All aspects of emergency preparedness and prepping must be evaluated in order to establish best practices. As a prepper which one would you favour or use when out in the wilderness or bush for putting up your tarp?
For over 25 years, deployed many times on foot and living under a hootchie, tarp, basha or poncho I have always used bungees for my shelter construction.
Since getting deeply involved in bushcraft, I found people preaching the benefits of using paracord for their shelters. So, which one is best?
BUNGEES
Pros
Only 4 required minimum although I prefer at least 5.
Ensures a very quickly deployed shelter (generally in under 3 minutes).
No knots required.
Easy to erect in the dark.
De-camp is quick and easy.
Tension on the tarp is maintained easily.
Cons
Can cause serious eye injuries if let go under tension.
Easy to lose when dropped.
Alternate uses are limited.
Wind makes the bungees contract and stretch, causing the shelter to fan with the wind.
Size to weight ratio is pretty heavy.
PARACORD
Pros
Can be used for a multitude of uses from lashing, securing items to fire making (bow drill).
Can be cut and or re-joined to another piece of cord to attain a specific length for any given task.
Very light.
Cons
Relatively time consuming shelter construction.
Proficiency in knots is required, especially when dark.
Tension can slack over time, causing the shelter to sag.
Packing up can take a long time.
Cordage may tangle into a nightmare 'birds-nest' scenario, further slowing down shelter construction.
Conclusion
I would have to say that anyone planning to construct a simple shelter would have to consider their intended situation. Keeping a low profile and seeking a quick and stealthy shelter construction would favour the bungees. However, should you seek a more universal approach to your shelter, with the added advantage of flexibility and minimal weight, paracord would surely come out on top.
As a former military foot soldier and now #survivalist / #prepper, my intended employment for this type of shelter would occur in a worst case scenario foot extraction (bugging out).
For this scenario I would definitely favour the bungee. As stated, it ensures a quick setup with minimal fuss. Paracord would no doubt be part of my gear, so if losses occur – out comes the cordage! Extensively used in the past I fully endorse and continue to practise and use the good old bungee.
Back to my original question – For #emergency #preparedness, #survival or #bushcraft, which would you choose and WHY?
