Thursday, May 10, 2018

Put Mule Tape In Your Gear Bag

I enjoy “canyoneering,” descending the narrow slot canyons found in Zion National Park and other areas. I have long carried nylon webbing in my canyoneering gear bag because it is useful in many situations. Lately I've replaced it with “mule tape,” which I purchase from my friends at paracordgalaxy.com.

Mule tape (also known as “pull tape”) is like webbing in that it is light weight and very strong. A 50 foot roll takes up very little space and adds almost no weight to my back. It can be used as a strong rope. I carry mule tape with a 2500 lb breaking strength rating. I've also used it to replace straps on my backpack. (It is wide enough to disperse pressure so it doesn't cut into your shoulders like rope does.)

Some slot canyons are “technical,” meaning ropes and rappelling gear are needed for the descent. Other canyons are fun and challenging but normally rappelling is not required. I like to bring people with me on these hikes and sometimes a participant becomes uneasy scrambling down steep slopes. In those cases a hand-line is useful to give them confidence. Occasionally, a person requires even more help and I rig a simple harness to keep them secure as we lower them off rocks or waterfalls. Mule tape works very well in both situations.

Why mule tape? Why not just use regular nylon webbing? A couple of reasons. First, it is less expensive for the same length and strength rating. Secondly, mule tape is made from polyester and is soft and flexible to the touch. Where nylon webbing feels stiff and harsh, mule tape feels soft and flexible. Much more comfortable if it comes in contact with skin.

ParacordGalaxy.com offers mule tape with breaking strength from 1130 lbs to 6000 lbs. I keep a roll of the big stuff in my truck tool box to pull people out of the sand.

It's good stuff.