How Many Feet Of Paracord To Bring For Backpacking

Introduction

When it comes to backpacking, being prepared for any situation is crucial. One essential item that should always be included in your backpacking gear is paracord. Paracord, short for parachute cord, is a versatile and durable material that can serve a multitude of purposes in the great outdoors. From setting up camp to emergency situations, having the right amount of paracord can make a significant difference in your backpacking experience.

But how much paracord should you bring for your backpacking trip? The answer to this question depends on various factors, such as the length of your trip, the activities you will be engaging in, and the potential need for emergency situations. In this article, we will explore these key factors and provide you with useful insights on how to determine the appropriate amount of paracord to bring for your backpacking adventure.

Before diving into the details, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Every backpacking trip is unique, and the amount of paracord you will need may vary depending on your specific circumstances. However, understanding the key factors will help you make an informed decision and ensure you have enough paracord to tackle various situations that may arise.

Key Factors to Consider

When determining how much paracord to bring for your backpacking trip, there are several factors that you should take into consideration:

1. Length of the Trip: The duration of your backpacking trip is an important factor in estimating the amount of paracord you’ll need. A longer trip will typically require more paracord for various tasks and potential emergencies.
2. Activities and Terrain: Consider the activities you will be engaging in and the terrain you will be traversing. If you plan on doing activities like rock climbing, rappelling, or setting up challenging camp structures, you may require additional paracord for these specific purposes.
3. Group Size: If you are backpacking with a group, you may need to account for the needs and potential emergencies of each member. Larger groups may require more paracord for setting up multiple tents, creating a communal area, or providing additional security.
4. Season and Weather Conditions: The season and weather conditions during your trip can play a significant role in determining your paracord needs. For example, if you’re backpacking in a rainy or snowy season, you may need extra paracord for securing tarps, creating rain flys, or hanging wet gear.

Considering these factors will help give you a rough estimate of the amount of paracord you will need for your backpacking trip. However, it’s always better to have more paracord than you think you’ll need, as it’s a lightweight and versatile resource that can come in handy in unexpected situations.

Clothing and Shelter Needs

Paracord can be invaluable when it comes to clothing and shelter needs during your backpacking trip. Here are some ways you might utilize paracord in these areas:

1. Tent Setup: You can use paracord to secure your tent to the ground, providing stability and ensuring it doesn’t get blown away by strong winds. Additionally, paracord can be used as guy lines to reinforce the structure of the tent, especially during inclement weather.
2. Tarp Shelter: If you’re backpacking in an area without designated campsites or want to create an additional sheltered area for cooking or relaxing, paracord can help you set up a tarp shelter. Use it to tie the tarp to trees or other sturdy anchor points.
3. Clothesline: When going on longer backpacking trips, you might need to wash and dry your clothes. Paracord can serve as a makeshift clothesline, allowing you to hang your clothes to dry in the sun or air them out after a strenuous hike.
4. Repairing Gear: If a backpack strap, tent pole, or other gear components break during your trip, paracord can act as a temporary fix. By using knots and wrapping techniques, you can secure and reinforce damaged gear until you can make more permanent repairs.

These are just a few examples of how paracord can assist with your clothing and shelter needs during backpacking trips. It’s always a good idea to carry an extra length of paracord to handle unexpected situations or help other fellow backpackers in need.

Gear Attachments and Repairs

Paracord can serve as a versatile tool for attaching gear and making necessary repairs while backpacking. Here’s how you can utilize paracord in this aspect:

1. Securing Equipment: Use paracord to attach gear to the outside of your backpack. This can include items like water bottles, camping utensils, or even shoes. By securing them with paracord, you can free up space inside your backpack and have quick access to these essential items.
2. Creating Hiking Pole Straps: If your hiking poles don’t come with straps or if the original straps break, paracord can be used to fashion new ones. This will help prevent you from accidentally dropping or losing your poles during your backpacking adventures.
3. Repairing Backpack Straps and Zippers: If a backpack strap or zipper gets damaged or breaks, paracord can be used as a temporary solution to secure the strap or act as a makeshift zipper pull. This will allow you to continue using your backpack without sacrificing functionality.
4. Crafting Gear Accessories: Paracord can be braided or tied into various accessories like keychains, knife lanyards, or even a simple hammock. These creations can not only be practical but also serve as a fun and creative way to showcase your backpacking skills.

