Rapha Performance Trailwear

Materials Guide

From resilient ripstop nylon to space-age polymer padding and snag-resistant honeycomb knits, every material used in Rapha Performance Trailwear has a purpose. Find out what our garments are made of and why in our comprehensive guide.

As surely as your tyres leave tracks in the dirt, every ride leaves its mark on your apparel. But Rapha Performance Trailwear is made to last, lap after lap and season after season. Even if you do come off and rip an item of your kit, it’s not the end of the line.

Most of our products include a repair patch kit, made with excess fabric from the same garment that would otherwise have been headed for landfill. But we hope you won’t have to use our patches too often as Rapha Performance Trailwear has been created with a meticulous focus on finding the most technically advanced and consistently durable fabrics available.

From resilient ripstop nylon to space-age polymer padding and snag-resistant honeycomb knits, we use only the toughest materials so that you can attack the trails with complete confidence. And to reduce our impact on the world around us, we have also made efforts to use environmentally preferred materials across the range. In 2021, 43% of Rapha Performance Trailwear, by volume, is made using environmentally preferred materials, with a commitment of reaching 90% by 2025. In this comprehensive guide, we explain which materials we’ve used, and why.

RHEO​​N™

Our Trail Knee Pads are constructed around RHEON™, an active polymer that intelligently strengthens when subjected to force. It’s soft and flexible while pedaling, but immediately hard and dense upon impact – keeping your knees safe when the trail takes its toll.

Composition: RHEON™ active polymer

Fabric Origin: China

100% ORGANIC COTTON

The Men's Trail Hoodie features a heavyweight loopback french terry organic cotton, with a soft and comfortable feel made from organic natural fibres.

Composition: 100% Cotton

Fabric Origin: China/India

PERFORMANCE MERINO OFF-ROAD

Merino wool, nature’s miracle material, is reinforced with nylon for increased durability and snag resistance, while retaining its natural moisture-wicking properties for all-day comfort on cooler days. Performance Merino Off-road features in our Men's Trail Windblock Jersey.

Composition: 52% Wool, 48% Nylon

Fabric Origin: Thailand

STRETCH NYLON

Stretch Nylon, which is used to create our comfortable Trail Shorts, offers a soft, cotton-touch feel. Composed of 88% Nylon and 12% Elastane, this material provides enhanced air permeability - improving moisture management and preventing heat build-up.

Composition: 88% Nylon 12% Elastane

Fabric Origin: Taiwan

Repairable with integrated patch kit: Yes

HONEYCOMB KNIT

A high-stretch and snag resistant material, we’ve used a Honeycomb Knit to make a number of Performance Trailwear products, including the Trail Technical T-Shirt, Trail ¾ Sleeve Jersey, and Women’s Trail Tank. Made from 68% post consumer recycled polyester, the structure of this lightweight fabric stands away from the skin, meaning it’s quick-drying and will keep you cool during hot days on the trail.

Composition: 100% Polyester (68% recycled)

Fabric Origin: Japan

Repairable with integrated patch kit: Yes

NYLON RIPSTOP

Used to make the Trail Lightweight Jacket, our Nylon Ripstop is a windproof yet breathable material originating from Japan. As a mechanical stretch yarn, it provides high energy dispersion that maximises durability and minimises tearing. The Nylon Ripstop is also coated with a durable water repellent (DWR), which causes water to bead up and roll away.

Composition: 100% Nylon

Fabric Origin: Japan

RECYCLED NYLON RIPSTOP

Made from 100% Recycled Nylon Ripstop, this material is used to make our Trail Hip Pack. It’s easy to clean while providing a rugged and durable outer shell to withstand rigorous abuse on the trail.

Composition: 100% Recycled Nylon

Fabric Origin: Korea

VARIABLE WIDTH WEBBING

Used for the waistband of our Men’s Trail Shorts, a Variable Width Webbing belt ensures that the load is evenly dispersed around the waist, which provides all-day comfort on the trail.

Composition: 100% Polyester

Fabric Origin: China

Cycling has the power to change lives and make our world a better place.

Find out more about how we’re managing our impact to help realise the full potential of pedal power on our Impact and Sustainability page.