Natural rubber (NR) exhibits high tensile strength, abrasion resistance, resilience, tear strength and low hysteresis, giving it the most robust physical properties of any of the types compared here. It is ideal for bulk or dry material transfer.

Natural rubber is a polymer of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) with a molecular weight of 100,000 to 1,000,000. Unlike synthetic rubber, it is bio-degradable and ecologically friendly, as its material is obtained from cultivated rubber trees (hevea brasiliensis) in the form of latex (isoprene).

Polyisoprene, which is chemically similar to NR, has lower strength properties than the natural form but better low-temperature properties. Both rubbers are susceptible to degradation by weathering characteristics, and both show poor resistance to mineral and petroleum-based oils and fuels, making them unsuitable for oil/fuel transfer, which might cause the hose to swell and become weakened.

NR has the lowest operating temperature range, typically from -50°C to 70°C, hence it is only applicable for a moderate application.