Performance spec · revision G (2022)

MIL-PRF-20696 coated cloth

Waterproof, weather-resistant coated cloth for tarpaulins, covers and shelters, built to the performance spec in South El Monte, California.

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MIL-PRF-20696 is the military's performance specification for waterproof, weather-resistant coated cloth. The current revision, G, came out in 2022 and replaced revision F from 1997. It sets what the cloth has to do rather than what it's made of, so the coating chemistry is the maker's choice as long as the cloth passes every test in the spec's Table I.

We quote Types I and II in vinyl today, on nylon and polyester base cloth in widths up to 64 inches and in contract colors such as 34088 olive drab. Chloroprene builds for Classes 1 and 3 are part of our 2027 waterborne program.

16–18oz/yd² coated weight, Type II (±1.0)

225 lbType II breaking strength, minimum

−40°FClass 1 and 3 stiffness test

≤10 sClass 3 after-flame

≤3.5 inClass 3 char length

50 cmHydrostatic head, before and after abrasion

What we build

Tarpaulins and equipment covers
Military tents and shelters
Vehicle covers
Custom weights and widths to your drawing

Questions buyers ask

Is MIL-PRF-20696 the same as MIL-C-20696?

They cover the same family of cloth. MIL-C-20696E (1987) is the older revision, and it names the polymer for each class. MIL-PRF-20696 (revisions F and G) only sets performance. Many drawings still call out the older revision, so send us the exact callout and we'll confirm the build.

What does Type II Class 3 mean?

Type II is the high-strength cloth, about 16 to 18 oz/yd² coated with a 225 lb minimum breaking strength. Class 3 adds flame resistance (after-flame of 10 seconds or less and a char length of 3.5 inches or less) on top of extreme cold flexibility.

Can you make MIL-PRF-20696 in neoprene?

Not today. A waterborne chloroprene system for Classes 1 and 3 is in development for 2027. Send a request and we'll put your program on the list.

What colors can you run?

Our eleven stock colors, or contract colors to FED-STD-595 numbers such as 34088 olive drab, 34424 green, 36231 gray and 37038 black.

Spec summaries are for orientation only. The current revision in your contract governs. Send your type, class and drawing and we'll confirm fit, testing and paperwork before we quote.