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.
