a hose assembly , preferably a garden hose assembly , including a fabric jacketed tube that is lightweight , durable and versatile . the tube is radially expandable when pressurized by a fluid , such as water , but does not increase in length . the two layer construction of the hose assembly allows for storage in relatively compact spaces , similar flow rates , approximately one - half the weight , and improved maneuverability when compared to conventional hose constructions . in one embodiment the jacket is formed around the tube in a continuous process that welds a fabric , preferably using hot air , into the jacket . the welded joint forms a region of jacket that is preferably about twice the thickness of the rest of the jacket . this thicker region results in a stiffer section of jacket that makes the hose more controllable and consistent in use .