Kelty Triptease Lightline

[guncollector]

Well, in my never-ending search for the ultimate survival/emergency cordage, I have uncovered a one front-runner. The stuff is Kelty Triptease Lightline (KTL).

KTL is designed for use as Guyline in securing expedition tents while mountaineering--where high winds and sharp rocks are your enemy. The stuff is made with a Spectra 900 core (same stuff used in many bullet-resistant vests), and integrates reflective 3M Scotchlite yarns into the exterior. It highly cut-resistant and has amazing strength-to-weight ratio.

A 50 ft. hank of KTL weighs 1.0 oz., yet yields an unbelievable 188-pound breaking strength. More importantly 50 ft., as pictured below, can be coiled in an amazingly small package (1-1/8" Dia x 4-3/8" Long). (Note: black 550 paracord strand shown at top for size comparison.)

The drawback is cost. A 50-ft. hank of this stuff costs $15.00! Ouch! (Maybe we can get a group buy together?)

Anyway, just another item for you folks to consider for integrating into your Emergency Kit--especially the Mini Survival Kits everyone should have at their ready.

 

[Evolute]

I second the recommendation for KTL. This has been my favorite cord for about five years.

--Mike

 

[Donald]

I knew about this and have wanted some--thanks for the picture and additional information on size and price.

The only drawback to these super strenth to diameter cords, besides price, that I have heard of, is that they can cut into and damage trees, e.g. if used to hang a food bag.

I suppose one might have to esp. avoid possibly ringing a tree and killing it. Some webbing helps in the latter situation, another reason to, like Ron, have some webbing also along.

 

[guncollector]

I am a conservationist at heart (as most hunters are), and understand the need to prevent damage to trees while lashing anything to their trunks or branches.

Nevertheless, it is my belief that should I require use of this expensive cordage, KTL (which I will keep only in my Emergency Kits--using 550 para for hiking/camping purposes), damaging trees will be my absolutely last concern on a long list of concerns.

 

[sn7]

KTL looks like great cord for Mini-kits! You sure cannt fit much 550 in an Altiods tin if you want to put much else in. A great find Ron!

 

[Evolute]

Donald said:

"The only drawback to these super strenth to diameter cords, besides price, that I have heard of, is that they can cut into and damage trees, e.g. if used to hang a food bag."

I think you are right that these cords could potentially do that. I don't know from personal experience--I use the Garcia Machine bear-proof food storage containers.

 

[Donald]

Ron,
I just mentioned the thiness being a potential problem, because it is something someone might not think of....besides, as soon as someone comes by to complain about that nasty lashing, you're rescued!

Where did you purchase yours? Did you price check anywhere else?

Since one of its purposes is to make your support or guy lines easy to see and avoid at night, i.e. to prevent tripping, why call it "triptease"?