View source for Webbing

{{Short description|Strong fabric woven as a flat strip or tube used instead of rope}}
{{about|the textile|the feature of swimming animals|webbed foot}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2009}}
[[file:Webbing.jpg|thumb|{{cvt|50|mm|in|sigfig=1}} red, blue and black [[nylon]] webbing as used in [[auto racing]] harnesses]]

'''Webbing''' is a strong [[Textile|fabric]] [[weaving|woven]] as a flat strip or tube of varying width and [[fibre]]s, often used in place of [[rope]]. It is a versatile component used in [[climbing]], [[slacklining]], [[furniture]] [[manufacturing]], [[automobile]] [[safety]], [[auto racing]], [[tow truck|towing]], [[parachuting]], [[Combat uniform|military apparel]], [[load securing]], and many other fields.

It may be made of [[Hemp#Fiber|hemp]], [[cotton]] or [[linen]], but also synthetic fibers such as [[nylon]], [[polypropylene]] or [[polyester]]. Webbing is also made from exceptionally high-strength material, such as [[Dyneema]], and [[Kevlar]]. Webbing is both light and strong, with [[Ultimate tensile strength|breaking strengths]] readily available in excess of {{Convert|10000|lbf|kN|abbr=off|lk=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Cordage, Rope, and Webbing Information {{!}} IHS Engineering360|url = http://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/materials_chemicals_adhesives/composites_textiles_reinforcements/cordage_rope_webbing|website = www.globalspec.com|access-date = 2016-01-11}}</ref>

There are two basic constructions of webbing. Flat webbing is a solid weave, with [[seat belt]]s and most backpack straps being common examples. Tubular webbing consists of a flattened tube, and is commonly used in climbing and industrial applications.

== Materials ==
Some examples of common webbing materials are:
* [[Strapping#Polypropylene|Polypropylene]], a lightweight and economical material with a soft feel. Typically with a thickness of about {{cvt|3/36|in|mm|order=flip|sigfig=1}}.
* [[Cotton]] reinforced with [[nylon]] ("extra strength cotton"), a thicker and stronger webbing. Typically with a thickness of about {{cvt|1/16|in|mm|order=flip|round=0.5}}.
* [[SuperFabric|Ultra abrasion resistant nylon]], a very dense weave which requires more advanced tools to work with. Typically with a thickness of about {{cvt|3/36|in|mm|order=flip|sigfig=1}}.

== Uses ==
=== Sporting goods ===
In [[rock climbing equipment|rock climbing]], nylon webbing is used in [[sling (climbing equipment)|slings]], runners, [[climbing harness|harnesses]], anchor extensions, and [[quickdraw]]s. Webbing is used in many ways in [[hiking]] and [[camping]] gear including [[backpacks]], straps, load adjusters and [[tent]] adjusters. There are two types of webbing: tubular and flat. Some common webbing widths found on backpacks and hiking gear are:
* {{cvt|10|mm|in|sigfig=1}}
* {{cvt|15|mm|in|sigfig=1}}
* {{cvt|20|mm|in|sigfig=1}}
* {{cvt|25|mm|in|sigfig=1}}
* {{cvt|30|mm|in}}
* {{cvt|38|mm|in}}
* {{cvt|50|mm|in|sigfig=1}}
* {{cvt|75|mm|in|sigfig=1}}

The most popular webbing width is {{cvt|25|mm|in|sigfig=1}}<ref>{{Cite book|last=Johnston|first=Turlough|title=Rock Climbing Basics|year=1995|isbn=9780811724203|pages=80|publisher=Stackpole Books }}</ref> but {{cvt|38|mm|in|sigfig=2}} and {{cvt|50|mm|in|sigfig=1}} are also very common. Narrower webbing is frequently looped through [[Nut (climbing)|chock stones]], which are jammed into cracks as safety anchors. In other cases, webbing is looped over rock outcroppings. Webbing is less likely to loosen itself off the rock than tubular rope. Note that webbing construction is either utterly flat or flat-tubular; the latter tends to handle better but knots are more likely to jam.