By having a sufficient amount of paracord, you’ll be able to tackle gear attachments and make necessary repairs while on your backpacking trip. Remember to pack an extra length of paracord specifically for these purposes, ensuring that you have a versatile tool on hand when needed.

Food Storage and Hanging

Proper food storage is essential when backpacking, especially in areas with wildlife that may be attracted to your food. Paracord can be invaluable in ensuring your food is stored safely and hung out of reach. Here’s how you can use paracord for food storage and hanging:

1. Bear Bag Hanging: To protect your food from bears and other animals, it is recommended to hang a bear bag. Paracord can be used to suspend the bag from a tree branch, keeping it out of reach and away from potential wildlife interference.
2. Fishing Line: If you plan on fishing during your backpacking trip, paracord can double as a fishing line. By unraveling the inner strands and attaching a hook, you can create a makeshift fishing line to catch fresh food.
3. Creating a Food Line: Instead of hanging just one bear bag, you can use paracord to create a food line to hang multiple bags. This allows for efficient and organized food storage, keeping your supplies separated and easily accessible.
4. Hanging Cooking Utensils: Paracord can also be used to hang cooking utensils like pots, pans, and cups. This keeps them off the ground and away from dirt, pests, and potential contamination.

By utilizing paracord in your food storage and hanging practices, you can minimize the risk of attracting wildlife to your campsite and ensure that your food remains safe and secure throughout your backpacking adventure.

First Aid and Emergency Situations

Paracord can be a valuable resource when it comes to handling first aid and emergency situations during your backpacking trip. Here are some ways you can utilize paracord in these situations:

1. Tourniquet: In the case of a severe injury causing significant bleeding, you can use paracord as a tourniquet to help stop the bleeding and prevent further harm until professional medical help can be obtained.
2. Splint: If someone experiences a fracture or a sprained joint, paracord can be used to create a makeshift splint. By immobilizing the injured area with sticks or other available materials, you can secure them in place with paracord for temporary stabilization.
3. Emergency Shelter: In unexpected situations where you may need emergency shelter, paracord can be used to construct a makeshift shelter by tying together branches or attaching a tarp to existing structures. This will provide protection from the elements and help maintain body heat.
4. Securing Equipment for Rescue: If someone gets stranded or injured while backpacking, paracord can be used to secure equipment for a rescue attempt. This could involve creating a harness or attaching a rope to assist in pulling someone to safety.

By having paracord readily available in your backpack, you can be better prepared to handle first aid and emergency situations that may arise during your backpacking trip. Remember to learn proper first aid techniques and familiarize yourself with the various ways paracord can be used in emergency situations.

Conclusion

Paracord is a versatile and valuable resource to have when backpacking. Its strength, durability, and versatility make it an essential item to include in your gear checklist. By considering key factors such as the length of your trip, activities you’ll be engaging in, and potential emergency situations, you can estimate the appropriate amount of paracord to bring.

From setting up tents and shelters to securing gear, making repairs, and handling first aid emergencies, paracord proves its usefulness time and again. It can serve as a lifeline in challenging situations, providing support, and allowing you to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the wilderness.

Remember, it’s always better to have more paracord than you think you’ll need. Its lightweight nature and compactness make it easy to carry extra lengths without adding significant weight to your backpack. A little extra paracord can make a big difference in providing peace of mind and being prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise.

So, before embarking on your next backpacking adventure, make sure to assess your specific needs, plan accordingly, and bring along an ample supply of paracord. With its countless possibilities, paracord will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable tool and a reliable companion on your unforgettable journey into the great outdoors.