, leading to faster landings and reduced flare power. Today, F-111 is mostly found in student canopies, reserve parachutes, and some specialty wings where predictable openings are prioritized over performance.
Pros
- Packs smaller and easier than Zero-P
Cons
- Wears out relatively quickly
- Loses performance as porosity increases with use
- Less flare power
Zero-P (ZP, Zero Porosity Nylon)
Zero-P, or ZP, is a rip-stop nylon coated to be highly airtight, which keeps the canopy pressurized and consistent for a long lifespan. It provides crisper flight characteristics, more powerful flare, and better performance overall compared to F-111. The trade-off is that ZP canopies are harder to pack due to the slick, coated surface, and openings can be harder if not managed properly. Most modern sport canopies are built from ZP fabric.
Pros
- Maintains performance for thousands of jumps
- Strong flare power
- Very resistant to porosity-related wear
Cons
- Harder to pack, especially when new
- Can produce snappier openings
- Bulkier than F-111
Sail Cloth
Sail cloth is a stiffer, heavier fabric originally developed for sailing applications. In skydiving, it is used primarily for competition canopies and canopy formation (CRW) wings. The low-stretch, rigid structure gives canopies extremely precise flight characteristics and strong performance. However, it is bulky to pack, wears differently than nylon, and is not suitable for everyday use due to stiffness and handling challenges.
Pros
- Very precise flight and handling
- Durable under high wing loadings
Cons
- Bulky and heavy to pack
- Can be less forgiving on openings
Hybrid Construction
Some canopies use a mix of fabrics, such as ZP on the top skin for performance and F-111 on the bottom skin for easier packing. This “hybrid” construction is often found on student or transitional canopies, giving some of the benefits of ZP without the difficulty of packing a full-ZP wing.
Pros
- Less bulk than full ZP
- Easier to pack than full ZP
- Balanced option
Cons
- Not as durable as full ZP
- Performance is a compromise, not optimal in any area
Final Thoughts
From forgiving F-111 to long-lasting Zero-P and specialized fabrics like sail cloth, canopy fabric plays a huge role in how a parachute performs. Student rigs and reserves often rely on F-111, while nearly all modern sport wings are made from ZP for maximum efficiency. Specialty fabrics serve niche purposes, like CRW or competition flying. Always consider the canopy’s intended use and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when selecting a fabric.
Some manufacturers also develop proprietary fabric variations to fine-tune openings, pack volume, handling, or durability. Examples include ZPX, Aerodyne's low-bulk version of Zero-P that packs smaller, or PN9, a lightweight nylon often used in reserves. These materials may be marketed under different names, but they are generally refinements of the main fabrics described above.