In praise of mule tape

[DaleW]

Any mule tape fans out there? I learned of mule tape in a hiking forum where it was recommended for hanging bear bags-- it is light and strong and doesn't saw into the tree branches like small line will.

What is mule tape? It is a brand name and a trade jargon term for the flat synthetic pulling tapes used for pulling fiber optic cable through conduits. It comes in polyester and Kevlar versions and several widths. Search on "mule tape" or "pulling tape" and you will find a number of different products.

You can get Kevlar 1/4" wide tape that has a 1250 pound breaking strength. A 100' hank of the stuff weighs just a few ounces and stashes small. The polyester version is a little thicker and heaver, but not as costly.

The stuff is great for bear-bagging, lashing, tieing loads on your truck and you could tow a car with the wider versions in a pinch-- just watch for sharp edges.

The problem is getting hold of the stuff. It comes in long rolls-- like 3000'. I've come by mine on eBay, where your can find 100'-150' hanks for sale. If you know someone who installs network cable, it's time to do a little begging.

Most of it comes with a lubricant on it-- silicone I imagine. I just give mine a good washing in strong detergent in the sink and hang it to dry.

 

[kdstrick]

Sounds cool. I checked on ebay but only found big rolls. I wouldn't mind checking it out, do you know any other sources?

 

[alex]

The phone company uses it and disposes of it by the ton. After a couple of cable pulls it is discarded because the chance is not taken that it may break in mid-pull having to start the pull all over. If you know anyone who works in the cable pulling group of the phone company ask them to get you some of what they discard. It will still be usually in very good shape and a bit dirty but perfectly functional for sporting uses. The stuff is strong as hell and the kevlar is very cut resistant. It is best to flame seal the ends after cutting it to prevent fraying.

I have carried it around for years in my backpack and truck.

 

[Any Cal.]

I used some for a long time that was a polyester type 3/4" wide, w/ a 2500lb test. It was amazingly strong. The downside is that it tears over a sharp corner. While it could be used to hang a car in a tree, you could not hang a bag of cement over a corner. It worked well for some of the working knots that multiply force, since it was so strong. Since then, I have just swithched to paracord.