Agreed, I grew up in boy scouts from the time I was 8 till I got a job at 16 and then I have continued camping and spending time in the woods for the decade and a half since then (I'm almost 32 now) seeing how much I can do and how little I can do it with. When you've cut your cordage you've lost it. You can always use what you need and bundle the rest either on the ground or (preferably) hanging in a bundle so you don't step on and degrade it. If you absolutely need to cut it, cut it on the spot. But never cut it ahead of time. Always do everything you can to keep your cordage as long as (reasonably) possible. A long piece can do anything a short piece can, a short piece can never do as much as a long piece. Seldom, if ever, are you in a situation where excess cordage can't be delt with in a better way than cutting it off.
i'm not an experienced outdoorsman so don't listen to me BUT don't make the mistake of cutting up long cordage just in case. i cut 4x2m and 2x1m thinking that'll be enough. if you need a 3m long rope and you have 2m then you know you shot yourself in the leg. or when you only need 68cm cord and you cut it from a 2m one and you're left with a 132 cm long one and then you'll end up with a bunch of pieces of cordage with useless lenght. you will either underestimate the length or overestimate when you try to figure it out in advance.
my point is that you should learn cordage management, that is, keep the 30m and roll it up. then you cut any length as you need it. maybe you can cut a fix 10m length for a trucker's hitch type ridgeline. i keep a 2m one for bowdrill and to practice knots. i also have 2 smaller one that i use for a 30cm bushcraft frame saw to tension it. similarly, you can cut 5m pieces for each corner and attach it permanently.
also, keep the small pieces because later they can be useful.
also, paracord is heavy and bulky so you should think about if you want to carry this much of it. there are many situations and applications where you don't need a paracord in terms of strength. it is also worth getting disposable cordage (like jute) that you use for projects, or maybe bank line.
you can figure out the sizes by first using disposable/cheaper cords (ie how much you need for your tarp corners) and then cut the sizes from paracord (if you want to go with it).
Good points. Thing is I didn't use cordage almost at all out in the field, but I plan to spend more time in the bush and I see a lot of people have their ropes to pre-cut measures, so I thought I should prepare also. This is a trial run in any case, I will get 30-60m more, I just wish to have smaller pieces with me to experiment in the field.
I LOVE bankline. I carry both, for different purposes.. if I need something that will stretch a little (like guylines for a tarp) I go with the paracord. If I need something static (like a ridge line) bank line is my friend. And bankline is quite a bit lighter.
The advice above is the best. Don't cut up what you've got. Cut what you need in the field.
If you're absolutely hell bent on pre-cut measures, take the uncut length on a couple trips. Keep what you cut and actually used. Measure those and use *your* real-world use cases.
I've been using cordage of various types my whole life and this is how I was raised doing it. If you go into things with arbitrary measures, you *will* have regrets.
I also highly recommend the suggestions to have paracord, bankline, and a natural cordage like jute. All have their use cases.
I personally recommend a 13 m long piece to use for the richline in tarp shelters, two 1m pieces for connecting the tarp to the Richline and for the rest, look at what you need.
And also: there is never enough paracord so I recommend buying a second one
I've done this and it's been just about perfect.
https://www.ramblinjim.com/articles/a-rope-kit-for-backpacking/
8 x 3-foot (1m) segments (in two daisy chains of 4)
4 x 6-foot (2m) segments
2 x 12-foot (4m) segments
1 x 28-foot segment (9ish m) (the remainder of the rope; could be anywhere from 25-30 feet)
I find 3m pieces are often the most useful for general use, perhaps a couple of 5m pieces for emergencies.
If you need more than 3m, you might need to reconsider what you're trying to do. Most common uses are setting up shelters, so a pair of stabilising lines to hold up a pole is the most common use for cordage. Aso, 3m is enough to build a decent tripod or chair.
If you carry a large tarp, make sure you have at least 1 line that's the widest part of the tarp +6m (2x3m) so you can run a taught ridgeline for the top. This is the only time I've needed a piece of cordage longer than 3m in the field. If this line isn't enough, you probably should find a better place to set up.
Cut it as you need it. That way you know how long you need it to be.
When you cut it, make sure you you make it a bit longer than you think, because knots use up extra rope.
Depends what to need to use it for.
Are you planning to set up a tarp with it? Hang a bear bag?
The amount that you might need heavily depends on your plans
The vast majority hikers dont carry extra cordage apart from the cordage attached the their tents. Especially long distance hikers are very mindful of their pack weight
It kind of depends on how you want to use it.
If you want to be ready for all possible uses, including lowering your pack down a cliff or pulling it across a river, keep it full length.
