Tarp Shelter - Paracord Vs Bungees
All aspects of emergency preparedness and prepping must be evaluated in order to establish best practices. As a prepper which one would you favour or use when out in the wilderness or bush for putting up your tarp?
For over 25 years, deployed many times on foot and living under a hootchie, tarp, basha or poncho I have always used bungees for my shelter construction.
Since getting deeply involved in bushcraft, I found people preaching the benefits of using paracord for their shelters. So, which one is best?
BUNGEES
Pros
Only 4 required minimum although I prefer at least 5.
Ensures a very quickly deployed shelter (generally in under 3 minutes).
No knots required.
Easy to erect in the dark.
De-camp is quick and easy.
Tension on the tarp is maintained easily.
Cons
Can cause serious eye injuries if let go under tension.
Easy to lose when dropped.
Alternate uses are limited.
Wind makes the bungees contract and stretch, causing the shelter to fan with the wind.
Size to weight ratio is pretty heavy.
PARACORD
Pros
Can be used for a multitude of uses from lashing, securing items to fire making (bow drill).
Can be cut and or re-joined to another piece of cord to attain a specific length for any given task.
Very light.
Cons
Relatively time consuming shelter construction.
Proficiency in knots is required, especially when dark.
Tension can slack over time, causing the shelter to sag.
Packing up can take a long time.
Cordage may tangle into a nightmare 'birds-nest' scenario, further slowing down shelter construction.
Conclusion
I would have to say that anyone planning to construct a simple shelter would have to consider their intended situation. Keeping a low profile and seeking a quick and stealthy shelter construction would favour the bungees. However, should you seek a more universal approach to your shelter, with the added advantage of flexibility and minimal weight, paracord would surely come out on top.
As a former military foot soldier and now #survivalist / #prepper, my intended employment for this type of shelter would occur in a worst case scenario foot extraction (bugging out).
For this scenario I would definitely favour the bungee. As stated, it ensures a quick setup with minimal fuss. Paracord would no doubt be part of my gear, so if losses occur – out comes the cordage! Extensively used in the past I fully endorse and continue to practise and use the good old bungee.
Back to my original question – For #emergency #preparedness, #survival or #bushcraft, which would you choose and WHY?
If you're focusing on bugging out, this podcast episode's for you:
"Prep Innawoods"
Now, the guys on this podcast are self-identified alt-right: this means they have a favorite set of bad words and mean things. You'll hear that if you listen to any other episode.
But in the above-linked one, the mean things are minimal and subtle. You might not pick up on any of them, which is a blessing :) Instead, you'll hear the guys critique an equipment list posted on 4chan's /k/ board.
At least one of the guys - I'm thinking of "League of the North" - has a lot of experience with bushcraft. The host, "Axe In The Deep," has the right attitude for facing a real SHTF event.
I mention this podcast in part because they discussed the rope-vs-paracord issue, and in part because I was going to make a post of my own about it: I dropped it 'cos I realized I didn't have enough experience to evaluate it. You sound like you do.
Thanks man... Nothing really offends me, ive heard and seen a lot of things lol.
Bugging Out is never a prefered option for me. My philosophy is:
'Only bug out when your place of residence is no longer viable/liveable'.
Will surely check them out - thanks dude.
Glad to.
Great post, I've always used paracord but it can be a fuss especially if I'm just setting up for a lunch stop. I like the quick deployment aspect of the bungees and will definitely have to try them. Can I ask what size bungees you use? Thanks for this post.
i like to use bungees which are thin and around the 3ft long mark, mostly carry around 5 or 6 of them. In the video i use ones which are around 18 inches long... Cheap and chearful, have 5 of those for me....
I prefer them as they keep the tension and are quick n easy to throw up a tarp... as i say, i carry paracord too so if i loose any bungees i can substitute them....
It's fantastic post! Light and easy material.
Thanks man...
I could look at that nicely wrapped cordage all day long .. Pleasing to the eye, it's just waiting to go on an adventure :)
Aaah, i see you have an eye for detail, maybe an analytical one too.
Great information. I thought that I would take a minute to introduce you to @myhuntingfishing blog and #myhuntingfishing Community. It looks like some of your work may be appropriate for use of the tag. You can read more about it here, if so interested.
https://steemit.com/myhuntingfishing/@myhuntingfishing/attention-hunters-fishers-firearms-enthusiasts-oudoor-lovers-communities-are-already-here-steem-giveaways
Best!
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