I’ve been looking at the various bear bagging cords avail and talking to manufacturers, seeking to source the ideal bear hanging cordage for loads less than 25 lbs to sell in our LiteTrail Shop. Also, the cordage needs to weigh less than 1.5oz for 50 feet.
We have a great one now, same as the BPL one below, but I’m always looking to improve.
The most common used around here is a 3/32-1/8″ or 2.4-3mm spectra/dyneema coated with urethane. Which is pretty well proven and tested, like this:
BPL Ursalite
Some past threads indicated a tape or flat construction was better, such as Muletape which is an aramid (the kevlar variety). Like this:
1/4″ Flat Aramid Tape
However, kevlar is highly abrasive, and the manufacturers all say polyester is the least abrasive even over dyneema/spectra. The issue with polyester is that it wears out faster and it stretches up to 30%, whereas aramids are about 3-5% stretch.
So would a 3/16-1/4″ tape with a 900-1250# tensile strength be the ideal choice for ultralight backpackers? How about the material? Polyester, kevlar or dyneema/spectra material? And why?
Cordage experts please chime in :-)
