How Much Paracord Should You Carry?

I personally carry about ten feet on my wrist every day, no matter where I am going. When camping I carry about 60' in my pockets or waist pack. It's enough for one or two day excursions. but if you are going to be out for a week or so camping, take at LEAST 100' of the stuff. you're likely to be lost farther from civilization on a longer hike/camp out.
Jeff W.
 
CanDo said:
How about two bowlines? :)
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Hey CanDo,

Thanks for the reply. That would work, but I'm trying to find something with a few less steps. I'm tying the one-handed bowline when the other end is attached to an anchor point. BTW, the normal one-handed bowline is a useful knot to learn in case you're floating towards a falls (canoe is tipped) and somebody throws you a rescue rope.

And has been mentioned before, re: one handed ferro rod operation, sometimes you just don't have 2 hands to use.

Doc
 
The one handed knot quest is a worthy project Doc.

Sitting in the comfort of my living room I managed to tie an untidy Zeppelin bend with one hand, but I found it was easier to tie a single fisherman's bend (the one with the two half hitches). I pushed the rope against my leg to manipulate it.

But on a cliff face in the howling wind with hail pelting me, tying the same knot with my left hand while I hang on to a thin sapling to prevent a 1000 foot fall with my right hand....it would probably be a lot more difficult.

The ordinary fisherman's bend is an "OK" knot I suppose, but that Zeppelin bend is fantastic.
 
coote said:
The one handed knot quest is a worthy project Doc.

Sitting in the comfort of my living room I managed to tie an untidy Zeppelin bend with one hand, but I found it was easier to tie a single fisherman's bend (the one with the two half hitches). I pushed the rope against my leg to manipulate it.

But on a cliff face in the howling wind with hail pelting me, tying the same knot with my left hand while I hang on to a thin sapling to prevent a 1000 foot fall with my right hand....it would probably be a lot more difficult.

The ordinary fisherman's bend is an "OK" knot I suppose, but that Zeppelin bend is fantastic.
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Thanks coote, I agree, even though the Zeppelin bend sucks!

Just kidding you, I know you like it - it is a very nice knot especially since I've found an easier way to tie it.

Doc
 
I generally carry 150': one 50' length, and six 16+' lengths (a 100' hank cut into six lenths).

Keep in mind that I use the cord all the time when camping - it isn't stowed away semi-permanently in a BOB. I find the 50' length can be a pain to unravel, so I only use the 50' hunk when necessary. It is the shorter 16+' lengths that get used ALL the time for all sorts of things, and I find the 16' lengths a good length and easy to handle.

If I know I'll need a clothesline for hanging sleeping bags and other stuff I'll bring a 50-100' length of 3/8 braided nylon cord in addition to the paracord, as it doesn't tend to stretch nearly as much.

BTY, to stow the paracord I wrap them on my palm and then use the last few feet to wrap around the coil, finishing up with a clove hitch. This makes them compact and easy to unroll. Far and away my favorite paracord is the delightfully orange stuff from countycomm.com.
 
two 25' lengths here, one kept seperate to be used in pieces,and replaced when neccessary. The other kept long so it is ready when I need it.
 
All the cord I need for a trip is already cut to size (tarp/tent, canoe... etc) so I'll bring about ~25', maybe none at all, haven't personally needed it for much. I find myself using a little bit of twine more often. :)
 
I thought it was interesting that in the book "Lighten Up by Don Ladigin which is a book about light and ultralight backpacking, that he still reccomends 50 feet of paracord.
 
I tend to have paracord added to other things that I'm taking anyway so it doesn't take up any room in a pack or anything. I have about 25 ft on my knife sheath and I usually have my walking stick which has about 100ft wrapped around it for a large gripping space. If I need some, I just take some off my walking stick. Then I replace what I took when I get home. System has always worked just fine and allows me to carry a ton.
 
Does anyone know of any high quality string/twine that I can carry to supplement 550 cord for lighter tasks? I want something that I can carry alot of in a small package. Thanks!
 
MARK- I also carry about 50 feet of OD nylon decoy cord. It is about half the diameter of paracord and useful for lighter tasks. It is very durable and high quality. It can be purchased from any outdoor store that sells decoys. Or try online at Cabela's.
 
I always carry at least one 25 foot hank. I may carry several if I feel it's necesary. I also have been keeping a 50 foot hank lately as well.
 
what sorts of uses do you guys have for this stuff other than the obvious shelter making applications?

What is tarp-camping?
 
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