smallest way to carry paracord?

powernoodle

powernoodle

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Lets say that I want to carry 50' of paracord in a day pack or PSK. Whats the best knot or wrap or whatever to secure it, with "best" being define as smallest and most space efficient?

thanks
 
I like to tie a series of slip knots one after another. I think they call it a daisey chain. you end up with about a 15 ft length of knotwork with 50 ft of cord. When you want some, you just take the loose end from the last slipknot and pull. Maybe not the most space efficient, but I like it because it does not tangle at all. Probably best for a pack, with a PSK you are probably best off wrapping it around something else, like the outside of your Nalgene or knife sheath.

I hope I explained this well enough to understand.
 
Tie a lanyard or make a belt out of it braided to fit over and on your leather one. With some ingenuity you can secure it so they are attached until you need the cord.

Tie additional on your fixed blade handle all wrapped in such a way that you can cram an additional 20 to 25 feet of spare cord there as well.
STR
 
For me I just did the typical "wind" most people use on their extension cords- you know, back and forth a bunch of times and then wind around. If you don't make it too tight 50' of cord will lie in the bottom of a bag/pack and hardly take up any space at all.
 
I usually just coil it and do a few wraps around the middle.

As far as a general purpose/PSK cord, I would recommend taking a look at some of the smaller diameter accessory cords out there...For most applications, they will work just as well as paracord, but they will take up 1/2 the space, or less! I use 1mm braided nylon accessory cord for all of my tarp guys and ridgeline, as well as nearly all of my cordage needs, and it works great. I also really like cotton mason's twine, because it is strong enough for shelter guys, lashing poles together, and it can be used to help get a fire started too, if you need it. And you can carry much more of than 550 for the same amount of space.
 
I was just about to post a thread on this very thing.:D I'm looking for a small way to pack a few feet on my keychain. I've tried a few different knots and I keep coming back to the daisy chain. I've tried the knot on Reeve's site, the snake knot, monkey fist, and turks head to name a few and they all seem to use about the same amount of cord. So the daisy chain is as efficient as the others I've tried but has the added benefit of being easily undone. I'm still looking for any better ones though.
 
Hey powernoodle, I posted this a while ago, but I can't find the link.

Pinch the end of the 550 between 2 sticks.
DSC05139.jpg


Make a couple of wraps around the 2 sticks together.
DSC05140.jpg


Separate the sticks.
DSC05141.jpg


Wind around the 'X' for a bit, then change directions (if you want).
DSC05142.jpg


When you're finished, tie a clove hitch around one of the legs. When you need a piece, undo the clove hitch, unwind what you need and then retie the clove hitch, or any other hitch, you want.
DSC05143.jpg


The thing I like about this technique is if you drop it, it won't go rolling off, and it won't unravel into a knotted mess. Also, you can always find a couple of sticks.

Doc
 
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FOR SMALLER AMOUNTS:

I take the end and wrap it around my fingers, a few times.
DSC05131.jpg


I then wrap it around the main body, from one end to the other.
DSC05133.jpg


When I get to the end, I take a bight of the end and pull it through the end loops.
DSC05135.jpg


I then trap the bight and tighten everything up by pulling down on the original tail.
DSC05136.jpg


DSC05137.jpg


When you need the workable length of the paracord, just pull on both ends at the same time.

Doc
 
Shotgun said:
I was just about to post a thread on this very thing.:D I'm looking for a small way to pack a few feet on my keychain. I've tried a few different knots and I keep coming back to the daisy chain. I've tried the knot on Reeve's site, the snake knot, monkey fist, and turks head to name a few and they all seem to use about the same amount of cord. So the daisy chain is as efficient as the others I've tried but has the added benefit of being easily undone. I'm still looking for any better ones though.
Click to expand...

Hey Shotgun, try the Poser braid. Scan down to post #13.

Doc
 
Thanks guys. I think I will go with something like Doc's post #12 or something similar. A basic "extension cord" type wrap. Want to try some of the other approaches too.

:thumbup:
 
I have found that while the daisy chains are easy to get some cord from they are not the smallest way to carry paracord. The basic bundle like they come in is it. I use some ranger bands to secure the bundle and there you have it. The most compact way to carry paracord.

Granted it's not the most convenient if you have to use some as it tends to get knotted up but it is the smallest.

I carry some paracord both ways. I keep some pieces daisy chained for everyday usage. But I also carry a complete hank bundled with ranger bands as back up.

Paracord is one of my addictions, along with firestarting methods, knives, and pretty much every other type of gear for this outdoor thing. LOL

Charlie
 
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