The most popular knots in webbing are the [[water knot]] and the [[grapevine knot]]. The latter is stronger, but uses more webbing for the knot. It is customary to leave a few centimetres extending from the knot, and in many cases climbers tape the ends down onto the main loops.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://opp.uoregon.edu/climbing/topics/knots.pdf|title = Knots for Rock Climbers {{!}} Knot Selection and Care|date = 2010-08-10|access-date = 2016-01-11|website = University of Oregon|last = Strong|first = Michael|archive-date = 2016-03-04|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081418/http://opp.uoregon.edu/climbing/topics/knots.pdf|url-status = dead}}</ref>

Webbing is also less expensive than rope of similar size, particularly [[kernmantle rope]], which requires elaborate and expensive manufacturing. Unlike climbing rope, which is generally sold with recognizable brand names, webbing manufacture is typically generic. Climbing shops sell it off of a spool on a per yard or per foot basis.

Webbing is cut with a hot wire as is nylon rope, which prevents fraying and unravelling. However, when webbing does fray and unravel, the result is less disastrous than with rope, providing a modest advantage. Webbing suffers the drawback of less elasticity than perlon rope, and it may be more difficult to handle with gloves or mittens on.<ref>Royal Robbins, Basic Rockcraft</ref><ref>Royal Robbins, Advanced Rockcraft</ref><ref>The Freedom of the Hills by the Seattle Mountaineers</ref>

[[Slacklining|Slacklines]] often use flat or tubular {{cvt|25|mm|in|sigfig=1}} webbing, or flat {{cvt|50|mm|in|sigfig=1}} webbing. Other widths are used, but are less common.

[[White water rafting]] boats use tubular webbing for bow lines, stern lines, "chicken lines" (around the exterior perimeter of the boat), equipment tie down, or floor lacing for self-bailing rafts. Rafters call tubular webbing "hoopie" or "hoopi". Rafters also use [[camstraps]] with flat webbing for equipment tie down.

[[Personal flotation device|Life preservers]] are also crafted using nylon or cotton webbing that conforms to federal standards and guidelines.<ref>{{Cite web|title = 46 CFR 160.055-3 - Materials|url = https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/46/160.055-3|website = Cornell University Law School {{!}} Legal Information Institute|access-date = 2016-01-11}}</ref>

=== Automotive and racing safety ===

[[Seat belt]]s are an obvious example of webbings used in auto safety but there are myriad other uses. Nylon and polyester webbing are used a great deal in auto racing safety for a large variety of items. [[seat belt|Racing harnesses]] restraining the driver have used nylon webbing for years, but since the death of [[Dale Earnhardt#Death|Dale Earnhardt]], polyester webbing is becoming more popular due to its increased strength, and lower rate of elongation under load. The nylon commercial type 9 webbing generally used in racing harnesses stretches approximately 20 to 30 percent of its initial length at {{cvt|2500|lbf|kN|order=flip}} while polyester only stretches 5 to 15 percent. Window nets to prevent objects from entering the driver compartment are constructed of polypropylene webbing, as are helmet nets used to reduce side loads to the head in [[Sprint car racing|Sprint cars]]. The [[HANS device]] uses webbing tethers to attach the helmet to the collar, and the [[Hutchens device]] is made almost entirely of webbing.

=== Furniture ===
Webbing is used in couches and chairs as a base for the seating areas that is both strong and flexible. Webbing used as a support is often rubberised to improve resilience and add elasticity. Many types of outdoor furniture use little more than thin light webbing for the seating areas. Webbing is also used to reinforce joints and areas that tend to flex.

=== Military ===
[[File:World War I Canvas Webbing Strap.jpg|thumb|World War I canvas webbing strap]]
[[File:PALS webbing size.svg|thumb|right|Pattern for [[Pouch Attachment Ladder System|PALS]] and [[MOLLE]] grids of webbing, which are based on {{cvt|1|in|mm|order=flip}} wide webbing with {{cvt|1.5|in|mm|order=flip}} spacing between each sewing point.]]
Military webbing, or '''web gear''' otherwise known as [[Mil-Spec]] webbing, is typically made of strips of woven narrow fabrics of high tensile strength, such as nylon, Kevlar, and [[Nomex]]. When these materials are used for parachute and ballooning applications, they must also conform to PIA ([[Parachute Industry Association]]) standards.<ref>{{Cite web|title = MIL-Spec and PIA-Spec {{!}} Bally Ribbon Mills
 |url = http://www.ballyribbon.com/products/core-products/mil-spec-pia-spec
 |website = www.ballyribbon.com|access-date = 2016-01-11}}</ref>