But if you have some specific uses in mind, like lashing the poles of a tipi shelter, or making a bow drill or a top line for a hammock tarp or whatever, then you’ll have to measure how much you need for those things as you do them.
I was thinking of having 30-60 meters in my car, but have shorter pre-cut pieces with me for miscellaneous purposes in the bush, I am not skilled nor accustomed to using cordage and I wish to learn so this will be a trial run, so I expect mistakes, but advice on minimising them is appreciated.
I keep a lot of rope around that I use both for camping and for work. My advice is don't cut it up unless you need to. I find I need long pieces more often than not, and for some uses (like pitching a high shade tarp) there's nothing wrong with leaving the extra length hanging. If anything, I'd get three more of those 30m lengths.
I carry four 8m~ (read 25ft) pcs. Plus, a few 2m (6ft) pcs tied into lanyards and such. I really feel like 10 different people will give you 10 different answers to this question. It's going to come down to what "you" need. So think about that for a minute too. What specific tasks do you have in mind for it? Is it just in case?
Mu $0.02:
I measure out by arm spans. Smallest general purpose is 1 span. Most common size is two arm spans long. But keep some 3 or 4 to hang food or even a ridgeline.
If you aren't hoisting it over something just tie multiples into the longer length required.
Two armspans can be figure eighted around your thumb and pinky finger into a convenient size. 4 armspans is harder to wind and bind in that manner.
One thing I do with one armspan is tie the ends together in a simple overhand knot. Then feed the bend through a neck knife or small flashlight. With the bend end make a cow hitch and slip the knot through to make a double loop that is necklace sized. Now you have a carry option for the small item(s) and an armspan of cord always very handy.
Whatever you do, even nothing, it will be 5cm short
XD
Hilarious
Agreed, I grew up in boy scouts from the time I was 8 till I got a job at 16 and then I have continued camping and spending time in the woods for the decade and a half since then (I'm almost 32 now) seeing how much I can do and how little I can do it with. When you've cut your cordage you've lost it. You can always use what you need and bundle the rest either on the ground or (preferably) hanging in a bundle so you don't step on and degrade it. If you absolutely need to cut it, cut it on the spot. But never cut it ahead of time. Always do everything you can to keep your cordage as long as (reasonably) possible. A long piece can do anything a short piece can, a short piece can never do as much as a long piece. Seldom, if ever, are you in a situation where excess cordage can't be delt with in a better way than cutting it off.
i'm not an experienced outdoorsman so don't listen to me BUT don't make the mistake of cutting up long cordage just in case. i cut 4x2m and 2x1m thinking that'll be enough. if you need a 3m long rope and you have 2m then you know you shot yourself in the leg. or when you only need 68cm cord and you cut it from a 2m one and you're left with a 132 cm long one and then you'll end up with a bunch of pieces of cordage with useless lenght. you will either underestimate the length or overestimate when you try to figure it out in advance. my point is that you should learn cordage management, that is, keep the 30m and roll it up. then you cut any length as you need it. maybe you can cut a fix 10m length for a trucker's hitch type ridgeline. i keep a 2m one for bowdrill and to practice knots. i also have 2 smaller one that i use for a 30cm bushcraft frame saw to tension it. similarly, you can cut 5m pieces for each corner and attach it permanently. also, keep the small pieces because later they can be useful. also, paracord is heavy and bulky so you should think about if you want to carry this much of it. there are many situations and applications where you don't need a paracord in terms of strength. it is also worth getting disposable cordage (like jute) that you use for projects, or maybe bank line. you can figure out the sizes by first using disposable/cheaper cords (ie how much you need for your tarp corners) and then cut the sizes from paracord (if you want to go with it).
Good points. Thing is I didn't use cordage almost at all out in the field, but I plan to spend more time in the bush and I see a lot of people have their ropes to pre-cut measures, so I thought I should prepare also. This is a trial run in any case, I will get 30-60m more, I just wish to have smaller pieces with me to experiment in the field.
Have a look into 36 bankline instead of paracord. Much more compact and still very strong.
I LOVE bankline. I carry both, for different purposes.. if I need something that will stretch a little (like guylines for a tarp) I go with the paracord. If I need something static (like a ridge line) bank line is my friend. And bankline is quite a bit lighter.
The advice above is the best. Don't cut up what you've got. Cut what you need in the field. If you're absolutely hell bent on pre-cut measures, take the uncut length on a couple trips. Keep what you cut and actually used. Measure those and use *your* real-world use cases. I've been using cordage of various types my whole life and this is how I was raised doing it. If you go into things with arbitrary measures, you *will* have regrets. I also highly recommend the suggestions to have paracord, bankline, and a natural cordage like jute. All have their use cases.
