Bank Line vs. Paracord

Paracord is a favorite in the survivalist community. This versatile cordage can rig a shelter, secure your supplies in a storm, make a survival snare — whatever it is, you can do it all with paracord.

Bank line also has a lot of the same outdoor applications. Plus, tarred bank line is an especially excellent option for tying knots: That extra tar coating enhances knotting performance, guaranteeing an easy tie and exceptionally strong hold.

Overall, paracord is stronger: Pathfinder 550 Paracord has a tensile strength of 550 pounds. But a high-quality roll of tarred twine isn’t far behind. The Pathfinder No. 36 Bank Line has a breaking strength of 340 pounds, so it’s strong enough for ridgelines, fishing nets, boating, and other common uses.

But there is a reason many outdoorsmen prefer bank line, and it’s because it does have a slight advantage in terms of size. Since bank line cord has a smaller diameter than paracord, it’s lighter and will take up less space in your gear pack.

So, if your goal is efficient packing for a days-long wilderness trip, bank line might be a better choice. If you need extra strength, go with paracord. And if you want to cover all your bases, get both.

What You Can Do with Bank Line Cord

Bank line was created for trotline fishing, which is where you set up a main line with multiple baited hooks from the bank of a river or other waterway. As such, it’s purpose-built for marine applications and prized for its water resistance.

But turning your cord into a trotline to fish is just one way to transform this cord into a helpful tool. Here are some of the different purposes you can use tarred bank line:

• Hanging loops for drying your gear or wet clothes

• Making tools such as a spear or knife by wrapping the cord and finishing with a knot

• Creating a taut ridgeline for a tarp shelter or a hammock

• Raising a bear bag to keep your food supplies out of reach from bears

• Setting traps and snares (tarred bank line is extra stiff, making it ideal for snares)

• Fishing using the line or by creating netting to trap fish

• Building a shelter for garden plants

As long as tarred twine that’s twisted (as opposed to a braided bank line), you can also separate the pieces of twine if you need a thinner cord for fishing or tying smaller knots.

When you choose good-quality bank line, you can do almost anything with your cordage — and you’ll be able to use it for years. Our Pathfinder bank line cord is nearly as strong as paracord, but it gives you all the benefits of tarred twine: Extra stiffness, water and rot resistance, and better knots.

Add the Best Bank Line to Your Survival Kit

From camping and fishing trips to week-long treks in the wilderness, you’ll appreciate having bank line in your gear pack. Get your roll from Self Reliance Outfitters today at an inexpensive, good price.