Ridge line cord??

[Paul Webster]

I've got some paracord for my tarp ridge line but I was wondering what everyone else uses?

Are there any downsides to using paracord? Should I try somesting else?

[resnikov]

I use paracord too. Find it very easy to use. I am looking at going over to amsteel as I have bought 200" of the stuff to make whoopie slings for my hammock and will have quite a bit spare. Only thing with amsteel is it dosn't take knots very well.

[chris grace]

I use 4mm dyneema,superstrong ,very light and easy to knot with very little stretch.

[resnikov]

amsteel is another name for dyneema

[Matt]

I too currently use paracord and have always found it fine. I had also contemplated trying dyneema as I have some left from a hammock experiment, is it possible to prussik onto or is it a bit slippery?

Matt.

[Martin]

Plus one for paracord here. Cheap and easy to find, as well as being strong enough for the job.

Martin

[Marvell]

I use paracord, but that chap from the Pathfinder School reckons baler twine is the way forward.

[chris grace]

amsteel is another name for dyneema

I didn't know that,it's amazing how some things have different names.Is this the stuff that armorlaces are made from?

[Paul Webster]

Thanks for all the replies, I was a bit concerned that paracord wasn't going to cut it.

[Shewie]

Exped 2.2mm reflective dyneema for me, guy lines too.

I'm the clumsiest person you could ever meet so having reflective lines gives me a fighting chance after dark :)

[comanighttrain]

Paracord is the duct tape of bushing it....of course duct tape is also the duct tape of bushing it

[Fletching]

Thanks for all the replies, I was a bit concerned that paracord wasn't going to cut it.

Intended for parachutes. And with type III being the standard, it can support 550lb - that's 249 kilos in metric.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute_cord

Steve

[Paul Webster]

I knew weight wise it was ok, was really curious about ability to knot, tie to trees and not slip...that type of thing.

[Fletching]

I knew weight wise it was ok, was really curious about ability to knot, tie to trees and not slip...that type of thing.

Sorry Paul, I didn't mean to insult your intelligence at all. Para's perfectly capable for all 'bushy' type uses and knots well. It tightens when wet, more so than Dyneema. I can't comment on baler twine (other than it's main uses are agricultural). If you're looking for something even stronger, I suggest looking at the various grade of climbing rope.

Personally, I'm +1 for para as we even managed to braid it into a tow rope to pull a Landy out of a ditch.

Steve

[Celt_Ginger]

I use Climbing accessory cord in 4mm

[FrenchBen]

Up :)

I see many of you guys use paracord. I'm still irresolute about buying some. First because I know some crooks sell fake paracord (not containing the seven strands). Second because I'm wondering about its capacity to extend and to absorb water (both things I don't want).

Could paracord users tell me about that?

I've never used a ridge line for my tarp but I'm thinking about it. I want it to be strong (not too much extendable) and lightweight. Small packed size would be perfection! ;)

On the other hand, I believe dyneema is not at all extendable and I'm a little suspicious about that : in strong wind conditions, a little flexibility is welcome to absorb shocks and tension.

Waiting for your opinions ;)

[resnikov]

I get my paracord from http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk (http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/550-gsa-compliant-paracord-85-c.asp), no relationship to the store, just had good service from them.

For the lowdown on para cord see wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute_cord) Its does have some some streach to it but not much, as for water absordbtion I have never really paid attaention to it.

[Fletching]

Heard some good reports about this stuff if you're still not sold on paracord:

http://www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_Product/316-Hootchie-Guy-Lines/

Steve