TIDURA: Understanding ORTLIEB’s PVC-Free Waterproof Fabric -

(picture: ORTLIEB Sportartikel GmbH)

In September 2026, German bag manufacturer ORTLIEB introduced TIDURA, a new family of waterproof fabrics developed specifically for its bags.

Made from polyester fabric coated with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), TIDURA is designed to combine waterproofness, durability and compatibility with welded seams. What makes it particularly interesting is how the material is produced — and how closely its development is connected to the finished product.

What is TIDURA made of?

TIDURA is a woven polyester fabric coated with TPU on both sides. Its construction consists of three layers:

Outer layer: Coloured, ether-based TPU coating.
Middle layer: Woven polyester fabric providing structural strength.
Inner layer: Transparent, ether-based TPU coating.

The polyester provides strength, while the flexible polyurethane coatings form a waterproof barrier. TPU can also be joined using high-frequency welding, allowing fabric panels to be bonded without stitching holes.

Unlike some traditional ORTLIEB materials, TIDURA contains no PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

From Belgium to Germany

TIDURA begins as a polyester fabric woven in Belgium.

It then travels to Heilsbronn, Germany, where GDS (Gesellschaft für dichtende Systeme), a sister company of ORTLIEB, applies the TPU coatings. The finished material is subsequently used to manufacture bags at ORTLIEB’s neighbouring facility.

GDS was founded by Hartmut Ortlieb in 1998 and also develops waterproof fastening systems, including TIZIP zips.

This arrangement gives ORTLIEB direct involvement in the development and coating of its fabrics rather than relying entirely on ready-made materials from external suppliers.

The advantage is technical: the fabric coating, welding process and bag construction can be designed to work together.

TIDURA core versus TIDURA strong

ORTLIEB developed two versions for different applications.

Property	TIDURA core	TIDURA strong
Fabric weight	360 g/m²	520 g/m²
Tensile strength, warp/weft	1,700 / 1,600 N	2,600 / 2,500 N
Reported abrasion resistance	105,000 cycles	105,000 cycles
Intended use	Everyday and commuting bags	Heavier-duty and travel bags

Figures published by ORTLIEB. Tensile strength is measured according to DIN EN ISO 1421:2017.

Strong is approximately 44% heavier per square metre and offers considerably greater tensile strength. Interestingly, ORTLIEB reports the same abrasion-test result for both versions.

These are material properties, not finished-bag weights. Nor does tensile strength alone establish resistance to tearing or predict how many years a bag will last.

Waterproof fabric does not automatically mean a waterproof bag

ORTLIEB reports a hydrostatic resistance of 100,000 mm water column for TIDURA and its welded seams. This represents considerable resistance to water pressure under test conditions.

But a bag’s actual waterproofness also depends on its construction.

High-frequency welding bonds the coated fabric panels together without the needle holes created by sewing. Roll-top closures or waterproof TIZIP zips protect the openings.

The finished bags receive different IP (Ingress Protection) ratings depending on their design. For example, IP64 indicates protection against splashing water, while IP67 includes protection against temporary immersion up to one metre for 30 minutes.

A fabric’s hydrostatic resistance should therefore never be confused with the immersion rating of the complete bag.

Durability, repairability and environmental questions

TIDURA is designed for demanding use, but long service life depends on more than the fabric itself.

ORTLIEB supports repairs and offers replacement components for its products. Its general policy includes a five-year warranty and spare-parts availability for at least ten years after a product is discontinued.

TIDURA is also PVC-free, although ORTLIEB continues to use PVC-coated materials elsewhere in its collection.

However, PVC-free does not automatically mean environmentally superior. A meaningful environmental comparison would need information about raw materials, coating processes, energy consumption, product lifespan and end-of-life treatment.

No independently verified life-cycle assessment comparing TIDURA with ORTLIEB’s previous materials was identified in the sources reviewed.

The origin of the polyester yarn and the identity of the Belgian weaving partner also remain unconfirmed.

TIDURA’s most distinctive development is therefore not simply a new waterproof coating. It is the close integration of European textile production, coating technology and bag manufacturing — allowing a material to be designed specifically for the product it will become.