Paracord is NOT the Best Cordage for Your Bug Out Bag 

OK, OK..... You WIN, Prepper Potpourri! BANKLINE it is! This video is AWESOME! I loved all of the points that you made. As a fellow content creator I'm a little jealous that you looked to have filmed this video in ONE take. I wish I could do that! I'm deranking paracord in my Urban kits and bringing back the tarred bankline in its place based on all of the excellent reasonings that you laid out. Thank you so much for making this video!

Nice. I'm going to need to re-watch this again and revise my setups :)

I love the fact that you not only question the conventional way but back it up your findings too. Thank you. I am sharing this video with family and friends. Please make more like this!

This video is AMAZING! Clear and direct to the point with a lot of examples.

What a great down-to-earth approach. Thanks PP!

Thank you for sharing this video!!! It’s very informative and definitely food for thought. I have parachord in my bags, but am adding bank line to my preps for the reasons you stated in this video! Thanks again for sharing!!!

I haven’t purchased cordage yet for our go bags but now I need to rethink what’s in my shopping cart thank you

This is one of the most comprehensive videos about prepper/edc cordage I have ever watched! Very glad that you were able to make it into my 'feed' with this one & hope to see more (subscribed)!

I lack in this area. Thanks for the excellent break down. After your expert video I'm leaning towards bank line. Thank you very much.

Very interesting. Something else I've learnt from you today, thank you, going to add bank line to my kits

Great info. I need to look at cordage you talked about as I am not familiar with it. Thanks for sharing.

I love it when preppers come up with new ideas and share them. Thank you

That cord organizer is pretty cool. Will definitely check that out .

Outstanding sister! BTW, Paracord was used by the military for parachutes. and they used a lot of strings. Each side has 32 strings. The length is related to the diameter of the chute. I was not familiar with that orange cord for boats. However, I always used the 1/2 inch that is already made with the loop at one end. Great job explaining the different cords. Muchas Gracias!!

Thank you for the excellent feedback

You're talking pepper heresy 🤣🤣🤣 and I agree. My personal preference is Mason Line. 500 ft. for under $ 10.00. You can easily triple it up for a breaking strength of almost 600 lbs, way more than I have ever needed camping or using to tie down loads on vehicles over the past 40 years. It's the same argument with zip ties, don't like them, they're a weak, one-time use item. Instead I carry bailing wire. It does everything a zip tie will do, is overall cheaper, stronger, can be cut to required length, reusable, and fireproof. Sewing kit? Don't need one. I carry floral wire. I can use it everywhere I would need a needle and thread, can use it or snares, and the wire is stiff enough that you can sew with it without using a needle thereby reducing gear quantity and weight. It's all what I call being Tactical instead of being Tactic-cool!

This a great video for new people, amazing overview! Can tell from the way she talks about it she has done her homework and has real experience.

I love this discussion. I got into paracord back in college. Made a bunch of bracelets, lanyards, and all sorts of other things. But after using it so much for that, I realized that other cordages are worth getting too. Similarly to you, I found that Bank Line is great for storing in the altoids tin kits, due to being much more compact while still being very tough. I've now collected some jute twine, braided mason line, Type 1A paracord, and Kevlar line. Despite paracord being the common go-to for a lot of people for good reasons, it's also worth looking at other types of cordage.

this was the best explanation of cordage I've seen yet ! it surly opened up my eyes to the many uses these different cordages have in prepping ! thank you .

Use paracord for my reusable lines, I have pre-made Ridgeline and utility cords, but bank line for everything else. This is the first of your videos I have seen. Good job.

Thank you for thinking this out & sharing your insights.

As always a researched and informative video!

Never heard of this. Ty!

A very informative and well thought out video. One of the benefits of paracords overbank line is how easy it is to untie and reuse. As stated bankline is much better for wraps and tripods but if you are only making something temporary it can be difficult to untie.

What a well made video, I can't believe I'm just discovering this channel!

Thank u hadn't even thought of this for my bug out bag

Excellent video!! Love #36 bank line but recently I've been considering Zing It or Lash It. Finding your video at this particular time is perfect. Being cheap, I'll probably stick with #36 tarred twisted bank line, I've got it already, I won't have to buy anything, it's not a financial climate that's screaming "live luxuriously". I believe in using less I also carry small sewing bobbins or small bobbins like yours (love'm) of dyneema/kevlar line, braided fishing line, heavy thread, then a 30' hank of 550 a so called Survivor type of cord with the added strands of wire, fishing line, fire starting line and a 30' hank of #36 tarred bank line. Both 30 footers are set up as rapid ridge lines. Additionally I pack a 40' hank of #36 bank line for tie outs, lashing, etc. Been eyeballing some pretty cool Dutchware, no knot hardware, but I'm going to stick with knots (KISS). Seeing I live on the coast probably will add some Amsteel. My 'Bug In' stash of supplies has tons of the variety of the line types above and more. I'm over stocked, lol. Really want to check out that Zing It, though. I need more line like a hole in the head.

