Paracord vs. Tarred Bank Line: An Essential Guide for Bushcraft and Camping
Welcome to our deep dive into the world of bushcraft and camping essentials, where today we're comparing two of the most versatile tools in an outdoor enthusiast's kit: paracord and tarred bank line. Both materials are celebrated for their strength, durability, and utility in countless outdoor scenarios, but each has its unique characteristics that can make one more suitable than the other, depending on the situation. Let's explore the differences and similarities between paracord and tarred bank line to help you make an informed decision for your next adventure.
What is Paracord?
Paracord, short for parachute cord, is a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope originally used in the suspension lines of parachutes. This cord is known for its high tensile strength, versatility, and durability. It's commonly available in Type III (550 cord), which has a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for a multitude of tasks.
The Texas Bushcraft Firecraft Cord Paracord
Our Firecraft Cord introduces a significant advancement in paracord design, offering enhanced functionality for survival situations. Unlike traditional paracord, it includes three additional strands: a water-resistant waxed cotton tinder, a waxed 150D thread for sewing, and a 40-lb test fishing line, all encased in an abrasion-resistant nylon sheath. This patent-pending cord is more pliable, lightweight, and lacks metal or monofilament strands, improving its knotting ability and resilience during prolonged submersion. It's ideal for building shelters, setting snares, suturing wounds, and more, proving to be a versatile and essential component of any camping, tactical gear, or emergency supplies. Available in 25- and 100-foot lengths in Army Green or Burnt Orange, this survival cord combines strength, versatility, and innovation, making it a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts.
Uses in Bushcraft and Camping
Shelter Building: Its strength and flexibility make paracord ideal for constructing and securing shelters.
Gear Repair: Paracord can be unraveled and used in emergency gear repairs.
Fire Starting: The inner strands can be used as tinder or to create a bow drill for fire starting.
Fishing and Trapping: Inner strands can be used as fishing line or for making animal snares.
What is Tarred Bank Line?
Tarred bank line is a twisted or braided nylon or polyethylene line that has been treated with tar, giving it excellent resistance to water, rot, and abrasion. This treatment not only extends the line's life but also provides it with a unique tackiness that makes knots more secure.
The Texas Bushcraft Tarred Bank Line
Texas Bushcraft Tarred Bank Line is a heavy-duty, versatile outdoor twine designed for all your survival needs. Engineered for adaptability, this #36 nylon twine is tar-coated for enhanced durability, UV, and weather resistance, making it ideal for camping, hiking, fishing, and emergency situations. Its space-saving design provides the strength of paracord without the bulk, allowing for a variety of uses such as snaring, fishing, shelter building, and even emergency repairs. With a breaking strength of 350 lbs and abrasion-resistant qualities, it can withstand harsh conditions, including prolonged submersion in water. Available in 1/4-lb and 1-lb sizes, it's a compact yet powerful addition to any outdoor gear, ensuring you're prepared for any challenge with ample twine for securing loads, rigging, or emergency equipment repair.
Uses in Bushcraft and Camping
Securing Gear: Its tackiness and resistance to slipping make it excellent for tying down gear.
Fishing and Trapping: Like paracord, it can be used for fishing lines and snares, with the added benefit of being less visible in the water.
Sewing and Repairs: The smaller diameter and strength of bank line make it ideal for sewing fabric or repairing gear.
Shelter Construction: Its strength and resistance to elements make it a good choice for building shelters.
Similarities between Paracord and Tarred Bank Line
Both paracord and tarred bank line are celebrated for their:
Versatility: They can be used in a multitude of bushcraft and camping tasks.
Durability: They are both designed to withstand harsh conditions.
Strength: Each offers a high tensile strength suitable for various applications.
Key Differences
While they share some similarities, there are key differences that might make one more suitable than the other for certain tasks:
Diameter and Weight: Paracord is thicker and heavier, which might be a consideration for weight-sensitive activities. Bank line is lighter and can be more suitable for tasks that require finer cordage.
Water Resistance: The tar treatment of bank line offers superior water resistance compared to paracord.
Ease of Knotting: The tackiness of tarred bank line makes knots more secure, but some might find paracord easier to handle and untie.
Visibility: Paracord is typically available in various colors, including bright options for easy visibility, whereas tarred bank line's natural color is more subdued and blends in with natural surroundings.
Conclusion
Choosing between paracord and tarred bank line ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Paracord's strength and versatility make it a jack-of-all-trades tool for any outdoor adventure, while the water resistance and secure knotting of tarred bank line offer distinct advantages for tasks involving water or requiring more secure lashings.
For bushcraft enthusiasts and campers alike, understanding the unique properties of both materials ensures you can adapt and thrive in the wilderness, no matter the challenge. Whether you’re building a shelter, securing your gear, or improvising a fishing line, selecting the right tool for the job can make all the difference. Happy trails!
Who We Are
At Texas Bushcraft, we are a small family-owned business founded in 2018 in Austin, Texas. We were motivated to share our love for the outdoors and inspire others to enjoy nature without the need for big, fancy gadgetry. Our mission is to preserve traditional bushcraft skills and support our customers on their path to self-reliance. We offer simple, elegant outdoor gear and educational resources to help you prepare to thrive in the great outdoors. Thank you for choosing Texas Bushcraft as your guide.
