The development of more durable materials represented the first major advancement for jungle warfare uniforms. Before these materials emerged, military gear was notoriously prone to ending up in tatters following encounters with any of the various types of flora and fauna found in the jungle. Not so when garments were made of the new breed of materials, like the rugged fabric known as ripstop which quickly acquired a reputation for resistance to splits and tears. Then came special coatings to prolong the life of these materials by adding a layer of water resistance to combat the jungle's pervasive humidity and frequent rains.
The materials used in modern jungle uniforms have evolved significantly over the years. In the pre-modern era, uniforms used in tropical rainforests were typically made of heavy cotton or wool, neither of which was particularly well-suited to the jungle's hot, humid conditions. Worse, these materials were difficult to maintain owing to their propensity to tear and rot.
Some of the materials now most commonly used in modern jungle uniforms include:
Nylon: A strong, lightweight synthetic fibre, nylon is an excellent fabric for the construction of jungle-suitable military uniforms-particularly because it is highly water-resistant and moisture-wicking.
Polyester: Like nylon, polyester is a sturdy synthetic that weighs little. Polyester fibres are remarkably resistant to abrasion and tearing, which makes this a good choice of material for use in rugged environments.
Ripstop fabric: A shortcoming of nylon is its susceptibility to tearing when it encounters thorns and other sharp objects. . Ripstop is nylon, just woven in a way that makes it very difficult to tear.
Moisture-wicking fabric: Characteristic of tropical rainforests is their heat and humidity, which together promote heavy sweating-a source of discomfort, especially if the sweat has nowhere to go but remain trapped in the uniform's fabric. That's where moisture-wicking fabric comes in. It draws wetness away from the body. This promotes the sensation of dryness, which helps improve comfort. And by pulling away moisture, the wearer also feels cooler.
