Tough, Grippy, Reliable: Why These Two Cords Belong in Your Pack

If you’ve been out in the wild long enough, you know there’s no such thing as “just rope.” The kind of cordage you bring can make or break your setup—literally. That’s why packing both the Texas Bushcraft Firecraft Cord and Tarred Bank Line is one of the smartest moves you can make. They each do different things, and when used together? Game-changer.

Firecraft Cord: Strong, Smart, and Built for Survival
Let’s start with the Firecraft Cord. It’s not just a 550-lb strength paracord—it’s a survival tool in itself. Inside that durable nylon sheath are three bonus strands: a waxed cotton tinder for quick fire-starting, a 150D waxed thread for stitching gear or even closing wounds, and a 40-lb test fishing line for—you guessed it—catching dinner.

What’s great is that it stays flexible and easy to tie, even after getting wet or roughed up. So whether you're hanging your shelter, dragging a heavy load, or creating a tripwire, this cord holds up and holds on. It’s your main line, your lifeline, and your back-up plan—all in one.

Tarred Bank Line: Grippy, Compact, and Underrated
Then there’s the Tarred Bank Line. It doesn’t take up much space, but don’t underestimate it. With a 350-lb strength rating and a grippy tar coating, it’s perfect for all the small but essential tasks: lashing, snaring, fishing, netting, and tying up gear. And since you can get it in either twisted or braided versions, you can choose what works best for your needs—twisted for easy separation into smaller fibers, braided for extra durability.

But one of the best ways to use it? As a friction knot over Firecraft Cord. The tacky tarred surface clings tightly, making Prusik knots rock-solid—no slipping, even when the line is wet or under tension. It's the perfect combo of compact precision and dependable grip.

Why These Two Work Better Together
Here’s the sweet spot:

Use Firecraft Cord as your strong, reliable backbone—ideal for ridgelines, heavy tie-downs, and anything load-bearing.

Use Tarred Bank Line for adjustable tensioners, loops, and quick-access gear lines where grip is key.

Firecraft Cord gives you survival options. Bank Line gives you small-detail control.

For example: need an adjustable tarp shelter? Set your Firecraft as the ridgeline, then tie on bank line Prusik loops to tension your tarp exactly where you want it. Or maybe you're setting up a makeshift hanging pot system—Firecraft takes the weight, and the grippy bank line keeps it from sliding.

Final Thoughts
No cord does it all—but these two together come pretty close. The Firecraft Cord gives you the strength, durability, and emergency versatility. The Tarred Bank Line gives you grip, precision, and space-saving convenience. Whether you're in the backcountry or bugging out, mixing these two in your kit means you're ready for almost anything.

It’s not about carrying more gear. It’s about carrying the right gear—and using it smarter.