Ranger bands?

M

mec003

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Jan 1, 2015
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First, I'm not sure if this is the right to place to ask about this topic. If not, I appologize and could a Mod please move thread.

I have no experience using ranger bands, but am wondering how much I should trust them. Anyone have any bad experiences or are they pretty tough?

Looking for some options for securing items onto and in my hiking backpack. Currently tie stuff with paracord, but bands might be better for the small stuff.

How much weight can they hold together? Do they get brittle if exposed to the elements for a time? How often do you have to replace them?

Thanks all.
 
Go buy a mountain bike innertube and experiement. That's what ranger bands are. Sections of bicycle tube. Should be very tough and last a long time, can't believe somebody is making money cutting them up and selling them as lashing gear
 
Ranger bands are typically made from bicycle tire inner tubes which are pretty tough.

Just started using them myself so no long term experience.
 
Yup, just like crom said. They do get brittle and snap eventually, depending on environment and use case
 
I have used them for years on everything and have yet to have one snap or rot out on me. I don't know why bicycle inner tube lasts so long but it lasts at least 10 times longer that normal heavy duty rubber bands in my experience. Most bicycle shops save the old tubes and give them away for free to anyone who asks nicely. One or two inner tubes will keep you supplied for years.
 
The only downside I've noticed on the bands I use for my knife handles, is that sometimes they'll become tacky/sticky, and start smearing your hands whenever you use them. When that happens I have to swap them out for new ones.
 
The Gearward commercial version which are even stronger, they're extra thick and can hold over 70 lbs without breaking.

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You can get several sizes and thicknesses. It seems like used ones are better, the rubber has been worked a bit, so it stretches better. As far as durability, you just have to keep an eye on them. certain chemicals and oils will break them down, but it should be obvious when that is happening. Personally I don't like to attach things to bags that leaves them out of my line of sight, unless I know they are very secure. So for me, a ranger band would work on a chest or shoulder strap so I can keep an eye on it, not behind me. But that's my personal feeling.
 
I use ranger bands on my SCUBA gear.

They are reasonably strong, and last a long time.

Direct sunlight, chemicals, etc will make them break down faster.

Rubbing them with mineral oil extends their life.
 
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