Cheap survival item: tube webbing!

G

gadgetgeek

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May 19, 2007
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So, I've been away for a while, but I suspect that the love for good 550 cord has not dwindled, (unless there is a source for cheap 4mm spectra I don't know about). With that in mind, I have been playing around with a chunk of climbers 1 inch tube webbing, about a yard and a half, just to see how I could use it. So far the cons are that it is bulky for any given length, and it's relatively high cost, but that is about it. Tube webbing is incredibly strong, the stuff I have is rated to 17Kn or 4000lbs, which is fairly impressive. It is slick, so sliding it around is fairly easy, but it holds knots in itself very well, and can be used with some hitches, depending on the application. Since it is a tube it can be used to sheath other ropes/cords, as a handle cover material, and as a more comfortable gear repair option for straps.
So far I've used the same section as a sleeve guard while shooting my compound outdoors. Then when it warmed up and I took off my jacket, I made a quick loop, and had a bow sling. Add a couple small carabiners and you could have a carry yoke. obviously it is a good choice for hanging hammocks from trees, and other applications where you want to distribute weight.

Anyone else have any uses for this stuff?
 
I have a large roll of 1" that I have had for 16 years. I have yet to find many uses for it with the exception of making my own gun slings. As you stated, it is bulky when compared to the alternatives. In another direction I have been playing with accessory cord (Type I?) as you can carry easily 5X 550 in the same bulk. I believe tensile strenght to be 150 lbs, making it a substitute for many 550 tasks.
 
I have a couple lengths of tubular webbing (30 and 40 feet); it's more compact than standard climbing rope and can be used for similar uses in a pinch. It's a little heavy and bulkly for most other applications, but see it's best use in an urban bag. I also prefer webbing to improvise a Swiss harness rather than the standard rope. It's definitely tough stuff!

ROCK6
 
Always have at least 50' in my basic SAR load-out.
One of the more versatile bits of kit; anything from shelter construction to patient packaging and hasty rappels...

On one mission, we had in excess of 300' tied together as a handline as we escorted a hiker off a fairly rugged trail.

Good stuff :thumbup:

8
 
only from UV as far as I know, maybe some chemical degradation from cleaners or the like. I'd figure for most uses stored nylon should be fine.
 
I set up a wooden gate at the back of my property well over 10 years ago. To keep it shut I simply made a loop out of 550 cord. The same loop is on there and works fine. UV degrades any nylon cordage over time but it is incredibly tough. I have to watch myself as I keep on wanting to pack too much of it.
 
I have some that came with Hennesy hammock to wrap around trees to not dig into the bark like thin line would. I have used some for sail ties on a boat. Remember this stuff stretches when wet.
 
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