I agree that bankline is the bomb. I keep bankline, paracord and mule tape in my cordage bag. Mule tale is rated 1200 lbs. It takes up more room though

Excellent advice on cordage. Agree that 550 cord is not the "End All, Be All" cordage that some people tend to proclaim. I have some. Have even more bankline, for the reasons you mentioned. Additionally, I have all sorts of other cordage, ranging from sewing threads to good sized rope, too. Jute baling twine, butchers twine, clothesline wire, clothesline rope, artificial sinew, crochet cotton and rug weight yarns, along with bungee cords, ratchet straps and tow straps, to mention a few. When buying and storing cordage for long term needs, consider how it will be used. Some situations are one time use and then discard. Tying tomatoes to stakes in the garden would be an example. An inexpensive, natural fiber, with sufficient strength is all that's needed. Save the expensive stuff for things like guy lines for tents and tarps, that will be used over and over again. BTW, many types/sizes of electrical wire as cordage in an emergency. Extension cords are a good example. Another source of cordage can be green vines. Learn to recognize and stay clear of the poisonous varieties.

Another great video. I can’t wait to see further videos. Is there one on security?

Thank you much for the video. That Orange US / TricornE-spool tool may be nice to use to carry both bankline and paracord or whatever other line using one holder.

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! THANK YOU! HARD TO BUY THESE THINGS IN CANADA, THOUGH. BUT GREAT TO KNOW. THANKS.

I’ve always thought paracord was a bit of overkill especially considering price. You definitely get more bang for the buck with bank line.

My main issue with bank line, especially tarred bankline is it's not as freely available in places outside of the US. I managed to find some and imported it from the US to Australia and it's great but like paracord it's great at some things, worse at others. I have found it's great for lashings, guy lines and handle wraps. It's not so great for ridgelines as I use prussick knots to suspend/tighten my tarp on the ridgeline and I found bankline doesn't have that squishiness that makes prussick knots bind. However if you have a paracord ridgeline with a smaller diameter bankline prussik knots and binds very well but also slides easily when you need it to. I think people get too caught up with what is the "best overall" vs what is the "best" for a specific job or task. When I go outdoors for camping I tend to carry a mix of paracord, jute twine, bankline and dyneema as each has it's benefits vs cons for specific tasks.

Prepper Potpourri versus TUP! 😂🤭😎 You are both awesome. I love the RU-vid prepper community. TUP I think you need to convert those charts into pdf for Prepper Poutpourri!

Hello @Prepper Potpourri! This is formerly The Oily Prepper. I love this comparison! I have been thinking about switching my paracord over to tarred bankline for a while. You convinced me! Great comparison! Thanks for all of your research!!!

awsome thank you great video, any recommendation on shock cord..

Fantastic video full of great info., thanks!

Great video. I did not know about cordage. Something I have to check out. Thank you

This is some amazing information. really appreciate you're input 😁👍👍

Yes, the Prepper obsession for paracord seem to stem from it's military use. As you say, the main benefit is that of multifunction. Beware of synthetic ropes/string that has been exposed to the sun - degradation is a key factor in it's strength. Kite string is pretty tough. One should also consider Sailing Dyneema rope/cordage, very strong and robust. A great and thought provoking video.

I've also added "spider wire", a type of fishing line, to my kit. It's extremely strong. I've used it for sewing and crafts as well as fishing. I'm sure there are other uses I have yet to discover 🙂

New to the hobby of camping/bushcraft/survival/shelter building addict, and until now felt paracord is king lol.. Thanks so much!! I didn't even know about static and dynamic weight. Instant follower!

I am carrying a spool of dyneema string now but i will be getting some of that bankline and technora.

Prepper, you put a lot of work in this video, it was great! You might add waxed sail twine, it is about 2 cents a foot at 160lbs. I like it because it is good for canvas and tarp sewing plus if you need to make a loop in an odd shape to fiddle around inside something it will hold the shape and allow you to place it on a bolt or part,etc.👌

Thanks for making the Video. Very educational.