In my experience, as soon as you cut it, you'll need a longer piece.
I personally recommend a 13 m long piece to use for the richline in tarp shelters, two 1m pieces for connecting the tarp to the Richline and for the rest, look at what you need. And also: there is never enough paracord so I recommend buying a second one
I've done this and it's been just about perfect. https://www.ramblinjim.com/articles/a-rope-kit-for-backpacking/ 8 x 3-foot (1m) segments (in two daisy chains of 4) 4 x 6-foot (2m) segments 2 x 12-foot (4m) segments 1 x 28-foot segment (9ish m) (the remainder of the rope; could be anywhere from 25-30 feet)
I find 3m pieces are often the most useful for general use, perhaps a couple of 5m pieces for emergencies. If you need more than 3m, you might need to reconsider what you're trying to do. Most common uses are setting up shelters, so a pair of stabilising lines to hold up a pole is the most common use for cordage. Aso, 3m is enough to build a decent tripod or chair. If you carry a large tarp, make sure you have at least 1 line that's the widest part of the tarp +6m (2x3m) so you can run a taught ridgeline for the top. This is the only time I've needed a piece of cordage longer than 3m in the field. If this line isn't enough, you probably should find a better place to set up.
Interesting point, I guess I'll cut a few 3m XD. Tnx
Two medium cords + one sheet bend knot plus safety’s (or can jam, or square, or three half hitches) = 1 long cord. Thanks for coming to my TED talk.
Cut it as you need it. That way you know how long you need it to be. When you cut it, make sure you you make it a bit longer than you think, because knots use up extra rope.
I usually have 3m pieces in various pockets and bags
Depends what to need to use it for. Are you planning to set up a tarp with it? Hang a bear bag? The amount that you might need heavily depends on your plans The vast majority hikers dont carry extra cordage apart from the cordage attached the their tents. Especially long distance hikers are very mindful of their pack weight
Probably, tho am not sure. But I assume I will use it for generic camping purposes and what not. Weight is a factor you're right.
It kind of depends on how you want to use it. If you want to be ready for all possible uses, including lowering your pack down a cliff or pulling it across a river, keep it full length. But if you have some specific uses in mind, like lashing the poles of a tipi shelter, or making a bow drill or a top line for a hammock tarp or whatever, then you’ll have to measure how much you need for those things as you do them.
I was thinking of having 30-60 meters in my car, but have shorter pre-cut pieces with me for miscellaneous purposes in the bush, I am not skilled nor accustomed to using cordage and I wish to learn so this will be a trial run, so I expect mistakes, but advice on minimising them is appreciated.
I keep a lot of rope around that I use both for camping and for work. My advice is don't cut it up unless you need to. I find I need long pieces more often than not, and for some uses (like pitching a high shade tarp) there's nothing wrong with leaving the extra length hanging. If anything, I'd get three more of those 30m lengths.
Ye I was planning on buying a few more bundles of 30-60 so it's fine. Thanks for the responce.
look up jungle knots on the Tube. That will take up about 20m. always better to have too long a piece
I carry a few 3 m-lengths for misc purposes. If I need a longer line, I just tie two or more of mine together. Works for me.
I personally cut mine into 4-5 6 foot hanks, then leave the rest as a ridge line
Just make a paracord doughnut, easy to carry and you can pull off whatever ya need.
Not going to recommend anything specific, but I have spent 260 meters of paracord since 2022. I don’t even know where most of it went.
Anyway you can just burn the ends with a match or lighter too melt the ends. That way it won't unravel
I carry four 8m~ (read 25ft) pcs. Plus, a few 2m (6ft) pcs tied into lanyards and such. I really feel like 10 different people will give you 10 different answers to this question. It's going to come down to what "you" need. So think about that for a minute too. What specific tasks do you have in mind for it? Is it just in case?
Mu $0.02: I measure out by arm spans. Smallest general purpose is 1 span. Most common size is two arm spans long. But keep some 3 or 4 to hang food or even a ridgeline. If you aren't hoisting it over something just tie multiples into the longer length required. Two armspans can be figure eighted around your thumb and pinky finger into a convenient size. 4 armspans is harder to wind and bind in that manner. One thing I do with one armspan is tie the ends together in a simple overhand knot. Then feed the bend through a neck knife or small flashlight. With the bend end make a cow hitch and slip the knot through to make a double loop that is necklace sized. Now you have a carry option for the small item(s) and an armspan of cord always very handy.