We will be starting April 1st, but have a question about the best rope to use for hanging food bags on bear poles and cables. I’ve read that parachute cord is derided on the trail, so what is better?
Dad
Rope - Appalachian Trail
system
#4
I don’t know how bear poles and cables apply here (they have integral hooks/snaps and don’t really require a length of rope).
When you have to use a length of rope across a limb, though, parachute cord seems to be a bit too “grabby”… it doesn’t slide across the bark very easily, and wedges into cracks and crevasses… it has a good bit of designed-in stretch (shock absorber), so it’s a bit difficult to lift “heavy” loads without really digging into the bark and making the load seem twice as heavy (give or take)… it also abrades easily, and tangles into a gnarly mess. A GOOD rope has a “hard” finish and very little stretch… look around for something thin, strong, and reasonably “limp” (so that it handles and “throws” easily).
As far as something that’s derided, it MIGHT BE the Kelty Triptease Guyline (and similar) that you’re talking about… the stuff is definitely thin, light and low-stretch (and EXPENSIVE!), but it has a reputation for being destructive to tree limbs… it tends to cut into and through the bark like a saw, as it slides across it when you haul up your food bag.
Run your rope of choice through some trials in your yard (or wherever) to get an idea as to how it will work… also a good opportunity to practice your throwing technique! I think you’ll find that parachute cord is something of a pain to work with. Put a cheapo WallyWorld small aluminum carabiner on the end of your rope, to make attaching it to your food bag quick and easy. If you’re carrying a Nalgene bottle (and you’re not afraid of losing it in a tree), it makes a pretty good throwing weight.
All of that being said… you’ll be pretty much fine with whatever you choose… as long as it’s “reasonable” in terms of diameter, length and weight!
Enjoy your hike!
TBott
TBott
system
#5
I have always used a lightweight utility style rock climbing rope, which is about 1/4 inch in diameter. It is strong, very durable, slides easily over branches, and doesn’t tend to tangle.
Rewind
system
#6
rope weighted for a climber is 5mm or thicker. This is overkill for a bear bag. Any type of 2 or 3 mm style camp cord is sufficient. I prefer 50’ of 2.5mm reflective cord which is easier to spot with a headlamp in the dark. whatever you have will be fine in the end or it won’t and you’ll learn something new. at least on the AT you’re always close to a town and theres usually enough people so your survival chances if something gets your food is still pretty high. happy trails
canyonman
system
#7
any sort of personal object such a s a nalgene used for weighting your bearbag rope is absolutely absurd. there are always rocks around or something natural that you will not suffer from if it gets stuck. a small sized rock that you can knot a rope around is perfect
canyonman
system
#9
Thanks guys for clearing this up!
I’ve found some very lightweight and flexible polyethylene ‘clothes line’ rope about a 1/4" diameter that should work well.
Thanks Again!
Dad
Dad
system
#10
Sorry TBott, I was only trying to be helpful-didn’t mean to sound condescending or anything. Everyone has there own style of doing things and there is no right or wrong way. My comment on nalgenes was based on a lot of other hikers I’ve seen get nalgenes and leathermans stuck in trees and that kind of thing can be a bummer on the trail. Happy Trails all
canyonman