Mil-Spec webbing is used to make military belts, packs, pouches, and [[List of webbing equipment|other forms of equipment]]. The [[British Army]] adopted cotton webbing to replace [[leather]] after the [[Second Boer War]] although leather belts are still worn in more formal dress. The term is still used for a soldier's combat equipment, although cotton webbing has since been replaced with stronger materials. The webbing system used by the British Army today is known as [[personal load carrying equipment]].<ref>{{Cite book|title = Modern British Webbing Equipment
 |last = Howlett|first = Simon
 |publisher = The Crowood Press UK
 |date = 2010-02-15|isbn = 978-1847971401|location = UK}}</ref> Americans use [[modular lightweight load-carrying equipment]] (MOLLE).

Typical contents of military webbing equipment include cooking equipment, 24 hours' worth of rations, water, ammunition, first aid or survival supplies, cold weather/rain gear, anti-gas/[[CBRN defense|CBRN]] gear and sheltering equipment (such as a tent quarter/[[shelter half]], poles, rope, etc.). Items are generally stored in an ordered fashion in a combination of ammo and utility pouches.

It is unusual for western armies to fight while wearing a pack, and so prior to anticipated contact with the enemy the pack is usually stowed away from the [[forward edge of the battle area]] and webbing is used instead. Webbing belts are also used frequently by modern cadet and scout groups, as well as police and security forces.

=== Transportation ===
[[Tie down strap|Tie downs]], tie straps, cargo straps, [[E-track]] straps, cargo hoist straps, tow ropes, winch straps, [[cargo net]]s, and dozens of other items are used by thousands of shipping and trucking companies every day. The transportation industry is perhaps the largest user of high strength webbing in the world.

=== Apparel ===

[[Belt (clothing)|Belts]], [[suspenders]]/braces, [[sandal]]s and [[handbag]]s/purses are woven from various forms of webbing. Corset-style [[back brace]]s and other medical braces often incorporate straps made from webbing.

=== Pet harnesses and leashes ===

[[Pet harness|Pet harnesses]] and [[leash]]es frequently utilize webbing. These products are often sewn together with cotton fabric.

=== Hardware ===
[[File:Klickschnalle 03 (fcm).jpg|thumb|right|A buckled [[Buckle#Side release buckle|side release buckle]] attached to webbing]]
Webbing is often outfitted with various forms of [[tie down hardware]] to extend its range of abilities (and create [[tie down straps]]). This hardware can take the form of:

* End fittings (S-hooks, snap hooks, bolt/anchor plates, J-hooks, flat hooks, etc.)
* Fasteners (over-center, cam, ratchet, etc.)
* Buckles (slide buckles, snap buckles, etc.)

There is also hardware associated with the various end fittings to attach them to a surface, such as footman loops, brackets and E-track fittings. 

While webbing sizes in general are standardized, buckles in general are proprietary. Therefore, if one part of a buckle breaks (i.e. female or male end) both parts usually have to be replaced (female and male end).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r37n-eG2-Iw Strapworks: Zen and the Art of Backpack Repair - YouTube]</ref>

=== Construction ===
In the construction industry, webbing is typically made from high-tenacity [[polyester]] or [[nylon]] fibers. It is used to lift and move heavy objects like steel beams, [[Concrete block|concrete blocks]], and other [[Building material|building materials]]. In particular, flat webbing slings are commonly employed for lifting equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Ultimate Guide to Webbing Slings: An In-Depth Analysis |url=https://www.julislings.com/news/the-ultimate-guide-to-webbing-slings.html |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=JULI SLING CO.,LTD |language=en}}</ref> 

== See also ==

* [[Blanco (compound)]]
* [[List of webbing equipment]]
* [[MOLLE]]
* [[Personal load carrying equipment]]
* [[Safety harness]]
* [[Seat belt]]
* [[Strapping]]
* [[Tie down straps]]
* [[Tie down hardware]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{commons category-inline}}
* {{Wiktionary-inline}}
{{Climbing navbox}}
[[Category:Climbing equipment]]
[[Category:Military personal equipment]]
[[Category:Mountaineering equipment]]
[[Category:Personal military carrying equipment]]
[[Category:Textiles]]