My thoughts Bankline vs. Paracord: Being as I was a paratrooper with the 101st and an Army Ranger, I have tremendous respect for paracord and its uses. Also, I have an open mind about cordage, thus after testing Bankline against paracord the majority of my cordage needs my go to is #36 twisted Bankline foregoing paracord. Bankline #36 diameter is 2.159mm with a test strength of 340 lb. It seems the most common used paracord is 550. Its diameter is 4mm with a test strength of 550 lb.; we agree 550 lb. is better than 340 lb.". For the size difference one can carry twice the length of Bankline than paracord and reduce their carry weight as well. Although 550 paracord test is 550 lb., double up #36 will conceivably equal 680 lb. strength with a diameter of 4.31mm. Yes, ever so slightly thicker than 550 4mm, however the Bankline will provide more strength than 550 paracord. Bankline holds knots much better than paracord. Bankline when soaked in water, oils, and the like does not lose strength, and quickly dries. Conversely, Paracord when wet loses strength and takes quite a while to dry. Also, an inherent property of paracord, it stretches upwards of 30%-ish, whereas Bankline does not stretch. Using paracord tie a ridgeline it will have a tendency to stretch/sag thus it will need to again be tighten, not so with Bankline. For frayed ends of paracord and other cordage one can whip those ends with a single strand of twisted Bankline (contains three strands) without the need to burn/melt the ends of the cordage. Using 550 and then adding a prusik made from 550, the prusik will not perform as well as a prusik made from Bankline and the Bankline prusik would be safer as well. From habit or ego many folks use paracord. For many cordage needs, Bankline can easily replace paracord and provide better service. Yes, old habits are difficult to give up and break. Truly, there are other types of cordage better than paracord.

Big thanks, this is a very, very useful and informative video!

I carry both, 550 paracord and #36 catahoula tarred an braided bankline, both are great stuff.

I'll just get both. Winning! I was just checking Amazon and the Bankline #60 is 12 cents per foot, whereas the paracord 550lb is only 5 cents per foot. So where can get the CMI Bankline for half of the paracord price as you stated?

It all depends on the situation. Any kind of strong rope:thread will do really as long as it does the job.

Great video. I use Amsteel to hang my food bag and use Zing It for my hammock tie outs.

Can you do certain things with bank line though like use it to make traps where would have use paracord wound for a sling mechanism. A primitive survival trap like the spring spear trap which involves using cordage to activate the trap. Would bankline give you that same affect?

Excellent excellent video I need to rethink my cordage

I mainly use it for craft purposes, but this is still good to see just to be informed as to what's out there (and what can be used for accents 😉).

Great argument. Thanks for video. I carry 150 ft of climbing webbing. A full roll of 36 Bankline and I have 2x 25 ft of climbing webbing for tree slings for my hammock. I have it all in a mollie bag that attaches to my pack. My pack fully loaded weighs 40 lbs. I have carried 80 lbs but in comfortable hiking with 40 lbs in hilly mountain areas. Including food. The only way to get it lighter is to buy ultra light gear. I'm not willing to give up the durability of my gear.

Very informing video - great comparison. Why did you leave out polyester and polypropylene - widely used by sailors? As you mentioned, paracord has 25-30% stretch to absorb most of the opening shock if used as a parachute suspension cord, so if you hang a hammock with nylon, you'll probably end up with your butt on the ground in the morning. Also it isn't great for shelter building, joints tend to loosen - and it's slick, so you need special knots. Polyester and polypropylene have less stretch and a better grip, and are cheaper (esp.PP). Stay safe and take care

Love this!!! Thank you so much...now i have to figure patterns for Bankline. LOL

always good to question assumptions. Personally, I think bankline is great not just in size but for the weight. 10m of paracord is about 70g. 10m of bankline 36 is only 17. I was wondering whether you have weights for these others?

Used to use mason line to saw PVC pipe in half. Might saw other stuff as well, but that's what we used it for growing up. Plus it's about half as expensive as she shows. There are 1000ft+ rolls of #18 on Amazon for $20. It's crazy stuff.

I have 3,000lb paracord. Paracord Planet made it years ago but the information on Amazon, Walmart etc was incorrect. Emailed the manufacturer and corrections were made. I'm eyeballing 120 bankline.

Good informational video, thanks for sharing, God bless !

For me, shock cord (fixing tent pole/pack); heavy duty thread and needles (clothing repair); red hemp twine (lanyards, tinder, flagging, also just...string) for me. I have paracord too, but don't want to have to improvise in a reasonably foreseeable emergency.

thank you ,.... i did not know this . I will defanetly use all of these in my applications !

Wow u know i never really thought about that but thanks for the info I think i'll be using bank line ... thank you !?

Great video on an overdue topic!

Love it straight to the point lots of strong info to take to hart… Mahalo…💯🤙🏾

glad you explained that , I use #36 bankline from catahoula

Great video with great technical content, Thank You!!

Fantastic video! Thanks!

For mountain climbing and rappelling down cliffs & buildings I use 'dry rope' climbing rope. For hanging my clothes to dry during a camping trip I use paracord.

The problem with butane lighters is that the gas valve can be pressed if you are not careful packing them. I would turn the valve lever to the inside of the cord wrap to act as a "trigger guard". Great video.

I am going to buy some good quality Bank Line this week. Number #36 and number #60 Bank Line. The Paracord has too much stretch for my Survival applications.

Nice to hear someone else call out the orthodoxy on paracord. I cant find bank line, but I have used braided mason line for decades. The obsession with cannablizing 550 cord just seems nuts to me. Yes, I carry 550 cord, there is always 20ish feet with me, but a hundred feet of masons line lives in my EDC pack along with duct tape, and I have 20lbs Spiderwire (spectra fish line) in every bag plus a bit stashed with a needle in my wallet. Right tool for the job in this case doesn't add weight, it saves weight, because we arent trashing 550 cord.

Great Video! Very informative. Thank You.

@Prepper Potpourri, can you suggest a cord whose diameter is large enough for climbing up or down? Those thin cords make climbing almost impossible. Thanks!

Hello . I keep different kinds of cordage around depending on what it's needed for from thin thread to seat belt webbing/tow straps. Im also not a fan of "tangles" and loose cordage as in a time of need isn't the time to undo a knots in 25+ ft of the cordage.(slows deploying the line) I actually wear 2 bracelet versions all the time. I generally prefer quick deploy versions. I agree carry thread for sewing as undoing cordage to get thread can take time. Knowledge of htiches and knots make cordage work that much better like bow line or alpine butterfly knot.

@Prepper Potpourri So is the Amsteel the best choice if I am looking for a rope to help me escape from the apartment through the window? I am not from the States, could you point me to some trustworthy online stores to buy it? Thanks!

Corporal’s Corner has built some amazing shelters using bankline, sold me on it. But I carry a bit of bankline, a dyneema ridgline, and assorted pre-cut paracord lengths with toggles on the ends. Mason line is great stuff too!

Ngl, you’re making a lot of sense. Great video...liked and subscribed 👍🏻

I usually have at least 3 different types of cordage in my kits

Great video you made a ton of valid points to consider.

Amsteel is cool because you can do things like make a loop with a buried end or make a whoopie sling. I use it with daisy chained loops in it for quick adjustments.

Whst is bank line? Where do you get it and what is it original purpose? With it burn, can you use it to fish...what else can you use it for? Thank you!

How to use paracord for a lot of different things Bank line is good for putting a shoulder up but it is not for Ridgeline it's kind of hard to to get a trucker's knot hooked on Bank line it doesn't work

i think bank line is better and cheaper but in my area you can't find it locally i have to order it but there is 2 types i like both but bank line more i agree with you on this one i uses yucca and a lot of natural cordage because i can't find bank line i gulf wax my natural cordage to water proof it great video miss solid wisdom

Mechanics do not have one wrench in there tool box so a person shouldn’t have one type of line in there pack. Great and very informative video!!

Where did you get that spool from the plastic one that look like a CD??

Ya bankline is great. Super strong, and all the other positives you mentioned but I find paracord is easier to work with, especially in winter. Love to use both.

Excellent, thank you.

I've watched this video 5 times. Thanks so much.

I long ago stopped buying paracord and started buying bank twine. "People say" but they never show so! Paracord gets slippery when wet and is hard to knot compared to decent bank twine. Bank is also massively cheaper and more compact Okay I give up. You, as ever, covered my points. I had a lot of paracord and I still carry some as the colours are helpful in dense forest for marking trails, etc

What to use cordage for ? 1. It has to be reusable, 2. Easy to tie and untie knots, 3. Has to be versatile in various situations. 4. Small cordage and knots are not easily undone and therefore you will have to cut the line making it a one-time use. Just a thought....

Good video. I completely agree and came to the same conclusion you have some years ago.

Awesome video! Thanks for the info

EXCELLENT video! THANK YOU!!!!

I like the kevelar kite line. You can get various tests but 200 lb is a good diameter. The kevelar is very fire proof and good for use around fires (like hanging a pot) and very very strong for its bulk and volume. The one “con” for the cord is that you can’t “burn” the ends to seal it. You need to just tie a knot or use a dental floss to whip it. But for the space that it takes up… it’s a great option for some kits. It will also be more expensive than something like tarred bank line.

thank you very good video

Excellent video!!! Dental floss makes a great thread for different uses as well.

is bankline preferable to paracord? it looks like bankline would be harder to untie knots